NJCDC AmeriCorps Alumni Reconnect for 30th Anniversary Celebration

PATERSON, NJ - Alumni of the New Jersey Community Development Corporation’s (NJCDC) AmeriCorps program, gathered for the first time as part of NJCDC's 30th Anniversary celebration. The event marked a milestone for the non-profit organization, which has been dedicated to serving Paterson's inner-city youth and families through education, youth development, affordable housing, and community building.

The NJCDC, serves approximately 4,000 kids and families each day. Its AmeriCorps program focuses on eliminating barriers to academic achievement and providing new opportunities to transform the lives of Paterson's youth and families. AmeriCorps members work in local elementary schools and high school teen centers, providing mentorship, tutoring, academic support, social and emotional development programming, and family engagement events. Additionally, members enhance existing services such as after-school programs and school-wide events.

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Throughout their year of service, AmeriCorps members are engaged in extensive personal and professional development, preparing them for careers in various fields, including teaching, social work, law and policy, non-profit management, public health, government, Peace Corps, and graduate studies. Members receive a living allowance of approximately $13,992, federal loan deferment, an educational award of approximately $5,920 upon program completion, health insurance, and child care payments if needed.

The recent reunion allowed alumni to reconnect, share their experiences, and reflect on the program’s lasting influence on their careers and lives.

Sasha, a Class of 2015 alumna, expressed her gratitude, saying, "NJCDC’s AmeriCorps program was a great transition from college, and it prepared me for my career in education. The work we did in Paterson had a lasting impact on me and the community."

"I became vice principal in Plainfield thanks to the support of AmeriCorps and the experiences I had helping out with various projects," Craig Jackson, a Class of 2002 alumnus said. "I remember working with Bob [Guarasci], who never stopped teaching and inspiring us. Seeing all the new faces and reconnecting with old ones reminds me of the legacy we're building together. The work we did back then is still making a difference, and it brings me so much joy."

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The event also served as an opportunity for NJCDC to gather insights from alumni on how to continue supporting them and enhancing the program. Chris, Class of 2022, shared, "AmeriCorps was a transformative experience for me. I spent a lot of time pursuing art and music, but I really wanted to give back to the community. Joining AmeriCorps was the perfect opportunity to do that. Working with the kids there has been incredibly rewarding. I love everything about this experience and am grateful to be part of it."

David Gelman, who currently serves as NJCDC's Chief Development Officer, and is a member of the AmeriCorps Class of 2007, emphasized the importance of alumni engagement, stating, "Reconnecting with our alumni is crucial as we celebrate 30 years of service. Our goal is to build a robust alumni network that supports our current programs and serves the Paterson community through various initiatives."

"Today means a lot to me because I get to see and hear about everyone's amazing legacy here," AmeriCorps Program Director Gabrielle Foushee said. "Their work has been phenomenal, and I’m trying to continue it. We never stopped serving this community, even during the hardest times like COVID. We provided everything from food distributions to laptops and backpacks. NJCDC has allowed me to do everything I ever wanted, and I’ve enjoyed working and serving here. Every class is different, and they come together like a family, making a real difference. This reunion reminds me of the impact we've had and continues to inspire me to do more.

Looking ahead, NJCDC aims to strengthen its alumni network, fostering ongoing connections among past and present members to enhance community service efforts and support Paterson's youth.

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