GRAND RAPIDS – Pontiac-based New Passages Behavioral Health & Rehabilitation Services today joined forces with Hope Network, a statewide provider of specialty health care services and community-based programs, strengthening care for thousands of consumers in southeast Michigan and statewide.
As part of the partnership, Hope Network will launch a Troy-based research and development center, the Hope Institute for Research. The Institute, headed by New Passages CEO and founder Dennis Jacobs, Ph.D, will help Grand Rapids-based Hope Network continue to be one of Michigan’s leading providers of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, developmental disability services and behavioral health treatments.
“Hope Network is excited about the potential of this partnership to strengthen services and enhance care for our 13,000 Southeast Michigan consumers,” Hope Network CEO Phil Weaver said. “As one seamless organization, Hope Network and New Passages will be able to provide innovative health care solutions that assure better outcomes for every individual and family we serve.”
The expanded Hope Network employs nearly 3,000 workers and serves nearly 25,000 people each year throughout Michigan. The nonprofit organization provides more than $120 million in services at more than 180 locations across 75 counties. Together, Hope Network and New Passages provide nearly $40 million in services in Southeast Michigan and employ about 925 people in the region.
“I’m confident that Hope Network will build on New Passages’ tradition of providing the highest quality care for our consumers and the greater community,” said Dr. Jacobs, a clinical psychologist who founded New Passages in 1987. “The new Hope Institute for Research creates an unmatched opportunity to advance best-practice approaches in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, developmental disability services and behavioral health treatments.”
Consumers should not notice any significant disruption to their care. Hope Network will retain the New Passages name and merge the organization into its behavioral health system. Pat Howe, executive director of Hope Network Behavioral Health, will lead the combined behavioral health operation.
Weaver praised Dr. Jacobs and his strong leadership team for their knowledge and commitment to Southeast Michigan consumers, families and communities.
“Hope Network looks forward to building on existing relationships and creating opportunities to work with health care organizations, including local physician practices, hospitals and insurers,” Weaver said. “We are committed to providing comprehensive care to our consumers throughout Michigan.”
Under terms of the deal, one member of New Passages’ board of directors will join Hope Network’s board and another member will be added to the Hope Network Foundation board. New Passages directors have been asked to serve on an advisory board to shape services and provide local accountability in the communities Hope Network serves.
Hope Network was founded in 1963 to empower people with disabilities or disadvantages to achieve their highest level of independence. The nonprofit organization provides a continuum of specialized care for those with brain and spinal cord injuries, mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and other disadvantages. Hope Network support services include transportation, subsidized housing, case management, community-based services, and workforce development.