NASW Foundation National Programs

NASW Social Work Pioneers^®

Marge Klein

Marge Klein has long been an advocate for clients’ rights. She has concentrated her energies on the concerns of the mentally ill for several years. Her strong position vis-à-vis mental health has permeated her involvement on both a personal and professional level.

Ms. Klein worked as the Director of Administration and Finance at the Mid-Bergen Community Mental Health Center in Paramus, New Jersey, and also as the treasurer of the New Jersey Chapter of NASW. Her social work values are tightly interwoven throughout her practice as an administrator. She has trained her support staff to be mindful of clients’ needs while performing all of their administrative functions.

One of Ms. Klein’s major contributions to mental health was realized in 1992 when she completed her work on a public/private partnership that resulted in the financing and subsequent renovation of a new state-of-the-art community mental health center. This was accomplished through the creation of a mental health bond pool, which included seven other mental health agencies. The project was unique and innovative in that it leveraged contributions by the Department of Human Services and the agencies’ own funding to create a secured loan through the Economic Development Administration.

Ms. Klein’s sophisticated understanding of agency finances and knowledge of mental health services enabled her to serve as a bridge between the non-profit and corporate communities. The unique blend of the above strengths and her advocacy sustained her efforts through tedious and challenging negotiations. Bankers and lawyers learned much about mental health issues from her.

Marge Klein can be distinguished from others in the field by her overriding identification as a social worker. Her adherence to social work ethics and principles is unflagging and inspiring.

Social Work Pioneer – 1993