Recap: Transformation of The Willing Heart Community Care Center into The Willing Heart Family Empowerment Center

Newark, NJ— The recent transformation of The Willing Heart Community Care Center into The Willing Heart Family Empowerment Center marks a historic milestone in Newark's efforts to address social determinants of health and provide vital workforce development programs for residents of Newark and Essex County. Hosted by the visionary Pastor David Jefferson Sr. and Reverend Linda Jefferson, the Sacred Unveiling event held on Sunday, February 25, at the Metropolitan Baptist Church was a celebration of over 15 years of dedication and vision.

The event, graced by esteemed guests including Mayor Ras Baraka, Council President LaMonica McIver, Congressman Donald Payne Jr., and Mark Manigan, CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, was highlighted by a keynote address from Senator Cory Booker and a soul-stirring performance by Grammy Award-Winning Gospel Artist Kierra Sheard-Kelly.

Rooted in Metropolitan Baptist Church's longstanding commitment to community service, The Willing Heart Community Care Center has been a beacon of hope for Newark and its surrounding communities for over 15 years. Under the leadership of Pastor David Jefferson Sr., the center has provided essential services such as hot meals, school supplies, groceries, clothing donations, and healthcare clinics to thousands of individuals and families in need.

With a focus on addressing social inequities in healthcare, employment, housing, food disparity, and poverty, The Willing Heart Family Empowerment Center aims to expand its impact even further. Resource focus areas include food, clothing, healthcare, mental health, maternal health, daycare, and job training for employment, empowering families to live more productive, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

The transformation of The Willing Heart Community Care Center into The Willing Heart Family Empowerment Center represents a significant step forward in Newark's journey towards addressing the social determinants and making impact in the community.