Gandara Center

Gándara Center provides bilingual culturally sensitive behavioral health, substance use and prevent

Gándara was established in 1977 by a doctor named Jose Gándara, of Puerto Rican descent who sought to provide mental health services to the growing and largely Hispanic community in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Recently the Gándara Center expanded services to include residential, substance abuse treatment, and preventive services for children and families. We currently serve over 15,000 families from all backgrounds annually at nearly 100 locations throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Photos from Gandara Center's post 07/19/2024

This week, we had a job fair at our AFS West Springfield location and held interviews to hire residential staff for our residential programs. There was a large amount of candidates being interviewed with several hiring managers on site. We will have another hiring event in the next few months!

07/18/2024

Thank you to our 2024 5K Sponsors!

There is still time to register to run/walk here https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=139895

If you would like to be a vendor at our event visit https://www.gandaracenter.org/5kvendor

Photos from Gandara Center's post 07/18/2024

Today, Gándara’s Springfield Family Resource Center is grateful to have received a generous donation of clothing and diapers from Cradles to Crayons, helping us to continue serving our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Cradles to Crayons and their driver, Alexus Jordan, for their kind assistance in unloading the donations. Pictured from left to right are Amanda Lesnick, Teresa Austin, Cindy Stovall, Alexus Jordan, Emily Rodriguez, and Luis Rodriguez.

07/18/2024

Yesterday, Gándara Center made a significant impact at the Community Health Fair held at the Mason Square Library. We were proud to showcase our wide range of services and resources alongside other local organizations, highlighting the crucial support we provide to the community. At left, Johana Cedeño Negron, MD, MBA and Yaneth Rivera.

07/15/2024

On this day we want to recognize all the workers who do an excellent job serving our community.

En este día nosotros queremos reconocer a todos los trabajadores que hacen un excelente trabajo sirviendo a nuestra comunidad.

Photos from Gandara Center's post 07/10/2024

On Friday, June 21st members and staff from Gándara’s Peer Recovery Support Center’s (RSC) Stairway to Recovery and Plymouth RSC participated in a variety of outdoor recreational activities at Blue Hills Reservation including hiking and fishing as well as enjoyed a summer cookout, which was generously funded by a grant from the MA Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR)

Join in Gándara Center’s 10th annual Frozen Yogurt 5K 07/08/2024

Today, Chelsea Bryant, LMHC, the Vice President of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and Ana Malave-Ortiz, who is the Vice President of Human Resources were guests on MassAppeal to talk about our 10th Annual 5K Fundraising event happening on Sunday, August 18th at Stanley Park in Westfield.

Join in Gándara Center’s 10th annual Frozen Yogurt 5K (Mass Appeal) – The Mission of the Gándara Center is to promote the well-being of Hispanics, African Americans, and other culturally diverse populations in our area. You can support their mis…

Photos from Gandara Center's post 07/05/2024

On Friday, June 21 members and staff from Gándara’s Peer Recovery Support Center’s Hope for Holyoke and VALOR participated in a variety of outdoor recreational activities at Ashland State Park including hiking and fishing as well as enjoyed a summer cookout, which was generously funded by a grant from the MA Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR)

07/04/2024

Happy Independence Day!
¡Feliz Día de la Independencia!

Photos from Gandara Center's post 07/02/2024

On Sunday, June 30th, the Behavioral Health Clinic participated in the "Community Walk Initiative" event at Van Sickle Middle School.

07/01/2024

Today, break the stigma of Mental Health!
Center Care, the Stigma of Mental Health

Photos from Gandara Center's post 06/29/2024

Gandara's CCBHC Director Aracelis Ramos presented at the CCBHC Regional Meeting by Samsha on Thursday, June 27th, and Friday, June 28th.

06/27/2024

Not All Wound Are visible!

Today is National PTSD Awareness Day. If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed a life-threatening event and has the following symptoms, consider seeking treatment. Symptoms include; recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive thoughts, distressing dreams, flashbacks of the event, or prolonged mental distress.

06/21/2024

Today is National Day of Indigenous People in different parts around the world. We are spotlighting 31-year-old Afro-Indigenous, New Bedford Native Imalay’s business Ever After Story Book Entertainment in which she created in 2015 at 22 years old.

“The motivation behind my BIPOC business was due to a lack of representation for children of color in character of color roles. That, I, being a child that grew up with barely any representation, made it my mission to make sure children were seen and heard in these places of "magic" Because children of color deserve the chance to escape reality and indulge in the idea of imagination and be included in fantasy spaces!”

Based out of New England, Ever After Story Book, named after Imalay’s sister, travels all over the northeast for different events. You can choose from over 10 different Disney princesses’ heroes, pirate, dinosaurs, face painting, bubble fun and more for your child’s party or event.

