

OUR SERVICES
Supporting Your Journey to Recovery with Expert Care
Angel Hope House offers a warm, homelike atmosphere with comfortable accommodations, communal living spaces, and a beautifully landscaped front and backyard. Our gated facility is designed to encourage reflection, healing, and growth, providing residents with a peaceful retreat as they work towards recovery.


EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF SERVICES
Comprehensive Recovery Solutions for Your Best Health
At Angel Hope House, we are committed to using the best clinical practices and evidence-based approaches to support our residents' recovery journey. Our holistic and compassionate care model empowers women to reclaim their lives, fostering resilience, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Our stringent hiring practices results in our residents receiving the most professional and compassionate people in charge of their care.
Individualized Recovery Plans
Each resident receives a comprehensive assessment upon entry to tailor a personalized recovery plan. This plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted to meet evolving needs, ensuring optimal support throughout their stay. We specialize in assessing our residents' needs and connecting them to services along the continuum of care.
Therapeutic Interventions
- Motivational Interviewing -
Our counselors have all been trained in best practices to help residents resolve ambivalence and fully engage in the recovery process.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) -
Residents engage in CBT sessions to address negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) -
Group and individual DBT sessions help residents manage emotions and improve interpersonal relationships.
- Trauma-Informed Care -
Specialized therapy for residents with a history of trauma, focusing on healing and empowerment.
Life Skills Development
Workshops and classes in financial literacy, job readiness, nutrition, and self-care equip residents with essential skills for independent living. - Residents participate in cooking classes, budgeting seminars, and vocational training to enhance their self-sufficiency.
Support Groups and Peer Mentoring
Daily support groups foster a sense of community and shared experience, promoting mutual support and accountability among residents. - A peer mentoring program pairs new residents with those further along in their recovery journey, providing guidance and encouragement.
Health and Wellness Programs
Access to information and classes on meditation and tobacco cessation to promote physical health and mental well-being. - Nutritional counseling and meal planning emphasize the importance of a balanced diet in recovery.
Family Involvement and Therapy
Family therapy sessions and workshops aim to rebuild and strengthen relationships, providing a supportive network for the resident. - Educational programs for family members to understand addiction and recovery, fostering empathy and effective communication.
Aftercare Planning and Support
As residents prepare to transition out of Angel Hope House, our team assists in developing a robust aftercare plan, including continued therapy, support group participation, and community resources. - Alumni support groups and events ensure ongoing connection and support beyond their stay. We provide case management services by linking our residents to agencies along the continuum of care, so they will have full access to quality wrap-around services.
Mental Health Services
Angel Hope House has an APRN who does all of our psychiatric evaluations, medication education, and medication monitoring. Our licensed mental health clinician does individual and group counseling for all of our co-occurring residents.
24/7 On-Site Support
A dedicated team of licensed therapists, counselors, and support staff is available around the clock to provide guidance, crisis intervention, and emotional support.
MEET THE TEAM

Committed to Providing The Best Care for Women
Residential long-term housing with 5 hours of substance abuse treatment with an average of 6 months to a maximum of 12 months stay. We provide services to women 18 and older with addiction and/or co-occurring mental health disorders. We are handicapped accessible.

