Mission statement: “Address the issues of individuals who live in communities stricken with poverty, crime, and violence to a sense of well-being through counseling, treatment, and referral.”

Vision statement: “Provide an integrated and comprehensive approach for the restoration of the community to a state of health and wellness.”

Founder/Executive Director

Viva White, Ph.D, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, MAC, ACS, SAP

During my secondary education career, I acquired an AS in Human Services from Passaic County Community College (1999), a Bachelor in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey with minors in African-American Studies and Public Policy (2001), a Master’s in Social Work degree with a concentration in Community Organization/Administration (2004) and a Ph.D. in Social Welfare (2022) from, both Yeshiva University-Wurzweiler School of Social Work. My dissertation research topic was “The Phenomenological Exploration of Academic Reengagement for High School Completion” Professionally, I have credentials as a School Social Worker, Supervision in Field Instruction (SIFI), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC). My practice experience are in the areas of substance abuse with/without medication assistance, mental health, and education. My work experience is as a Substance Abuse Counselor at Essex Substance Abuse Treatment Center, Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker in an acute care setting at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Field Liason with Rutgers School of Social Work, and School Social Worker with Paterson Public Schools. Currently, I work as an Adjunct Professor at Passaic County Community College and Program Coordinator with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
I am a member of the United Holy Church of America Inc-Northern District Convocation; National Association of Black Social Workers-New Jersey Chapter; Women of Color-New Jersey; Parents Unified for Local School Education (PULSE)-Journey for Justice Alliance; Resource Trainer with People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond Undoing Racism workshops; Alliance for Newark Public Schools; Newark Anti Violence Coalition; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc established 1920 on the principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood; Founder/Executive Director of Balm In Gilead Community Services Inc, a Non-Profit Community-Based Organization to address the behavioral health needs in communities prevalent with crime, poverty, and violence; and Chief Executive Officer at Making Connections Professional Services, LLC, a consulting agency that provides clinical supervision and organizational administrative support; Blog about education and healthcare as it relates to the marginalized, disenfranchised, underresourced, and underrepresented communities (sista-teacher.com). I am an advocate, activist, and organizer. Most of all, I am a mother of 3 children.

Open House May 2013

The Open House of Balm In Gilead Community Services, Inc

Donations to Apostle House Oct 2020

Balm In Gilead Community Services, Inc and SB Empowerment & Consulting Services partnered for Domestic Violence Awareness Month to support the women at Apostle House in Newark. Clothes, earrings, and keepsake items were donated to the families.

Newark Call to Collaboration Oct 2020

We love Newark so much. Despite our Founder/ED being on vacation for her birthday, she felt it necessary to serve the people of Newark. She moderated a discussion titled “What can I do to feel better? What must I do to be better?” for Newark Call to Collaboration. There is healing in the land.

Presentation: Mental Health in Turbulent Times Jul 2021

Mental Health Awareness Month May 2022

Balm In Gilead Community Services, Inc and the National Association of Black Social Workers-New Jersey Chapter partnered to create a Wellness Calendar with daily activities.

Hiding Behind the Mask Aug 2022

The Founder/Executive Director, Dr. Viva White, was 1 of 4 panelists who responded to questions asked by the audience members about “Hiding Behind the Mask” at Union Gospel Tabernacle, Newark, NJ

President and Treasurer celebrate Executive Director Dr. Viva White