Doylestown, PA  (October 24, 2019) – Ron Bernstein, Executive Director of Foundations Community Partnership (FCP), has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2020.

Following the sale of Foundations Behavioral Health in 2007, Ron established FCP to improve the lives of special needs youth and their families in Bucks County. In his 13 years at the helm of FCP, Ron has overseen the distribution of more than $5 million in grants and scholarships that support Bucks County nonprofit organizations and residents.

FCP’s grant programs provide funding to a wide variety of organizations serving children, youth, and families – from museums, schools, and nature preserves, to facilities for medically fragile children and victims of domestic violence, among countless others. Ron has sought to strengthen the County’s nonprofit community with FCP’s unique programs, in addition to sharing wisdom and invaluable encouragement.

In collaboration with Doylestown psychologist Dr. Dan Weldon, Ron developed a
“service learning” program for Bucks County college students that would allow them
to gain practical experience while serving the community. Since the inaugural year in 2008, the Summer Youth Corps has provided funding and placed over 150 college students into local nonprofits, where students learn to solve community problems and achieve real objectives while earning college credits and a salary.

FCP has also provided professional development opportunities to psychologists,
social workers, counselors, and educators who serve area youth and families, by offering educational workshops each year.

Ron has been honored for his pioneering work in Bucks County. He was the recipient of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in the humanitarian category (2019), Calkins Media’s Good-Doer Award (2017), Rotary Club’s Four-Way Test Award (2015), and the Family Builder of the Year award from the Family Service Association of Bucks County (2013). His visionary work was also featured in Social Innovations Journal (2017).

“Not only do Ron’s humanitarian efforts support Bucks County’s disadvantaged residents, but they also help effect positive change in the community,” says Diane Ellis-Marseglia, Bucks County Commissioner. “His work is a testament to what we can accomplish on a local level to improve the lives of our most vulnerable residents.”

Prior to establishing Foundations Community Partnership, Ron was President and CEO of Foundations Behavioral Health, a non-profit freestanding health facility. During his tenure with the organization, Ron oversaw the significant expansion of the hospital’s scope of services, as well as the construction of a new administration building, a new community service center, gymnasium, and learning center.

Before joining Foundations, Ron was employed by National Medical Enterprises for eleven years, rising to the position of President & Chief Operating Officer of the Psychiatric Division. Ron also served as CEO at Tidewater Psychiatric Hospital in Norfolk, VA, and as Program Administrator of Mental Health Management, Milwaukee, WI.

A graduate of Upsala College in NJ, Ron earned his M.Ed. from Antioch Graduate School. Ron has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems and a member of the Leadership Council of the Institute of Behavioral Health, Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Health Funders Collaborative. Ron and his family have been
long time members of congregation Shir Ami in Newtown, PA.

Ron and his wife are looking forward to spending more time with their family and grandchildren in New England and Northern California.

The board members of FCP agree that Ron will be leaving a personal and organizational legacy that makes this community a more caring place and continues to transform individual lives.

His replacement will be announced shortly.

 

Media Contact:
Beth Brody
beth@brodypr.com
908-295-0600