NYS Justice Center Honors Rockland Psych Center Care Worker

The NYS Justice Center has announced that Kristin Copeland, Peer Bridger with Alliance for Rights & Recovery, has been selected as a recipient of the Justice Center’s Code of Conduct Award for the 2025 program. 

In 1994, the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services created the first Peer Bridger Program in the nation to support long-term residents of New York State psychiatric hospitals with lived experience of mental health, addiction, and trauma-related challenges to make successful transitions into their home communities. 

For more than three years, Kristin has served as a compassionate and skilled Peer Bridger, supporting people from Rockland Psychiatric Center. She meets each person with respect, patience, and authenticity, walking with them rather than leading from ahead. 

“Peer Bridgers redefine what it means to provide person-first support in New York,” said Justice Center Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray. “They are coaches, not case managers – artfully helping people who are going through major life transitions navigate complex systems with empowerment, dignity, and hope. Kristin, your work is vital and worth celebrating – thank you for all that you do.” 

Those honored with a Code of Conduct Award truly embody the Justice Center’s founding principles and standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to ensure people enrolled in programs under Justice Center jurisdiction receive support in a manner that prioritizes their dignity, safety, and rights. 

“Kristin’s work reflects the core values of recovery: autonomy, whole-person support, and the belief in every person’s ability to heal and thrive. The Alliance is incredibly proud to have Kristin as part of our team, and we thank her for her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and heart. Her work embodies the very best of our mission—and the transformative power of peer support,” shared the Alliance for Rights & Recovery. 

Awards are compiled by the NYS Justice Center each year. Winners are selected by the Justice Center’s Advisory Council – a group that provides guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations. The council consists of service providers, people who have or are currently receiving services, their family members, and advocates. 

The Justice Center received more than 200 nominations for this year’s program. Six winners were selected from a dozen finalists. Each submission highlighted the dedicated members of our State’s human services workforce.