Bridgeway Awarded $3.75 Million SAMHSA Grant to Support Hudson County Youth and Families

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, which operates in Elizabeth, has been awarded a $3.75 million, five-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand behavioral health services and community partnerships. Bridgeway is one of only 12 organizations nationwide selected for this highly competitive award.

Beginning September 30, 2026, Bridgeway will receive $750,000 annually for five years to lead an initiative focused on reducing the behavioral health impacts of crime, violence and community disorder, strengthening community safety, and improving outcomes for youth, young adults and their families.

The project will serve youth and young adults ages 10–29 who have experienced, witnessed or otherwise been affected by crime, violence or community disorder. Special attention will be given to young people facing behavioral health challenges, school disengagement, homelessness, family instability, or involvement with child welfare, juvenile justice and other crisis systems.

Cory Storch, President and CEO of Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, said the award reflects the importance of coordinated community response. "This award recognizes the importance of bringing organizations and systems together around the needs of young people and families. Bridgeway has a long history of building strong community partnerships, and this funding gives us an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen those connections and create a more coordinated response for young people who have experienced trauma, violence and behavioral health challenges."

A key component of the initiative will be the creation of a countywide coalition facilitated by Bridgeway, bringing together behavioral health and healthcare providers, educators, public safety agencies, child welfare partners and community organizations that serve youth and young adults.

For residents seeking behavioral health support, Bridgeway's Hoboken location is home to its Hudson County Mental Health Urgent Care Center, which offers walk-in access and same-day care for anyone needing immediate behavioral health support.

For more information or to access services, call 201-885-2539 or email Hudson.contact@bridgewaybhs.org.

FAQ

Q: What grant did Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services receive?

A: Bridgeway received a $3.75 million, five-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through its Behavioral Health and Community Safety Partnerships program.

Q: How competitive is this award?

A: This is a highly competitive award. Bridgeway is one of only 12 organizations nationwide selected to receive funding.

Q: When does the grant funding begin?

A: The grant begins September 30, 2026, and provides $750,000 annually for five years.

Q: What will the grant funding support?

A: The funding will support an initiative to reduce the behavioral health impacts of crime, violence and community disorder, strengthen community safety, and improve outcomes for youth, young adults and their families.

Q: Who does the initiative serve?

A: The initiative serves youth and young adults ages 10–29 who have experienced, witnessed or otherwise been affected by crime, violence or community disorder. Special focus is on young people facing behavioral health challenges, school disengagement, homelessness, family instability, or involvement with child welfare or juvenile justice systems.

Q: What is Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services?

A: Bridgeway is a nonprofit behavioral health services organization based in Elizabeth that provides mental health and behavioral health support. The organization has a history of building strong community partnerships.

Q: Where is Bridgeway located?

A: Bridgeway operates in Elizabeth and surrounding areas. The organization also operates a Hudson County Mental Health Urgent Care Center in Hoboken.

Q: How can I access Bridgeway's behavioral health services?

A: You can call 201-885-2539 or email Hudson.contact@bridgewaybhs.org. Bridgeway's Hoboken Mental Health Urgent Care Center offers walk-in access and same-day care for anyone needing immediate behavioral health support.

Q: What is the Hudson County Mental Health Urgent Care Center?

A: The Hudson County Mental Health Urgent Care Center, located in Hoboken, offers walk-in access and same-day behavioral health care for anyone needing immediate support, without requiring an appointment.

Q: What is the countywide coalition?

A: A key part of the initiative is creating a countywide coalition facilitated by Bridgeway. The coalition brings together behavioral health and healthcare providers, educators, public safety agencies, child welfare partners and community organizations to coordinate response for young people in crisis.

Q: Why is this grant important for young people?

A: The grant enables Bridgeway to strengthen community partnerships and provide more coordinated, comprehensive support for young people who have experienced trauma, violence or behavioral health challenges.

Q: Who should contact Bridgeway for behavioral health support?

A: Anyone needing behavioral health support can contact Bridgeway. The organization serves young people ages 10–29 as part of this initiative, but also serves individuals across the lifespan through other programs.