‘Center for Racial Healing’ Takes Flight In North Jersey

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The YWCA Northern New Jersey (YWCANNJ) recently announced the launch of the “Center for Racial Healing” – the first clinical racial trauma program of its kind in New Jersey.

Advocates said the center will address the “enduring mental health impacts of racism” by providing “culturally competent care, training mental health professionals and expanding public awareness.”

The center will also offer free clinical referrals for people impacted by racial trauma. Services accessed through these referrals will be provided at no cost to clients.

The nonprofit hosted a community breakfast and panel event last Friday at Montclair State University to mark the official rollout.

According to advocates, the center’s launch was made possible through state funding led by Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (NJ-35) and Sen. Gordon Johnson (NJ-37). It comes just months after a series of Rutgers University polls conducted with the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice revealed that a majority of New Jerseyans view racism as a “serious and persistent problem.” Yet, a majority expressed skepticism about whether recent efforts to address it have led to meaningful change.

That’s a worry that the new Center for Racial Healing hopes to help solve, the YWCANNJ said.

“This is not just about offering services, it’s about creating a cultural shift in how we understand and respond to racial trauma,” CEO Helen Archontou said.

“We’re building a pipeline of providers equipped to meet this moment with compassion and expertise, and to ensure care is accessible, responsive, and free for those who need it most,” Archontou added.

To learn more about available services, visit YWCANNJ.org or email crh@ywcannj.org

The YWCANNJ plans to release a public education toolkit and video series to raise awareness about racial trauma and offer resources for healing and advocacy. These materials will be made available at YWCANNJ.org/racial-justice, spokespeople said.

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