Exploring the First Season of NJCDC’s Podcast: The Loft

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In just six months, The Loft has become a dynamic platform for amplifying the voices of Paterson youth, showcasing our transformative work and connecting listeners with valuable community resources. Through engaging conversations and heartfelt stories, the podcast brings our mission to life, offering glimpses into the lives, challenges, and triumphs of youth participants, program staff, organizational leaders, and community partners. Since its launch, The Loft has informed, inspired, and empowered its audience — especially the young people of Paterson — to make their voices heard.

The idea for The Loft emerged during the expansion of our Great Falls Youth Center, made possible by a $500,000 grant from the City of Paterson and generous donors like Marilyn Clark, who is deeply committed to supporting tomorrow’s leaders. Eddie Gonzalez, our Director of Community Outreach, spearheaded the project, expressing excitement about creating a space to share resources and stories with thousands of listeners. Thanks to Eddie’s leadership, we unveiled a state-of-the-art podcast studio last spring, designed to give young people a platform to connect, grow, and explore their potential.

Leading The Loft is Paterson native and NJCDC program alum Danny Gonzalez Jr. His journey — from youth participant in programs like the Paterson Youth Council and Great Falls Youth Center to mentor and now producer and host — reflects our mission of transformation. “Working at the podcast studio has been a full-circle experience for me,” Danny says. “These programs helped me find my voice, and now I’m helping other young people discover theirs.”

A recent graduate of Montclair State University, Danny curates impactful stories and guests while mentoring young participants to recognize the power of their voices. When asked to help build the podcast studio, Danny didn’t hesitate. “It was a no-brainer to join this effort and bring this opportunity to the youth of Paterson,” he says.

As our Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci envisioned at our youth center’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, “May this new space be a place of transformation, opportunity, and hope.” Less than a year later, The Loft has brought that vision to life, releasing 35 episodes filled with compelling stories, insightful discussions, and inspiring moments that celebrate youth voices and community collaboration:

Great Falls Youth Center: Empowering the Next Generation

The Loft dedicates several episodes to highlighting our Great Falls Youth Center’s work, showcasing how it provides Paterson’s young people with the tools to succeed. In nine youth-led episodes, participants discuss topics ranging from Current Events and Politics to Pop Culture and the Music Industry. These episodes capture the energy and creativity of our youth center while giving our students the opportunity to express themselves and reflect on their experiences.

One standout episode features a student-led discussion on generational gaps, offering a fascinating exploration of the differences between how young people and adults view the world. Other episodes highlight personal growth, including reflections on entering new life chapters and facing challenges with resilience. Seasonal episodes bring a festive tone, as students share insights on the winter holidays, Thanksgiving traditions, and even Halloween’s impact on pop culture and the horror genre.

Through these diverse topics, listeners gain a deeper understanding of our youth center’s mission: to empower the next generation by fostering leadership, critical thinking, and self-expression. Each story reflects the triumphs of young people who have embraced their voices and potential.

Compete for Life: Building Strength and Confidence

Our Compete for Life (CFL) program, which provides academic enrichment, youth development, and recreational programming to over 200 students at neighboring JFK High School, takes center stage in eight episodes of The Loft. These episodes explore how sports, teamwork, and mentorship inspire our participants to push past their limits and build a sense of camaraderie.

Co-hosted by CFL Program Director Brian Miranda, the episodes dive into the physical and mental benefits of recreational activities. In one standout episode, young participants reflect on how CFL helped them come out of their shells, form lasting friendships, and grow in confidence. Earlier in the year, CFL students shared their thoughts on Halloween and horror media, offering a playful yet insightful analysis of trends in cinema.

Listeners also get an inside look at the CFL marching band’s first performance at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium, featuring interviews with students and staff who share the excitement and pride of participating in such a milestone event. In a heartwarming holiday episode, CFL participants spread Christmas cheer, reflecting on the program’s positive influence on their lives.

By highlighting the transformative impact of shared activity, collaboration, and mentorship, these episodes illustrate how CFL helps young people develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in and beyond the classroom.

