Celebrating 30 Years

of Transforming Lives

A Pipeline of Services & Support

NJCDC is revitalizing Paterson, New Jersey through education, youth development, affordable housing, and community building Initiatives.

Education

Youth Development

Affordable & Supportive Housing

Community Building

Latest News

Top 10 Community Highlights of 2024: A Year in Review

Looking back on all we accomplished, with the help of friends like you

NJCDC Brings Holiday Joy to Over 1,600 Paterson Kids

We gave out over 7,200 toys through our 31st Annual Holiday Toy Drive & Party

The Paterson Youth Council Seeks Nominations for the MLK Youth Recognition Awards

Nominate the best of our community’s youth!

MORE NEWS

30th Anniversary Video

Happy 30th birthday, NJCDC! Learn more about our mission to create opportunities to transform lives in Paterson and its Great Falls Neighborhood.

Why We Focus on Paterson

Paterson is New Jersey’s third-largest city — and also one of its poorest. Due to more than 50 years of entrenched poverty, underperforming schools, and high unemployment rates, Paterson currently faces a multitude of socioeconomic issues:

156,639

Residents

12%

156,639

of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher

21%

156,639

live below the poverty level

73%

156,639

of housing units are renter-occupied

65%

156,639

of renters spend 30%+ of their income on rent

Support
Our Work!

DONATE NOW

92¢

4K+

Children and Families Served Daily

200+

of Every Dollar Donated goes directly to our Programs & Services

Affordable/Supportive Housing Units Built

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader whose dream of equality, justice, and opportunity continues to inspire us all. Dr. King once said, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

At @njcdc, we strive every day to answer that question by working to create opportunities that transform lives in Paterson. Whether through education, youth development, affordable housing, or community building, our mission aligns with Dr. King’s vision of a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.

On this MLK Day, let’s remember his words and renew our commitment to serving others and building a stronger community.

#MLKDay

What do Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, and @njcdc's Bob Guarasci have in common?

They’re all 2024 New Jersey Hall of Fame Inductees!

That’s right, our visionary Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci was recently inducted into this elite group of scientists, artists, and athletes! Bob’s recognition in the “Unsung Hero” category honors his incredible legacy of founding NJCDC 30 years ago and his unwavering dedication to the people of Paterson.

Please join us in congratulating Bob and watch his powerful induction moment.

#NJHallOfFame #UnsungHero #PatersonStrong #njcdc

One of the best things about our @greatfalls_youthcenter is the personalized tutoring provided by our dedicated @americorps members and staff! 🙌📚

Our center is also the ultimate hangout spot: play video games, shoot hoops, create music, challenge friends to table games, and even enjoy dinner together!

It’s all about balance—work hard, play hard! Stop by and see how we’re making a difference.

#greatfallsyouthcenter #workhardplayhard

Don't miss your chance to recognize the changemakers of Paterson!

*TOMORROW* (Fri, Jan 10) is the final day to nominate those who embody Dr. King's ideals of community, equality, and service for the @pyc_njcdc's Dr. MLK Youth Recognition Awards!

🏆 Categories:
🎓 Middle/High School Student
🌟 Adult Community Leader
🏛️ Elected Official
💡 Youth-Serving Organization

Just (1) download the Nomination Form [📝 bit.ly/njcdcmlk] and (2) submit to: David Gelman [📩 dgelman@njcdc.org]

Who are you nominating??

*****

#MLKAwards #PatersonLeaders #YouthRecognition #CommunityHeroes #DrKingLegacy #MLKDay #IHaveADream #MLKLegacy #ServeLikeKing #BeTheChange #MLKInAction #KeepTheDreamAlive #JusticeForAll #EqualityForAll

Happy Three Kings Day! 👑👑👑

This weekend, we embraced the spirit of Three Kings Day by gifting 500 toys to brighten the holidays for over 100 children. With the help of our incredible volunteers, each child chose their perfect toys. 🧸🎁 Thank you to everyone whose generosity made this celebration possible, helping us bring smiles and joy to Paterson's youngest residents.
@NeighborhoodHelpCenter @americorps_paterson #threekingsday #communitybuilding #toydrive

🏎️💨 Back at the Track with the @greatfalls_youthcenter!

Our scholars recently visited @superchargedenj and wow, what a ride! It was a high-speed, hands-on adventure in teamwork, creativity, and friendly competition.🕹️⚡

#superchargednj #learningthroughfun #greatfallsyouthcenter #youthdevelopment

Habari Gani and hope you had a meaningful Kwanzaa!

Our @greatfalls_youthcenter recently celebrated the vibrant principle of Kuumba, which encourages individuals to use their creativity to improve their communities and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. The celebration was an opportunity for scholars, families, and staff in attendance to come together for a reflective day filled with culture, creativity, and community.

