Bridgeway Rehabilitation 50th

Ed Murphy Bridgeway is Born For many years Ed was executive director of the Mental Health Association of Union County, where he developed community residences, support groups for consumers of mental health services and their families, employment possibilities for peer support workers, as well as programs for persons in domestic violence. “Bridgeway was founded by the Mental Health Association of Union County. They’re a citizens advocacy organization. When they applied for funding, they never saw themselves as a permanent operator of a clinical program. They always saw themselves as independent advocates who would promote mental health, but they saw a need to have this kind of service that was being offered. They applied and got a grant to start Bridgeway as a psycho-social rehab program. Then in 1972, I became the executive director. Part of my charge being hired was, would I be able to in a period of time see that Bridgeway was stabilized, operating properly and set it apart as a separate entity. I was with the Mental Health Association for 29 years. Somewhere along the line, as the executive director, when I saw the time was ready, I suggested to the board of directors that they have a committee to oversee Bridgeway and their daily operations. They would eventually become the new board of directors for Bridgeway when they separated from us. The more clinically trained people of the board took on that task. When the time came, they became the new board of directors. I am proud of the fact that I helped set up a process where they’ve thrived as independent organization without us.” I am proud of the fact that I helped set up a process where they’ve thrived as independent organization. “Bridgeway was started by independent advocates who saw the need for the services Bridgeway provides.”