Our Mission, Vision, & Values
About Us
Dedicated to creating opportunities to transform lives within the City of Paterson's Great Falls Neighborhood, New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) is a private, non-profit community development and social service agency focusing on education, youth development, affordable and supportive housing, and community building initiatives.
Founded in 1994 by Bob Guarasci with one other employee, NJCDC has grown into a $19 million agency, employing 150 individuals that serve over 4,000 children, teens, and families daily.
Our Mission
At NJCDC, our mission is to create opportunities to transform lives.
Our Vision
All 8,000 children living or going to school in Paterson's Great Falls Neighborhood will graduate from high school—ready for college and a career.
Our Place-Based Approach
Our primary focus is the Great Falls Neighborhood in the City of Paterson, New Jersey—an area spanning 95 city blocks, with the majestic Great Falls at its center. Although this is a low-income community, with a median household income less than 40% of the statewide median, it is also a neighborhood rich in history, resilience, and promise. Through our cradle-to-college pipeline of programs and services, we pursue innovative and creative solutions to revitalize the community and empower low-income individuals and families to lift themselves out of poverty. For these reasons, we remain deeply optimistic about the future.
92¢
of Every Dollar Donated goes directly to our Programs & Services
4K+
Children and Families Served Daily
200+
Affordable/Supportive Housing Units Built
