MORRIS COUNTY — Rachael Provenzale “hit an all-time low” in her life nine months ago, she said. Connecting with NewBridge Services’ adult day treatment program helped her find her way back.
“Without my NewBridge family, I would not be standing here in front of you today…I’m not quite sure where I would be,” Provenzale told the more than 100 NewBridge clients, staff and volunteers gathered Wednesday for NewBridge’s annual Thanksgiving celebration. “This Thanksgiving, the thing I’m most thankful for is NewBridge and each and every one of you,” the 36-year-old Wayne resident said.
The uplifting event held at the Pompton Reformed Church in Pompton Lakes was sponsored by Century 21 Crest Real Estate in Pompton Plains, Carl Stahl Sava Industries in Riverdale, and former NewBridge board member Andy Mainardi and his wife, Priscilla. The church donated the space.
“You are our family, and you are our neighbors,” said Chris Krasas, president of Carl Stahl Sava Industries.Children from the Sunset Co-op Nursery School gave out handmade placemats to the guests before five clients shared their stories of gratitude and a buffet of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mixed vegetables and cranberry relish was served.
“Happy Thanksgiving!” exclaimed 4-year-old Jaxon Gratton as he moved through the room with his mom, a turkey hat atop his head.
Frank Majuri, a longtime client of NewBridge Services, said he always enjoys the delicious food and the camaraderie at the Thanksgiving celebration. “I feel happy just being here,” said Majuri, who also lives in Wayne.
Katherine VanBeekum expressed gratitude for NewBridge, saying its adult day treatment program has helped her open up. “I used to keep everything boxed up inside me; now I’ve made many friends at NewBridge, and outside NewBridge,” said VanBeekum a mother of two who lives in Riverdale.
Provenzale described how even on the days she struggles to get out of bed, she musters the strength to attend NewBridge group sessions. She walks in to hear “almost everyone scream ‘Rachael,’ as if I’m some sort of local celebrity,” she said. “It makes all the effort it took seem effortless.”
“We are beautiful people, and I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving!” client Jacki Romaine said.
NewBridge is located at 1259 Route 46 East, Building 2, Suite 100A.
