A Message from CEO, Paul Rieger
Dear Friend,
I am reaching out today first and foremost to say thank you for your support of our mission. I’ve received many calls of support and offers of help and I am very grateful. Everyone is facing unprecedented challenges and yet I am seeing, first-hand, the generosity of the human spirit.
As a 24/7 health care facility, the CV19 health crisis has presented Bonnie Brae with incredible challenges in keeping our community safe, healthy and fully staffed. We continue to be proactive in our approaches, drawing guidance and expertise from government and health entities, community partners, and peer providers.
Many of you have asked how you can help. Below are ways you can directly help Bonnie Brae navigate this crisis, and continue to care for at-risk and vulnerable youth:
Donate Supplies:
Bonnie Brae is first and foremost, a health care facility dedicated to the mental, emotional and behavioral health of youth. As such, we are in need of the following items to help us care and provide for our youth and staff:
3 Ply Filter Masks; N95 Masks; Gowns; Gloves; Thermometers; Thermometer Probe Covers; Hand Sanitizer; Laundry Pods; Individually Wrapped Snacks; K-Cup Pods (for staff)
If you have supplies to donate, please contact Maureen Hunt (908-647-4700) in the Development Office and she can work with you and arrange for drop-off or pick up.
Make a Financial Donation:
The current health crisis is placing an unprecedented strain on our budget as we strive to ensure we have the staff and supplies we need to continue to provide treatment, care and education to our youth. Please consider making a financial contribution and note that the recently passed stimulus package allows for an above the line charitable tax deduction. Beginning with 2020 tax returns, taxpayers will be able to claim up to $300 in cash contributions to charity as a deduction without itemizing. Thank you for supporting our very own Bonnie Brae heroes who help and serve our youth day in and day out. Donate Now
Donate Games, Activities, Books:
We have 93 boys on our main campus and 20 in community homes. As in many families, we are challenged to find activities that keep everyone busy. As such we are seeking new or gently used games, books, and dvds appropriate for middle-school and high school age youth. We are also seeking safe, outdoor activities like Kan Jam, Giant Jenga, Cornhole, etc. Please contact Maureen Hunt in the Development Office to arrange for drop-off or pick up (mhunt@bonnie-brae.org 908-647-4700).
Share Your Support and Keep Us in Your Thoughts:
Let our boys and staff know you are thinking about them by sending an email to: developmentmail@bonnie-brae.org. We will share your encouraging words with them.
Follow Suggested Protocols to Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy
Staying home and practicing social distancing is the best way to slow the spread of this virus and keep our families and communities safer and healthier.
We know we will get through this together. Thank you again for your continued support of our youth, staff and mission.
Wishing you all health and strength during this critical time.
Sincerely,
Paul D. Rieger, MSW
Chief Executive Officer
