(NEWARK, NJ) -- Greater Newark residents will be able to access various mental health resources and services this week at a "Mental Matters" event hosted by United Community Corporation (UCC). The event will be led by UCC's Community-based Violence Intervention program and hosted at the West Side Park Community Center in Newark on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, and takes place from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Mental Matters aims to raise awareness about mental health and provide essential resources to the community.

Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities and services, including yoga sessions provided by local wellness experts to promote relaxation and mental well-being, healthcare screenings, a grocery distribution, and resource booths featuring information and services from local organizations.

“Taking care of your mental health is very important, and we want to raise awareness about available resources and self-care techniques. Our goal is to provide access and link the community to ways to handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices,” said Yolanda Loney, senior director of UCC’s Youth, Family and Senior Services department.

The event comes to greater Newark residents at a time when millions of people in the United States are impacted by mental illness. In fact, mental illness is among the most common health conditions in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“More than 50% of U.S. adults will need mental health treatment at some point during their lifetime,” according to the CDC. “In addition, 1 in 25 [people] are currently living with a serious mental illness, such as an eating disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or major depression.”

By hosting an event which brings various community partners together to let individuals know what mental health resources are available to them, UCC hopes to take a step in the larger battle of mitigating these numbers.

Mental Matters was made possible by UCC’s partner Wellpoint and various supporters. Covenant House will provide support services for youth, while Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties will offer mentorship programs. The Division of Child Protection and Permanency will share resources for child and family services and Propel America will offer career pathways and training opportunities.

The Brain Injury Alliance New Jersey will provide information on brain injury prevention and support, the Newark Public Library will promote literacy and educational resources, Family Service League/SAVE of Essex County will offer support for victims of violence and exploitation, and One Stop DTE will provide employment and training services.

For more information about the event or to get involved, visit uccnewark.org.

United Community Corporation (UCC) is a Community Action Agency that operates with a mission of assisting low-income, disadvantaged, and at-risk individuals and families, including seniors and youth, to become self-sufficient and self-supporting while enhancing their quality of life and standard of living. For more information or to donate, visit uccnewark.org.