Diverse Faces Many Lives: New Jerseyans Rely on Mental Health and Substance Use Services to Thrive

3 Until about 15 years ago, we couldn’t imagine doing all the great things we’re doing now. Preferred Behavioral Health Group enabled us to make our dreams come true. 4 Both Bob and Linda were diagnosed with bipolar disorder when they were in their early 20’s. Bob, now 55 years old, started participating in Preferred Behavioral Health Group (PBHG) programs when he was 23. He met Linda in 2005 at a peer-led support center and they got married in 2009. Both of them participated in PBHG’s supported employment and education programs. In 2008, Linda opened an office cleaning business and later earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. She and Bob now run the business together and they recently began serving as Peer Specialists. Today, Bob and Linda are doing very well. Bob aims to earn a personal training certificate, Linda plans to continue her education and they both want to grow their business and keep helping others. Funding Needed to Make More Successes Such as Bob and Linda’s Possible Increase the mental healthcare and substance use treatment safety net budget line to $25 million to fill the deficits being faced for a fourth year that resulted from the shift from contract funding to fee-for-service reimbursement. BOB & LINDA