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At SERV we share our experience, support and guidance with children, adults and families as they work to recover from and cope with mental illness, addictions, challenging behaviors, and developmental disabilities.

"Recovery: The awakening of hopes and dreams, and the knowledge to reclaim one's power and achieve one's desires by learning to make choices that bring strength rather than harm. Recovery involves living a meaningful life with the capacity to love and be loved." – William B. Anthony

"The five Recovery Concepts are: Hope, Support, Personal Responsibility, Self-Advocacy and Education." – Mary Ellen Copeland


Latest News

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2014 SERV Art Calendar Contest

The SERV Foundation is conducting its annual artwork contest among SERV consumers for the 2014 Calendar. The deadline to submit is Friday, July 5th.

For guidelines, click here. For entry form, click here.

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You can win thousands of dollars in SERV’s Super 50/50 Cash Raff…

Who couldn't use some extra scratch to indulge in a guilty pleasure; or, to be more practical, perhaps pay off a credit card?

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Honorees announced for 23rd annual Volley For SERV

Ted Golfinopoulos, chairman of the 23rd annual Volley For SERV Tennis Tournament, has announced the honorees for the 2013 fundraiser, which is sponsored by the nonprofit SERV Foundation of SERV...

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SERV consumers volunteer at TASK, Meals on Wheels

SERV consumers volunteer at TASK, Meals on Wheels

Since 1987, SERV Achievement Centers, Inc. has been providing teaching, training and support to individuals with developmental disabilities and youth with behavioral challenges and emotional problems.

At its Progressive...

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New officers elected for three SERV boards

Four members of three SERV Boards of Directors were elected to officers' positions at the annual meeting of all boards in December.

Dean S. Nalbone, Esq. of Hamilton was named...

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Only 2 nonprofits contribute

Despite Lawrence Township officials' request for voluntary contributions from nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, only two have stepped forward — SERV Behavioral Health System Inc. and the Islamic Circle of...

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Scholarship Fund Cash Raffle winners announced

  • 1st prize, Prince Hendrix of Hamilton, who won $2,450.
  • 2nd prize, Marilyn Ticktin of Roosevelt, who won $1,470.
  • 3rd prize, Derrick Taylor of Elizabeth, who won $980.

Winners received 25%, 15% and 10% of the amount raised.

The three winning...

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Appeal to Tax-Exempt Groups Nets $2,101 Donation

Earlier this month, Lawrence Township sent out a letter asking dozens of tax-exempt organizations and non-profit institutions to consider making a voluntary payment in lieu of taxes. SERV Behavioral Health...

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SERV founder accepts award at Volley For SERV

SERV founder accepts award at Volley For SERV

Event raises $34K for special programs

Every year, tennis players in the community look forward to the time-honored Volley For SERV Tennis Tournament, held at the exclusive Cherry Valley Country Club...

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Mercer Business magazine’s "Nonprofit Profile" on SERV…

SERV Behavioral Health System, Inc. began in 1974 as SERV Centers of New Jersey. It was founded by a group of families struggling to care for adult family members with...

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Fundraisers

23rd Annual Volley For SERV Tennis Tournament

June 17, 2013 Cherry Valley Country Club, Skillman

Volley For SERV, sponsored by thevolleyforservelogo SERV Foundation, is an annual tennis tournament fundraiser benefiting programs for SERV consumers recovering from severe and persistent mental illness or coping with developmental disabilities.

 

For more information on Volley For SERV, click here

Awards

2010: Gary van Nostrand, SERV President/CEO, receives the 2010 Champion Award from Behavioral Healthcare magazine.

Click here to read more

2007: The New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association presents SERV with the Wellness and Recovery Transformation Award.

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2006: SERV receives the 2006 Outstanding Provider of the Year award from the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies.

Click here to read more

SERV Sites

SERVBHS-Updated Map

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Success Stories

  • SERV Foundation Scholarship Fund recipient graduates with B.A. from Rutgers

    College students are likely to face many challenges on their journey to achieving an academic degree.  But, for a student who also struggles with mental illness, these challenges are multiplied and often seem insurmountable. One such student is Pang-Yen "Ben" H., a consumer with SERV Centers of New Jersey Central Region for nearly seven years.  After 17 years of attempting a higher education and being sidelined by his illness of schizophrenia, Ben earned a bachelor's degree at the age of 34 from Rutgers University in… Read More

  • Family Care Provider opens her home to recovering women

    “Eighteen years have come and gone since mama passed away …But, now I’m with Ms. Hadley. What a wonderful lady – no more rags, (I have) nice suits, dresses and pants. I get to travel and have cookouts and go to church with her. She cooks, I clean, but get compensated for it. No more depression or laziness.” — Excerpt from “The Hadley Residence,” a composition from “Reflections” by Elsie W., a consumer with SERV Centers Hudson County In her tidy home on a one-way street in… Read More

  • Former chauffer is back in the driver’s seat

    As an executive chauffer for many years, Bernard J. traveled many roads. However, for this 59-year-old man who battled Paranoid Schizophrenia, it was the road to recovery that perhaps was the most difficult to navigate. The “friendly” voices in Bernard’s head would give him directions to destinations in northern New Jersey and New York where his employer needed to go, and at times he’d have to whisper to them, “I have this. I know where I’m going.” Another trio of voices would tell him to… Read More