Spotlight on Leadership: Behind NJCDC’s Programs

One of The Loft’s strengths is its ability to provide a behind-the-scenes look at our leadership and programs. In the inaugural episode, our Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci sets the tone by sharing the origins of NJCDC, reflecting on its evolution from a small idea to a citywide force for change. Throughout the season, episodes feature program leaders and staff who bring our mission to life every day.

AmeriCorps Program Director Gabrielle Foushee offers insights into our longest-running program, emphasizing its role in fostering volunteerism and leadership. Later in the season, Gabrielle returns with Assistant Director Christian Triana to discuss our Annual Holiday Toy Drive, which brings joy to hundreds of children each year.

David Gelman, our Chief Program Officer, shares stories of our Paterson Youth Council, where local teens are empowered to become civically engaged leaders. Similarly, Alana Cooper-Russ, Site Coordinator for our Full Service Community Schools program at JFK High School, highlights how these initiatives foster both academic and personal growth, describing them as “the heart” of their schools.

Other episodes celebrate the vibrancy of our arts and recreational programs. Our Arts Program Director Mahbuba Uddin discusses how the arts empower students to express themselves, while Brian Miranda and Tiffany Shepherd, Director of the Great Falls Youth Center, share how teamwork and safe spaces foster self-confidence and meaningful connections.

A recurring highlight of the season is the vital role of our Neighborhood Help Center (NHC). In several episodes, NHC Director Cristina Tone and team members like Sammuel Gomez discuss how our NHC acts as a lifeline for residents facing challenges ranging from housing insecurity to educational barriers. These heartfelt conversations provide glimpses into the lives of community members who have benefited from our NHC’s unwavering support. Notably, several NHC episodes were released in Spanish, underscoring our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all members of our community.

Through these conversations with our program and organizational leadership, The Loft reveals the dedication and innovation that drive our organization and programs, as well as the tangible impact it has on Paterson’s young people and their families.

Community Conversations: Informing and Inspiring

Through a special series called Community Conversations, The Loft also serves as a platform for educating listeners about vital state programs — particularly those offered through New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

Hosted by Bob Guarasci and Eddie Gonzalez, with recurring special guest DCA Chief of Staff Kia King, the series features thought-provoking discussions with experts and state officials. These episodes are not only informative but also deeply personal, offering insights into the programs shaping our communities and the people who make them possible.

The first episode introduces Kia King and Jennifer Underwood, Administrator of DCA’s Office of Community Services, as they share their career journeys and the human impact of DCA’s programs. Later episodes tackle pressing topics like eviction prevention, with Dean Dafis, Director of the Office of Eviction Prevention, shedding light on empathetic policies designed to support families in crisis.

A particularly memorable episode focuses on homelessness, featuring Kia King and Michael Callahan, DCA’s Director of Homelessness Prevention. The conversation challenges stereotypes about homelessness, highlighting the diverse faces of those affected and the initiatives aimed at ending veteran homelessness. In a timely December episode, the team discusses utility assistance programs with Christine Guhl Sadovy, President of the NJ Board of Public Utilities, offering actionable advice for residents facing financial challenges during the winter months.

One standout moment in the series is a youth-led discussion with New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. Three of our youth participants interviewed the Lt. Governor about her journey in public service, civic engagement, and leadership, leaving listeners inspired by the potential of young people to shape the future.

Through candid conversations and actionable insights, Community Conversations bridges the gap between policy and the people it serves, empowering listeners to engage with programs that make a difference in their lives.

Looking Ahead: More Stories to Tell

As The Loft wraps up its first season, it stands as a testament to the power of youth voices and community collaboration. With its blend of inspiring stories, informative content, and authentic perspectives, the podcast has created a lasting platform for empowerment. We remain committed to amplifying the voices of Paterson’s youth, ensuring their stories continue to inspire hope, opportunity, and action. Tune in to hear firsthand how Paterson’s future leaders are making their mark today and to discover how NJCDC is making a difference, one story at a time.

The Loft podcast is available in video format on YouTube and in audio format on all major streaming platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and Podbean). You can follow The Loft on Instagram and Facebook.