Closing a Chapter, Opening New Doors: NJCDC’s 30th Anniversary Conclusion Celebration

Watch a short video recap of our 30th Anniversary Conclusion event

View Photos of the event

On March 11, 1994, a clerk in Trenton stamped NJCDC's articles of incorporation, officially giving life to an organization dedicated to changing lives in Paterson. Exactly 31 years later, on March 11, 2025, we gathered once again — this time to celebrate the conclusion of our 30th anniversary year at our Great Falls Youth Center.

With over 80 attendees, the evening was a perfect blend of reflection and celebration. Guests enjoyed delicious food, took group photos at the photo booth, caught up with friends, and toured the latest expansion of our youth center, including a cutting-edge podcast studio. Most importantly, the night was filled with inspiring words from those who have played a role in shaping NJCDC’s impact.

Among the special guests in attendance were Mayor Andre Sayegh, Councilwoman Maritza Davila, and Passaic County Sheriff Thomas Adamo. Several NJCDC Trustees also joined the celebration, including Bill Pascrell III, Martin Vergara, Carline Morrison, and our newest board member, Jonathan Tarazona.

Speakers throughout the evening included NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci, Mayor Andre Sayegh, Trustees Bill Pascrell III and Martin Vergara, Great Falls Youth Center alum Isaac Manea, and our youth center scholars Milan Shepherd and Elianny Polanco.

Words of Gratitude and Vision

Our Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci kicked off the evening by speaking passionately about the journey of the organization, emphasizing the people who make the work meaningful: “I consider myself fortunate to work with colleagues who care deeply about this city and the people who live in it, to have a Board of Trustees who support all that we do, and to have colleagues throughout the city that help us do our work. But perhaps most of all, I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with our service recipients, who have inspired me from day one: our residents with developmental disabilities; our Paterson Youth Council members; the young people who go to our youth center and our teen centers; our charter school students and parents and families. They are who we work for — each and every day.”

Reflecting on the success of NJCDC’s students, he added, “I’m excited when any of our students go to college, including those in our backyard…but I think when we see our students go to the most elite school in the nation, we are saying something special: that kids from Paterson can compete with kids from any place in our state and our country. The headlines never focus on that fact, but in many ways, it is the most important reason we do what we do — and that is to help everyone we serve reach their highest aspirations.”

Following Bob’s opening remarks, “Dean of the Board” Bill Pascrell III — NJCDC’s longest-serving board member, who has been with the organization since its inception — shared his heartfelt admiration for Bob and the organization: “In the history of Paterson, I don't know anybody who's done more for this city than Bob Guarasci….I wish there was an organization like this when I was a kid going to school!”

Mayor Andre Sayegh, a longtime supporter of NJCDC, followed by connecting the organization’s impact to one of his favorite Bible scriptures, paraphrasing, “without a vision, the people will perish.” He continued, “Bob is the personification of people having the vision and Paterson prospering as a result…he's not just Bob the Builder, he's Bob the Blessing.”

The next generation also shared how NJCDC has shaped their lives. Our youth center alum Isaac Manea expressed his appreciation, stating, “I feel grateful to NJCDC and Bob Guarasci for the opportunities they offer young people like me.”

Similarly, current youth center scholar Elianny Polanco shared her experience: “I have so many great things to say about NJCDC: it’s helped me a lot with my college process, it’s provided so many great opportunities, I’ve been able to connect with my community, and it’s allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.”

A Sweet Celebration & Thoughtful Tokens

Following the student remarks, guests gathered for a ceremonial cake cutting. The beautifully crafted cake, made by Patersonian Liz Bonilla, exuded a vintage charm, covered in shimmering gold flakes. A delicious surprise awaited inside: layers of rich, cannoli-filled decadence that perfectly capped off the evening’s festivities.

As a token of appreciation, each guest received a gift bag filled with commemorative 30th Anniversary keepsakes, including a 30th Anniversary Medallion, a commemorative booklet, a leather-bound journal, a t-shirt, and a mug filled with chocolates. These thoughtful gifts served as a lasting reminder of NJCDC’s three-plus decades of service and the continued journey ahead.

A Community United for the Future

As we close this milestone year, we extend our deepest gratitude to our supporters — those who have walked alongside us for years and those who are just joining our mission. Your belief in our work fuels everything we do. Here’s to the next 30 years of transforming Paterson, one life at a time!