Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, a nonprofit providing recovery-focused mental health and substance use care across North and Central New Jersey, has launched a $2 million capital campaign to renovate and expand its outpatient behavioral health center at 567 Morris Ave. in Elizabeth, Union County’s largest city.
The initiative comes amid a growing behavioral health crisis in Union County, where demand for timely, integrated care is increasing. In 2025, roughly one in five adults experienced a mental illness, with anxiety and depression among the most common conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.1% of adults report frequent feelings of worry or anxiety, and 4.8% report regular feelings of depression.
The updated Center for Integrated Outpatient Services will include expanded urgent care access, individual and group therapy spaces, medication management, and co-occurring substance use treatment. The building, serving the community since 1997, will be redesigned to accommodate more youth and adults efficiently.
“This project is about ensuring that no one in our community falls through the cracks when they need help the most,” said Cory Storch, president and CEO of Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services. “Timely, local, and compassionate care is not a luxury — it’s a right.”
Bridgeway has already secured over $1 million from lead donors, including the Woods System of Care, The Hyde & Watson Foundation, E.J. Grassman, Columbia Bank, and Rapps Pharmacy. The public campaign aims to raise the remaining $1 million by the end of 2027.
“This center will be a lifeline for thousands of individuals and families across Union County — providing urgent mental health and substance use care, helping people return to work, school, and their communities,” said Rob Spitzer, senior vice president at ConnectOne Bank, Bridgeway board member, and chair of the capital campaign.
The capital campaign will fund the renovation of the 8,000-square-foot outpatient facility, including separate youth and adult waiting areas, eight individual counseling rooms, eight group therapy spaces, seven-day urgent care access, co-occurring mental health and substance use services, and on-site exam, medication, telehealth, and case management spaces.
“Everyone deserves access to care without delay. This campaign ensures we’re not only responding to that need — we’re meeting it with compassion, equity, and purpose,” said Peter Pogany, owner of Rapps Pharmacy and honorary chair of the capital campaign.
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