Meet The Team
Mark Brown
MA, LAC, LCADC, CCS
Mark Brown, MA, LAC, LCADC, CCS, is an accomplished behavioral health professional with nearly three decades of experience in clinical leadership and direct care. His expertise encompasses counseling, addiction recovery, and program management, with a focus on supporting individuals and communities facing mental health and substance use challenges.
Currently, Mark is the Office Manager at Prime Healthcare Services – St. Michael’s Medical Center (Peter Ho Memorial Center) in Newark, New Jersey. The Peter Ho Memorial Center is New Jersey's oldest and largest infectious disease treatment center, offering comprehensive medical, case management, psychological, nutritional, and substance abuse counseling services to people who are HIV positive or at high risk. In this role, Mark supervises a diverse team of care professionals, including infectious disease specialists (physicians & nurse practitioners).
As a co-founder, Chief Operations Officer, and Clinical Director at Angel Hope House, Mark is pivotal in coordinating care, streamlining operations, and supporting clinical teams and consumers. He is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), and a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), underscoring his dedication to clinical excellence and ethical practice.
Mark is recognized for his compassionate approach and strategic thinking, and he has a proven track record of developing and implementing successful programs in prevention, anger management, and recovery services. His leadership is grounded in client-centered care, evidence-based practices, and empowering individuals to achieve lasting wellness.
Dr. Niya Baraka
PhD, LPC, LCADC, ACS
Dr. Niya Baraka, PhD in Psychology, is a seasoned mental health professional and business owner with over 25 years of experience in mental health and addiction. A licensed professional counselor and licensed alcohol and drug counselor, she currently directs an outpatient clinic for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders and co-owns a halfway house for women in recovery.
In addition to her clinical work, she is a dynamic motivational speaker, respected college professor with over a decade of teaching experience, and a prolific author of self-help books. Her latest work, The Caregiver’s Self-Care Toolkit, offers essential strategies and tools to help caregivers support their loved ones while prioritizing their own well-being. Dr. Baraka’s passion for healing, education, and empowerment continues to inspire those she serves.
Phyllis J-Brown
AAS, CADCI
Phyllis Jennings-Brown, AAS, CADCI is a dedicated behavioral health professional currently serving as the Program Director at Angel Hope House, LLC, a Level 3.1 substance abuse treatment facility located in New Jersey. With a passion for empowering individuals on their recovery journey, Phyllis brings years of experience in program management, overseeing daily operations, managing staff, developing and implementing programs, and ensuring resident well-being and safety, while simultaneously handling administrative tasks like budgeting, reporting, and compliance with relevant regulations.
At Angel Hope House, she is responsible for overseeing the development, coordination, and implementation of evidence-based treatment programs. She works closely with staff, clients, and community partners to ensure that services are compassionate, culturally competent, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of those struggling with substance use disorders.
Phyllis is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where individuals can heal and rebuild their lives. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of addiction, recovery, and the socio-emotional challenges that impact sustained wellness. Known for her empathetic leadership and strategic insight, she plays a key role in advancing the mission of Angel Hope House and enhancing outcomes for its clients.
Richard Baraka
MA, LCADC, CCS, ICCS
Richard Baraka MA, LCADC, CCS, ICCS is a driving force in Essex County's fight against substance abuse and mental health challenges. As CEO of both Angel Hope House, a nationally recognized halfway house (ranked 3rd best in NJ by Newsweek), and Airmid Counseling Services, he provides comprehensive care for individuals navigating recovery.
His commitment extends beyond direct patient care; alongside his wife, Dr. Niya Baraka, he co-owns Digitaldynasty.org, a digital marketing agency empowering local businesses to thrive. Richard's leadership blends compassionate care with entrepreneurial vision, creating a ripple effect of positive change within the community. His dedication to holistic well-being reflects a profound belief in the power of recovery and sustainable growth.
"Life finds its deepest meaning when we serve others with love and compassion, for in serving them, we serve God."-Richard Baraka
Rev. Sidney I. Walters
BA, CPRS, CAMF
Sidney has been employed in the human services field for over 25 years and is currently employed as a program manager at CSPNJ, Better Life Wellness Center in the city of Newark, NJ. Sidney is esteemed highly throughout the state of NJ for his tremendous success in the referral and placement of individuals to detoxification and rehabilitation programs throughout New Jersey, New York and Florida. Sidney has been recognized for his steadfast work with the prison re-entry population, for his role as an outstanding outreach worker and has received numerous awards and citations for his many contributions by municipal and county government.
He's one of the founding members of the Angel Hope House residential halfway house for women. Sidney is the Senior Pastor of Bethel New Life Community Outreach Church, Inc. where he serves alongside his wife Sesanie, the two have dedicated his life to helping hurting people, especially those suffering from the disease of addiction.
“The character of a man is measured in many ways; buy the way he lives gives himself and his talents”
Joseph Walters
President
Joseph Walters is a seasoned healthcare executive, accomplished athlete, and community leader with a passion for driving impact across industries. With over 30 years of experience in Fortune 500 companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and Abbott, he has built a successful career in sales and marketing leadership. Joseph is also a certified executive coach in the Drexler/Sibbet Team Performance System, helping organizations foster high-performing, collaborative teams.
A former professional basketball player drafted by the Washington Bullets (now the Washington Wizards), Joseph is a two-time Athletic Hall of Famer. He is the founder and president of Quantum MedLab, LLC, and co-founder and president of Angel Hope House, a nonprofit supporting women in recovery. In addition, Joseph is a licensed and ordained minister and proud father to his son, Josiah.