Youth Building a Brighter Future

Every year approximately over 100 young Patersonians between the ages of 16 and 24 seek out our Paterson Great Falls YouthBuild program for an opportunity to get a second chance—a chance to turn their lives around. And each year, only 35 youth are admitted into the program.

In keeping with creating opportunities to transform lives, the Paterson Great Falls Youth Build program is committed to a “Firm on principle but flexible on method” approach to helping our students succeed. Based on a national model, NJCDC’s Paterson Great Falls YouthBuild is an intensive, 10-month program in which young adults who never completed high school obtain their GED or high school diploma, build much needed affordable housing, and develop the leadership- and life-skills necessary for living a successful and productive life.

Aside from attaining academic credentials and professional certifications, the 2011 YouthBuild graduates participated in numerous service projects such as NJCDC’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive, the KaBOOM! Playground build at School #5, and the Read Now program—a literacy program where they distributed books to local children.
The Paterson Great Falls YouthBuild program recognizes the multilayered needs of each participant and aims for a holistic approach to educating every student. In addition to academic enrichment and community service, the students are given daily tutoring and mentoring, parenting classes and they have the opportunity to participate in monthly family nights and movie nights. To many of our participants, YouthBuild is more than an innovative 10-month academy—it’s a second family and the beginning of lifelong relationships.

Of this year’s 27 graduates, 12 have secured employment, 8 are pursuing post-secondary education, and 2 have applications in the US Military. We are extremely proud of our YouthBuild graduates, and we wish them the best of luck as they pursue new endeavors.
If you are interested in being a member in the next YouthBuild class, please email Mr. Marc-Damon Smith or contact him via phone (973-413-1623) for complete details.

LEFT PHOTO: Mayor Jeffrey Jones RIGHT PHOTO: Marc-Damon Smith Sr., Bob Guarasci, and Charles Featherson the Director of the Workforce Investment Board of Passaic County

LEFT PHOTO: Marc-Damon Smith Sr., with YB Graduates Riddley Townes, Tavon Lawson, and Jesus Quinones RIGHT PHOTO: YB Graduates and their families