Addressing Mental Health Needs Through the Paterson Public Health Corps

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For 30 years, AmeriCorps has been at the heart of our mission to serve Paterson. As our first program, AmeriCorps laid the foundation for an organization that now reaches more than 4,000 children and families daily. Since 1994, over 620 AmeriCorps members have dedicated a year of service to our community, collectively contributing hundreds of thousands of hours to helping Paterson residents overcome barriers to success.

The Paterson Public Health Corps (PPHC) was launched in 2023 with the express purpose of addressing the mental health needs of students and families, particularly in response to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the growing mental health crisis among young people, PPHC was designed to break down barriers to mental health support and integrate wellness initiatives within schools and community settings.

Through an evidence-based approach, PPHC is establishing mental health resource centers within full-service community schools, ensuring that students have access to safe spaces, professional support, and critical resources to help them navigate emotional challenges. In addition, the program is committed to fostering mental health awareness by creating and sponsoring monthly seminars on key mental health topics, equipping students and families with the knowledge and tools needed to build resilience and well-being.

Building Capacity: Our First PPHC Staff Training

Under the leadership of Program Director Maryam Ali, a seasoned public health leader with extensive experience in program development and community engagement, PPHC is taking a proactive approach to public health leadership and staff development. Maryam has been instrumental in shaping the direction of PPHC, and her commitment to staff mentorship and professional growth is evident in the program's approach to training and leadership development.

February 5 marked an exciting milestone as the program hosted a first-of-its-kind staff training, focusing on equipping AmeriCorps members with the skills needed to support students and families in their mental health journeys. Led by Team Lead Norlene Ibahay, the training emphasized the importance of resilience, adaptability, and compassionate leadership in public health work. Through engaging discussions and interactive exercises, staff members explored ways to address mental health challenges, foster supportive environments, and strengthen their own emotional well-being as they embark on their service year.

Having previously trained Norlene in her early career, Maryam has been proud to see her emerge as a leader in mental health advocacy. Norlene shared her own journey, reflecting on a time when she felt unfulfilled in a sales career and decided to seek a purpose-driven path. That journey led her to NJCDC and AmeriCorps, where she found her calling. “When you speak with passion, something beautiful happens,” she said — and today, her passion was palpable. Her vulnerability inspired others to open up, reinforcing the power of authenticity and adaptability. “Find something you can bring to the table every day,” she encouraged the members in attendance.

In light of the challenges facing our country, Norlene emphasized the importance of resilience, saying, “This is what drives me to get out of bed in the morning.” One AmeriCorps member echoed that sentiment: “We need compassion right now more than ever. Whoever comes through the door that day, I’m going to be the person who offers them that compassion.”

The training also featured an inspirational clip of the late Kobe Bryant — fully on-brand for basketball fanatic Norlene — in which he spoke about embracing failure as a path to growth. This message resonated deeply, reinforcing the idea that setbacks are opportunities for learning and progress. Attendees then got in on some “balling” of their own, taking part in the “Resilience Game” — a thought-provoking activity where they tossed around a ball while engaging in meaningful discussions aimed at strengthening communication and team cohesion.

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Mental Health and Community Support

AmeriCorps members left the training session feeling empowered and motivated. Gabrielle Foushee, our AmeriCorps Paterson Program Director, urged members not to struggle in silence, but to lean on their leadership and each other. Brian Miranda, Program Director of our Compete for Life program, which works closely with our AmeriCorps program, reflected on his own experience as an AmeriCorps Paterson member, reminding participants of the profound impact they have: “Your work is very impactful — if you show up with positive intentions, your presence will always mean something to somebody.”

As PPHC continues to grow, the program remains focused on expanding access to mental health resources, strengthening partnerships with schools and community organizations, and ensuring that AmeriCorps members are fully equipped to make a meaningful impact.

With today's training serving as a foundational step, PPHC is well-positioned to create lasting change in Paterson empowering students, families, and AmeriCorps members alike to build a healthier, more resilient community. Through initiatives like the Paterson Public Health Corps and meaningful training sessions like today’s workshop and training, NJCDC continues to build a stronger, more supportive community. As our AmeriCorps members dedicate themselves to serving others, we remain committed to supporting them — so that together, we can create lasting change in Paterson.