MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners honored two longtime nonprofit leaders Wednesday for their decades of service to the community as they prepare for or begin retirement.
Debbie Leon, the retiring executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Morris County, and Michelle Borden, who retired Sept. 1 as president and CEO of NewBridge Services, were presented with framed resolutions of honor during the commissioners’ public meeting in Morristown.
Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw and state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco led the presentations at the county’s Administration and Records Building, where supporters of both women gathered to recognize their contributions.
“Tonight, we are recognizing the nearly 60 years of combined service of two wonderful civic leaders,” said Director Shaw.
“Under Debbie’s leadership, Literacy Volunteers of Morris County has helped thousands of adults and has become one of the largest and most respected volunteer-based literacy programs in New Jersey,” Shaw added. “Michelle, who joined NewBridge in 1997, rose through the leadership and was named CEO in April 2020, has led an agency providing counseling, housing and education to residents of Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties, including a program assisting seniors with independent living.”
Bucco also presented New Jersey Joint Senate and Assembly resolutions recognizing Leon and Borden, sharing personal stories about his experiences with both leaders and their organizations.
Borden credited her colleagues and the organization’s staff for NewBridge’s accomplishments during her tenure.
“We did this together. Everyone,” said Borden of her time with NewBridge. “No one person could ever do what we do. We have a great foundation, and there is more to come.”
Leon, who has led Literacy Volunteers of Morris County for nearly 30 years, reflected on the organization’s impact and the volunteers who have supported its mission.
“It’s been 30 years, and it’s been a privilege to work with this organization,” Leon said of her work with Literacy Volunteers. “It’s not just me alone. It’s a board, it’s our volunteers – we have hundreds of volunteers, we have thousands of students, and we can change lives by opening doors. … It’s been an honor.”
Leon, a former attorney admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey, brought a background in nonprofit management to Literacy Volunteers, overseeing programs, finances and fundraising while leading a staff of five and hundreds of volunteers.
The organization provides free one-on-one and small-group instruction to adults, including English as a Second Language, reading and writing, high school equivalency preparation, basic math and citizenship preparation.
Literacy Volunteers also partners with Morris County Employment and Training Services to provide English language instruction to individuals seeking employment, occupational training and career advancement.
Borden, a licensed clinical social worker, joined NewBridge Services in 1997 after spending more than a decade overseeing psychiatric and substance use programs at East Orange General Hospital.
Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, she helped establish the Morris County Human Services Response Network, an initiative that contributed to New Jersey becoming one of the first states to certify crisis counselors for disaster response.
Borden held several senior leadership positions at NewBridge, including chief operating officer, before becoming CEO in April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began. During that period, the organization expanded telehealth counseling and online mental health resources.
Under her leadership, NewBridge opened a two-building headquarters and campus in Pompton Plains in 2023 as the organization celebrated its 60th anniversary. The agency also joined Christian Health in 2024.
In 2025, Borden received the Outstanding Leadership Award from the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.
NewBridge was founded in December 1963 as the Pequannock Valley Mental Health Center, initially operating from the former Pompton Plains library and serving Pequannock and five neighboring communities.
Today, the organization provides counseling, housing and educational services throughout Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties. Its programs include Senior Assistance for Independent Living, known as SAIL, which offers free services to Morris County residents age 60 and older.
More information about the organizations is available at www.lvmorris.org and www.newbridge.org.
