In the News Bridgeway Executive Director Cory Storch Receives National Award Elizabeth, NJ (June, 2009) - Annually, the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA) presents its Awards of Distinction for outstanding contributions to the field of psychiatric rehabilitation. USPRA’s 2009 recipients will be honored at this year’s 34th Annual Conference, to be held June 29 - July 2, 2009, in Norfolk, Virginia. This year USPRA is recognizing Cory Storch, MS, CPRP, Executive Director of Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, headquartered in Elizabeth, NJ, with the Irvin Rutman Award for his contributions to the field of psychiatric rehabilitation both as executive director of a psychiatric program, and for the promotion of USPRA’s mission. The Irvin Rutman Award is presented in recognition of the exemplary contributions of the Founding President of USPRA and recipient of the 1991 Beard Award. Dr. Rutman was Executive Director of Horizon House for over 30 years and serves as President of Matrix Research Institute. He has played a key role in the development of the psychiatric rehabilitation profession. On announcing the awards USPRA Board chair Dr. Tom Updike, stated “I am pleased to honor such deserving individuals for their contributions to advancing the field of psychiatric rehabilitation. These awards highlight the importance of commitment, leadership and advocacy in the development and implementation of recovery based approaches.” Mr. Storch has worked at Bridgeway for 32 years. Serving as executive director of Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services since 1989, he has helped expand Bridgeway from serving 100 people annually at one location with an annual budget of $600,000, to serving 1,200 people in 12 locations with a budget of $15 million. Mr. Storch has served on the board of New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association and serves on its Public Policy Committee. He previously served as NJPRA’s representative on the New Jersey Mental Health Coalition, a state-wide advocacy program coordinating organization for individuals in recovery. Mr. Storch is a founding member of the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, and currently sits on its executive committee, as well on the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey’s Board of Directors and the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies Public Policy Committee. Bridgeway, a non-profit mental health services agency located in Elizabeth, assists Central New Jersey adults experiencing mental illness by providing people with training and skills necessary to living more independently and successfully in the community.