Care Plus NJ Brings Access to Behavioral Health Services to Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology Community With Launch of The Lion’s HUB

PATERSON, N.J. (March 24, 2026) – Care Plus NJ, a leading nonprofit provider of integrated behavioral health, substance use disorder, and primary care services across northern New Jersey and one of New Jersey’s first Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC), in partnership with Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology (PCSST), the city’s longest-standing charter school serving the community for more than 23 years, celebrated the opening of The Lion’s HUB, a School-Based Partnership, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 23.

Among those in attendance included Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh and Passaic County Executive Superintendent Kesha Drakeford, who joined school leaders, Care Plus NJ leadership, students, families, and community partners to mark this milestone.

The Lion’s HUB is designed to reduce barriers to care, bringing on-campus student support together with Care Plus NJ’s full continuum of care. Through this model, students and families can access therapy, care coordination, crisis response and family support, with seamless connection to additional services when needed.

The program will serve students in grades K–12 and is designed to embed wellness into everyday school life while making it easier for students and families to receive care when they need it. Services are voluntary, confidential, and available regardless of insurance or ability to pay, with care delivered by licensed Care Plus NJ clinicians.

“The opening of The Lion’s HUB reflects our shared commitment to meeting young people and families where they are and making high-quality behavioral health care easier to access,” said Nicole McQuillen, Senior Vice President of Children and Family Services at Care Plus NJ. “By embedding care coordinators on-site at the Lion’s Hub, this allows us to provide direct access to comprehensive, coordinated services that strengthen emotional well-being, academic success, and long-term stability for students and families.”

The HUB will be open during and after school hours, with evening sessions available to accommodate families. The program serves PCSST students, their families or legal guardians, and school staff, with parent or guardian consent required for student participation. Services are voluntary, confidential, and available regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

“When students feel supported, they’re better able to learn and grow,” said Riza Gurcanli, Lead Person for Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology. “The Lion’s HUB gives our students and families a place to turn right here at school if they’re struggling or just need someone to talk to. Having these services on school grounds makes it easier to get help and reminds our students that their well-being truly matters.”

For more information on Care Plus NJ’s school-based CCBHC partnership programs contact John Paul Simon, Senior Director of Clinical Interventions in Schools at JohnP@careplusnj.org. 

For more information about The Lion’s HUB or to inquire about services, families are encouraged to contact the PCSST school counseling office.

About Care Plus NJ

Care Plus NJ is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated behavioral health, substance use disorder, and primary care services for adults and children across northern New Jersey. As one of the first Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers in the U.S., Care Plus NJ sets the gold standard in delivering accessible, high-quality care regardless of diagnosis or insurance status. The organization serves over 12,000 individuals annually, offering a full continuum of behavioral health and social support services that empower people to reach their full potential. Care Plus NJ works to improve the overall well-being of the communities it serves. 

For more information, visit www.careplusnj.org.