In 2001, The North Ward Center opened Casa Israel Adult Medical Day Care Center in Newark’s Forest Hills neighborhood with the goal of providing essential assistance to residents in need of daily support.
On September 20, nearly 12 years after that auspicious launch, the Center’s clients and staff members celebrated not only an anniversary but also Casa Israel’s emergence as a community cornerstone that provides the highest quality care to its clients.
“For so many residents, Casa Israel is like a second home,” said Adrianne Davis, the executive director of The North Ward Center. “We’re involved with our clients’ family members on a daily basis to help them not only with their health, but with an array of complex issues, including housing and insurance.”
Casa Israel Adult Medical Day Care Center provides high quality care, recreational services and essential companionship to Newarkers in need of daily support. Services include primary and preventive health care, as well as therapeutic and recreational services to Medicaid clients and other eligible adults.
“Our clients are our extended family,” said Kate Flores, director of Casa Israel. “We’re a safe place. There are some individuals who come here who have many hardships and don’t have anywhere else to go.”
Casa Israel can serve up to 120 clients per day, Flores said.
“I love it here and I don’t miss one day,” said Geraldine Latarraca, a North Ward resident and long-time Casa Israel client.
“The best thing about it here is that it doesn’t change: Casa Israel continues to give back to the Newark community,” added Latarraca, who said she most enjoys the center’s recreational activities, which include art and music sessions.
Newark resident Sharon Morton has been coming to Casa Israel for its entire 12-year run and considers it not just a piece of the community but a community in and of itself.
“People come here to enjoy themselves and meet new friends and stay active,” Morton said. “For many of us, if Casa Israel weren’t here, we wouldn’t be having any of these experiences. It’s a good place.”
As entertainer Julian Hernandez serenaded the crowd with covers of Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli, as well as more upbeat performances of hits like Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” clients sang, danced and celebrated.
“Casa Israel is about keeping people active, happy and engaged in the Newark community,” said Stephen N. Adubato, founder of The North Ward Center and Casa Israel.
