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

NJCDC Youth Step into Global Diplomacy at the United Nations

An Unforgettable Visit to the Halls of Global Decision-Making

NJCDC Receives $150,000 Grant from The Cigna Group Foundation for NJ4S Passaic County

Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Addressing Mental Health Needs Through the Paterson Public Health Corps

AmeriCorps Paterson is supporting mental health in schools — and among their own

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

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Our Work!

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92¢

4K+

Children and Families Served Daily

200+

of Every Dollar Donated goes directly to our Programs & Services

Affordable/Supportive Housing Units Built

Empowering Paterson — one English class at a time!

At NJCDC, we're all about neighbors helping neighbors! Through our Residents Teach Residents English program, volunteer residents use the TPR (Total Physical Response) method to teach English in a fun, safe, and social setting.

🤝 It’s more than just language learning—participants connect with their community, share concerns, and access vital resources through our Neighborhood Help Center.

✅ Join us! (Link in Bio)
Our current session runs until March 13, but don’t worry—a new 10-week session starts April 2!

Ready to learn, connect, and grow? Come be a part of it!

This program is made possible by a generous grant from the #RegionalFoundation, part of which funds our micro-grants for resident-led neighborhood improvement projects.

#NJCDC #CommunityFirst #EnglishForAll #PatersonStrong

Join us in congratulating this year's honorees of the @pyc_njcdc's 19th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Recognition Awards! 👏🏾

🏅Mia Cespedes (Grade 8, Paterson School 18)
🏅Alexa Garcia (Grade 6, Joseph A. Taub School)
🏅Justin Veineer (Grade 12, John F. Kennedy High School)
🏅Nia Elder (Grade 10, PCTI)
🏅Nancy Castro, Principal of Paterson Public Schools #28
🏅The @solid.nj Foundation
🏅Danielle Ireland-Imhof, Passaic County Clerk

We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students, educators, leaders, and organizations for their dedication to service, leadership, and making a difference in our community!

#mlkyouthawards #PatersonYouthCouncil #leadership #CommunityImpact #patersonnj @paterson_public_schools_nj

💘 NJCDC’s Saturday Youth Arts Program showed some love at their Valentine’s Party, filled with creativity, fun, and sweet treats! 🎨💕 The arts program runs on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
#youthdevelopment

Love was in the air at our Paterson Family Center (PFC)! 💖

We celebrated Valentine’s Day with our annual I Love You Breakfast, bringing families together for a morning filled with smiles, kisses, and hugs! There’s nothing sweeter than love, family, and community! 🥰
#valentinesdayvibes #njcdc

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

We’re honored to share that NJCDC’s 10th Anniversary Paterson Great Falls poster has been selected as one of the 100 featured artifacts in the Paterson Museum’s 100th Anniversary Exhibition: 100 Artifacts for 100 Years!

The Paterson Museum has been a cornerstone of our community, preserving and sharing the rich history of Paterson for a century. To celebrate this milestone, the Museum has curated a special yearlong exhibition showcasing 100 artifacts that tell the story of our city — and we’re thrilled that our poster is among them!

Visit the Paterson Museum starting in April to explore this incredible exhibition and see our poster — created by Christian Drury of @brightwelldesign — on display.

❄️ Racing down snowy hills, students from NJCDC's Full Service Community Schools (FSCS) and Compete for Life programs at John F. Kennedy High School, along with the JFK Teen Center, had an unforgettable snow tubing adventure at Campgaw Mountain! ⛄️🏔️
This trip was a great way for students to embrace new experiences with friends!

#NJCDC #TeenCenter #CompeteForLife #SnowTubing #WinterAdventures #CampgawMountain #campgaw

Construction begins at Westside Park—an NJCDC-led vision from 2017 is now coming to life for the community! Thanks to Paterson’s Mayor and Council and @newcityparks , rehabilitation work includes improved baseball and softball fields, new tennis courts, refurbished basketball courts, a new riverwalk and boat launch, as well as new sports lighting and security enhancements! @njcdc is proud to be part of this exciting project.
#patersonnj #communitydevelopment @cityofpatersonnj

Vivir con estrés financiero puede sentirse como una nube negra que te sigue a todas partes.

