YWCA Northern New Jersey to Launch State’s First Center for Racial Healing
New Clinical Racial Trauma Program Trains Providers, Educates Communities, and Expands Access to Culturally Competent Care
Hackensack, NJ. (September 18, 2025) - Tomorrow, the YWCA Northern New Jersey (YWCANNJ) will announce the launch of the Center for Racial Healing, the first clinical racial trauma program of its kind in New Jersey.
This pioneering initiative aims to address the enduring mental health impacts of racism by providing culturally competent care, training mental health professionals, and expanding public awareness. To mark the official launch, YWCANNJ will host a community breakfast and panel event on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Montclair State University.
The Center’s launch was made possible through state funding led by Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (LD-35), and Senator Gordon M. Johnson (LD-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, especially in its effects on Black communities. Yet, a majority expressed skepticism about whether recent efforts to address it have led to meaningful change. The Center for Racial Healing directly responds to this need for deeper, systemic solutions.
“This is not just about offering services, it’s about creating a cultural shift in how we understand and respond to racial trauma,” said Helen Archontou, CEO of YWCA Northern New Jersey. “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.”
Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Care
At the heart of the Center’s mission is workforce development: training clinicians and providers to recognize how racial trauma manifests psychologically, physically, and spiritually, and to deliver affirming, culturally responsive care. This approach is critical to addressing long-standing gaps in mental health services for communities of color.
The Center will also offer free clinical referrals for individuals impacted by racial trauma, removing financial barriers and ensuring access to appropriate care. Services accessed through these referrals will be provided at no cost to clients.
Community Launch Event at Montclair State University
This free public event will feature two expert panel discussions:
Panel 1: Racial Trauma and Its Impact - This discussion will explore how racism and systemic oppression affect mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and how these effects manifest across generations. Panelists will highlight real-life examples of racial trauma and emphasize the need for culturally responsive care to support healing.
Panel 2: Crisis in Care: Addressing the Shortage of Racial Trauma Specialists - This session will examine the lack of racial trauma education in mainstream mental health training and the resulting barriers to equitable care. Panelists will discuss the changes needed in mental health education, policy, and practice to close these gaps and promote inclusive, affirming services.
Confirmed panelists include:
Dr. Jesselly De La Cruz, Executive Director, Latino Action Network Foundation
Brandon McKoy, President, The Fund for New Jersey
Amber Reed, Co-Founder and President, AAPI New Jersey
Dr. Monique Swift, Mental Health Expert and Founder, Swift Solutions Consultancy
DeShaunta Johnson, PhD, ABPP, Clinical Psychologist, Ombudsperson, and Conflict Resolution Specialist
The event will also feature a welcome video message from Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, recognizing the significance of this milestone for racial equity and mental health in New Jersey.
Following the launch, YWCANNJ will release a public education toolkit and video series to raise awareness about racial trauma and offer practical resources for healing and advocacy. These materials will be made available at YWCANNJ.org/racial-justice.
To RSVP for the Center for Racial Healing Launch Event on September 19, or to learn more about available services, visit YWCANNJ.org or email zy@taradowdellgroup.com
About YWCA Northern New Jersey
For over a century, YWCA Northern New Jersey has improved the lives of thousands of women, girls, and families and is on the forefront of the fight against gender and racial discrimination. We work to build more just and inclusive communities through programs for women and girls, anti-racism training, and policy advocacy. We operate healingSPACE, Bergen County’s only Sexual Violence Resource Center (hotline number: 201-487-2227) and provide year-round child care, and senior wellness programs. YWCA Northern New Jersey serves Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties. To learn more, visit ywcannj.org and follow @ywcannj on social media.