In the News From the STAR LEDGER, Sunday, August 9, 2009 Child of the 60s found a way to help MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS By Candice Leigh Helfand STAR-LEDGER STAFF CORY STORCH 59, Plainfield MAKING A DIFFERENCE The United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA) presents awards of distinction every year for outstanding contributions to the field of psychiatric rehabilitation. This year, the Irvin Rutman Award was given to Storch, executive director of Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services in Elizabeth, in recognition of his hard work. He was nominated by his co-workers at Bridgeway, unbeknownst to him, and he said he was both surprised and humbled to receive the recognition. "I know some of the previous winners, and it's a real honor to be connected to them in this way," he said. All his life, Storch felt a need, a desire, to make a positive impact on the world around him. "I grew up in the 60s, so I always had this belief that I had to make a difference in the world," he said. "I just wasn't always sure what that difference would be." So he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Buffalo in 1972, and his masters in rehabilitation and counseling from the University of Arizona in 1975. Storch admits, though, that when he first sought work in the field, he wasn't sure what to expect. "When I applied to work at Bridgeway, I wasn't sure what I was getting into "¦ but it turned out to be the perfect opportunity," he recalled. "I really attribute (my passion) to the field to the people I serve -- the fact that you can really recover from mental illness seems to be a well-kept secret, and our society doesn't understand that, so working here gives me a great opportunity to carry that message to more people." JOBS ARE KEY Bridgeway, a nonprofit mental health organization, assists area adults coping with mental illness by providing them with the training and skills necessary to live more independent, fulfilling lives, and to contribute to their communities. Particular emphasis is placed upon finding their patients employment. "It's really the best therapy, more powerful than medication, in recovering -- it offers them self-esteem," he said. "Think about it -- you meet so many people through your job, and spend so much of your time working, and when people with these disabilities have no opportunities to work, they lose so much more than money." Their desire to reach out to the community has led the organization to reach beyond Union County's borders, partnering with other businesses and implementing fundraisers, such as their upcoming walkathon in Bridgewater on Oct. 18. As a result, Bridgeway has become a leader in the development of the psychiatric rehabilitation field, a distinction employees feel stems from the hard work and vision of people such as Storch. "We do really wonderful things here" and we're inspired by the results we see on a day-to-day basis," said Kathy Smith, assistant director for community relations. "And a lot of that success comes from the top." For more information about Bridgeway, and the services it provides, visit their website at bridgewayrehab.com. FAMILY Wife, Lois; daughter, Alexa, 27; son, Matthew, 23