New Wellness Center on Brookdale Community College Campus Promises Holistic Wellbeing

Brookdale Community College is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center, made possible by the generous bequest from the late Caroline Huber. This state-of-the-art facility is set to become a cornerstone of holistic wellbeing, addressing physical health, mental health, social relationships, and intellectual development. It represents a significant milestone in the college’s ongoing mission to enhance the overall wellbeing of all those it serves.

“Caroline Huber’s legacy will forever be etched in the heart of Brookdale Community College,” said President David M. Stout, Ph.D., expressing deep gratitude for the visionary gift that has brought this center to life.

“My mother had unwavering faith in David’s vision,” said Sam Huber, Caroline’s son, and President of the Stone Foundation. “When David showed me the space in its early stages and said, ‘It’s going to be perfect,’ I had no doubt. I believed in it, and now, witnessing its transformation into a truly miraculous space, I’m in awe. As David mentioned, we have remarkable partners among numerous organizations and friends who have embraced this vision and turned it into a magnificent reality. This is an extraordinary realization.”

The Wellness Center has been thoughtfully designed to provide a nurturing environment for individuals to focus on their overall wellbeing. It will offer a wide range of services, including counseling, fitness and wellness programs, meditation and mindfulness sessions, educational workshops, and much more. The goal is to empower individuals to lead healthier, more balanced lives.

Senator Vin Gopal highlighted this endeavor’s significance in the context of rising mental health concerns, emphasizing Brookdale’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of students and families.

“In the last four years, New Jersey has allocated more mental health funding than in the previous 40 years combined,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “Brookdale Community College has an outstanding reputation and is arguably the best community college in the state, if not the entire Northeast. When I offered to secure federal funding, President Stout’s immediate response was to allocate it all to the Wellness Center. This speaks to the college’s unwavering commitment.”

Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone and Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley were present for the occasion.

Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone commended the leadership and vision of President Stout, stating, “Everything he does is for the betterment of the college, and I’m a staunch supporter of President Stout and his transformative work here. Today, we stand at the pinnacle of achievement, thanks to the leadership, dedicated staff, and its exceptional Board of Trustees. Brookdale’s recognition as the best community college in the country is not a stroke of luck, but a result of collective efforts.”

Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley expressed her gratitude. “David’s vision for student health and wellbeing is truly remarkable. He has a profound insight into the challenges our students face, and his dedication to their wellbeing is commendable.”

The Wellness Center has received support from RWJBarnabas Health Monmouth Medical Center, which has generously donated to establish the Nutrition Hub within the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center. This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in promoting comprehensive health.

“At RWJBarnabas Health, our mission is to make our communities healthier, a noble and altruistic pursuit, as health encompasses not only physical wellbeing but also mental, social, and economic health,” said President & CEO of RWJBarnabas Monmouth Medical Center, Eric Carney. “To address these needs, we must act as an anchor, and we do so through partnerships. Many of the partnerships shared this morning have contributed to making this vision a reality, and we are honored to play a small role in collaborating with organizations like Fulfill and Lunch Break to ensure that this nutrition hub genuinely serves the needs of our students.”

The new Wellness Center includes three partner rooms, Clara’s Closet, and the Monmouth Medical Nutrition Hub. Program Manager Marissa Murray of the YMCA of NJ, and Lead Recovery Specialist Joan Sciorta of STAR-Institute for Prevention and Recovery, Breathwork Specialist Megan Callus of Boundless Breath, Wellness Center Faculty Liaison and Associate Professor of Psychology Marlena Frank, Vice President of Community Impact Janelle Garcia and Robin Gardiner from Fulfill and Fatima Carranza of Clara’s Closet and Lunch Break, were represented in their partner rooms and welcomed guests at the Wellness Center opening.

The Wellness Center has garnered immense support from both the college community and external partners. With a diverse range of programs and services, the Wellness Center is poised to meet the needs of Brookdale’s students, faculty, staff, and the wider community. It represents a significant milestone in the college’s ongoing mission to enhance the overall wellbeing of all those it serves.

The Wellness Center is on the Brookdale Community College campus at 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ. From parking lot 1 a path will take you directly to the entrance on the left, or you may park in lot 5 and walk through the Bankier Library building entrance to find the Wellness Center on the back path to the left. For more information about the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center, please visit the website or email wellnesscenter@brookdalecc.edu or call 732-224-2800.