From freestyle dance and spoken word performances to delicious traditional dishes, the event showcased how creativity enriches lives and strengthens communities. It was truly a beautiful reminder of how Kuumba inspires us to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

🕯How are you using creativity as a tool to make the world a better place?

@wordseedinc @Talenalachellequeen @herbestselfmentors @shombaythetrainer

Reminder: Nominate the changemakers in Paterson!

The Paterson Youth Council is still accepting nominations for the Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Recognition Awards, celebrating those who embody Dr. King's ideals of community, equality, and service.

🏆 Categories:
🎓 Middle/High School Student
🌟 Adult Community Leader
🏛️ Elected Official
💡 Youth-Serving Organization

📅 Nomination Deadline: Jan 10, 2025
📝 Nomination Form: bit.ly/njcdcmlk
📩 Submit to: David Gelman at dgelman@njcdc.org

Let’s honor Paterson’s heroes!

*****

#MLKAwards #PatersonLeaders #YouthRecognition #CommunityHeroes #DrKingLegacy #MLKDay #IHaveADream #MLKLegacy #ServeLikeKing #BeTheChange #MLKInAction #KeepTheDreamAlive #JusticeForAll #EqualityForAll

Our Neighborhood Help Center hosted a fun afternoon where families came together to build festive gingerbread houses 🏠, enjoy delicious cookies, and take part in exciting raffles. 🎁 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and made it such a sweet success! ❤

#HolidayCheer #GingerbreadParty #CommunityBuilding #NJCDC30

🎉 NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci shares a heartfelt message as we welcome a hopeful 2025 filled with endless possibilities. Happy New Year, everyone! 🎊

As we count down the ⏰ to 2025, please consider making a year-end donation to help us build a better and brighter Paterson for the 4,000+ children and families we serve daily!

92 cents of every dollar you donate goes directly to our programs and services for our neighbors in need.

Can they count on your help? Donate now at njcdc.org/donate 💚

This holiday season was extra special as we celebrated NJCDC’s 30th Anniversary and the 31st Annual Holiday Toy Drive & Party! Thanks to our incredible donors, @americorps members, staff, and volunteers, we distributed 7,200+ toys to over 600 families.Thank you for making the season magical!
🎁 Read all about it in our blog: link in bio

#njcdc30 #patersonproud #givingseason2024

Through our annual Holiday Toy Drive & Party, we bring joy, hope, and cherished memories to hundreds of local Paterson families—making the holidays a little brighter for everyone. ❤️ Check out all the smiles we captured at our 31st Annual Holiday Party!
@americorps @americorps_paterson @andresayeghnj

30 Years of NJCDC!
For three decades, @njcdc has been dedicated to transforming #Patersonnj into a place of opportunity and growth. Through affordable housing, youth programs, and community development, we’ve been proud to serve and uplift.
💙 Here’s to the next 30 years of making an impact!
📖 Learn more about our journey: link in bio

#NJCDC30Years #PatersonStrong #CommunityDevelopment #NonprofitLove #makingadifference

Happy Holidays from NJCDC!

As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible program participants, supporters, volunteers, and staff. Your unwavering dedication and generosity have made a profound impact on our community and the lives of those we serve.

This holiday season, we celebrate you — the heart of everything we do. Thank you for helping us create brighter futures and stronger communities.

Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with joy, peace, and love. May the new year bring health, happiness, and boundless opportunities for all.

With deepest appreciation and warmest wishes,
The NJCDC Family

🎄 Our Saturday Youth Arts program students were literally jumping for joy this weekend! 🎨

They celebrated the season with a special holiday program featuring treats, gifts, and festive crafts. They even showed off their newly acquired dancing talents with some holiday music! We’re so proud of their creativity, energy, and holiday spirit! ❤️

#SaturdayArts #CreativeExpression #Communitydevelopment #youthdevelopment

Festive Selfies! 🎄📸

Last Friday night, the Great Falls Youth Center hosted an Ugly Sweater Selfie Party with festive backdrops, a visit from Santa himself, hot cocoa, and awesome gifts 🎁!

Thanks to everyone who rocked their best (or worst!) holiday sweaters and joined in the fun. We loved celebrating the season with all of you! ❤️

'Twas the week before the holidays, and all through JFK, families gathered in pajamas for a fun-filled movie night to brighten their day! 🎁

Our Full Service Community Schools program at JFK High School hosted its inaugural Family Holiday Pajama Movie Night in partnership with the JFK Teen Center! Dressed in their coziest pajamas, students and families watched Home Alone, with popcorn and nachos, hot chocolate, and enjoyed dinner from the Fast Break Cafe food truck.

It was the perfect way to spend time with family and friends right before the holidays!

