House of Hearts Network Foundation to Host Men’s Mental Health Mixer

On Oct. 21st, the House of Hearts Network Foundation will be hosting a Men’s Mental Health Networking Mixer. This event will be held at 1204 E Grant Street in Elizabeth starting at 6:00 p.m., and feature a combination of networking, community engagement, and discussion with various guest speakers.

“We want attendees to have the opportunity to build relationships while engaging with speakers and other participants on the connections between mental health, leadership, and personal development,” House of Hearts Chief Programming and Development Officer and Acting Executive Vice President Raffinel Hernandez said. 

“Our goal is to create an environment that feels approachable and welcoming, allowing men from different backgrounds and professional experiences to connect without the formality that can sometimes discourage open conversation.”

The event was conceptualized in January of this year as part of the network’s Mental Health on the Mainstage agenda. Per Hernandez, President Jeremiah La’Porte has a vision of placing mental wellbeing at the center of the Network’s programming. The Mixer on the 21st will be just one of a series of initiatives promoting men’s mental wellness, community engagement, leadership development, and mentorship through the organization’s Men’s Mental Health and Leadership Fund.

“Events like [this] are important because conversations surrounding men’s mental health, emotional wellness, and leadership development deserve greater attention,” Hernandez said. “Men are often expected to navigate personal, professional, and family responsibilities without necessarily having spaces where they feel comfortable expressing vulnerability or asking for support.”

“We want to demonstrate that prioritizing mental health is not a weakness, but an essential component of leadership, personal growth, and community development,” he added. “By bringing men together in an environment that encourages authentic conversations and meaningful connections, we hope to foster a culture where wellness and brotherhood are equally valued.”

Multiple notable government officials will be present at the event. The session will be hosted in collaboration with Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, while Belleville Mayor Frank Velez will serve as a guest speaker.

“Mental health is something that affects individuals and families in every community, yet it’s a subject that many men still struggle to discuss openly,” Velez said. “As Mayor, I believe it’s important to use my platform to encourage these conversations and remind people that they don’t have to face their challenges alone.”

Data available at both the state and national level reinforce that these types of conversations are crucial.

Per New Jersey State Health Assessment Data, 10% of New Jersey adult men had been diagnosed with depression as of 2024. This is considerably lower than the 17% of adult women diagnosed per the same source. PTSD saw a similar trend, with 4% of men in New Jersey having a diagnosis compared to 8%.

One set of data where men are disproportionately impacted is the national suicide rate. In the United States, in 2024, 48,824 people died from suicide. 38,977 of them were men. This data points to a trend where stigma around men’s mental health has real consequences.

“To me [the destigmatization of mental health] means creating a culture where men can speak openly about what they’re going through without feeling embarrassed, judged, or perceived as weak,” Velez said. “Too often, men feel pressure to keep their struggles to themselves. We need to change that mindset and recognize that asking for help takes courage.”

While the event will only last an evening, the House of Hearts Network intends for this to be the start of normalizing conversations about men’s mental health. The goal for both Velez and the organization is for participants to leave with stronger connections and support systems, and the understanding that their mental well-being is as crucial as professional accomplishments and responsibilities.

Mental health, per Hernandez, is a topic that should be discussed before it reaches a breaking point. 

“Ultimately, we want participants to leave with…the understanding that they do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone,” Hernandez said.

Velez echoed this message.

“No matter who you are or what you’re going through, you are not alone,” Velez said. “There is strength in speaking up, strength in asking for help, and strength in supporting one another. I hope this event encourages those conversations to continue long after everyone leaves.”