Health and Wellness, Higher Education, and a Little Hype. A Guidebook for Grown People, Resources and Nightlife Networks in Newark.
Introduction
Living in Newark for the last seven years, I am as in love as ever. Every day that I enjoy the city of Newark is another day that I discover our city is truly like no other. Trust me, I have lived in others. Of course, Newark Downtown has so much to offer. As a tourist of Newark, you're guaranteed to enjoy stunning Arts Festivals, the Akwaaba Gallery, or any of the many delectable restaurants around (I am looking at you Five Corners).
It's a wholesome city for those with families. Newark hosts an abundance of youth and community resources, social services, job opportunities, and once-in-a-lifetime cultural events like the pop-up Winter Wonderland every winter or passing by the most beautiful Harriet Tubman Statue ever erected.
If you're a long-time lover of the city, you're familiar with all the convenient flashy things to do. Far less often do you know how much real-life resourceful goodness is near you in Newark? All the while those experiences you wonder if you have to live elsewhere to find, the luxury community clubs and amenities right next door. Newark has everything you need for lifestyle changes seeking to make daily life more structured, enjoyable, and carefree, and improve your education, health, and fitness with cost-effective providers.
Maybe you wish you could go back to school, but gave up on the idea because of responsibilities, or honestly fear of the bill from Fannie Mae. Perhaps you've been resetting your life after that last breakup and you wish you could get a personal trainer who isn't Instagram-certified. You hate the fees that Planet Fitness, Blink, or Crunch charge you when you haven't been to that gym in the last few weeks. Even more common, as Newark is the city of international creative Nomads, you're looking for casual, authentic spaces to make Grown People friends. You're eager to explore the creative jungle of Brick City that awaits you, but you have no clue where to start.
Well, Christmas came early.
If you live in Newark, whether you have been here or are fresh off the plane, here is your guide to finding state-of-the-art recreation centers whose annual fees will please you, ready-to-go resources to finish or start that degree from accredited institutions (for free) and the joy of a supportive community with local social services and some of the most liberating meetups all over the Neighborhood.
Enjoy this Grown People's Guide to Brick City. (Part 1, anyway!)
Table of Contents
Introduction
Section I Higher Education, Continued Education, Professional Training in Newark | Free to Low-Cost Tuition
Section II Health and Wellness in Your Ward
Section III Grown People's Guide to Newark
Linked articles
Higher Education, Continued Education, Professional Training in Newark.
Free to low-cost tuition programs from a range of accredited campuses. Find the learning space for you.
Perscholas — (IT) Education
Have you always wanted to get your gams into the computer science field and join the ever-growing technology workforce? Do you know that as a resident of Newark, you can complete your AWS/Restart and COMPTIA+ cloud certifications in as soon as 15 weeks? I bet you didn't.
Per Scholas offers comprehensive, accredited, continuing education modules for a range of students with little to no tech experience and those looking to make their resume more valuable by improving upon their expertise. You can choose from IT Support, Software Engineering, or Cybersecurity courses.
Their website is uber user-friendly and requires minimal effort to get started with a consultation. Fabulous surprise perk — they offer tuition-free IT education! So it is pretty easy to become a learner, or if you're headhunting for your company, to source talent.
Find your nearest campus today, or sign up for a consultation. You may be one day away from the IT career of your dreams. With HAX, Audible, and NJIT nearby, you never know where Newark could take you.
2. GatewayU — Get Your Degree
So, you are not a tech wiz, but you know it is high time you finished that degree. You are worried about the cost of school, and you have enough friends with Rutgers remorse debt to know your fears are valid.
What if you could go to school for free? Would you take the opportunity? Do you think it's too good to be true? Well, Brick City never shies away from a challenge.
Gateway U in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University is here to get you where you need to go. This is the perfect resolution for those seeking a non-traditional avenue to completing their degree of choice. They have found a unique way to keep the isolating online school vibes out of the way, by providing a student community, work-study opportunities to help with your tuition if necessary, and much more.
