Brigitte D. Johnson, Esq
President and CEO
Care Plus NJ, Inc.
Paul B. Meyer
Chair
CarePlus Foundation Board of Trustees
Brigitte D. Johnson, Esq
President and CEO
Care Plus NJ, Inc.
Brigitte D. Johnson, Esq., President and CEO of Care Plus NJ, Inc., emphasizes the importance of the gala: “Contributing to the CarePlus Foundation ensures that mental and behavioral health care remain accessible today and for generations to come. Your generosity directly enables those most in need to receive timely and indispensable care. Join us in leading with integrity to create lasting change.
Paul B. Meyer
Chair
CarePlus Foundation Board of Trustees
Paul B. Meyer, Chair of the CarePlus Foundation Board of Trustees and the 2025 Courage Awards Gala Co-Chair, shares his gratitude: “Leading with integrity is at the core of our mission. We are grateful for our Board of Trustees, CarePlus team, donors, and volunteers for their exceptional commitment. Your contributions directly aid individuals on the path to recovery, wellness, and independence.
The Englewood Police Department (EPD) has long been dedicated to protecting and serving the Englewood community, but its commitment goes beyond traditional law enforcement. In October 2023, EPD was the first police department in Bergen County to implement the ARRIVE Together program in partnership with CarePlus NJ. The ARRIVE Together model EPD operates, pairs trained mental health screeners with officers to provide immediate, compassionate intervention for individuals in crisis.
Since its launch, ARRIVE Together has transformed mental health emergency response by de-escalating crises and connecting individuals with critical resources. Through direct interventions, follow-up casework, and community engagement, the program has helped people remain in their communities while accessing support. EPD’s leadership has influenced several neighboring towns to adopt similar ARRIVE Together programs, expanding its impact across Bergen County.
In addition to ARRIVE Together, EPD is deeply invested in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training as a cornerstone of its approach to mental health crisis response. More than 80% of its officers are CIT-certified, with a commitment to training the entire department. EPD ensures that an officer is present at every CIT class until this goal is met, reinforcing their expertise and strengthening crisis response efforts across the region.
We honor the Englewood Police Department for its dedication to public safety and effective mental health crisis response through its partnership with CarePlus NJ in the ARRIVE Together program and Bergen County CIT. The Englewood Police Department leads in compassionate policing.
Mark Musella was sworn in as Bergen County Prosecutor in 2019, serving as the chief law enforcement officer for New Jersey’s most populous county. He oversees the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO), leading 300 personnel and supervising 72 law enforcement agencies and 3,000 officers across 70 municipalities. Under his leadership, the BCPO conducts proactive investigations and operates specialized units handling homicide, cybercrime, drug trafficking, domestic violence, and more.
A former Assistant Prosecutor (1988–1994), Musella prosecuted 50+ jury trials before spending 25 years in private practice as a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. He has also served as a Municipal Prosecutor and Public Defender in Bergen County.
A lifelong Bergen County resident, Musella graduated from Bergen Catholic High School before earning his Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University and his law degree from Delaware Law School at Widener University. He has been an active member of both the New Jersey State and Bergen County Bar Associations since 1987 and remains dedicated to public service, legal excellence, and community engagement. He lives in Bergen County with his wife of more than 30 years and their two sons.
We recognize Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella for his exceptional leadership in law enforcement and dedication to enhancing community safety. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office partners with CarePlus NJ on several mental health initiatives aimed at transforming the way law enforcement addresses mental health crises.
I loved how my counselor, Ms. Wirth, truly listened to my concerns and helped me create a plan to manage the situations that were causing me difficulties. My favorite part was having someone walk with me through my hardships, witness my work, and celebrate my growth. I learned that my feelings are valid, and that life can still be beautiful—even when it rains. I felt incredibly safe and welcomed, and I could express myself freely without needing to hide anything.
I’ve been receiving services through CarePlus for over a decade across several Bergen County locations. In recent years, I’ve felt genuinely supported by my therapist, job coach, and medication provider. They’ve consistently listened to my needs and been there whenever I needed help—more than I ever expected from a nonprofit agency. Their flexibility with appointment times, and options like Zoom and phone calls, made it easier for me to stay engaged, especially when transportation was an issue. Even the little things—like reminder texts—make a big difference in helping me stay on track. I’m incredibly grateful to CarePlus for making me feel seen, heard, and cared for.
It’s hard to fully express the depth of my gratitude for this scholarship and everything CarePlus has done to improve my life. The wide range of compassionate, high-quality services has had a profound impact on my journey. With the support of dedicated professionals who truly care, I’ve grown from someone who struggled to speak up for herself into a confident woman pursuing a college degree and a brighter future. This scholarship brings me one step closer to creating a better life for myself and my family, and I am beyond thankful.
Diamond Sponsor
Support will provide 1 month's rent or security deposit for 6 families in need of housing.
Platinum Sponsor
Support will provide scholarships for 6 students dedicated to furthering their education.
Gold Sponsor
Support will provide training or professional development for 4 individuals pursuing career goals.
Silver Sponsor
Support will provide necessary medication for 10 individuals facing the daily challenges of mental health.
Bronze Sponsor
Provides therapeutic group support sessions for 5 children and families in need.
CarePlus NJ, INC. is dedicated to excellence in mental healthcare and has a commitment to life-long support needed by individuals and their families to ensure that they achieve their full potential and improve the quality of their lives.
