About Us

Created in 1998 to support programming that decreases the stigma of mental illness, Care Plus Foundation continues to stay true to its mission. The Foundation is located in Paramus and serves clients in the northern New Jersey counties of Bergen, Sussex and Passaic. Our comprehensive approach to decreasing the stigma of mental illness includes direct support, advocacy, and community involvement. 

Direct Support

Care Plus Foundation directly supports the clients of Care Plus NJ (CPNJ) with scholarships, medicine and supportive housing.  Since the creation of the Scholarship Fund in 2001, Care Plus Foundation awarded over $170,000 in scholarships to clients seeking to further their education.  Through the Medication Fund, we have assisted clients with much needed medication they would not be able to afford without assistance.  Our Supportive Housing Program assists individuals and families by supplying them with necessities such as security deposits, utility bills, furniture and rental assistance. 

We also provide funding for CPNJ’s innovative and life-changing programs that help the over 14,000 clients, both adults and children, suffering from mental illness.  Some of the programming we support includes:

• Teaching children life-skills to help them build strong foundations with social skills and anger management programs. 

• Keeping kids safe with child abuse and neglect prevention programs. 

• Creating housing for teenagers who would otherwise be homeless. 

• Creating jobs for single mothers and those suffering with a mental illness through CPNJ’s Alternative Work Solutions.  

Advocacy

Our advocacy program strives to decrease the stigma of mental illness with community awareness and fundraising events, professional conferences and community involvement through our volunteer opportunities. Our annual events:  

Annual Courage Award Dinner honors those individuals and companies who have shown exemplary courage in taking action that decreases the stigma of those suffering with mental health issues. 

Children’s Conference Series focuses on relevant, critical issues directly impacting children. The conferences provide information, education and resources to educators, law enforcement and mental health professionals. 

Annual Theater/Arts Event featuring a live theatrical performance, film screening or other arts event that works to decrease the stigma. 

Annual Tennis Benefit allows Care Plus supporters to enjoy a day on the courts for their favorite cause. 

Annual Cycling Tour brings together cyclists of all ages and levels for an enjoyable a day in support of their favorite cause. 

Community Involvement                           

Our grassroots approach to decreasing the stigma starts with our volunteers. 

Care Plus Circle of Friends is comprised of caring individuals, adult and youth groups, scouting troops, local businesses and corporations that generously donate their time and resources in support of our mission.      

Resources                                                    

Accurate information and helpful resources are available for those dealing with mental illness or living with a loved one that is coping. 

 

The Power of ONE One step at a time….that’s our strategy for building a brighter world for those suffering with mental illness.  v      ONE single mother getting the medicine she needs to continue to work and care for her family v      ONE volunteer showing a child compassion by donating a birthday bag for our foster kids v      ONE student attending our jumping off bridges film screening, then seeking help with depression and thoughts of suicide v      ONE donor keeping kids safe by providing funds for our child abuse and neglect prevention programs v      ONE young man fulfilling his dream of becoming a personal trainer and building a life for himself with the help of our STRIVE and scholarship programs    Please be one of our ONE’s, because TOGETHER we have the ability to change people’s lives.

A Client's Success Story: Striving For Independence Meet Aaron.  Growing up Aaron didn’t have the support most of us take for granted to help reach our life goals.  But Aaron wasn’t about to let that stop him.  He had the goals, he just needed someone to believe in him, to give him a chance at turning his goals into reality.  He found that support through Care Plus NJ’s Strive for Independence Program.  Strive offers stable, transitional housing for youth that have aged out of the foster care system.  MORE...