Celebrating More Than 30 Years of Transforming Lives

A Pipeline of Services & Support

NJCDC is revitalizing Paterson, New Jersey through education, youth development, affordable housing, and community building Initiatives.

Education

Youth Development

Affordable & Supportive Housing

Community Building

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A Season of Growth Across NJCDC

From cherry blossoms to community programs, renewal is unfolding across Paterson

All This Jazz: A Free Monthly Concert Series at NJCDC’s Rogers Hall

Showcasing jazz artists from across NJ in the heart of Paterson’s Great Falls Neighborhood

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Passaic County Open Space, Farmland, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grant Application

Historic Preservation Grant Program

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NJCDC: Building Opportunity in Paterson

Learn more about our mission to create opportunities to transform lives in Paterson and its Great Falls Neighborhood.

Why We Focus on Paterson

Paterson is New Jersey’s third-largest city — and also one of its poorest. Due to more than 50 years of entrenched poverty, underperforming schools, and high unemployment rates, Paterson currently faces a multitude of socioeconomic issues:

157,660

156,639

Residents

12%

156,639

of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher

24%

156,639

live below the poverty level

74%

156,639

of housing units are renter-occupied

65%

156,639

of renters spend 30%+ of their income on rent

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92¢

of Every Dollar Donated goes directly to our Programs & Services

4K+

Children and Families Served Daily

200+

Affordable/Supportive Housing Units Built

Our Paterson Youth Council Ivy League College Tour was a success!

From Harvard University to Massachusetts Institute of Technology to Yale University, more than 40 Paterson students experienced some of the world’s top institutions firsthand.

Students had the opportunity to meet and connect with current college students who once stood in their shoes, making the experience real and relatable.
It’s about opening doors, expanding what feels possible, and inspiring them to pursue college and future careers with confidence.

Thank you to all our supporters who helped make this possible!

You bring the swing, we’ll bring the impact.

Join us just three weeks from today for NJCDC’s 18th Annual 'Fore the Kids' Golf Tournament on Monday, May 4 at Glen Ridge Country Club.

It’s a full day of golf, food, and friendly competition, but the real win happens off the course, where your support powers life-changing programs for Paterson youth year-round.

The greens await — register today at: bit.ly/golf18

Spring didn’t ease in — it showed up everywhere.

In parks, on courts, in classrooms, and across our neighborhoods.

Here’s what that looks like at NJCDC: 𝐛𝐢𝐭.𝐥𝐲/𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐧𝐣𝐜𝐝𝐜

NJCDC is on the road with 40+ Paterson students for a 2-day Ivy League College Tour with the Paterson Youth Council!

They’ve already explored @harvard and @mit - next stop: Yale!

Opening doors, inspiring dreams, and showing what’s possible!

Miles at 100. 🎺

Two weeks away! Mario Giordano and his trio bring April’s 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 concert to Rogers Hall on 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟒 — reimagining the music of Miles Davis across eras and styles.

🎶 Free concert
📍 NJCDC's Rogers Hall
⏰ Doors 6:30pm | Showtime 7:00PM

🎟 Tickets are free but limited. Grab yours while they’re still available at: 𝐛𝐢𝐭.𝐥𝐲/𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐣𝐚𝐳𝐳

Paterson residents are learning the fundamentals of photography while showcasing the city’s beauty through their own lens at our most recent @picturepaterson photo class

Guided by local photographer Jennifer Rivas of @cloudcapturephotography students
are capturing everyday moments to tell visual stories. These creatives are seeing Paterson in a whole new way.

With support from the Regional Foundation, NJCDC continues to bring free classes to the community through the Neighborhood Activities Fund (NAF) Mini-Grant Program. 💙

@regionalfound

The @greatfalls_youthcenter came alive with creativity, energy, and community spirit this past weekend!

Our talented youth vendors showcased and sold their custom-made products while enjoying a fun-filled experience surrounded by friends and supporters. From unique crafts to inspiring young entrepreneurs, it was a celebration of creativity and ambition.

A special thank you to event sponsors, the Paterson Police Division, Councilwoman Ruby Cotton, Councilwoman Maritza Davila, and Senator @benjieewimberly, for helping make this event possible.

A great way to uplift and support our young entrepreneurs! 👏

@littlebeangummies @jynsugarbliss @jaelslemondrop

#GFYC #YouthEntrepreneurs #PatersonNJ #CommunityStrong #SupportLocal

🧵 @abidedesignsllc and @cafecitoconfashion are once again bringing creativity to our community, guiding residents through hands-on sewing lessons as they create projects like these classic couch pillows together. 💚

There’s something special that happens when creativity and community come together.

With support from the Regional Foundation, @njcdc continues to bring free classes to the community through the Neighborhood Activities Fund (NAF) Mini-Grant Program.

@regionalfound

The excitement was in the air at our Annual Easter Egg Hunt!

Hosted by the Paterson Youth Council and NJCDC, more than 150 children raced across Pennington Park in search of over 3,000 hidden eggs, creating a day filled with laughter, energy, and unforgettable memories for families in our community.