Instead of a GPA system, they use a competency-based approach to the credits for your course. This is a project-based learning system, which means you can go at your own pace! What's more, if you are the kind of student who needs a designated environment to focus and complete your work away from your daily life, they have a gorgeous Student Center located on Treat Pl. in downtown Newark.
Whether you are finishing one degree or looking to study hard and get as many as possible, Gateway U is prepared to empower your AA or BA in a select group of degree courses. They also have a direct path to becoming a teacher in Newark through their communications program!
Newark provides for their own. You can sign up very easily, they work efficiently and transparently in a few days to help you understand what financial aid you qualify for and if you have to pay out of pocket at all. The advisors leading this work care deeply for their student's success and are serious about the success of their programs.
A no-brainer for any Newarker. Schedule a consultation with Gateway U and see what they can do for you.
long-standing
3. New Community Corporation — Training and Trade
We're here to highlight the opportunity for adult education. This age-old organization in Newark offers accredited higher education opportunities through the New Community Career and Technical Institute. Their Adult Learning Center focuses on continued education for students age 16 and older seeking High School Equivalency, English for speakers of other languages, citizenship classes, computer skills, and more. NCC is all about supporting your prosperity and your general balance of life. For adults with families, they offer many youth services and early learning programs for the Brick City babies.
NCC is hosting an open house next month Sept. 18, 2024. Here is the 411 —
New Community Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) will host an Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. at the school’s main campus, 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.
Attendees will learn about the school, its programs and the enrollment process.
For more information, call 973–824–6484, text 914–627–8219 or email nccti@newcommunity.org. We hope to see you there and get you on a path to a life-changing career!
NCCTI is enrolling for the following programs: Automotive Technician, Building Trades Specialist, Medical Assistant Clinical, Patient Care Technician, and Culinary Arts Specialist.
II. Wellness In Your Ward
If you're looking for quality ways to save money on your fitness habits while contributing to social good and love a state-of-the-art facility, here are the centers you need in your life.
TREC | Training Recreation Education Center
An architectural wonder seated in the humble South Ward of Newark, the Tahir Whitehead Training Recreation Education Center is one of the most beautiful multi-purpose state-of-the-art community centers I have ever seen. Newark's premier Hip Hop Preservation Society, Temple of Hip Hop, donated an exhibit of historical icons in music to decorate the walls of this gorgeous facility. While working on your hammies, you can wave to Aretha and Prince!
Featured in the Architects of America for its structural achievement, built by ikon.5 architects commissioned by the Newark Housing Authority (thank you!), the TREC is a place where children, adults, and seniors can gather, exercise, learn, and receive training in professional skills, in a facility that embodies the spirit of social connectivity.
The recreational components of the center include a basketball court, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a fitness room, and a yoga studio that overlooks a community garden for outdoor athletics. The glazed volume offers a preschool and daycare center for children, three state-of-the-art classrooms, and two large community meeting spaces, all fronting Ludlow Street, allowing passersby to observe the energy and activity within.
Call to learn how to get your hands on your community pass today and drop that Planet Fitness tomorrow!
2. John F. Kennedy Recreation and Aquatic Center
Address: 211 W Kinney St, Newark, NJ 07103 Phone: (973) 733–6550
The John F. Kennedy Recreation Center serves the Newark community and offers a range of fitness products and services. The facility includes indoor and outdoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, the city’s first indoor running track, a boxing ring, a technology room, cardio equipment, weight-training equipment, and a community/multi-purpose room.
Reopened in 2022, to the tune of 2.9M, residents of Newark pay a whopping $5 for the whole year, and non-residents pay a steeper $15 fee for the year.
3.LivFit Fitness Personal Training & Wellness Studio
Let's face it you hate going to the gym because you hate how many more people are there. You prefer an intimate exercise experience. Certified professionals whose attention is yours. I can give you better. Support Black-owned businesses and certified wellness professionals and visit Widchard of LivFitness. His gym is located in the heart of downtown Newark on Broad St. across from Harriet Tubman Square.
