NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci

addressing supporters at our annual 'Fore the Kids' Golf Outing

As graduation season approaches and college acceptance letters continue arriving, there is a real sense of excitement across NJCDC. This month, we celebrated that spirit through our annual Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, which raised critical support for Paterson children and families; our Paterson Youth Council’s trip to Washington, D.C., where students experienced civic life firsthand; the conclusion of another successful Minigrants cycle showcasing resident leadership and creativity; and the recognition of Gabby Foushee, whose years of service to Paterson students, families, and AmeriCorps members earned her a well-deserved Extra Mile Award.

That sense of possibility extends across our programs. At our Great Falls Youth Center, students are preparing for prom and end-of-year celebrations through dress giveaways, masquerade programming, and other activities that help make these milestone moments memorable. We also celebrated women and mothers throughout our community, from Mother’s Day gatherings focused on self-care and connection to our Community Charter School of Paterson elementary school’s inspiring Women’s History Month celebration.

Looking ahead, we are excited by the continued growth of our AmeriCorps program through a new partnership with the Youth Mental Health Corps, which will expand support for young people while creating new career pathways in behavioral health. We were also proud to see Paterson Youth Council member Ashley Gaibor recognized by the New Jersey Hall of Fame for her award-winning essay honoring Cristina Tone, and grateful to receive grant support from Passaic County that will help strengthen an important community asset. As our students prepare for graduations, summer opportunities, and the next steps in their educational journeys, we are reminded that every accomplishment begins with encouragement, opportunity, and a community that believes in its young people.

Robert Guarasci

NJCDC Founder & CEO

More than 100 golfers, sponsors, and supporters came together for NJCDC’s annual Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, raising over $100,000 to help create opportunities for Paterson children and families through education, youth development, housing, and community-building programs.

Paterson Alliance honored NJCDC’s Gabrielle Foushee with its Extra Mile Award, recognizing her years of dedication to students, families, and AmeriCorps members while highlighting the impact of service across our community.

Paterson residents once again transformed their passions into opportunities for connection, creativity, and community impact through NJCDC's latest Minigrants cycle. From photography and music to dance, sewing, and entrepreneurship, the spring showcase highlighted how resident-led ideas are continuing to strengthen neighborhoods across the city.

With support from Citi’s Teach Children to Save initiative, our Community Charter School of Paterson middle school students learned real-world financial literacy skills through an engaging theatrical performance — while CCSP’s annual Spelling Bee showcased the hard work and determination of student scholars across the school.

Prom season is in full swing at the Great Falls Youth Center, where students received free prom attire through generous community partnerships and later celebrated together at a festive Masquerade Ball.

Rainy weather couldn’t dampen the excitement as Paterson Family Center students explored animals and nature during a memorable field trip to the Bergen County Zoo.

Our Community Charter School of Paterson elementary students celebrated Women’s History Month through music, dance, and student performances that honored the achievements and contributions of women while building school pride and motivation.

NJCDC honored mothers throughout the community with a special Mother’s Day celebration focused on self-care, healing, and recognizing the many ways mothers support their families every day.

NJ4S Passaic County Hub’s Third Annual Wellness Summit, Healing in Community, brought together educators, caregivers, and mental health professionals to explore how communities can better support children and families navigating grief and loss.

Paterson Youth Council member Ashley Gaibor was named the winner of the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s 2026 High School Essay Contest for her moving essay about NJCDC’s Cristina Tone — a powerful reflection on leadership, service, and creating opportunities for others.

NJCDC’s Paterson Public Health Corps AmeriCorps program has been selected as one of five New Jersey partners helping launch the Youth Mental Health Corps, expanding support for young people while creating new pathways into behavioral health careers.

NJCDC received a $50,000 grant through Passaic County’s Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Program to support rehabilitation work at 16 Spruce Street, helping preserve and strengthen an important community asset.