If you blinked, you might’ve missed it.

March moved fast — but the impact will last.

Catch up in our latest eNewsletter.

🔗 𝐛𝐢𝐭.𝐥𝐲/𝐧𝐣𝐜𝐝𝐜𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝟐𝟔

This weekend, NJCDC and the Paterson Youth Council hosted our annual Easter Egg Hunt at Pennington Park! 🌸🐣

Families from across the community came out to enjoy a beautiful day filled with egg hunts and games. Our bike raffles and Easter baskets brought big smiles to so many faces!

A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers who made this event possible—we couldn’t have done it without you!

Happy Easter!

#HappyEaster #egghunt #njcdc #patersonnj

On Good Friday, a day of deep reflection marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, thousands gathered outside the @patersoncathedral as the Via Crucis, the dramatization of the Passion, came to life on the streets of Paterson.

Through moving performances, the Paterson community honors a sacred tradition that continues to resonate year after year, uniting generations in faith, remembrance, and shared devotion.

#stationsofthecross #patersoncommunity

The house always wins… when it comes to Paterson’s future.

At our 11th Annual Casino Night, the community came together once again to invest in Paterson’s next generation — fueling scholarships, college access, and life-changing experiences.

See it all for yourself at: bit.ly/casinonight26

Thank you to the donors and attendees whose support makes it possible!

NJCDC’s 11th Annual Casino Night was an unforgettable evening! 🎲✨

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we raised vital funds to support college readiness programs, including college tours, scholarships, and so much more for Paterson’s young people. Your support is helping open doors and create brighter futures!

Music, culture, and creativity all begin here. 🎶

Our youngest Paterson learners are finding their rhythm and creativity, exploring Andean flute and guitar with instructor @lito_ramos_woodwind, inspired by his Peruvian roots.

With support from the Regional Foundation, NJCDC continues to offer free classes to the Paterson community. Neighborhood Help Center

#regionalfoundation #NJCDC #patersonnj

Our community-led programs are back in full swing!

Paterson residents are hitting the dance floor with @Festejo Fusion, celebrating the rhythm and energy of Afro-Peruvian dance. 🇵🇪

With support from @regionalfound , NJCDC continues to bring free classes to the community through the Neighborhood Activities Fund (NAF) Mini-Grant Program.

#regionalfoundation #NJCDC #patersonnj #NeighborhoodHelpCenter

World-class poetry is coming to Paterson.

And behind the scenes, four of our city’s young people are helping bring it to life.

Through the @newjerseyeda-funded 𝘗𝘰𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘓𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, NJCDC is connecting Paterson teens to real, hands-on experience in live event production — working alongside artists, producers, and creatives to make something meaningful for their community.

We’re proud to introduce our four youth apprentices—and to be part of a project that brings arts, culture, and opportunity to our neighborhoods.

Get to know the project and the youth apprentices helping to make it happen at: bit.ly/njcdcpoetry

Tomorrow’s 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 concert just got even better.

Mike Noordzy Trio is still bringing their signature sound — but now, for a special opening set, they’ll be joined by internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and proud Patersonian, TC The 3rd.

From scatting improvisations to timeless standards, TC has toured extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean — and has shared the stage with legends like Sun Ra Arkestra, Grover Washington, Jr., Art Blakey, Jon Henricks, Wynton Marsalis, and George Benson.

We’re so excited for him to bring that energy home to Paterson.

Free tickets — limited remaining.
Lock yours in before they’re gone: bit.ly/allthisjazz

Style. Confidence. Energy. 🔥

The runway was lit at the @greatfalls_youthcenter Fashion Show! Our teens stepped out in their new fits, showing off their style, confidence, and creativity every step of the way.

📍 Great Falls Youth Center
52 Front Street, Paterson, NJ

🔗 Tap the link in our bio GFYC application

From a dream… to a business of her own.

Marymar Dugarte, a proud Venezuelan chef, turned years of hard work, resilience, and passion into something truly special. Today, she’s a partner—bringing both Venezuelan and Mexican flavors to the table at Tulum Mexican Grill, serving up her signature sazón to the community every day.

Behind every success story is support.
With guidance from the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), Marymar gained the tools to turn her vision into reality. From budgeting and planning to building a stronger future for her family.

The Paterson FEC - the only financial empowerment center in the state - provides free, one-on-one financial counseling to all Paterson residents.

@cityofpatersonnj @andresayeghnj

They spend their days showing up for Paterson.

Last week, we made sure they had space to show up for each other.

From bowling lanes to shared meals, NJCDC’s AmeriCorps members took part in a week of connection, fun, and reflection — strengthening the relationships that power their work in our schools, youth centers, and neighborhoods.

The result? A team that’s more connected, more supported, and more energized to serve.

Take a closer look at NJCDC’s AmeriCorps Week 2026 — and the people behind the impact at: bit.ly/njcdcamericorpsweek

Celebrating Ramadan, together 🌙✨

The Muslim Heritage Club at International High School is creating space, building community, and celebrating culture, and NJCDC is proud to stand behind that work through the Great Falls Teen Center.