Pero, ¿y si hubiera una salida?

Hay esperanza en Paterson, el hogar de el único Centro de Empoderamiento Financiero (FEC) de Nueva Jersey que ofrece asesoramiento financiero 100% gratuito, confidencial, y sin juicios para nuestros residentes.

Si los problemas financieros de cualquier tipo te abruman y no sabes por dónde empezar, empieza con nosotros.

Ponerte al día con tus finanzas está a solo una llamada o un clic de distancia: visite bit.ly/bookfec o llame al 973-413-1655

Our CEO Bob Guarasci and Director of Community Outreach Eddie Gonzalez joined Mayor André Sayegh and City Council President Alex Mendez at today’s groundbreaking ceremony for a complete rehabilitation of Paterson’s Westside Park. The $13 million project, designed to return the park to its original grandeur, was conceived by NJCDC through the development of a master plan for the park’s future unveiled in 2017.

Today, Bob Guarasci thanked the Mayor and Council and collaborator New City Parks noting that this was not another study to sit on a shelf, but rather one that is now coming to life for the benefit of the people of #PatersonNJ.

#communitydevelopment #communityrevitalization

Every person counts. Every story matters.

Watch our @americorps_paterson members proudly participate in the recent annual Point-in-Time Count — critical in understanding the scope of homelessness in our community and securing appropriate resources — and take to the streets of #paterson to engage directly with individuals in need.

@NJCDC and @americorps Paterson: Together on the frontlines of change
💪🏻💪🏼💪🏽💪🏾💪🏿

Our @fscs_jfk program at John F Kennedy High School has introduced "Trained to Overcome,”—a leadership and character development program led by Dayjoh King and designed to empower and transform the lives of youth!
Through social time with meals, fun interactive games, public speaking, and dynamic group discussions, students are building confidence, leadership skills, and lasting connections. JFK students, don’t miss this opportunity to grow and lead in this six-session program!
#TrainedToOvercome #FSCS #Leadership #YouthEmpowerment #JFKHighSchool #BuildingFutureLeaders @ttoglobal @paterson_public_schools_nj

Congratulations to the TWO winners of the GFYC Got Talent show!

Adrienna Depaola & Sean Louis 👏

There was so much talent in the room that the judges couldn’t choose just one winner—so they picked two! Each winner received a $250 cash prize and will also get 5 hours of studio time 🎶 with one of the esteemed judges. From singing and piano playing to dance performances and spoken word poetry, the night was filled with unforgettable moments.

A huge thank you to judges @calvin_talent101 @shanellred @tajofficial16 @cash.owens and host @jmarvinthamartian for making this event special!

Let’s hear it for all the amazing performers who shared their talents with us!

#YouthEmpowerment @greatfalls_youthcenter

Financial counseling as a free city service? Now we’re talkin’!

Did you know that Paterson has the only program in NJ that offers private, personalized, and completely free financial counseling?

…and that there are no income restrictions to access these services from our professionally trained counselors??

…AND you can come back as many times as you like???

Visit bit.ly/fecspotlight to learn more about how the Paterson Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is helping residents to address overdue debt, cover living expenses, and keep their money safe.

NJCDC’s @americorps_paterson members were proud to take part in the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, partnering with @stpaulscdcnj to survey and support individuals experiencing homelessness in #PatersonNJ.
Our members reported to Heart of Hannah’s Project Homeless Connect event at the Masonic Temple, where community organizations came together to provide essential resources, including clothing, hygiene kits, and food. They also took to the streets of Paterson to engage directly with individuals in need, ensuring that everyone was counted.
The PIT Count is critical in understanding the scope of homelessness in our community, helping to secure funding and resources to support those in need.
#AmeriCorps #AmeriCorpsWorks #PITCount #CommunityMatters @heartofhannah_ @americorps

The @nj4s_passaic team led an insightful session with @ccspnj scholars on the importance of kindness and being a good friend!

