Care Plus Foundation

Press Release

Contact at Care Plus Foundation

TARA AUGUSTINE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

(201) 986-5070, Email: tarap@careplusnj.org     

WORK ON BEHALF OF THE MENTALLY ILL IS REWARDED

June 26, 2008

Paramus-based Care Plus Foundation celebrated its 10th Annual Courage Awards Dinner at The Venetian in Garfield on the evening of June 18.  The event honored businesses and individuals who exhibited courage in addressing the needs of the mentally ill and made great contributions to mental health programs and awareness in New Jersey.  It also honored 13 scholarship recipients.    

Approximately 300 people attended the event and over $90,000 was raised in support of the clients and programming of Care Plus NJ.  Care Plus’ supportive programming helps the estimated 1 in 4 adults in our community suffering from a diagnosable mental illness – from depression and anxiety, to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia – build better lives for themselves and their families. 

"The Courage Awards recognize individuals and corporations that have worked diligently to fulfill the needs of the mentally ill by supplying educational, medical or financial support and taking action to decrease the stigma,” said Tara Augustine, Executive Director of the Foundation.”

“The evening also celebrates our scholarship recipients,” said Augustine.  A previous scholarship recipient who recently graduated Cum Laude from Felician College spoke. He noted that before finding the services of Care Plus he had been in and out of hospitals. “Five years after finding Care Plus,” he said “I am not just alive, I am living life the way I always wanted to.  My career is beginning, which is rare for those suffering from a mental illness.  And sometimes I’m even lucky enough to have a girlfriend…. but I always have friends and family.”

Among the businesses honored were Hewlett Packard, one of the world’s largest information technology corporations and ACCSES NJ – CNA Services, a lead advocate in the development of employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.  Each partnered with Care Plus NJ to provide vocational opportunities for mentally ill clients.

“Through our Care Plus Laser Imaging Program we are providing competitive employment opportunities for individuals with mental illness and enabling them to secure financial independence,” said Augustine.  “The success of Care Plus Laser Imaging would not be possible without the partnership of Hewlett Packard and ACCSES NJ-CNA Services.”

Peggy Englebert, Board President of ACCSES NJ accepted on behalf ACCSES NJ-CNA Services.  Rich Rusky accepted the Courage Award on behalf of Hewlett Packard.

Among the individual honorees was Dean Pastras.  Pastras has been working in the field of Social Services with children, families and individuals for over 28 years.  He is Executive Director of Bergen’s Promise, a non-profit agency dedicated to organizing and coordinating services, resources and support for children and adolescents in Bergen County with serious emotional and behavioral challenges.  He also sits on the Healthy Families Advisory Board.    

Joe Pantoliano, Emmy winner and film actor, was also honored with a Courage Award.  This actor/producer, born and raised in Hoboken, has dealt with his own clinical depression and his mother’s Bipolar disorder.  These experiences led him to become a notable advocate for mental health and to found No Kidding, Me Too!, a nonprofit organization comprised of entertainment industry members united in an effort to educate Americans about the epidemic related to mental illness in all forms.

“The proceeds raised tonight will go back to the clients,” said Roseanne Anderson, Executive Administrative Assistant for Care Plus NJ.  “This is our largest fundraiser and it has been very successful.  We are grateful to be able to provide help to clients who can’t afford their own prescription medications, housing or education.”

Funds were raised through a silent auction, where attendants were able to bid on items such as a week’s stay in a London, England flat, a weekend in Manhattan, field seats at Yankee Stadium, Giants football tickets, a laptop computer, flat screen television and dinner at a selection of fine New Jersey restaurants.

There was also a raffle and Tricky Tray prizes. 

A portion of the profits raised from the Courage Awards will also be donated to Healthy Families, a program devoted to preventing child abuse.

The Care Plus Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit organization.  For information, contact Executive Director Tara Augustine at 201-986-5070.

The Care Plus Foundation is a non-profit corporation dedicated to mental health issues, providing public education, program development, community relations and fundraising support to Care Plus NJ, Inc., which offers comprehensive mental health services to those in need in northern New Jersey.

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