LivFitness services include rehab, therapy, strength training, functional training, weight loss, yoga, massage therapy, wellness recovery and personal training.
Experienced trainers are ready to design a program to meet your individual goals and support your fitness journey.
They have private sessions and semi-private sessions if you want to bring a friend! Book your first session for $40.
Follow their Instagram!
4. Southward Wellness Center
The South Ward Wellness Center located on Clinton Avenue, is another state-of-the-art community fitness center in Newark with great exercise equipment, free weights, optional personal trainers, Zumba, and yoga programs!
The South Ward Wellness Center is dedicated to supporting individuals and families to create a life of well-being and balance. They offer programs for social services, and job placement among others.
Follow them on Instagram!
Visit the Wellness Center at 534 Clinton Avenue, Newark, New Jersey, 07108, or give them a call to get the details on membership, P: 862.236.1333
5. I’m So Yoga Newark
Bendy Babes and Gents, if you haven’t gone to see Leslie at I’m So Yoga for a class then get it together. I’m So Yoga offers holistic health services and yoga classes! More than yoga, you can have powerful Reiki Healing sessions, $15 60-minute core balance classes, meditation classes and other spiritual services.
The space is beautiful and airy, located on Raymond Blvd with a stunning view of the park, it's one of the most peaceful yoga studios in Newark. So affordable and you leave so relaxed!
1186 Raymond Blvd 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
E: imsoyoganewark@gmail.com P: 862–236–3376
Yoga is proven to reduce anxiety, stress, depression, tension, weight, and blood pressure as well as sugar, cholesterol levels, arthritis, and muscle tension.
Follow Them On Instagram!
6. Brick City Run Club
If you live on the simpler side of fitness and are seeking serenity and community, a free community run club might be the thing for you. Brick City Run Club is doing something wonderful in Newark, cultivating a community of fitness and support. Every stage of running is welcome, you can walk with the group! They brought this to Newark when our need for community was highest. Since 2020, The Brick City Run Club meets every Sunday in Mulberry Commons for a 30-minute walk, everyone is welcome.
Follow Them On Instagram!
III. Grown People's Guide – Newark Nightlife
Newark Local Beer
You know what they say, you drink local, you live longer. OK, maybe it's only me who says that! Newark Local Beers' in-house craft beer selection will not disappoint. Newark Local Beer hosts live music concerts, local art shows, flat screens for sports lovers who like a pint with their game pride, and the best comedy show in NJ.
While they don’t have a kitchen they are always partnering with a delicious food truck on any given day right in front of the entrance. Comfy, luxurious leather lounge chairs, picnic tables and board games for a casual friend date, and Foosball! Honestly, a gem.
Follow Them On Instagram!
Brick City Comedy Revue
For 10 years the Brick City Comedy Revue hosted by Justin Williams has been the best night out every first Friday of the month. Guaranteed laughter with professional stand-ups from all over the East Coast, great drinks, and stellar musical guests.
Tickets are $12, always at a great venue (recently moved to Newark Local Beer!) The next night is Friday, October 11th at 8p and you can get tickets online or at the door!
Follow Them On Facebook and Instagram!
Passaic River Fishing Club
The social club from heaven. This fabulous culture club is really all you need to jumpstart your sense of community. The hint of mystery, anticipation for that invitation email so you can be back in the buzz of it all. Brick City, I give you the Passaic River Fishing Club.
The world is short of sane and sweet lately, and the thought of making friends or meet them can feel…underwhelming. Chances are you haven't yet been blessed by the PSRC vibes. For the last 2 years, the Passaic River Fishing Club has hosted the most legendary themed meetups (like Halloween 2022 at Hlsy Co.–iykyk) and collaborations with the iconic, electric restaurants and studios of Newark (ODR, Sihana Cafe, Black Swan Espresso), quirky aliases are welcomed, everyone goofs off a bit and it feels like a good old-fashioned mixer. Always an easy-going vibe, taste and expertise are high at the PSRC as the curator crafts an unforgettable evening through cuisine, social inclusivity with all the fun we need from time to time in this fast-paced hardcore work life.