This engaging discussion helped students explore how kindness and friendship contribute to personal growth and the development of strong, supportive relationships.

Special thanks to Youth Development Service Director Christopher Grullon, Community Schools Director Natividad Gomez, and Site Coordinator Erica Plaza for their collaboration with the Youth Development Center in empowering students to thrive both academically and personally! 🙌

#KindnessMatters #YouthEmpowerment #NJ4SPassaic #CCSP

🎊🐍 Happy Lunar New Year! 🐍🎊

Wishing you a Year of the Snake filled with wisdom, growth, and prosperity! 🏮

#LunarNewYear #YearOfTheSnake #NJCDC

Living with financial stress can feel like a storm cloud following you everywhere.

But what if there was a way out?

Hope abounds right here in Paterson, home to NJ’s only 100% free Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) — providing unlimited confidential and non-judgmental financial counseling to all Paterson residents.

If financial struggles of any kind have you feeling overwhelmed and you don’t know where to start, start with us.

Schedule a one on one appointment with FEC today by visiting bit.ly/bookfec or calling 973-413-1655

*****

#FinancialFreedom #FinancialWellness #EmpowerYourMoney #FinancialLiteracy #BuildWealth #MoneyGoals #SaveSmart #BudgetTips #SavingsGoals #MoneyManagement #EconomicEmpowerment #CommunityWealth #FinancialEquity #PatersonNJ #PatersonStrong #EmpowerPaterson #PatersonProgress #InvestInPaterson

Honoring Dr. King's Legacy Through Service 🙌🏾
NJCDC's @americorps members, Neighborhood Help Center and incredible volunteers came together to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with a meaningful day of service. We hosted a coat drive, welcoming over 150 people and embracing the values of community, kindness, and the power of giving back—living out Dr. King's vision of service and unity. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this day so impactful!
@americorps_paterson #Community #MLK #PatersonPride Clean the World

From Paterson to the United Nations! 🌍

On Friday, our Great Falls Teen Center and the Muslim Cultural Awareness Club at International High School had the incredible opportunity to visit the United Nations in New York City! Today's students are more engaged with global issues than ever before, and it was inspiring to see them explore the halls where decisions that impact the world are made. With curiosity and a drive to make a difference, they walked through spaces where future leaders will stand—reflecting on challenges ahead and envisioning their role in building a better tomorrow. #FutureLeaders #GlobalCitizens Paterson Public Schools

Today, NJCDC's @americorps members, Neighborhood Help Center, and volunteers honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with a day of service by hosting a clothing drive. Together, we celebrated community, kindness, and the power of giving back.

@americorps_paterson
#community #mlk #americorps

What can be done to keep folks empowered as AI continues advancing?

That’s not only the theme of @unesco's 2025 International Day of Education, but also an issue we are committed to addressing right here in Paterson.

With the belief that education is just another word for opportunity, we are working to bring Paterson — where nearly 10,000 residents lack a home computer and/or internet subscription — a community technology center that will help promote digital equity among our residents.

Committed to investing in digital access, NJCDC is striving to deliver more resources to help our residents navigate technological advancement. Stay tuned!

❄️ The Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is showing off its winter magic! Frozen sections of the falls create a breathtaking sight that’s as stunning as it is serene. Bundle up, embrace the cold, and witness this icy masterpiece for yourself in the Great Falls Neighborhood. @patersongreatfalls
#patersonpride #patersonnj

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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

NJCDC Youth Step into Global Diplomacy at the United Nations

NJCDC Receives $150,000 Grant from The Cigna Group Foundation for NJ4S Passaic County

Addressing Mental Health Needs Through the Paterson Public Health Corps

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!