A community organization that has served Newark for decades has launched a new endeavor in a historic building hoping to tackle mental health issues.
Officials with La Casa de Don Pedro, founded in 1972, recently celebrated the grand opening of El Barrio Wellness, a $1.2 million comprehensive mental health center located at 76 Clinton Avenue. Once a haven for Puerto Rican families and a pillar of support during Newark’s HIV/AIDS and drug crises in the 1980s, the three-story brick building has been reimagined to meet one of today’s most pressing challenges.
“El Barrio Wellness represents the kind of community-centered investment that defines Newark’s future,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “This facility isn’t just about access to healthcare, it’s about empowerment, dignity, and opportunity for our residents.”…