Gandara Center

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.

As we welcome October, Gándara Center wants to emphasize the importance of regular mammograms for our community. These s...
10/01/2025

As we welcome October, Gándara Center wants to emphasize the importance of regular mammograms for our community. These screenings can detect cancer up to three years before it may actually be felt, providing an essential opportunity for early intervention.
We understand that thinking about this can be overwhelming, but we encourage you to prioritize your health. Please consider scheduling a mammogram and performing self-exams—taking these steps is a powerful act of self-care.
You're not alone in this journey, and your health matters.
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Direct Care Worker Appreciation Spotlight As we are closing out the end of September, we’re proud to feature our final h...
09/30/2025

Direct Care Worker Appreciation Spotlight

As we are closing out the end of September, we’re proud to feature our final highlight for Human Service & Direct Care Worker Month: Marilyn Cabral, DDS Program Manager at the Gándara Center.

For Marilyn, “The most rewarding part of my job working with individuals with disabilities is supporting them in reaching their personal goals and celebrating their progress. Helping them build confidence, independence, and a greater sense of inclusion brings deep fulfillment, while also inspiring me to continue growing.”

She builds trust and connection by showing consistency, patience, and genuine respect for each person’s unique needs and perspectives. Through active listening, open communication, and fostering a safe environment, Marilyn helps those she supports feel valued and empowered.

When it’s time to unwind, Marilyn recharges through simple joys; reading, walking, and listening to music, to relax and refocus.

Thank you, Marilyn, for your compassion, leadership, and dedication. Your work makes a lasting impact every day!

September is National Recovery Month, and we are proud to highlight the voices and creativity of our community through t...
09/30/2025

September is National Recovery Month, and we are proud to highlight the voices and creativity of our community through the Photo Voice Project.

Across Gándara’s programs, including Springfield's Outpatient Clinic, Valor Recovery Center, Impact Center and the Recovery Coach program, participants came together to raise awareness about the importance of education, prevention, and recovery. One youth-focused initiative centered on problem gambling, empowering young people to share powerful images that reflect how gambling can affect individuals, families, and communities.

Through this project, participants are learning vital skills and engaging in open discussions to help prevent underage gambling and reduce future risks. At the same time, they are spreading an essential message: recovery is possible, and prevention is powerful.

Thank you to the Youth Gambling Prevention Program and the Prevention and Community Services Division for all the work you do.

09/29/2025

As Recovery Month comes to a close, the Gándara Center would like to reaffirm that recovery is not only real but also achievable. We want to take a moment to honor the courageous journey of Emanuel Torres, who generously shares his experiences and insights from his time at GARP. His story serves as a powerful reminder that hope and healing are within reach for everyone.

To close out Recovery Month, our centers joined the BSAS flag challenge, creating flags, attending events, and spotting ...
09/26/2025

To close out Recovery Month, our centers joined the BSAS flag challenge, creating flags, attending events, and spotting each other’s flags across Massachusetts. What started as a friendly competition turned into a celebration of community, connection, and recovery.

The Springfield and Brockton Recovery Coaching Teams came together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, creating a mean...
09/24/2025

The Springfield and Brockton Recovery Coaching Teams came together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, creating a meaningful opportunity for engagement and learning. They delighted in traditional dishes like rice with pigeon peas, pork, and pastelón—a comforting variation of lasagna made with yellow plantain, cheese, and beef—among many other beloved foods. During the event, updates on the new RecoverNow! program were presented, highlighting the positive changes ahead, and the team took the opportunity to introduce the latest members joining their efforts. This gathering not only fostered connections among team members but also encouraged an appreciation for their diverse cultural backgrounds, cultivating a sense of community and belonging.

Direct Care Worker Appreciation Spotlight In honor of Direct Care Worker & Human Service Worker Month, we’re proud to hi...
09/24/2025

Direct Care Worker Appreciation Spotlight

In honor of Direct Care Worker & Human Service Worker Month, we’re proud to highlight Robert Goodwin, a dedicated Behavioral Technician at the Gándara Center.

For Robert, “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the direct impact I have on the residents’ lives. Knowing that they trust and rely on me is a huge honor!”

Robert builds trust and connection with the residents he supports by actively listening, showing empathy, respecting boundaries, and including them in decision-making. This approach helps foster honest communication and lasting relationships. He enjoys helping clients achieve their goals and watching their quality of life improve.

And when it’s time to recharge, Robert enjoys sitting back in his favorite recliner, watching his go-to TV series, and of course, snacking!

Thank you, Robert, for your commitment, compassion, and for making a difference in the lives of those you serve every day.

GRSW had their Hispanic Heritage month celebration. Bringing together staff and individuals served to learn and celebrat...
09/24/2025

GRSW had their Hispanic Heritage month celebration. Bringing together staff and individuals served to learn and celebrate about the many different backgrounds, people and foods from various Hispanic heritages.

09/24/2025

On National Women's Health and Fitness Day, the Gándara Center encourages everyone to engage in healthy activities that promote both physical and mental well-being. This is your opportunity to take control of your health, educate yourself, and establish specific goals for a healthier lifestyle. Together, we will create lasting positive changes!

InFocus with Patrick Barry interviewing Lavagn and Amber on the topic of Hispanic Heritage Month and CSA.
09/22/2025

InFocus with Patrick Barry interviewing Lavagn and Amber on the topic of Hispanic Heritage Month and CSA.

Our team attended the Children’s League of Massachusetts September Membership Meeting. We value these opportunities to s...
09/22/2025

Our team attended the Children’s League of Massachusetts September Membership Meeting. We value these opportunities to strengthen relationships across the mental health field and continue building connections that support the communities we serve.

Happy First Day of Fall! 🍂🍁
09/22/2025

Happy First Day of Fall! 🍂🍁

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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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.