NJCDC Welcomes the 18th AmeriCorps Class

Every year, approximately 2 million college graduates compete for jobs within the slender selection of available entry level positions. For some, the only prerequisite for an acceptable employment position is the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience while making a difference. At NJCDC, our AmeriCorps members receive nothing short of that standard.

Every year at NJCDC, 25 recent college graduates enlist in a year of service through the Paterson Community Schools Corps AmeriCorps Program. Our AmeriCorps members commit a year to helping others in exchange for a modest living allowance and a tuition reimbursement stipend. The emphasis for the year is on helping empower low-income families and students. Our members engage in activities throughout our different educational and youth development programs, ranging from helping operate much-needed afterschool programs at local elementary schools to serving as mentors in teen centers at our local high schools.

On November 16, 2011, NJCDC had its 18^th induction ceremony for the newest class of AmeriCorps members. Family, friends and NJCDC staff gathered at NJCDC headquarters on Spruce Street to welcome the new class. Creighton Drury, President at NJCDC welcomed the members by saying “AmeriCorps, more than anything, defines what NJCDC is about.” His message is a reflection of the mere fact that AmeriCorps was NJCDC’s first program upon its founding in 1994, and it is often referred to as the “bloodline” of the organization.

The evening consisted of guest speakers including Dr. Kathleen Waldron, the President of William Paterson University. Dr. Waldron expressed gratitude for the work that the members were doing in Paterson and congratulated them on their desire to serve their country through a year of service.

Among the speakers included William Graulich, a former AmeriCorps member from the class of 2004. He proclaimed, “My AmeriCorps experience helped catapult my passion for educating young people.” For many like William, AmeriCorps inspires people to enter into the field of education or public service.

Later in the evening, Bob Guarasci, NJCDC CEO and Founder, reiterated the program’s importance by saying “Our organization would not be what it is today without the continued dedication of our AmeriCorps members—without them we would not be able to provide much needed services to over 2000 children and families each and every day.”

The NJCDC staff warmly welcomes the new class of AmeriCorps members and sends sincere wishes of an inspiring and rewarding year of service!

View more 18th AmeriCorps Class Swearing In photos on Flickr.