A Week to Recharge, Reconnect, and Celebrate Service

Watch our video short of our AmeriCorps Week celebrations

Last week, NJCDC’s AmeriCorps members stepped away from their daily routines — not to distance themselves from their mission, but to deepen it.

In celebration of AmeriCorps Week, members from both our Paterson Community Schools Corps (PCSC) and Paterson Public Health Corps (PPHC) came together for a series of thoughtfully planned outings that centered something just as critical as service itself: connection. Over five days, the team traded classrooms and community sites for bowling lanes, arcade games, a movie theater, and shared meals — creating space to unwind, reflect, and build relationships that sustain them year-round.

From the opening bowling outing to a lively afternoon at Dave & Buster’s, and even a spirited laser tag match at American Dream, the energy throughout the week was unmistakable. Laughter echoed across every venue, friendly competition sparked new bonds, and members found themselves connecting in ways that rarely surface during the demands of daily service.

By the time the group gathered for a closing lunch at Silk Café — which NJCDC is proud to support as a new neighbor in the Great Falls neighborhood — the sense of camaraderie was palpable.

Building Community within the Community

While AmeriCorps members spend their days strengthening Paterson’s neighborhoods, AmeriCorps Week offered a chance to strengthen something just as important: each other.

Throughout the week, members shared how meaningful it was to connect outside of their roles. Conversations that might usually be squeezed into a quick moment between responsibilities finally had room to breathe. New friendships formed, and existing ones deepened.

Gabrielle Foushee, who leads NJCDC’s Paterson Community Schools Corps, emphasized how essential those connections are to the work itself: “When our members feel connected to each other, you see it immediately in how they show up for students and for their teams — they communicate more, they collaborate more, and there’s a real sense that they’re part of something bigger than just their individual placement.” She added that moments like these help sustain members through the challenges of service, noting that “this week reminded everyone that they’re not doing this work alone, and that kind of support makes all the difference.”

That sense of belonging was echoed by members themselves. Several described the week as a “mini vacation” — not because they stepped away from purpose, but because they were reminded of it through one another.

A Public Health Approach to Well-Being

For NJCDC’s Paterson Public Health Corps, the week carried an added layer of meaning.

Maryam Ali, who leads the program, underscored that the structure of AmeriCorps Week was intentionally aligned with public health principles: “Creating space for connection and joy is not separate from the work we do in public health — it’s a critical part of it. When members have opportunities to relax, build relationships, and feel supported, we’re actively strengthening their mental health and their ability to serve effectively.”

She pointed to the tangible impact of those moments, adding that “something as simple as a shared meal or a few hours of laughter can reduce stress, improve mood, and build resilience. Those are real protective factors, and when we invest in them, we’re not just supporting our members as individuals — we’re strengthening the entire community they serve.”

Each activity — from bowling to shared meals to simple, unstructured time together — contributed to that broader goal: investing in those who spend their year investing in others.

The Heart of NJCDC’s Work

AmeriCorps has been at the center of NJCDC’s mission since the very beginning.

Launched in 1994, AmeriCorps was NJCDC’s first program — and remains a foundational piece of our work today. Through the Paterson Community Schools Corps, members work to eliminate barriers to academic achievement in neighborhood schools and youth centers. Through the Paterson Public Health Corps, launched in 2023, members focus on expanding access to mental health resources and strengthening resilience among students and families.

Across both programs, AmeriCorps members dedicate a year of service to supporting Paterson’s youth — providing academic assistance, developing programming, leading community initiatives, and helping families navigate challenges that extend beyond the classroom.

Since its inception, nearly 700 members have served through NJCDC’s AmeriCorps program, contributing hundreds of thousands of hours to the community.

Carrying the Momentum Forward

As AmeriCorps Week came to a close, what remained wasn’t just a collection of fun memories — it was a renewed sense of purpose.

Members returned to their sites feeling energized, supported, and more connected than before. The relationships strengthened over the course of the week will continue to shape their collaboration, communication, and impact in the months ahead.

Because while AmeriCorps is about service, it is also about people — people showing up for their community, and for each other.

And sometimes, the most powerful way to move forward is to pause and celebrate how far you’ve come.