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20 June 2025

Care Plus NJ Team Recognized for Life-Saving Behavioral Health Crisis Work in Englewood

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Care Plus NJ

Care Plus NJ Team Recognized for Life-Saving Behavioral Health Crisis Work in Englewood | Care Plus New Jersey

At the heart of meaningful community change are the people who show up with compassion, courage, and a commitment to service. On May 14, 2025, several Care Plus NJ professionals were honored during the Englewood Police Department’s Awards Night for exactly that — their life-saving work in Behavioral Health crisis intervention and their exceptional partnership with local law enforcement through the ARRIVE Together program.

Honoring Heroic Action in Crisis Response

Care Plus New Jersey High-Quality Care Regardless of Diagnosis or Health Insurance Status | Care Plus New Jersey

Abraham Hache, Program Manager for ARRIVE Together at Care Plus NJ, received the prestigious Exceptional Merit Citation for his bravery and de-escalation skills during a high-risk incident involving a person armed with a knife. Thanks to Hache’s expert intervention, the individual was safely guided toward support for Behavioral Health services — without a single arrest.

Since joining the Englewood ARRIVE Together team in October 2023, Hache has brought an unwavering commitment to nonviolent, compassionate crisis response. His presence has not only led to safer outcomes but has also strengthened trust between the community and those responding to emergencies. Hache received this honor alongside Deputy Chief Matthew de la Rosa, symbolizing the seamless collaboration between Behavioral Health professionals and law enforcement officers.

Leaders Behind the Program’s Success

Care Plus NJ’s impact doesn’t stop at individual calls. The organization’s leadership was also celebrated for their role in launching and guiding the ARRIVE Together initiative. Senior Vice President and Bergen County CIT Behavioral Health Coordinator Amie Del Sordo, Vice President Lisa Montuore, and Hache were awarded the Raymond J. Greely Chief’s Award — a powerful acknowledgment of their vision, leadership, and dedication to improving crisis response in Englewood.

The ARRIVE Together program is a model of proactive community care, pairing trained police officers with Behavioral Health professionals to respond jointly to behavioral health emergencies. This approach ensures that individuals in crisis are met with empathy and support, not handcuffs.

Meet the Award Recipients

Senior Vice President and Bergen County CIT Behavioral Health Coordinator Amie Del Sordo

Amie Del Sordo brings visionary leadership and deep clinical expertise to her role as Senior Vice President at Care Plus NJ. As the Bergen County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Behavioral Health Coordinator, she has been instrumental in strengthening the bridge between Behavioral Health services and law enforcement. Through her tireless public support activities and strategic oversight, Del Sordo has played a key role in the successful expansion of the ARRIVE Together program, helping to ensure that individuals in crisis are met with compassionate, severe psychological distress-informed care and helpful resources.

Vice President Lisa Montuore

As Vice President at Care Plus NJ, Lisa Montuore is a driving force behind the organization’s innovative programming and interagency collaboration. With a strong background in behavioral health administration, Montuore is known for her commitment to client-focused care and her ability to bring community stakeholders together to support sustainable crisis response solutions. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing Care Plus NJ’s mission and amplifying the impact of initiatives like ARRIVE Together throughout northern New Jersey.

Abraham Hache, Program Manager for ARRIVE Together

Abraham Hache serves as the Program Manager for ARRIVE Together at Care Plus NJ, where he plays a front-line role in responding to Behavioral Health emergencies with skill, empathy, and professionalism. Since joining the Englewood Police Department’s ARRIVE Together team, Hache has been recognized for his ability to safely de-escalate complex situations and connect individuals in crisis to essential services—without resorting to arrest. His hands-on work in the field exemplifies the powerful impact of pairing law enforcement with Behavioral Health professionals to improve community outcomes.

A Message from Care Plus NJ Leadership

“We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the strong partnership with the Englewood Police Department,” said Brigitte Johnson, President and CEO of Care Plus NJ. “These awards underscore the importance of compassionate crisis intervention and the power of collaboration in keeping our communities safe.”

About Care Plus NJ

Care Plus NJ is a nonprofit organization at the forefront of integrated care — providing Behavioral Health, substance abuse, substance use disorder, local crisis lifeline partnerships, and primary health services to both adults and children across northern New Jersey. As one of the nation’s first Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, Care Plus NJ is dedicated to delivering welcoming of participation, high-quality care regardless of diagnosis or insurance standing.

With more than 80 programs and nearly 14,000 individuals served annually, the organization works tirelessly to break down obstacles to care and improve the lives of those they serve.

For more information on Care Plus NJ and its programs, visit www.careplusnj.org.

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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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