Careplus NJ Courage Awards Gala - CarePlus New Jersey Behavioral Health Care, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapy

Annual Courage Awards

The Venetian

May 13, 2026

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Wednesday, May 13, 2026

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Your Participation and Generosity Changes Lives .

Care Plus NJ's Courage Awards Annual Gala

The Care Plus NJ Annual Gala is a cornerstone event that brings together our community to celebrate courage, resilience, and the individualformative power of compassionate care. Each year, the gala features the prestigious Courage Awards, which honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to Behavioral Health, addiction recovery, and community-based services.

The Courage Awards

The Courage Awards recognize those who have shown exceptional bravery and dedication in the face of adversity. These awards celebrate not only the recipients’ achievements but also their commitment to inspiring others on their journeys toward healing and recovery. The honorees include patients, healthcare providers, volunteers, and community leaders who have made a substantial impact in the field of Behavioral Health and addiction services.

Purpose of the Gala

The Annual Gala is more than a celebration; it is a vital fundraiser that supports the essential services provided by Care Plus NJ. Our mission is to deliver affordable, available, and holistic-centered care that empowers individuals to reach their full potential and enhance their quality of life. The gala helps us raise the necessary funds to continue offering outpatient services to all ages of adults, adolescents, and children. We are committed to welcoming those facing mental illness and addiction with severe psychological distress-informed care, addressing ancestry-based disparities, especially in maternal health, and expanding our services to meet the growing needs of the individuals, men, and their families in our community.

Community Sponsorship and Support

The success of the Care Plus NJ’s Courage Awards Gala is a testament to the unwavering support of our community sponsors and donors. Through their generous contributions, we can continue to provide critical financial aid and services. Last year alone, the Care Plus NJ Foundation allocated over $200,000 in financial assistance, empowering those in need to overcome Behavioral Health challenges and addiction.

Our sponsors play a crucial role in this effort. Their support helps fund various programs, including:

Foundation Scholarship Fund

Awarding over $900,000 in scholarships to clients pursuing further education.

Masciandaro Scholarship

Awarding one deserving employee with support for their pursuit of an advanced degree or professional certification.

Care Plus Supportive Housing Fund

Assisting with expenses like security deposits, utility bills, and rental assistance.

Kwartler Medication Fund

Helping clients afford essential medications.

Care Plus Program Support

Providing resources to Care Plus NJ programs.

Care Plus Transportation Fund

Offering vehicles and transportation services for clients to attend therapy appointments.

A Message From
Our Leadership

Brigitte D. Johnson, Esq., President and CEO of Care Plus NJ, Inc., emphasizes the importance of the gala: “Contributing to the Care Plus NJ Foundation ensures that mental and behavioral health care remain available 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.

Brigitte D. Johnson, Esq

President and CEO

Care Plus NJ, Inc.

Paul B. Meyer, Chair of the Care Plus NJ 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, Care Plus NJ team, donors, and volunteers for their exceptional commitment. Your contributions directly aid individuals on the path to recovery, wellness, and independence.

Paul B. Meyer

Chair

Care Plus NJ Foundation Board of Trustees

Brigitte D. Johnson, Esq

President and CEO

Care Plus NJ, Inc.

Our Honorees

Commissioner Tracy Silna Zur

Tracy Silna Zur has served twelve years as a Bergen County Commissioner. A lifelong Bergen County resident, she holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, a law degree from Fordham University, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Rutgers University. She and her husband, Bobby, have three children: Coby, Kayla, and Logan. Tracy received the Distinguished Alumni Practitioner Award from Rutgers in 2020 and the Maurice Fitzgibbons County Commissioner of the Year Award from the New Jersey Association of Counties in 2024.

As a Commissioner, Tracy Zur spearheaded the Bergen County Food Security Task Force, now the Office of Food Security, which has been recognized as a gold standard in New Jersey and by the National Association of Counties.

Tracy is a dedicated advocate for adults with special needs, spearheading Project SEARCH, which has achieved over a 90% placement rate over the past six years. She is also a strong supporter of mental health and addiction services, piloting Teen Mental Health First Aid Training, forming the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, and establishing the LGBTQ+ Youth Summit. She championed the countywide ban on styrofoam, launched styrofoam densification, and helped kickstart the County Energy Action Plan.

Commissioner Germaine Ortiz

Germaine M. Ortiz was first elected to the Bergen County Board of Commissioners in 2016 and, in 2019, made history as the first Latina Chairwoman. That same year marked the first time in the Board’s 304-year history that it was led entirely by women. She returned as Chairwoman in 2024.

A first-generation American born to Colombian parents, Commissioner Ortiz earned dual degrees in Spanish and Communications from Seton Hall University and built a successful 20-year career on Wall Street, ultimately serving as Vice President at Dinsmore Capital Management.

Her public service began in Palisades Park on the Board of Education and later on the City Council. She went on to serve as a Bergen County Utilities Authority Commissioner, a Trustee at Bergen Community College for 12 years, and Chairwoman of the County’s Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census, which achieved the most successful count in two decades.

Now living in Emerson with her husband and two daughters, Commissioner Ortiz continues to champion a “people-first” approach, ensuring residents’ investments are maximized for the benefit of the entire Bergen County community.

A special recognition for Care Plus Workforce Solutions

At this year’s Courage Awards Gala, we are proud to highlight and honor Care Plus Workforce Solutions for 30 years of compassion and service excellence.

Care Plus Workforce Solutions has been dedicated to supporting individuals on their paths to stability, opportunity, and success, making a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve and the communities they strengthen.

Join us as we celebrate this remarkable milestone and recognize the commitment, heart, and dedication behind 30 years of meaningful service.

Impact of Your Support

The Courage Awards Gala and your support ensure that Care Plus NJ can continue to offer high-quality, integrated care creating healthy bodies and healthy minds that individualforms lives. From providing scholarships to supporting housing and medication needs, every donation makes a significant impact. Your generosity helps individuals not only survive but thrive, reaching their full potential through education and comprehensive care.

Join us every year at the Care Plus NJ’s foundation Annual Gala to celebrate the courage of our honorees, support our mission, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to heal, grow, and succeed.

If you or your family need the services from our organization, please contact our admissions department.

Testimonials

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.

~ Ashvy

I’ve been receiving services through Care Plus NJ 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 Care Plus NJ for making me feel seen, heard, and cared for.

~ Anonymous

It’s hard to fully express the depth of my gratitude for this scholarship and everything Care Plus NJ 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.

~ Belinda