Dear Friends,
I am excited to announce that veteran behavioral health executive Kristine Pendy, LCSW, will assume the role of the organization’s Chief Executive Officer today.
Kris brings 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.
Throughout her career, Kris 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 led one of New Jersey’s first jail diversion programs, directed Bergen County’s Children’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services system, and 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).
Kris 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 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.
As we welcome Kris, we want to celebrate and thank our outgoing CEO Julye Myner, who is stepping down to relocate closer to family. Julye led the organization for 10 years; under her leadership, Center for Hope & Safety formally established an in-house Legal Services Program and launched Creative Connections, a dedicated support group for youth impacted by domestic violence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Julye oversaw the expansion of shelter operations to meet increased need, housing more than 600 individuals in a two-year period. Most recently, Julye led the implementation of a Domestic Violence Housing First model, expanding housing navigation and direct financial assistance to help survivors achieve lasting stability.
We look forward to this new chapter of Center for Hope & Safety’s history and are grateful for the strong community support that has allowed us to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Bergen County for five decades.
Sincerely,
Cathy J. Pollak, Esq.
Chairperson, Board of Trustees