About Us
As a subsidiary of CarePlus NJ, Inc., a pioneer in integrated behavioral and mental health services for adults and children, CarePlus Workforce Solutions has proudly helped over 300 people find and retain employment since our founding in 1996. That’s hundreds of lives that have been given a true sense of purpose and independence.
For over 20 years, we have worked to remove the barriers to employment for disabled and disadvantaged individuals by providing them with job opportunities, training and support, enabling them to make valuable contributions to the community.
With a workforce comprised of over 75% disabled and economically disadvantaged individuals across New Jersey and New York, our employees undergo extensive training, earn competitive wages and have worked hard to overcome obstacles in their lives. As a result, they take tremendous pride in their work. Because of the adversity they have faced, they care more and try harder.
Meet Our Team
John Maisto
Executive Director
John joined Care Plus NJ approximately 30 years ago. Graduating from Farleigh Dickson University with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work, he started his career providing vocational counseling services in the Partial Hospital Department. After working directly with clients for many years, John realized those participating in the workshop activities were capable and motivated to work at a higher level. The need to provide meaningful work and teach marketable skills is how Care Plus Laser Imaging as a division and eventually Care Plus Workforce Solutions (CPWS), was formed.
In 1996, John brought the business concept of remanufacturing cartridges to the agency. The team of three included John, his supervisor, and one client who completed most of the remanufacturing, with John delivering the cartridges from his personal vehicle. The gross sales for the first year was approximately $17,000. With John’s dedication, our “remanufactured cartridge business” expanded, and now includes CPWS as a certified HP dealers selling OEM (new products) and an ecommerce site! John has worked tirelessly to help CPWS grow the business model to also offer janitorial and laundry services. Our collective business tracks have grossed 6 million dollars in sales! When asked why do this type of work John said: “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing our workers take ownership, pride and dedication in their work. When our workers move on to other opportunities, I feel we have done our job at CPWS.
As the new President of CPWS, John plans to continue to excel and lead the company to even greater heights and display why he was the best candidate for the job.
Ed Johnson
Sales/Marketing Manager
Ed started his journey at CPWS in 2020 as the Social Media Specialist. In 2021, he began helping Care Plus NJ with their social media initiative as well. For CPWS, he helped to establish the company’s presence on social media to help further establish the reputation with the public.
As big changes were made within CPNJ with the retirement of Joe Masciandaro and the appointment of Brigitte Johnson as the new CEO, changes also needed to be made within CPWS.
The new President of Care Plus Workforce Solutions, John Maisto, felt Ed was more than capable to handle the new Sales/Marketing Manager position, in which he accepted.
John and Melisha both have shown great confidence and given Ed the most support that he has needed in giving him training courses to take to ensure that he excels in this new role.
Melisha Osorio
Asst. Director of Operations
Care Plus NJ, Inc. is a not-for profit mental healthcare facility, that has been providing superior mental health services to the disabled community since 1978. Melisha Osorio (Mel) joined the Agency in 2016. She graduated from Felician University with an MBA, and started her career with CPWS as an Assistant Operations Manager. Mel has taken to the CPWS’ mission to provide meaningful work and teach marketable skills. She is hands on and works closely with Accses NJ in managing the Laundry contract. Visiting the sites monthly and working closely with staff to ensure we provide exceptional services on all of our State run facilities.
After a year, Mel was promoted to the Operations Manager position and She supports in managing a staff of approximately 35 disabled workers and 3 non-disabled workers with gross sales of approximately $10 million across all of CPWS’ lines of businesses. Because Mel also works closely with our Janitorial Staff, Mel is part of the Infection Control Committee, which helps to prevent or stops the widespread of infections in the agency.
With the recent promotion of CarePlus NJ’s Brigitte Johnson as the new CEO, there was a necessary change needed within the CPWS organization. Upon a stringent interviewing process, it was clear that Melisha was head and shoulders above every other candidate.
Melisha’s extensive knowledge and experience with day-to-day operations as well as working with the clients, shows her qualification to take on the position at a high level to make CPWS an even better organization.
CarePlus Workforce Solutions Board of Trustees
Jeffrey Kontak
Board Chair
Kristine Pendy, LCSW
Vice Chair
Charles Wilkes, Esq.
Secretary
Paul A. Meyer
Emeritus Past Board Chair
Cristina Salas
Board Member
Stuart Pace
Board Member
Daniel P. Hartigan
Board Member
Our Mission
At CarePlus NJ, we strive for excellence in mental health, addiction recovery, and community-based services. Our goal is to offer affordable, accessible, and holistic-centered care that empowers individuals to reach their full potential and enhance their quality of life.
Our Vision
CarePlus NJ, The Premier Healthcare Provider: delivering integrated wellness to individuals, families, and the community, now and for future generations.
Our Values
Respect
We acknowledge and respect the social, spiritual, and cultural experiences of all individuals.
Access
We value providing accessibility to care.
Empower
We view staff as our most important resource and invest in our staff’s growth and development.
Inclusive
We provide high-quality care for all without discrimination.
Commit
We have a continued commitment to lead by example in providing quality services.