During Ramadan, students and families came together to break their fast for iftar, sharing a beautiful potluck that reflected culture, community, and connection.

This is what it looks like when young leaders create spaces that bring people together. Ramadan Kareem

Big dreams. Real support. Dreams realized. ✂️✨

NJCDC joined Paterson @andresayeghnj to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Tulum Mexican Grill—a powerful reminder of what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity.

With support from the Financial Empowerment Center, operated by the City of Paterson and NJCDC, co-owner and Venezuelan chef Marymar Dugarte of Bendiciones de Sabor Marymar gained the tools to turn her vision into reality—budgeting, planning, and building a future for her family.

This isn’t just a restaurant opening, it’s a story of courage, community, and what happens when we invest in people.
Tulum Mexican Grill brings together the rich flavors of Mexican and Venezuelan homemade favorites. Visit Tulum Mexican Grill to experience these flavors! ❤️

@cityofpatersonnj @fec_paterson

We’re feeling our new gear — and it’s ready for the runway.

Join our Great Falls Youth Center scholar-models this 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎 𝐚𝐭 𝟓𝐩𝐦 as they take the stage for our annual Youth Center Fashion Show — one of our favorite events of the year.

Come out and show them some love. All are welcome!

Poetry takes over Paterson this Saturday.

NJCDC is proud to help connect Paterson youth and residents to the 𝘗𝘰𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘓𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, a season of poetry programming made possible by funding from @newjerseyeda

In partnership with @wordseedinc, @prototypepaterson, @thepatersonmuseum, and others, we’ll kick things off with a free Welcome Party celebrating Paterson’s rich artistic legacy:

🎤 Paterson Museum | 5–8pm
Live poetry readings, dinner, and music.

🎶 Prototype 237 | 8pm–late
Improvised music and poetry to close out the night.

During the evening, we’ll also introduce four Paterson youth selected as 𝘗𝘰𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘓𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 apprentices, who will be helping produce events throughout the program.

Join us and help us launch a season of poetry in our great city. Register at: bit.ly/poetrysaturday

Hard to believe these adorable kids would grow up to run youth programs, coordinate housing initiatives, manage finances, and tell the stories of Paterson.

But here we are.

Swipe through to meet some of the people behind NJCDC’s work — back in our earlier days. Can you guess who’s who?

Paterson 8th-12th graders: Come step into the spotlight!

Join us tomorrow (3/17) at our @greatfalls_youthcenter to kick off the @innercityensemble Theater Arts Program — a FREE workshop series exploring theater, movement, and playmaking.

Participants will build creative skills, collaborate with peers, and work toward a live spring performance.

🎭 No cost to participate. All are welcomed.

Scan the QR code on the graphic or visit bit.ly/tapnjcdc to register

AmeriCorps Week at NJCDC!

This week, NJCDC’s AmeriCorps members celebrated @americorps Week — an annual celebration recognizing the millions of Americans who have stepped up to serve their communities and make a positive impact across the country.

Our team took time to bond, recharge, and celebrate their service, enjoying bowling, video games, laser tag, movies, and lunch together.

They wrapped up the week with a delicious meal at @silkcafenj and a photo outing by the iconic @patersongreatfalls.

Thank you to our AmeriCorps members for the passion and dedication you bring to our community every day. Your service truly makes a difference!

#AmeriCorpsWeek #AmeriCorpsWorks #NationalService #NJCDC #PatersonNJ

🎷 Who’s ready for more jazz?

Two weeks from today, bassist and composer Mike Noordzy leads his trio onto the stage for the next installment of NJCDC’s 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 fourth Friday concert series.

He’ll be joined by Jeremy Leon (saxophone) and Logan Bogdan (drums) for a performance that blends jazz standards and original music with deep grooves and spontaneous improvisation.

A faculty member at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Noordzy draws from a musical palette that spans jazz tradition, avant-garde exploration, and Afro-Cuban influence.

🎟 Tickets are free but limited. Grab yours while they’re still available at: bit.ly/allthisjazz

Join us in congratulating Cristina Tone, NJCDC’s Assistant Director of Community Outreach, alongside colleagues, community leaders, and representatives from the Consulate General of Peru in Paterson.
#nationalswomensday #womensmonth

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We at NJCDC are keenly aware of the challenging economic times. 92 cents of every dollar donated to NJCDC goes directly to programs which help families, teens, children and people with disabilities.

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A Pipeline of Services & Support

Latest News

A Season of Growth Across NJCDC

All This Jazz: A Free Monthly Concert Series at NJCDC’s Rogers Hall

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Passaic County Open Space, Farmland, & Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grant Application

NJCDC: Building Opportunity in Paterson

Learn more about our mission to create opportunities to transform lives in Paterson and its Great Falls Neighborhood.

Why We Focus on Paterson

Support Our Work!

​

Support Our Work!

Support
Our Work!