Madison Area YMCA’s Project Community Pride & Community Mental Health Initiative Receive a Public Private Partnership Award

Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA and the Community Mental Health Initiative were among

22 honorees that received one of the first Public-Private Partnership
Awards from NJ BIZ magazine and the New Jersey League
of Municipalities on Sept. 21.

Receiving a Public-Private Partnership Award from NJBIZ magazine and the New Jersey League of Municipalities in the photo is (center) Chatham
Borough Council Member Vicki Fife, with League of Municipalities
Director Michael Darcey and Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr,
a vice president of the League of Municipalities.

Selected from among hundreds of programs that applied for the award,
Project Community Pride and the Community Mental Health Initiative were
recognized at an awards ceremony in Someset, NJ.

Project Community Pride is a no-fee youth, teen and family counseling
program that is made available thanks to a unique public-private
partnership among the school districts and boroughs of Chatham, Florham
Park and Madison, working with the Madison Area YMCA.

Project Community Pride was selected for its unique and cost-effective
approach to providing mental health services without cost being a
barrier. It was also recognized for its efficiency, structure and unique
funding model that can be replicated elsewhere
in the state. The public partners share the cost of counselor salaries,
and the Y provides administrative and financial management, program
oversight, marketing and charitable fundraising to help keep the program
sustainable over time.

Most counseling referrals come from school guidance counselors, but many
also come from law enforcement. Counseling services, workshops and
groups sessions help prevent serious mental health, addiction and
self-harm issues with youth and teens. They also help
young people avoid issues with the law that may result from underage
drinking or drug use.

Thomas Curtin, publisher of NJBIZ, was master of ceremonies at the event
and provided background information on each of the award winners.
Council Member Fife attended the ceremony with Madison Area YMCA
President & CEO Diane Mann. Detailed articles on each
of the winning projects will be included in a special Public-Private
Partnership Awards edition of NJBIZ to be published on Oct. 10.

The Madison Area YMCA is a 501c(3) cause-driven charitable organization
dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy
living and social responsibility. Generous donations make it possible
for everyone in the community to be enriched
by the Y, regardless of ability to pay, to develop a healthy spirit,
mind and body at any age.