CarePlus NJ Hosts Mental Health Awareness Event for Mothers and Families

Paramus, N.J. (May 19, 2025) – In recognition of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, the Maternal & Family Center at CarePlus NJ, Inc. (“CarePlus NJ”), one of the nation’s first Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers, will host “Strength of Motherhood: Cultivating Resilience and Empowering Women” on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Women's Club of Paramus, located at 65 W. Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus, NJ.

This free community event invites families to come together in celebration of the strength, resilience, and mental well-being of mothers while promoting greater awareness and support for maternal mental health. Babies and children are welcome to attend alongside caregivers.

The event will feature inspiring guest speakers, including special guest Nayarith Pacheco, also known as Nayarith Rixivesh, author of Forgive or Die, a powerful personal narrative that explores the life-changing impact of forgiveness as a path to emotional healing, personal growth, and inner peace. Pacheco’s message of resilience and healing closely reflects the mission of the Maternal and Family Center, which is dedicated to supporting mothers in their mental health journey and helping them build confidence and strength in motherhood.

Guests will also enjoy empowering conversations with fellow mothers and maternal health professionals, participate in self-care activities like Reiki, massages, and Zumba, and access valuable resources to support their journey through motherhood. Family-friendly activities, including face painting, balloon animals, and more, will be available for children. Refreshments, giveaways, and gifts will also be provided.

“Supporting maternal mental health is about more than just providing services. It’s about creating a safe, connected community where mothers feel seen, supported, and empowered,” said LaDeanna Artis, Senior Director of Outpatient Services for the Maternal and Family Center at CarePlus NJ. “Maternal mental illness is the leading cause of death in pregnant and postpartum women, and with one in seven women experiencing postpartum depression, events like this are critical. Our goal is to help mothers build resilience, strengthen their well-being, and feel confident in their journey through motherhood. Through the Maternal and Family Center, we equip moms with the tools, confidence, and support they need to succeed in both their personal and family lives.”

The Maternal and Family Center at CarePlus NJ provides comprehensive, trauma-informed care to support the mental health and well-being of mothers, parents, and families. Offering a wide range of outpatient services, including individual therapy, psychiatric care, peer support, and parenting resources, the Center is dedicated to helping mothers and families navigate pregnancy, postpartum challenges, and early childhood development with confidence and connection. Through specialized programming, culturally responsive care, and a family-centered approach, the Maternal and Family Center empowers families to thrive at every stage.

Register for the free event here: For more information on the Maternal and Family Center at CarePlus NJ, please visit https://careplusnj.org/maternal-family-center-lp/.

About CarePlus NJ

CarePlus NJ, one of the nation’s first Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers, is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated mental health, substance use, and primary care services for adults and children in northern New Jersey. For more than 45 years, CarePlus NJ, has been the gold standard for delivering high-quality affordable behavioral health and social support programs to individuals and families at every stage of life regardless of diagnosis or insurance status. With over 80 specialized programs, CarePlus NJ is a one-stop provider serving 14,000 children and adults across 11 counties each year delivering a comprehensive range of mental health and addiction treatment services for anyone in need. CarePlus NJ works to ensure everyone has equal access to quality healthcare. To learn more about CarePlus NJ and its wide range of programs and services, visit https://www.careplusnj.org/.