City Appoints Neighborhood Wellness Court Director
The dedicated position reasserts Mayor Parker’s commitment to the initiative, which received $2.7 million in funding in the City budget for FY 26
Philadelphia– Today, the City of Philadelphia announced the appointment of Eleni Belisonzi as the new Director for the Neighborhood Wellness Court (NWC) Initiative. As Director for NWC, Belisonzi will lead collaboration across the initiative’s many partners, develop an action plan for expanded operations in consultation with the First Judicial District and other stakeholders, and identify ways in which NWC can continue to improve the supports available to Philadelphians struggling with substance use disorder and related challenges.
“With fatal overdoses trending downward both nationally and in Philadelphia and homicides down roughly 80 percent in Kensington in recent years, we are seeing significant progress in this neighborhood. That’s why it is so important that we don’t rest on these successes, but continue to build on them,” said Adam Geer, Chief Public Safety Director, Office of Public Safety. “Neighborhood Wellness Court is about restoring a sense of normalcy to the neighborhood of Kensington and, by extension, the entire city of Philadelphia. Hiring the City’s first dedicated staffer to steer this critical program will only continue to lead us in the direction of creating a Philadelphia that is the safest, cleanest, greenest city in the nation.”
Established in January 2025 by Executive Order No.1-25, Neighborhood Wellness Court is an innovative pilot program focused on same-day diversion for individuals who have been arrested. The program is located within the community it aims to serve and was designed by the Office of Public Safety in collaboration with the First Judicial District and the Philadelphia Police Department.
Neighborhood Wellness Court provides essential support and resources for individuals post-arrest. Alongside advocates and specialists at the Kensington Wellness Support Center (KWSC), located at the intersection of B Street and Lehigh Avenue, the initiative plays a pivotal role in Mayor Parker’s health and wellness continuum in Philadelphia.
Participants have access to immediate pre-court medical care from professionals specializing in substance use disorder (SUD) at the KWSC. Additionally, individuals can undergo a needs assessment for housing, legal assistance, behavioral health services, and more, before appearing before a judge at the 24th/25th Police District on Whitaker Avenue. They also have the option to enter a diversion and treatment program.
“I’ve known Eleni as a colleague with Municipal Court for many years, and I’ve come to know her as a leader with a commitment to justice and a strong work ethic. So I am thrilled to welcome her to the team focused on improving the lives of Philadelphians through Neighborhood Wellness Court,” said The Honorable Joffie C. Pittman III, Administrative Judge, Philadelphia Municipal Court, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
“We welcome Eleni Belisonzi into this role and are grateful for the Parker Administration’s commitment to making Neighborhood Wellness Court a success,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “For our officers, the challenges of substance use disorder and related issues are daily realities. Having strong leadership in place to guide this program demonstrates a real investment in helping us address those challenges, while also supporting the broader efforts underway to improve the quality of life for all Philadelphians.”
Partner departments and agencies providing expertise and services within the KWSC and NWC, contributing to the success of the initiative, include the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD), the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), Merakey, Penn Medicine’s Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy, the Office of Homeless Services (OHS), the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Community Legal Services, the District Attorney’s Office (DAO), the Salvation Army’s newly established “Day to End Human Trafficking” division, and the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO).
“My career has been committed to public service, especially to the needs of vulnerable Philadelphians,” said Eleni Belisonzi, Director, Neighborhood Wellness Court. “I look forward to assessing the current operations of NWC, identifying opportunities for the Court to build on its successes, and expanding our relationships with partners throughout the city. I am honored to continue to serve the City in my new role.”
Formerly at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO), Belisonzi led the Municipal Court Unit. In her role, she focused on cross-agency collaboration to improve the quality of criminal justice in Philadelphia. Belisonzi met regularly with stakeholders to enhance efficiencies in the Municipal Court workflow and process. Belisonzi brings years of experience in partnership and innovation to addressing challenges posed by crime in our community to her new role.
The Parker Administration remains committed to Neighborhood Wellness Court as a critical component of the Mayor’s vision for Kensington and all of Philadelphia.