“I wanted to reassure children everywhere that representation matters, using merchandise accuracy to assure characters like Princess Jasmine looks like Jasmine.”

Click here https://www.everafterstorybook.com/ to book with Ever After Story Book Entertainment

06/20/2024

Today is World Refugee Day, which plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the challenges faced by refugees and fostering empathy towards their plight. By highlighting their stories and showcasing their resilience, this day helps to create a deeper understanding and compassion among individuals and communities worldwide.

06/19/2024

On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, a turning point in American history unfolded. This was the day Major General Gordon Granger arrived to announce the end of the Civil War and the liberation of the last enslaved African Americans—two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. This historic moment marked the true end of slavery in the United States and began a new chapter of freedom and profound change.

Today, Juneteenth is a day to celebrate African American culture, resilience, and progress, while also reflecting on the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. It's a time for communities to come together in joyous celebration and solemn remembrance, honoring those who fought for freedom and those who continue the fight today.

06/18/2024

To register click the following link: https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=139895

, for Holyoke Peer Recovery Center, , Recovery Center, family resource center, Access Coalition WHY RISK IT?- Youth Advisory Board

Photos from Gandara Center's post 06/18/2024

Thank you MA Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR)!

On Thursday, June 13 members and staff from Gándara Center Peer Recovery Support Centers PIER and Falmouth participated in a variety of outdoor recreational activities at Camp Lyndon in Sandwich, MA including horseback riding, swimming, and fishing as well as enjoyed a summer cookout, which was generously funded by a grant from the MA Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR)

06/18/2024

SAC Coalition Meeting!
Tuesday, June 25th, 12pm-2pm
80 Commercial St, Holyoke
Click the link below to register:
https://lnkd.in/eU6WK43h

06/18/2024

We are thrilled to introduce Enrique Vargas González as our new Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at the Gándara Center. With over fifteen years dedicated to serving underserved and minority communities, Enrique brings a wealth of experience and a heartfelt commitment to our mission.

Enrique's journey from a migrant to a champion of equity and inclusion embodies the values we hold dear. His extensive background spans roles as a teacher, counselor, leader, and supervisor, both within and beyond clinical settings. Enrique’s unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive environments shines through his work with diverse groups, including the LGBTQIA+ and Hispanic communities, where he has been a vocal advocate for addressing disparities and enhancing access to our services.

His approach is collaborative and innovative, aiming to integrate inclusion and equity into the very foundation of our operations.

Please join us in welcoming Enrique to his new role, where he will continue to inspire change and make a significant impact on the communities we serve.

06/16/2024

Celebrating and .

Photos from Gandara Center's post 06/16/2024
Photos from Gandara Center's post 06/14/2024

On Flag Day, we wear red, white and blue to honor the American flag, which symbolizes the country's identity and values. Show your patriotic spirit and honor our nation's flag today, Happy Flag Day!

Gándara Center's 10th Annual Frozen Yogurt 5K registration information 06/14/2024

Gándara Center's 10th Annual Frozen Yogurt 5K registration information Gándara Center's 10th Annual Frozen Yogurt 5K registration information at GetMeRegistered.com

06/14/2024

Happy Flag Day!
At Gándara Center we recognize and commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States which happened on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

¡Feliz Día de la Bandera!
En Gándara Center reconocemos y conmemoramos la adopción de la bandera de los Estados Unidos ocurrida el 14 de junio de 1777 por resolución del Segundo Congreso Continental.

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Our Story

Gándara was established in 1977 to provide mental health services to the growing Hispanic community in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Gándara Center has since expanded services to include residential, addiction recovery, educational and preventive services for children and families. We currently serve over 8,000 families from all backgrounds annually at more than 40 locations throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Videos (show all)

Join us August 18 for our 5K Frozen Yogurt Walk at Stanley Park! Link to register is below.  https://secure.getmeregiste...
On this day we want to recognize all the workers who do an excellent job serving our community.En este día nosotros quer...
Today, break the stigma of Mental Health! #Gándara Center Care, #Break the Stigma of Mental Health
Not All Wound Are visible! Today is National PTSD Awareness Day. If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed...
Today is National Day of Indigenous People in different parts around the world.  We are spotlighting 31-year-old Afro-In...
Celebrating #Freedom and #Diversity.
Happy Flag Day!At Gándara Center we recognize and commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States which happen...
22News InFocus spoke with Lavagn Claudio and Enrique Vargas Gonzalez for Mental Health Awareness Month to talk about the...
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Mental Health is Health

Address


933 East Columbus Avenue
Springfield, MA
01105

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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