CareSparc’s 12th Annual Sustainable Health & Wellness Village Festival Brings Free Health Resources, Fresh Food and Family Fun to Newark

“Healthy Communities. Thriving Futures.” statewide series connects families, seniors and residents with free screenings, wellness resources, fresh produce and community services

Newark, — CareSparc Community Connections will mark the 12th Annual Sustainable Health & Wellness Village (SHWV) Festival on September 26th at Branch Brook Park at the Prudential Concert Grove, bringing free health and wellness resources, preventive screenings, fresh produce, family activities, live entertainment and community services directly to New Jersey residents. Festival-goers will receive free and accessible services and resources, health screenings, vision screenings and prescription eyeglasses, fresh produce, health education, wellness information and connections to community-based programs and services. Come experience House Meets Health with DJ Antoine Que, DJ Moneta-Kai Price and live music featuring Valerie Adams & The Dimension Band.

“For 12 years, CareSparc Community Connections has remained committed to meeting residents and families where they are and creating opportunities for people to take greater control of their health and well-being,” said Keith DaCosta, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CareSparc Community Connections. “This anniversary represents more than a milestone. It reflects our continued commitment to strengthening community health across New Jersey and building partnerships that connect residents with the services, information and support they need to live healthier lives.”

NEWARK — Saturday, September 26, 2026
Essex County Branch Brook Park — Prudential Concert Grove, Newark, NJ
The statewide series will culminate in Newark with an intergenerational day of health, wellness, food, entertainment, family activities, screenings and community resources from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHAT

The Sustainable Health & Wellness Village Festival is a community-centered health and wellness experience designed to connect residents with resources that support healthier families and stronger communities.

Festival activities and services will include:

·Free health screenings

·Free vision screenings and prescription eyeglasses

·Fresh produce distribution

·Panel discussions and community conversations on health equity

·Family, Senior & Veteran’s Resources

·Mental health and wellness resources

·Free Haircuts

·Access to health insurance

·Health education and preventive care information

·Family and children’s activities

·Food Trucks

·Live entertainment and community activities

·Giveaways & Prizes

The festivals will highlight issues affecting New Jersey communities, including mental health, maternal and family health, food insecurity and nutrition, healthcare provider shortages, preventive care and health equity.

WHY

The Sustainable Health & Wellness Village model recognizes that improving community health extends beyond hospitals and doctors’ offices. Families also need convenient access to nutritious food, preventive services, reliable health information and culturally responsive resources in the communities where they live, work and raise their children.

Since its inception, the SHWV initiative has served more than 43,000 residents across New Jersey, connecting individuals and families with health, wellness and social resources. The Sustainable Health and Wellness Village model was informed by the CDC’s Social Determinants of Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Action Framework.

WHO

Johnson & Johnson is this year’s presenting sponsor, with Daiichi Sankyo, UnitedHealthcare and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey joining as statewide sponsors. CareSparc Community Connections is also partnering with the City of Newark, the Essex County Board of Commissioners, Saint Michael's Medical Center, University Hospital, Rutgers Health - New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers School of Nursing, Montclair State University, and the Newark Teacher's Union to broaden the festival’s reach and connect residents with critical health and community resources.

About CareSparc Community Connections

CareSparc Community Connections is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing health equity, strengthening community partnerships and connecting residents and families with health, wellness and social resources. Through its Sustainable Health & Wellness Village initiative, CareSparc brings healthcare providers, community organizations, advocates and residents together to address barriers to care, promote prevention and help build healthier, more resilient communities across New Jersey.

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To learn more, visit CareSparcCommunityConnections.org

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