******

@fastbreakcafe_168 @paterson_public_schools_nj #FamilyHolidayFun #FSCS #JFKTeenCenter #CommunityMatters

Building Hope in #patersonnj ! 🙌
As demolition began at 54 Front Street, our Founder & CEO Robert Guarasci shared, "We're tearing it down so that we can build up hope and opportunity for the young people of Paterson." Exciting things are coming to the @greatfalls_youthcenter with this expansion!

From the rubble of the past rises the foundation for the future

We took an exciting step forward for the community this morning by demolishing the unutilized structure at 54 Front Street, paving the way for the next phase of the @greatfalls_youthcenter !

This milestone moment marks the beginning of the construction of a new indoor gymnasium — a $10M project that will provide students with a much-needed space for recreation, physical activity, and community events.

Special thanks to Mayor @andresayeghnj , NJCDC staff, and community leaders for joining us to celebrate this exciting development.

Together, we’re nurturing creativity, community, and growth and building brighter futures for the incredible teens who call Paterson home!

*****

#PatersonProud #YouthDevelopment #BuildingFutures #BuildingCommunities #CommunityGrowth #CommunityDevelopment #ThrivingCommunities #neighborhoodpride

The @greatfalls_teencenternj teamed up with the @newyorkbloodcenter to host a blood drive that made a significant impact! A total of 84 students and teachers from International High School generously participated, donating 50 pints of blood to help save lives. A special thank you to the @patersonpd K9 Dave for showing his support!
#BloodDrive #CommunityMatters #patersonproud

You don’t have to take our word for it…

Let our program participants, community members, and staff tell you how we are changing lives every day at NJCDC in our newly released 30th anniversary video.

Swipe to see it all or view in its entirety on YouTube at: bit.ly/njcdc30th

*****

#StrongerTogether #BuildingCommunities #CommunityMatters #ThrivingCommunities #NeighborhoodPride #UrbanRevitalization #RevitalizeCommunities #BeTheChange #CommunityDevelopment

Why just listen to hits when you can make them?

Led by Paterson native and 5-time Grammy-nominated songwriter Shanell Red, our Great Falls Youth Center’s Music in Motion program gives students hands-on experience with every stage of music production. Now you can see their original songs and music videos on their new channel at youtube.com/@GFYCMusic

This project isn’t just about music; it’s about empowerment, self-expression, and breaking down barriers. To learn more about getting involved, send us a DM or reach out directly to Director Tiffany Shepherd at tshephard@njcdc.org

What an incredible day at @ccspnj ’s Willy Wonka Holiday Festival! 🎉 Families stepped into a world of pure imagination filled with delicious treats, lively music, and magical surprises! 🍭🍫 We loved seeing our community come together to share laugher, joy, and holiday cheer! #CCSP #FamilyFun #CommunityEvents

¡Qué día increíble en el Festival Navideño de Willy Wonka de CCSP! 🎉
Las familias entraron en un mundo de pura imaginación lleno de deliciosos dulces, música animada y sorpresas mágicas. 🍭🍫 ¡Nos encantó ver a nuestra comunidad reunirse para compartir risas, alegría y espíritu festivo!

Are you prepared to handle an emergency situation?
This weekend, we hosted a CPR and basic first aid training for Paterson residents and students. Forty individuals earned their CPR certification and became familiar with an AED, equipping them with essential, life-saving skills! A huge thank you to Jordan Khalaf and Ramapo High School's Ramapo Medical Club for sponsoring this vital, life-saving event. ❤️
#cprtraining #LifeSavingSkills #StrongerTogether #buildingcommunities

Our residents are making big things happen!

Yesterday, we awarded $10,000 in micro-grants to fund resident-led projects that better our neighborhood and align with our resident-driven Neighborhood Plan.

Thanks to the support of the @regionalfound, the Great Falls Neighborhood will see programming this winter ranging from fresh food sustainability and gardening classes to mental health workshops to a youth arts collective. We can’t wait to see how their projects unfold!

Neighbors: Look out for the next round of micro-grants coming in spring!

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Support Our Work!

We at NJCDC are keenly aware of the challenging economic times. 92 cents of every dollar donated to NJCDC goes directly to programs which help families, teens, children and people with disabilities.

Make a Donation

A Pipeline of Services & Support

Latest News

Top 10 Community Highlights of 2024: A Year in Review

NJCDC Brings Holiday Joy to Over 1,600 Paterson Kids

The Paterson Youth Council Seeks Nominations for the MLK Youth Recognition Awards

30th Anniversary Video

Happy 30th birthday, NJCDC! Learn more about our mission to create opportunities to transform lives in Paterson and its Great Falls Neighborhood.

Why We Focus on Paterson

Support Our Work!

​

Support Our Work!

Support
Our Work!