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Your Participation and Generosity Changes Lives .

A Message From Our Leadership

Brigitte D. Johnson, Esq

President/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 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.

Paul B. Meyer

Chair
Care Plus NJ Foundation Board of Trustees
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.

Our Honorees

Englewood Police Department

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 Care Plus NJ. The ARRIVE Together model EPD operates, pairs trained Behavioral Health screeners with officers to provide immediate, compassionate intervention for individuals in crisis.

Since its launch, ARRIVE Together has individualformed Behavioral 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 Behavioral 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 Behavioral Health crisis response through its partnership with Care Plus NJ in the ARRIVE Together program and Bergen County CIT. The Englewood Police Department leads in compassionate policing.

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella

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 Care Plus NJ on several Behavioral Health initiatives aimed at individual forming the way law enforcement addresses Behavioral Health crises.

Testimonials

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The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

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The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

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The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

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The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

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The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

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The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

Donate today to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Support our Mission

Belief

Belief refers to the confidence, faith, and conviction that individuals have in their ability to overcome addiction, make positive changes in their lives, and maintain long-term recovery. In substance use recovery learning self efficacy (self-belief), challenging negative beliefs, creating a positive mindset, and investing in new values gained from addressing one’s substance use disorder and Behavioral Health issues – improves oneself, relationships, and the future.

Every patient at Care Plus NJ has access to Behavioral Health professionals, including psychiatrists, and psychologists. In addition, each is assigned a case manager, drug and alcohol counselor, and peer recovery specialist who play a pivotal role in the treatment process.

As a Behavioral Health professional, they guide education, group therapy and support groups and other Behavioral Health services as indicated based on each persons needs.

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Motivation

Motivation refers to the internal drive, desire, and commitment of an individual to initiate and sustain positive changes in their behavior, lifestyle, and overall well-being. It is a crucial factor in the C.L.I.M.B. recovery process, as overcoming addiction often requires significant effort, perseverance, and a genuine commitment to change.

Motivated individuals in recovery set clear and realistic goals for themselves. Utilizing the stages of change model, Care Plus NJ walks patients through various stages of a substance use disorder, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse prevention. Understanding these stages helps individuals navigate their unique recovery journey.

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Insight

Insight refers to a deep and clear understanding of oneself, one’s behaviors, and the factors contributing to substance abuse. It involves gaining awareness into the root causes of addiction, recognizing patterns of behavior, and developing a clearer understanding of the impact of substance use on various aspects of one’s life. Insight is a critical component of the recovery process as it provides a foundation for positive change and sustained recovery.

Insight involves exploring the underlying issues that may contribute to drug abuse, such as past severe psychological distresss, Behavioral Health issues, or unresolved emotional challenges. Addressing these root causes is essential for long-term recovery.

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Courage

Courage in the context of recovering from drug addiction, refers to the ability to confront and overcome the challenges and fears associated with the recovery process in a person’s life. It involves facing one’s vulnerabilities, acknowledging the need for change, and taking positive steps toward a healthier and drug-free life.

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Love

Love plays a significant and multifaceted role in the process of recovery from drug and substance abuse. Having a network of supportive and understanding family members, friends, or partners is immensely valuable during the recovery journey. Community, fellowship and support groups emphasize the importance of connection with others who understand the challenges of addiction. Repairing relationships damaged by substance use often involves acts of love, forgiveness, and rebuilding trust.

In essence, love in the context of substance use recovery encompasses self-love, support from others, understanding, accountability, community, rebuilding relationships, and a renewed appreciation for life.

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