🚨 Calling Paterson’s next generation of young leaders 🚨
The city’s future needs visionaries — and NJCDC’s Paterson Youth Council is where leadership begins.
If you know a Paterson teen (15–18) ready to grow, lead, and create real impact, don’t let them miss this opportunity.
🧠 Leadership development
🌍 Travel + exposure opportunities
🎓 Scholarships + college trips
🏙️ Meaningful change in their own city
Today’s youth council member could be tomorrow’s senator, business owner, or transformative force for Paterson.
🔗 Apply by June 12 at: 𝐛𝐢𝐭.𝐥𝐲/𝐩𝐲𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐩
📲 Questions? David Gelman | 973-413-1622 | [email protected]
Paterson’s rising leaders belong at the table. Help them claim their seat.
From Harvard halls to neighborhood parks, April had range.
See how NJCDC youth, families, and residents kept moving Paterson forward this month at: bit.ly/njcdcapril26
Before we turn the page, we wanted to pause.
2025 brought growth, challenges, milestones, and moments that reminded us why this work matters. Our Year in Review looks back at 10 defining moments — and the people who made them happen.
Take a look back at 𝟏𝟎 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐉𝐂𝐃𝐂 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 at: bit.ly/njcdctop10
(or click the link in our Profile)
💡 Paterson is full of visionaries. Sometimes, all they need is the opportunity.
From Afro-Latin dance and photography to music, sewing, and entrepreneurship, NJCDC’s latest minigrants cohort transformed local passions into real community change.
Three rounds in, thanks to generous funding from @regionalfound , resident leadership is not just thriving — it’s reshaping neighborhoods.
See how this spring’s showcase celebrated the growing movement.
Read more and see the photos at: bit.ly/minigrants26
We wrapped up Day 2 in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸
Paterson students explored the U.S. Capitol, met with Congresswoman @repnellie , visited the National Mall and more.
Community Charter School of Paterson elementary students recently lit up the stage with a motivational display of music, dance, and talent during a special assembly celebrating Women’s History Month and test prep pump up!
From inspiring performances to high-energy moments that got students excited and motivated, the gym was filled with creativity, pride, and school spirit all afternoon long!
@ccspnj The Community Charter School of Paterson
During our Washington DC Tour students visited Arlington National Cemetery for a meaningful experience honoring the bravery and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.
NJCDC’s Paterson Youth Council’s Washington DC Tour is underway. First stop 🛑 Union Station. This is an exciting two day visit to our nation’s capital. Stay tuned as we visit more iconic sites.
This touching moment from our Mother's Day luncheon reminds us that when mothers are supported, healing can reach not only themselves, but generations to come.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of reflection, encouragement, and connection.
The jazz just keeps on coming! 🎷
April’s 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 concert brought the spirit and evolution of Miles Davis to life through the extraordinary Mario Giordano Trio.
Next up? A whole different flavor.
On Friday May 22, Koehler, Chertkoff & Riley take over Rogers Hall with soulful organ grooves, deep swing, and the unmistakable chemistry of three veteran jazz artists.
📸 Swipe through moments from April’s show, thanks to @alianaphotographs
🎶 Then get ready for May 22nd
🎟️ More info + free tickets at: bit.ly/allthisjazz
A community that feels together heals together
❤️🕊️✨
Reflecting on a day of connection and resilience at our Third Annual Wellness Summit, “Grief Summit: Healing In Community.” It was an honor to collaborate with Good Grief (@goodgriefnj ) and the Paterson Healing Collective (@patersonhealingcollective ) to create a space dedicated to collective support.
A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW, for her powerful session on supporting grieving children and families through a trauma-informed lens. We walked away with deeper understanding and stronger tools to support one another through life’s most difficult transitions.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us to learn, share, and grow. Together, we are building a more supportive community for those navigating loss.
#NJ4S #Grief #Community #MentalHealth #TraumaInformed
Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all of the incredible mothers in our community!💐
During yesterday's celebration, we focused on self-care, healing, and support for all that mothers do for their families. Filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and meaningful conversations, it was a beautiful opportunity for our community to come together and uplift one another.
We were honored to welcome guest speaker Amber Nazneen, who acknowledged the many sacrifices and responsibilities mothers carry while encouraging them to prioritize their own well-being.
We also took a moment to wish our Founder & CEO, Bob Guarasci, a happy birthday! 🎂