A great solo night out, and the more friends you invite the merrier the memory shall be!
Email prfishclub@gmail.com to join the newsletter and get information on the next event.
Follow Them On Instagram!
ODR Studios Figure Drawing
If you haven't been to ODR Studios in the Ironbound of Newark, you're blocking your blessings babe.
On the right Sunday of the month, you can treat your mind and your senses to this fantasy studio for an elevated painting, and fine art experience. ODR hosts a Live Figure Drawing experience where patrons draw a live model of the evening and share their appreciation for art, relaxation, and creativity in a stunning historic loft studio in the Ironbound. Waiting for you.
Keep your eyes peeled for tickets to the next Figure Drawing event and check out all the other services and events ODR offers on their site.
Follow Them On Instagram!
Burgers and Beats
We were blown away at The Yard in Downtown Newark with an epic fusion of mouthwatering Burgers & Beats! This event was a collaboration between The Yard and Donutson TV, it was a handpicked showcase of mind-blowing musical talent!
Top-of-the-line, one-of-a-kind local artists & music makers, movers and shakers; and you can’t forget the juiciest burgers in town and a vibe that’s off the charts where entry is free!
We've talked about the goodness at The YARD in a past feature a few years ago about vibes to catch in Brick City.
Follow Them On Instagram!
7. Short Stay Studios’ Neighborhood Watch (Monthly Movie Night)
Short Stay Studio is an inclusive multidisciplinary brand designed to foster creativity, promote professional growth, and build stronger community connections for artists, makers, and social programmers. Leading with hospitality, and leveraging access to quality space, our mission is to nurture individuals and organizations to put their best creative selves forward.
Tending to film and visual creative discipline, Short Stay hosts a monthly film/TV show screening series entitled Neighborhood Watch. This intentionally curated experience is meant to do two things: provide “IRL” (in real life) interactions for film enthusiasts and lead our predominantly black & brown audience to explore genre-bending films and eccentric ideas that they might not otherwise encounter.
In addition to this evening of building connections and watching big-screen creativity, they establish an all-inclusive environment by inviting a chef to make gourmet sandwiches for their guests.
Visit the ticket link: Here
Anyone interested in partnering or volunteering to help can email: @Kaishon Way
Follow Them On Instagram!
8. Bunkr
Your dance station calls. If you still believe in the power of a night out dancing then you have to make this your spot. Bunkr. is one of the best things to happen to spice up downtown nightlife. Every night there feels like a sexy spacy portal to a good time. Beverages are always served, you can't get the vibes they're making anywhere else.
Enjoy the vibes from home with taped sets from traveling DJs, none other than the phenomenal MIKE NASTY.
Bunkr hosts this Open Decks event, where DJs from all over book a slot to spin! It's a night of nonstop dancing and a great place to meet people. If you're flying solo or out with a friend you can enjoy Newark's hot DJ culture, with weekly Silent Discos, Burger and Beats, the Grounded DJs non-profit that teaches people the skill to turn their passion for DJ-ing into a reality. All their students become professional DJs, giving Brick City more good sounds to enjoy.
If you enjoy a night to remember and love to get loose do yourself a favor and check out Bunkr.
Get tickets to the next OPEN DECKS at bunkr. Their latest event was Wednesday, August 28th!
Follow Them On Instagram to be at the Next One!
Newark Board of Education Unveils the Heart of a Giant Outdoor Fitness Center at John F. Kennedy…
City of Newark reopens JFK Recreation Center
https://www.newarkhappening.com/things-to-do/recreation-and-sports/indoor-activities/
https://www.newarkhappening.com/things-to-do/recreation-and-sports/indoor-activities/
DEVONNE (Sophia's Daughter) is a Haitian-Jamaican-American writer, creative producer, professional performance artist, and flower child based in Newark, NJ. She has a mission to enlighten, inform, empower, and reconnect humanity to its humanity. Connect with Devonne at DVNSOUND.com
Get tickets to see DEVONNE in concert in Newark, NJ on Saturday, October 12th, 2024.
