State-wide Honorees Announced by
Mental Health Association in New Jersey
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) is pleased to announce the honorees for its Evening of Excellence benefit to be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at the Crystal Plaza, 305 West Northfield Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey.
"Our heartfelt appreciation is extended to our honorees for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey's 2012 Evening of Excellence. Representing the business, non-profit and mental health consumer worlds, they were selected on the basis of their exemplary commitment and accomplishments in improving the lives of those with mental illness in our state," stated Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. "We also wish to acknowledge our supporters and contributors for sharing in our mission and our staff and volunteers for their dedication and innovation which are at the heart of our efforts."
Senator Joseph F. Vitale will be the Master of Ceremonies for the MHANJ's Evening of Excellence. Representing the 19th Legislative District since 1998, Senator Vitale is the Chair of the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
About Our Honorees
 Kevin Cummings, President and CEO of Investors Bank
Philanthropist of the Year
As President and CEO of Investors Bank and as an active participant in the community, Kevin Cummings consistently demonstrates his commitment to non-profit organizations. Recognizing the importance of making a positive difference in the communities that the Bank serves, Mr. Cummings was the key catalyst in starting the Investors Foundation which has awarded or pledged more than $6 million to non-profit organizations since its founding
in 2005. Mr. Cummings is also involved in several community service organi-zations. Investors Bank, headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey, is the third largest bank in the state.
 Richard W. Brown,Chief Executive Officer, Monarch Housing Associates
Golden Bell Leadership Award Recipient
Mr. Brown has been with Monarch Housing for 21 years and is the organization's first and only CEO. The head of the first non-profit association that began to provide housing assistance in the state, he is an established state-wide leader in New Jersey's affordable and supportive housing community. Mr. Brown's award highlights his work to expand the supply, accessibility and variety of affordable, permanent supportive housing through development, planning, advocacy and partnerships. The MHANJ founded Monarch Housing in 1990, and since then, has supported efforts to fulfill its mission.
 Somerset Hills YMCA's Healthy Outcomes Partnership
Golden Bell Leadership Award Recipient
The Somerset Hills YMCA's Healthy Outcomes Partner- ship (HOP) is a coalition of agencies, organizations and individuals concerned with public, mental health and related issues. HOP was formed to help people connect with the resources they need to overcome these problems. The program has emerged as a leader and innovation in linking physical to mental health among the YMCAs in the state and as a mental health beacon for the Somerset Hills YMCA's 20,000 members and the surrounding community. Understanding the importance of mental health, the Y began offering Mental Health First Aid training to its leadership, staff, members and the community at large.
Pictured above are members of the HOP Committee. Left to right, seated: Dr. Ellie Rose, Rev. Greg Miller, Mary Jane Postal and Sharon Kelley; standing: Connie Moore, Julia Curtis, Jonathan Yoesting, Lauren Luik, Bill Kimzey, Susan Rider, Chris Rose, Audrey Taffet and Judi Logan Welch.
 Michael Ippoliti, Youth Advocate
Golden Bell Leadership Award Recipient
Michael Ippoliti is one of the youngest and most vocal health advocates in New Jersey. He is the only young adult member of New Jersey's Mental Health and Addiction Services Planning Council. Mr. Ippoliti is active on the New Jersey Department of Children and Family's Youth Development Council working toward the elimination of mental health stigma for New Jersey youth. Mr. Ippoliti has been a tireless speaker at numerous events over the years. He received a New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma Award for Advocacy in 2010.
About the Mental Health Association in New Jersey
Since 1948, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey has worked to fulfill its mission by responding to issues and concerns raised by consumers of mental health services, and then working for changes and promoting policies that protect their rights and fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness and makes recovery difficult. The MHANJ advocates for systems change with elected and appointed government officials on the state, federal and local levels. Administrative, legal, budgetary and treatment issues that affect people with mental illness are all addressed. The organization also provides services that directly assist consumers in need, and thus reduce the strain on the limited government resources.
MHANJ's main office is located in Verona, New Jersey; satellite offices are located in Absecon, Bridgewater, Jersey City, Kenilworth, Montclair and Toms River. For more information about MHANJ, visit www.mhanj.org or call 973-571-4100. |