  • When Harry met SERV

    20-year relationship shows mutual respect Ask Harry T., a sports enthusiast and an avid Mets fan, if he is following the 2009 World Series games on television during this first week in November, and he answers, “Nah, I don’t like the Yankees.” But, if there is a Giants or Jets football game, a Nets or Knicks basketball game, or a Devils or Rangers hockey game any time on television, Harry is usually parked in front of his television set in his two-bedroom apartment operated by… Read More

  • SERV consumers flourish at Bloom House

    For 150 years, the large country kitchen of this farmhouse in Middlesex County has been an inviting place for several generations of the Bloom family to welcome guests as they enter through the rear door. The warmth of this room is no different today, as three of Bloom House’s five residents greet a visitor on a recent autumn morning. Jen, Sue and Tresea graciously offer their guest a cup of coffee and sit down at the long table where they have enjoyed many conversations during… Read More

  • SERV consumer’s artwork displayed at museum for people with disabilities

    Christian R. views his neighborhood as one with colorful houses surrounded by neatly trimmed green lawns nourished by bright sun rays. Therefore, when the 18-year-old consumer with SERV Achievement Centers was asked by his teacher at The Academy Learning Center in Monroe Township to draw “My Neighborhood,” that is how Christian accurately depicted the SERV group home where he lives in East Windsor, N.J. Rachel Stern, the teacher at the school for students with autism or autistic-like behavior, saw something special in Christian’s crayon-and-pencil artwork… Read More

  • Consumer invents life-saving helmet

    He can cite the countless jobs, positions and hobbies he says he has experienced in his 61 years: an Army paratrooper in Vietnam, a softball and baseball umpire, a scuba diver, a lifeguard, a horticulturist, a hunter. And now, because of the few years he spent as a firefighter in West Paterson, Ronald Pitak can add one more to his “Jack-of-all-trades” list – inventor. Ronald, a consumer with SERV Centers Passaic County, is the brains behind The Pitak, a helmet designed for firefighters or miners that… Read More

  • SERV consumer has shear talent for barbering

    A shave and a haircut costs much more than the two bits (25 cents) required in the old days, but Wayne L. offers a relatively better bargain in 2009. A resident at SERV’s transitional Serenity House in Mercer County for men recovering from mental illness and substance abuse, Wayne is honing his barbering skills on fellow consumers at the group home for a mere $5, while also working toward his license. Before Wayne started classes at the Tri-State Barber School in Philadelphia more than a… Read More

  • Consumer becomes first part-time employee with SERV’s maintenance department

    Dressed in his navy blue Yankees hooded sweatshirt and jeans, Greg H. is not too concerned about getting drops of pink ceiling paint on them. In fact, he remains free of any splatters as he dips the long-handled roller into the pink paint and applies it to the ceiling of the dining room at SERV’s group home in Middlesex County. He explains that while the paint looks pink in the bucket while wet, it will turn white as it dries on the ceiling. This makes… Read More

  • Supporting mom and baby is a first for SERV

    “Good morning, SERV Behavioral Health System. This is Helena. May I help you?” The cheery greeting comes through loud and clear over the phone as Helena P. readies to direct the incoming call to the Progressive Achievement Center in Ewing, N.J. As SERV Achievement Center’s part-time receptionist for the Progressive Achievement Center (PAC), Helena, 26, keeps post and greets visitors at the nonprofit organization that has employed her since last December for two 5-hour days a week.   Her familiarity with the Center is apparent… Read More

  • Recovery is sheer poetry

    Shanna-Rae M. loves to write poetry. “Give me a subject and five minutes and I could come up with one,” says Shanna-Rae, 47, a consumer with SERV Centers Passaic County.   In fact, her thoughts flow like a river current when she is writing about SERV and recovery or penning a tribute to SERV-Passaic Director Kim DeRosa “to make her feel special.” There is hope and encouragement In every word you speak You have become A champion for the weak Shanna-Rae, who has had over 30… Read More

  • Tim ‘reframes’ his life with SERV

    “I gave myself a chance when I came to SERV, because I was out of options.” That leap of faith is how Timothy M., a consumer with SERV Centers Hudson County, describes his journey from the despair of mental illness, addiction and homelessness to his current state of psychiatric stability, imminent independent apartment living in SERV’s Supportive Housing Program, and nearing the completion of his master’s degree in English literature. “I went from chaos to stability,” Tim says of his life after joining SERV Behavioral… Read More

  • SERV consumer nurtures his mind, body and spirit

    Chuck E. of Union County (NJ) is modest when speaking of his phenomenal success toward wellness and recovery from bipolar disorder. “Yes, I have had successes,” the 25-year-old says, but adds that he will not feel truly accomplished until he is living on his own, has a job and is a contributing member of society. Chuck already is well on his way toward those goals due to his steadfast determination, the support of SERV Behavioral Health System, and SERV’s staff members who have worked with… Read More
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Annual Report

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SERV’s 2013 Art Calendar features the top 10 winning entries from consumers with SERV Centers of NJ and SERV Achievement Centers. It also serves as the 2012 Annual Report, which includes financial results and demographics of both companies. It is produced by the SERV Foundation as an end-of-year fundraising effort. To receive a calendar in the mail, click here.

You can make a meaningful difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of society.

 

GoodSearch: You Search...We Give!

You can help raise money for The SERV Foundation just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch.com. Click here to read more about GoodShop/GoodSearch