A historic brownstone on Clinton Avenue in Newark, just steps from City Hall, has been revitalized to serve as a new community-focused mental health center. Once a cornerstone for Puerto Rican families in the 1980s, the building now hosts El Barrio Wellness, a comprehensive mental health center designed to address the evolving needs of local residents.
After two and a half years of planning and a $1.2 million investment, La Casa de Don Pedro has turned the building into a space that blends tradition with modern mental health care.
“This building has a legacy of serving those in need,” said Peter Rosario, President and CEO of La Casa de Don Pedro. “We’ve created a warm, welcoming environment, with family therapy rooms, kids’ play areas, multipurpose spaces, and 15 offices. In the future, we hope to add a food pharmacy as well, making it a true hub for the community.”
Rosario, who has personal ties to the building, pointed out that it once housed El Club del Barrio, a vital support space during Newark’s HIV/AIDS and drug crises. Although the mission has evolved, the center’s commitment to service remains strong. Inside El Barrio Wellness, the space feels more like a living room than a traditional clinic, designed intentionally to reduce anxiety and build trust.
Dr. Enmanuel Mercedes, a licensed psychologist and the director of organizational wellness at El Barrio Wellness, said, “This center didn’t exist before. Now, we offer services like couples counseling, family therapy, and specialized care for children. We’re focused on making sure that people feel safe and dignified in a space that doesn’t feel clinical or judgmental.”
The center also addresses practical needs. For clients who have trouble accessing the center due to transportation issues, El Barrio Wellness has partnered with Uber Health to offer free rides.
“Our goal is to eliminate as many barriers as possible to receiving care,” said Dr. Mercedes.
The center’s commitment to the community extends to staffing. Many clinicians are Newark residents themselves, deeply connected to the community they serve. The center prioritizes bilingual and immigrant-friendly services, creating an environment where clients feel understood and supported.
“This center is for the community, by the community,” said Yolanda Gonzalez, clinical director at El Barrio Wellness. “Everyone here speaks at least two languages. When people receive care from clinicians who share their background and speak their language, it creates a stronger bond and more effective treatment.”
Currently, El Barrio Wellness employs six clinicians and serves about 40 clients weekly. With the support of partners such as RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, the center plans to expand to 20 clinicians by the end of the year.
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