Mental Health Association

01/30/2026

Morris County’s Project Homeless Connect returned to St. Peter's, Morristown Episcopal Church on January 28, bringing together service providers, community leaders, and neighbors with a shared goal of connection, dignity, and support. Organized by MHA’s Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Morris County team in partnership with the Morris County Government , the Morris County Sheriff's Office, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the annual event welcomed more than 100 attendees this year.

Individuals were able to access a wide range of free, on-site resources from dozens of community-based providers, including health services, personal care items, food, clothing, and other essential supports designed to meet immediate needs and foster long-term stability.

The event opened with remarks highlighting the importance of collaboration and compassion in addressing homelessness. Speakers included Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Father Rob Picken of St Peters Episcopal Church, Morris County Commissioner Christine M. Myers, and MHA’s CEO Robert Davison, each underscoring the critical role Project Homeless Connect plays in strengthening pathways to housing, care, and recovery. Attendees also heard a powerful consumer testimonial, offering a firsthand perspective on resilience, hope, and the impact of supportive services.

We are deeply grateful to the volunteers, service providers, and county partners who made this day possible and continue to show up for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Together, we are building a more responsive and compassionate community.

01/30/2026

MHA participated in the 20th Annual Project Homeless Connect in Essex County, a free event held on January 28 that provided services with care and dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or in need of support.

The event served more than 300 individuals and offered free food, haircuts, health screenings, public assistance, mental health and employment services, giveaways, and other essential resources, with more than 65 community and faith-based organizations in attendance.

MHA staff connected with attendees, shared information about MHA programs, and distributed helpful resources.

Thank you to Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones for your continued support!

01/26/2026

Not even rain, sleet, snow and freezing temperatures can keep MCORT from their critical duties!

Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT) provides immediate support to non-life-threatening mental health, substance-related, or suicidal crises in Essex and Hudson Counties when deployed by the 988 Crisis Lifeline call centers.

MHA is there for the community whenever possible.

Learn more about MCORT, here:
https://www.mhainspire.org/988-mcort/

01/23/2026

We were honored to host our President’s Giving Society Thank You Reception last night, recognizing and thanking the generous supporters whose commitment helps ensure critical support is available when our community needs it most.

At the reception we were proud to honor two outstanding community leaders for their exceptional service, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to supporting individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges:

⭐Meg Rodriguez, Morris County Prosecutor's Office Chief Assistant Prosecutor and CIT and ARRIVE Coordinator, honored for her exemplary leadership in crisis intervention training (CIT) and her work coordinating ARRIVE initiatives that improve responses to individuals in mental health crises.

⭐Dr. Joseph P. Scarpelli, Essex County Mental Health Administrator and CIACC Convener, honored for his visionary leadership in county-level mental health administration and as convener of the Children’s Interagency Coordinating Councils (CIACC).

Their contributions reflect the spirit of service and partnership that empowers our mission and enriches the lives of those we serve.

01/22/2026

You’re feelings matter. You’re never alone.

Teen Connect is a non-crisis line for anyone ages 13-24, providing a safe, supportive space for young people to talk with someone who truly understands.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is just a text or call away.

📱 Text: 973-791-5700
📱Call: 888-866-6054
Monday through Friday, 5 PM to 10 PM.

For more information on Teen Connect, visit: https://www.mhainspire.org/teen-connect-line/

01/20/2026

Are you experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing your housing? Help is available.

Join us on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 9 AM–2 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown for Project Homeless Connect, a free, one-day event connecting individuals and families to vital resources and services.

Services include:
• Health screenings & vaccines
• Free HIV testing & haircuts
• Food, clothing, coats, backpacks & toiletries
• Housing & homelessness prevention resources
• Employment & veteran services
• Mental health, substance use & domestic violence support

All services are free and open to those who need them most.

Where: 70 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ

📞 Interested in donating, volunteering, or reserving a table? Contact Viktorija Spasova, Director of PATH, at 973-334-3496 ext. 521.

01/17/2026

Soft days are still meaningful. Progress doesn’t always look loud.

This , we’re honoring rest, quiet moments, and moving at your own pace.

01/15/2026

Join us for the 20th Annual Project Homeless Connect in Essex County, a community-wide event focused on access, dignity, and support for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

🗓 Wednesday, January 28, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Essex County College Gymnasium
177 W Market St, Newark, NJ 07102

Attendees can receive health screenings, mental health services, haircuts, employment and veterans services, food, giveaways, and valuable community resources, all in one place.

👉 This event also supports Essex County’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count, a critical effort to better understand homelessness in our community and strengthen services and solutions.

Presented by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. , the Board of County Commissioners, and the Essex County Division of Community Action.

Spread the word and help us ensure our community knows support is available.

01/14/2026

01/13/2026

We’re grateful to the County of Essex for allowing us to utilize the Verona Park Boathouse for this month's Directors Meeting. The beautiful setting provided a welcoming space for meaningful conversation and collaboration.

Thank you to the county for supporting community organizations like ours and for helping create spaces where important work can move forward. We appreciate your continued support of our work and our community.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

01/12/2026

“Governor Dick Codey was the best of us. He was compassionate, caring, and a fierce advocate for those who were disenfranchised, whether due to mental illness, addiction, or poverty. Governor Codey took great pride in speaking for those who could not speak for themselves. He not only spoke; he took action—again and again—to ensure New Jersey better served individuals with mental illness and their families. He defended the rights of the Gay community at a time when it was a political risk to do so. Governor Codey did these things because they were the right thing to do.

These qualities made him an excellent elected official and an even better man.

I was proud to call him my friend, and I will miss him. My condolences to Mary Jo, Kevin, Chris, and all who loved him. Go Pirates!”

-Bob Davison, CEO of the Mental Health Association

01/09/2026

Reflecting on an incredible 2025 and celebrating 75 years of service. Thank you for being part of our journey.

From expanding crisis response to opening new Community Wellness Centers, this year was made possible by our community.

Read our year-in-review blog to see what we accomplished together and what’s ahead: https://www.mhainspire.org/reflecting-on-2025-celebrating-75-years-of-service-and-looking-ahead/