Later this month, a new mental health community center in South Jersey will officially open its doors. 

The Con-Vivir Wellness Hub will provide affordable mental health services and information about available resources to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The word “Con-Vivir” is Spanish for “living well together.”

The hub is an initiative of Allies in Caring. Founded in 2012, Allies in Caring is a nonprofit that provides culturally responsive mental health services to disadvantaged and under-resourced communities in South Jersey.

Con-Vivir will offer mental health services to people who don’t have access to valuable resources due to economic and language barriers.

“We designed this space especially for people who face barriers such as difficulties in obtaining mental health services due to stigma, discomfort of requesting help, limited availability of time, lack of childcare, difficulties with transportation, lack of health benefits, and lack of culturally responsive assessment methods and treatment approaches,” Ivette Guillermo-McGahee, Founder and Executive Director of Allies in Caring, said in a press release.

Other services include free and affordable in-person and virtual counseling and education programs that will aim to foster resilience, promote healing and bring people together in meaningful interactions. 

In addition, Con-Vivir will also offer career development training for unemployed and underemployed residents who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. 

Services will be available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. 

The ribbon cutting opening ceremony for the Con-Vivir Wellness Hub will take place at 100 S Second St. in Hammonton, NJ. on Thursday, May 20, 2021. This is an all-day event. You can choose from these time slots: 10:30am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm. Starting at 3:30pm, a "Mindful Class for Families" class will be taking place.

All community members are welcome to attend the opening ceremony, take a tour, learn more about the center services and much more. To learn more or RSVP for one of the available time slots, click here.