ABOUT US
NJCRI distinguishes itself by its 30 year history of providing HIV/AIDS care and treatment to individuals in Northern New Jersey. We are a strong integrated team between all our departments and our full service model, makes NJCRI unique and a welcome oasis for our community. We will continue to adapt and support our clients with essential and innovative services.
The North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI) is one of New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive HIV/AIDS community-based organization.
Our mission is to "empower our clients by reducing social and health disparities in the greater Newark area.”
Over the past 30 years of service NJCRI has adapted and changed to rally the fight against HIV/AIDS, as well as providing important social services to our community. In 1988, the initial focus was to provide clinical trials in Newark so those that were infected with the HIV virus could gain access to promising investigational treatments. At that time patients were required to travel to New York to receive these services. NJCRI was the first AIDS service organization in New Jersey to provide medical care to those with HIV. Our staff have published more than 30 research articles and have presented their research findings at local, national and international AIDS conferences.
Today with over 40 different grant-funded programs, NJCRI continues to be on the cutting edge of HIV treatment. We understand that HIV is much larger than just a medical issue, and take pride in providing those in the midst of health disparities with the opportunity to improve their quality of life. We have taken a holistic approach by streamlining all our services and creating a one-stop resource center for our clients. Named after an esteemed and respected former colleague, the Dr. George Perez Medical Care Center provides care and treatment to both HIV negative and HIV positive patients alike.
Additional services we offer include behavioral research, transgender medical care, pediatrics, primary medical care, chronic illness management education, street outreach, substance abuse treatment, transportation, mental health/psychiatric services, food pantry, syringe exchange, an adult drop-in center for the homeless , and many LGBTQ services including a drop-in center for LGBTQ youth. We are also strong community advocates and provide technical assistance to other community-based organizations in our area. Approximately over 10,000 people avail themselves of our free and confidential services each year
Years of Experience
Clients served yearly
on average
Grant funded programs
Dedicated Staff
OUR DIRECTORS
Brian McGovern
Chief Executive Officer
Awilda Rivera
Director of Operations
Corey DeStefano
Clinical Director
Joseph Rothenberg
Chief Financial Officer
Julio Roman
Director of Community and LGBTQ services
Henry Iwuala
Director of
Behavioral Health
Ronald Poblete, M.D.
Medical Director
PAY IT FORWARD!
THE GUIDING FORCE BEHIND OUR MISSION ... OUR CLIENTS!
When you make a gift, you reaffirm your belief in our mission of service and demonstrate your concern for and willingness to help your community.
NJCRI is a 501(c) 3 charitable institution (EIN: 52-1592616). Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Check donations can be made out to : NJCRI
Mailing address:
NJCRI
Attn: Joseph Rothenberg
393 Central Ave
Newark, NJ 07103
Your unrestricted donation to NJCRI can help us raise awareness and provide essential treatment and support for those whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS, those who are battling addiction, the homeless, for those in need of emotional support, and for our LGBTQ community at large.
CONTACT US
*EXTREME WEATHER CLOSURE INFORMATION: (973) 483-3444
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Our Address
Counseling, Testing, and Referral
Health Screening Department:
Toll free ā (888) 688-9097
(973) 483-3444 x 215 / Moseale Coker
Fax ā (973) 412-8500
HIV Care and Treatment Services:
(973) 483-3444 x 247 / Brittney Robinson & Davina Vega
b.robinson@njcri.org or d.vega@njcri.org
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Medical Case Management:
(973) 483-3444 X 208 / Vieshia Morales
v.morales@njcri.org
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Nursing Services:
Erika Escabi, RN x 203 e.esabi@njcri.org
Eileen Scarinci, DNP, x 250 e.scarinci@njcri.org
Mental Health:
(973) 483-3444 x 207 / Sidsel Venger
(973) 483-3444 x 238 / Mary Pillarella
m.pillarella@njcri.org
F: (973) 849-0117
Substance Abuse:
(973) 483-3444 x 237 / Dorinda Coleman
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Crossroads/ Project Access:
(973) 483-3444 x 204 / Ricardo Rodney
Food pantry:
(973) 483-3444 x 220 / Ron Berry
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HOURS
Mon: 8AM - 6PM
Tue - Fri: 8AM - 8PM
Sat: 12PM -8PM
LGBTQ Services:
(888) 688-9078
(973) 483-3444 x 217 / Julio Roman
j.roman@njcri.org
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PrEP:
(973) 483-3444 x 251 / Ivan Wilson
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Project RENEW:
(973) 483-3444 X 222 / Henry Iwuala
h.iwuala@njcri.org
Fax ā (973) 648-0312
Clinical Trials:
(973) 483-3444 x 209 / Juan Torres
j.torres@njcri.org
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(973) 483-3444 x205 / Corey DeStefano
NJ REACT:
(888) 657-3228
(973) 483-3444 x 239 / Shariff Hall
s.hall@njcri.org
Fax ā (973) 485-7080
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Medical Monitoring Project:
Shena Dance / s.dance@njcri.org
973-483-3444 x239
Oskar Gonzalez / o.gonzalez@njcri.org
973-483-3444 x 223
Fax 973-485-7080
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