EWING, NJ -- J. Barrett Hughes, a former Coordinator in the SERV Centers of New Jersey (SCNJ) Central Region, recently was named Director of SCNJ’s Southern Region. In this position, he will oversee residential and partial-care day programs for mental health consumers (clients) in all of Mercer County.

“Barrett brings with him the awareness, skill and knowledge required for this demanding position and we are excited about his new role at the company,” said Pauline Simms, SCNJ’s Chief Operating Officer.

SCNJ provides residential and support services to more than 1,300 adults recovering from serious and persistent mental illness in five counties: Mercer, Middlesex, Hudson, Passaic and Union.

Hughes began his employment with SERV in 2008 as a Residential Program Manager in Middlesex County and in 2011 was promoted to Coordinator.

He is a graduate of Monmouth University with a master’s degree in professional counseling and Loyola College in Baltimore with a bachelor’s degree in psychology/biology. He is a National Certified Counselor with the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.

In 2014, Hughes received the New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Award for helping to create a vegetable and herb community garden along with consumers at a group home in Middlesex County. The following year, he expanded the program and helped to create a raised garden bed with consumers at another group home in Middlesex.

Hughes, a resident of Howell, said he is looking forward to working with the Southern Region staff and consumers.

“SERV is not just a job or a career; it has become part of my life,” he said. “Prior to my experience here, the Recovery model (consumer-centered) was an unknown. Now it is something I try to foster on a daily basis with all whom I encounter.

“It is my hope to bring a new excitement for Recovery to the Southern Region,” he added. “I hope to establish relationships with staff and residents alike that are motivating and bring out their best qualities.”