NJCDC Graduates its 17th Class of AmeriCorps Volunteers

Class of 2011 AmeriCorps members

On Wednesday August 3rd, NJCDC celebrated the 17th graduation of the Paterson Community Schools Corps AmeriCorps program. The event was held at the Brownstone House, in Paterson, NJ, and the evening was filled with reflections from supervisors, NJCDC staff members, AmeriCorps members and a parent of one of the graduates. Cathy Silverman, the Executive Director of the National Council of Jewish Women of Essex County and parent of Lyle Silverman (AmeriCorps graduate), told of the impact AmeriCorps had on her son’s life. “He is truly a different person today than when he began this program last year…I believe this program, operated and supervised by NJCDC, enables these young adults to truly receive much more than they give…This experience will change their lives forever.”

The NJCDC AmeriCorps program is dedicated to serving five public schools in Paterson’s Greater Spruce Street neighborhood (Garrett Morgan Academy, Community Charter School of Paterson, Paterson Family Center, School #5 and International High School). These 25 young people commit to a year of service in one of our schools in exchange for a modest living stipend, and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Paterson’s children and families.

The mission of the Corporation for National and Community Service is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps, the national service initiative created by Congress and President Clinton to “get things done” in communities throughout America, was NJCDC’s first program upon its founding in 1994. Since then, hundreds of AmeriCorps Members have completed the program and assisted thousands of individuals, children and families in Paterson. At NJCDC, AmeriCorps is more than just a program. Simply put, AmeriCorps is the bloodline of our organization.

The belief that every person can make a difference, the strong spirit of civic responsibility and the devotion to rebuilding communities are qualities that you will find in AmeriCorps members. As we reflect on the successes of the past year, we anxiously await the next class of NJCDC’s AmeriCorps members to continue the mission of making Paterson’s schools the best they can be.

Class of 2011 AmeriCorps members

NJCDC staff and AmeriCorps site supervisors

NJCDC Staff: Creighton Drury, Eddie Gonzalez, Barry Ford, Bob Guarasci, & Mike Gowdy