Paterson Healing Collective Announces Opening of New State of the Art Healing Hub

The Paterson Healing Collective and Reimagining Justice Inc. celebrated the official opening of Paterson’s first Healing Hub. This sacred space, pulsating with promise, embodies the essence of transformation and renewal for Paterson’s youth.

Within the walls of 100 Hamilton Plaza, a masterpiece of engagement awaits, calling the youth of Paterson to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. From the energetic support of a game room to the vibrant pulse of a media center, every corner resonates with the potential to inspire greatness. At the core of the Healing Hub lies a commitment to holistic youth services, integrating academic and vocational support with therapeutic care. This sanctuary stands as a testament to the strong spirit of Najee Seabrooks, whose legacy of peace and non-violence continues to illuminate a path towards healing. Najee Seabrooks was a luminary in the realm of violence intervention and dedicated his life to guiding the Paterson community towards reconciliation and healing. His untimely departure serves as a reminder of the urgency of our mission—to nurture the seeds of hope and healing amidst adversity.

“The Paterson Healing Hub stands as a living tribute to our beloved brother, Najee Seabrooks, whose unwavering dedication transformed countless young lives. In his footsteps, we walk, carrying forward his legacy of compassion and empowerment,” said Dr. Liza Chowdhury, Executive Director, Paterson Healing Collective.

“The Paterson Healing Collective extends its deepest appreciation to all of our incredible partners for their pivotal role in bringing this vision to fruition. Their unwavering support and generous funding are the cornerstone upon which our mission rests—a mission dedicated to the well-being and flourishing of Paterson’s youth.”

The Healing Hub opening comes just after last month’s shooting of a 15-year-old who went to a hospital in Paterson’s treatment of a gunshot wound. The shooting was the second time in two days a teen has been wounded by gunfire in the city, authorities said. Youth violence is not a Paterson issue but a national crisis as cities across the country have seen rises in youth gun violence. Since 2019, gun violence has become the leading cause of death among Americans under age 18, surpassing car accidents. A 2023 study in the journal Pediatrics found that gun-related injuries are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S.

“I am so grateful for the work of the Paterson Healing Collective led by their dedicated Executive Director, Dr. Liza Chowdhury,” said Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. “Our city is made better each day thanks to the hard work of community leaders like Dr. Chowdhury and her wonderful team. I commend them for bringing Patersonians together through education and civic action, and I thank them for everything they do for our Silk City community.”

Central to the Paterson Healing Collective’s work is the recognition of trauma and mental health within the fabric of our community. By destigmatizing mental health and providing culturally responsive resources, they work to foster resilience and develop positive relationships with Paterson residents. The Healing Hub’s opening was attended by Congressman Bill Pascrell, New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Chairwoman and Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, Passaic County Commissioner John W. Bartlett, Esq., members of Paterson Municipal Council and stakeholders from across the City of Paterson.

“The legislature invested $24 million over the next two years to expand harm reduction and addiction health services in communities throughout New Jersey,” said Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter.

“Paterson welcoming today its Healing Hub and the work of the Paterson Healing Collective to transform our communities is a testament to the need for the funding and the difference it will make in harm reduction. We are fighting addiction with transformative and restorative practices. These programs will provide much-needed support to families and individuals in safe spaces in their own communities.”

The Paterson Healing Hub is located at 100 Hamilton Plaza, Paterson, NJ 07505. The Center is fully operational and is expected to serve thousands of Paterson residents this year.

About Paterson Healing Collective:

Founded in 2020, the Paterson Healing Collective is New Jersey’s premier organization centered on healing.  PHC has since emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil of violence, rooted in the halls of St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, NJ. Our mission transcends mere intervention; it embodies a commitment to transformation and healing. When tragedy strikes and a gunshot reverberates through our community, we stand ready, offering solace and support to the wounded. But our work goes beyond mere assistance; it is a call to heal and a plea to break the cycle of violence and retaliation. Since our inception, the Paterson Healing Collective has stood as a devoted caretaker of our city’s wellbeing, offering support and guidance to those in need. Our Intervention Workers serve as mentors, guiding youth, young adults and families towards the realization of their aspirations and dreams.

Through our community-based violence intervention efforts, we strive to restore peace and promote alternatives to violence. Our multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of medical professionals with the wisdom of trusted community partners, ensures that every individual receives the care and support they deserve.  At St. Joseph’s Hospital, our Interventionists stand as guardians of healing, connecting victims and their families to vital support services. Through support groups facilitated by Mental Health Specialists and Case Managers, survivors find sanctuary—a safe space to share their stories and embark on the journey towards healing.

The Paterson Healing Collective is more than an organization; it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope in times of darkness. With every intervention, every connection made, we inch closer to creating a future characterized by peace, empathy, and healing.

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About Reimagining Justice:

Reimagining Justice Inc. currently sits at our nation’s vanguard of crafting and advocating for groundbreaking policies and provides cutting-edge training initiatives aimed at supporting healing-centered solutions to community-based violence. Since its incorporation, Reimagining Justice Inc.’s mission has been to advocate to reimagine a system that incorporates culturally responsive, evidence based and trauma informed solutions that adequately support communities that are most impacted by violence. We provide technical assistance and capacity building training to organizations  and raise awareness around the disproportionate impact of gun violence on young men and women of color.

Reimagining Justice Inc. champions evidence-based models such as Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs, crisis intervention, and transformative justice. We recognize the interconnectedness of social determinants to violence, including poverty, housing insecurity, and structural racism, and advocate for investment in resources that address these underlying factors.

Central to our mission is the acknowledgment of the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma and structural trauma on communities of color. Through policy advocacy and community engagement, we strive to reimagine a system that prioritizes culturally responsive, evidence-based, and trauma-informed solutions. By fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of community-based public safety initiatives, we aim to shift the focus towards prevention and intervention, ultimately creating safer and more resilient communities for all.