Neighbor News
La Casa de Don Pedro Opens New El Barrio Wellness Center in Newark
$1.2 million mental health facility reimagines former El Club del Barrio site for community-centered care
La Casa de Don Pedro celebrated the grand opening of the $1.2 million El Barrio Wellness, a comprehensive mental health center located at 76 Clinton Ave., the former home of El Club del Barrio. 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: community mental health.
“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.”
“El Barrio Wellness is built by the people it serves and is rooted in the same spirit that made ‘El Club del Barrio’ a beacon decades ago,” said Peter T. Rosario, president and CEO of La Casa de Don Pedro.
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“RWJBarnabas Health is proud to support the new El Barrio Wellness and partner with La Casa de Don Pedro in expanding access to locally informed mental health services in Newark,” said Balpreet Grewal-Virk, PhD, senior vice president, community health, RWJBarnabas Health.
“El Barrio Wellness is proof that when Newark invests in Newark, everyone benefits,” said Patrick O. Council, South Ward councilman.
