NJAMHAA-70th-anniversary-publication

32 advocating at the state, where Wilson worked with Lafer. “Deb rallied people in talking to the state. She always made powerful arguments and gave great input, and she still does,” Wilson said. “Everything about NJAMHAA is forward thinking, well thought out and backed with facts. NJAMHAA’s voice has always been very powerful.” “If it weren’t for Deb’s leadership and team, we would not be where we are today. NJAMHAA has an abun- dance of efforts and services. I see themmoving forward to endless possibilities,” Wilson added. Bill Waldman, Executive in Residence, Rutgers School of Social Work, also first learned about NJAMHAA in the 1970s when he worked at the Department of Human Services (DHS), where he ultimately served as Commissioner. “At DHS, one significant part of my agenda was to reduce reliance on the state psychiatric hospitals, which presented many challenges and were difficult to run. So, one of my primary goals was to ensure people were able to live in the least restrictive environments,” Waldman said, noting that this goal was ultimately addressed by the Olmstead Supreme Court decision under the Americans with Disabilities Act. “This couldn’t be done without the leadership of community providers and NJAMHAA. Having NJAM- HAA there gave me a good place to dialogue on issues, gain good ideas and get things moving,” he stated. “The state had a comfort level working with us,” Lape said, sharing his perspective as a NJAMHAA provider member following his employment at the state. “Deb also has maintained this positive relationship and satisfied a diverse Board that was struggling through difficult economic times. She did a balancing act be- tween the state and providers, which resulted in the state seeing NJAMHAA as a valuable resource.” NJAMHAA as a Legislative Leader: Debra Wentz pictured with: (clockwise from top left) former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Governor Chris Christie, Governor James McGreevey, Congressman Bill Pascrell & NJAMHAA Staff and Con- gressman Rush Holt.