Bridgeway Launches Push to Rebuild Its Union County Outpatient Clinic and Broaden Mental‑Health Care Locally

Campaign announced to raise $2 million to modernize the Elizabeth outpatient clinic

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services has announced a $2 million capital campaign to renovate and expand its outpatient clinic in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The drive is focused on modernizing clinical spaces, improving accessibility and adding technology that will allow the clinic to serve more people and run new programs. For residents of Union County, the campaign promises a sharper and more reliable local option for therapy, walk‑in care and community support.

Why this clinic matters to Bridgeway and the local community

Bridgeway is a community behavioral health nonprofit that provides counseling, addiction services, and other mental‑health supports across a regional network. The Elizabeth site functions as one of the organization’s main outpatient hubs: it sees people for routine therapy, drop‑in services and coordination with local agencies.

Over time, the building and its layout have become cramped and outdated, limiting how many patients can be seen and slowing work for clinicians. Leaders at Bridgeway say the upgrade is meant to bring the site in line with modern clinical standards and make it easier for people to get timely care. Recent local demand — including more requests for same‑day help and for services in languages other than English — has made the case for change more urgent.

Planned renovations: more rooms, better access and upgraded tech

The campaign will fund a phased renovation. Planned work includes reconfiguring exam and therapy rooms to increase capacity, building an accessible entrance and restroom, and installing new telehealth equipment so clinicians can offer virtual visits from the site. Bridgeway also plans to improve waiting areas, privacy features and staff workspace to reduce bottlenecks during busy hours.

Campaign leadership includes Board members and community volunteers who will lead major donor outreach and local fundraising events. Donors will be offered recognition opportunities, including naming rights for key clinic spaces. Bridgeway has set internal milestone targets tied to construction phases so the project can move forward once certain fundraising thresholds are met.

What the community will gain: faster access and broader services

Bridgeway says the renovation will let the Elizabeth clinic see more patients each week, shorten wait times for routine appointments, and expand walk‑in hours for people who need immediate attention. The upgraded telehealth setup is expected to help people who can’t travel easily — including seniors and working parents — by offering blended in‑person and virtual care.

Workforce effects are part of the plan: more usable clinic space means the health system can hire a few additional clinicians and support staff, which should reduce caseload pressure and give patients more consistent follow‑up. Bridgeway also plans to strengthen coordination with Union County agencies to build referral pathways for housing support, substance‑use treatment, and crisis services.

How the fundraising will work and what it means for sustainability

The $2 million goal will be pursued through a mix of major gifts, foundation grants, community events and smaller public donations. Bridgeway intends to time construction in phases to match fundraising progress, which helps limit debt risk. Ongoing operating costs for the expanded site are expected to be covered through a mix of insurance reimbursements, grants and the organization’s existing revenue streams.

Bridgeway leaders stress the campaign is about capital improvements, not an operating subsidy. That means donors are funding the physical upgrade rather than recurring clinical expenses. The organization acknowledges there are limits: even with renovated space, staffing shortages and reimbursement rates across the sector will continue to shape how quickly services can scale up.

How to support the campaign and where to learn more

Bridgeway is accepting donations through its development office and will host local fundraising events over the coming months. People who want to give or learn about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities should contact Bridgeway’s development team or check announcements on the organization’s communications channels for event dates and details.

“This campaign is about removing barriers so more neighbors can get help when they need it,” said a Bridgeway leader. “Upgrading this clinic will let us meet people where they are, with dignity and speed.”

Local indicators point to rising demand for outpatient mental‑health care in Union County, with providers reporting longer waitlists and more requests for same‑day support. If Bridgeway reaches its fundraising goal, the Elizabeth renovation could be a meaningful step toward easing that pressure for many residents.

Photo: Tara Winstead / Pexels

Sources

• prnewswire.com