Center for Hope & Safety Names Kristine Pendy, LCSW, as Chief Executive Officer
Behavioral health leader with 30+ years of experience to guide organization in its 50th anniversary year
Rochelle Park, N.J. (June 26, 2026) - Center for Hope & Safety, a nonprofit organization committed to helping adults and children in Bergen County rebuild their lives from domestic violence, has appointed veteran behavioral health executive Kristine Pendy, LCSW, as chief executive officer. She will assume the role on July 6, succeeding Julye Myner, Ph.D., who has led the organization for more than a decade.
Pendy will bring more than 30 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, crisis services and community-based care. Most recently, she served as chief operating officer and vice president of clinical services at Vantage Health System, a comprehensive community mental health center in Bergen County. She previously held senior leadership roles at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Care Plus New Jersey, overseeing clinical operations, residential services and housing initiatives.
Pendy will assume leadership as Center for Hope & Safety celebrates its 50th anniversary under the theme "50 Years of Rebuilding Lives Beyond Domestic Violence." The milestone comes at a time of continued demand for services and growing recognition of the complex challenges survivors face, including housing instability, financial insecurity and trauma. In her new role, Pendy will focus on deepening community partnerships, pursuing new funding opportunities and strengthening programming.
"Kris brings a depth of clinical expertise, strong operational leadership and longstanding relationships across Bergen County's healthcare, law enforcement and human services communities," said Cathy J. Pollak, Esq., board chair of Center for Hope & Safety. "She understands the needs of vulnerable populations and is committed to building on the strong foundation this organization has established over the past 50 years. We are confident she will help lead Center for Hope & Safety into its next chapter of impact and growth."
Throughout her career, Pendy has worked directly with survivors of domestic violence through referrals, grant-funded programs and cross-sector care coordination. She has secured federal and state funding, including initiatives supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and has led programs focused on homelessness, crisis intervention, mental health and trauma-informed care. She also led one of New Jersey's first jail diversion programs and directed Bergen County's Children's Mobile Response and Stabilization Services system.
In addition, Pendy served as the behavioral health expert on grant applications that were awarded funding for Bergen County's Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (BNBMC).
"I have seen firsthand how domestic violence intersects with mental health, housing instability and economic hardship," Pendy said. "For 50 years, Center for Hope & Safety has helped survivors navigate those challenges and rebuild their lives. I am grateful for the support and confidence Julye and the Board of Trustees have shown throughout this transition, and I look forward to ensuring even more individuals and families can access the support they need."
Center for Hope & Safety provides a full continuum of services to adults and children impacted by domestic violence in Bergen County, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, safety planning, legal services, career counseling, economic empowerment programming, and adult and child therapy. The organization operates a free, confidential 24/7 hotline at (201) 944-9600.
Pendy holds a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is a board member of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) and serves as vice chair of Care Plus Workforce Solutions. She is the recipient of the 2025 New Jersey Association of Mental Health & Addiction Agencies Transformational Leadership and Community Advocacy Award and the 2018 YWCA Tribute to Women of Influence Award.
About Center for Hope & Safety
Center for Hope & Safety, formerly Shelter Our Sisters, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults and children in Bergen County rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence. Since 1976, Center for Hope & Safety has been providing a safe haven and critical support services for domestic violence survivors and their children. Our mission is to assist adults and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, economic, sexual, and physical abuse. We offer a full spectrum of free services designed to help survivors be safe, heal and thrive, including confidential safe housing, risk assessments, safety planning, counseling, advocacy, support groups, career counseling, legal services and creative arts therapy for children. Our free, confidential hotline, (201) 944-9600, operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, visit https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/.