NJCDC President Wins 2008 Governor’s Excellence in Housing Award

Robert F. Guarasci, Founder and President of New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC), was awarded the 2008 Governor’s Excellence in Housing Award for Special Achievement in Atlantic City. This award was presented as part of the 2008 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Community Development, sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA). Joseph V. Doria, Jr. (Commissioner, Department of Community Affairs,) and Marge Della Vecchia (Executive Director, NJ HMFA) presented Mr. Guarasci with the award at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Under the leadership of Mr. Guarasci, NJCDC has delivered major housing and development successes over the past fourteen years. During 2008 alone, NJCDC completed four substantial development projects – two supportive housing projects (Birch Arms and Hawthorne Heights) for the mentally-ill and formerly homeless; the restoration and reuse of a former mill building as supportive housing for youth aging out of the foster care system (Marion Street); and an $8.1 million charter school (Community Charter School of Paterson) located in the Great Falls Historic District, serving approximately 400 of Paterson’s youth.

Commenting on the award, Mr. Guarasci said: “I am grateful to the Governor for his recognition of the outstanding work of NJCDC. We had a lot on our plates this year, and are proud of these successes that built on our already strong community presence. The Community Charter School of Paterson continues our tradition of providing area youth with a safe place to learn, play, and grow. Birch Arms and Hawthorne Heights serve some of the most underserved populations of the area – mentally-ill and homeless – while Marion House lends a hand to youth who are on their way to becoming mature adults and productive citizens.”

NJCDC Board of Trustees Chair Vaughn McKoy (PSE&G Director of Customer Service and Community Relations) applauded the choice of Mr. Guarasci for the Governor’s award. “Bob has put his heart and soul into this organization for fourteen years, which is now one of the largest providers of social services in the city of Paterson. His vision has helped to transform and improve tens of thousands of lives in New Jersey. I look forward to the next fourteen years, for I have no doubt Bob and NJCDC will find new ways to make an impact in the community.”