We are proud to share the powerful reflections of Barry Mandelbaum on his six decades of leadership, advocacy, and unwavering support for the Mental Health Association (MHA).
Barry’s journey with MHA began in 1964—and what began as a professional connection quickly turned into a lifelong mission to uplift individuals with mental illness and special needs. From serving as Director, Vice President, and Counsel, to championing the formation of the President’s Giving Society, Barry’s contributions have shaped MHA’s legacy and extended far beyond.
His advocacy helped secure housing for those facing community and government opposition, led to investigations that improved conditions in state psychiatric hospitals, and spurred the growth of organizations like DARE and Employment Horizons.
Through the years, Barry has not only dedicated his time and talent but has brought along others—like Craig Alexander and Joshua Gorsky—ensuring that the torch of leadership continues.
💙 Thank you, Barry, for being a beacon of hope and for using your platform to make lasting change for thousands. Your story is a true testament to the power of community, compassion, and purpose.
Here are Barry’s reflections:
There are many great stories to be told about the significant impact MHA has had on our lives. The following is my story.
In 1964, I met Bill Dodds, who was then President of MHA, when we were on opposite sides to each other in litigation in which I was suing him on behalf of a client. I subsequently became his attorney, and he asked me to join the Board of MHA, which I did in 1964. At that time MHA operated the Garden School on the grounds of Clara Maas Hospital. As a result of my visits to the Garden School, I wanted to help children with learning disorders (special needs children). As a result, later on I became an Honoree at charitable events held by Lifetime, Pillar, JSDD, and Employment Horizons. All of whom are devoted to assisting individuals with special needs. Furthermore, as a Trustee of a large foundation, I was able to steer substantial gifts to those charities, including building Group Homes, and a 20,000 sq. ft. addition for Employment Horizons.
During my time with MHA, I served as a Director for approximately 30 years (from 1964-1994), as well as a Vice President and its Counsel. During that time, I formed friendships with many of its Directors.
In the late 1970’s, a son of a client of mine overdosed on heroin and they were searching for a source devoted to assisting teenagers who had a dependency on drugs. Arnold Rabin, then Executive Director of MHA, introduced me to DARE which was then a store-front facility in Belleville. I met its sole employee, Richard Roselli and we became good friends. I became Chairman of Dare and during that time we grew the organization to the extent that we purchased the former Orange YMHA and converted it to a residential treatment facility with a medical director and also secured the first grant of $1,000,000.00 to a drug addiction program from the National Institute of Mental Health, and purchased a hotel in Toms River where teenagers who graduated from our program in Orange could go on the weekends and continue their treatment. DARE also operated four gas stations to teach the teenagers enrolled in our program about being employed. Unfortunately, at the height of the program, it became apparent that Richard Roselli had become an addict again and he overdosed and died. I gave all the funds belonging to the organization to the Attorney General of NJ. As a result, DARE is still operating today as a public charity. All of this took place because of the referral by MHA.
Also, in the 1980’s, I was head of a committee made up of MHA members and we toured three state run mental hospitals, Trenten State, Greystone, and Ancora. We found the conditions abominable. We wrote a scathing report of the conditions and the treatment of the patients, which reports were picked up by at least three newspapers and published. It further resulted in my good friend, former Governor Codey, who was then a State Senator, going to Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital the following year as an undercover worker who, as a result of spending three days there, saved more evidence of the mistreatment of the patients. All of which resulted in serious reforms to the living conditions at the hospitals.
In 1988, I was honored by MHA at its annual fund-raising event. In 1989, Dick Codey was the honoree. All of its annual events in the 1980’s and 1990’s, raised significant dollars each year and were run and managed by my friend, David Block. I recruited Dave to join the Board along with many others.
During the time I was a Director of MHA, I started the Presidents Club ( now known as the Presidents Giving Society) , I certainly enjoyed my relationship with many of its Directors including Dennis Smith, who recently wrote a beautiful description about his memories with MHA. Also serving as its attorney, we purchased the facility on South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair.
As a spinoff of MHA, Bob Davison and I currently serve as Trustees of the Codey Foundation for Mental Health, which was started by Gov. Codey.
I am also proud that I introduced Craig Alexander to MHA and as a result, he has served as its President, and is now the immediate past President.
After approximately 60 years since I was introduced to MHA I had the opportunity to attend many wonderful events, make friendships, form many relationships and be offered opportunities to help those who cannot help themselves.
Amongst the many wonderful people that I met within the MHA. I must mention Arnold Rabin, the first Executive Director, Miriam Johns, his Assistant and of course Bob Davison, all of whom have made MHA a spectacular charity.