Wayne Gretzky once said, “Skate to where the puck will be, not where it is now or was a second ago.” I couldn’t agree with this strategy more, which is why I’m thrilled to announce that Oaks Integrated Care and Preferred Behavioral Health Group plan to affiliate on October 1, 2016. The new partnership will enhance our mission, expand services into Monmouth and Ocean Counties and strengthen our ability to succeed in the changing healthcare environment.

The affiliation unifies two clinically strong, financially healthy organizations with a shared mission of improving the quality of life for individuals and families living with a mental illness, addiction or developmental disability. Together we will strengthen service delivery, advance best practices and maximize efficiencies. Most importantly, the affiliation brings the opportunity for growth, giving more people access to compassionate, quality care.

I firmly believe that in today’s changing healthcare environment, our future success relies on strategic planning and the strength of state-wide partnerships. Like many other providers across New Jersey, we cannot predict what lies ahead. However, we can create positive change by considering creative, innovative approaches. We must “skate to where the puck will be” to ensure we can continue to help those who desperately need our services.

As an affiliate, Preferred Behavioral Health Group will keep their name and remain an independent company under the leadership of CEO, Mary Pat Angelini, while becoming a member of the Oaks family of services. The affiliation is dependent on the final approval from the State of New Jersey and the organizations’ Boards of Trustees.

With a combined budget of 124 million dollars, nearly 200 programs serving 25,000 people and over 2,200 employees, Oaks Integrated Care will emerge as one of New Jersey’s most comprehensive human service providers. As always, I sincerely appreciate the support of our Board of Trustees, employees, donors, volunteers and partners throughout this process. Thank you for your willingness to embrace this positive change for our organization and the community at large.

Cheers to the next step in our journey,

Bob Pekar
Chief Executive Officer