Carrying the Torch of Service: NJCDC’s AmeriCorps Graduation 2025

View our AmeriCorps Graduation Ceremony photo gallery

On August 26, the outdoor patio of NJCDC’s Great Falls Youth Center was filled with pride and jubilance as we celebrated the graduation of our newest class of AmeriCorps members. For the past year, these dedicated individuals each gave 1,700 hours of service to Paterson — tutoring students, mentoring families, leading workshops, and showing up when the community needed them most.

Our first graduating cohort (1994) and our 30th Anniversary Reunion (2024)

This year’s graduates join a proud tradition that began in 1994, when AmeriCorps became NJCDC’s very first program. Since then, nearly 700 members have graduated through NJCDC, giving more than a million hours of service to the people of Paterson.

A Program That Started It All

NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci kicked off the ceremony by reminding graduates that AmeriCorps is inseparable from NJCDC’s beginnings. He reflected that it has been part of the organization “since our very beginning in 1994, and it will always have a special place in my heart.” This year’s members, he said, carried forward that legacy by serving thousands of children and families in Paterson and standing as “foot soldiers in the fight against poverty, illiteracy, and inequality.”

Chief Program Officer David Gelman, who began his own career as a NJCDC AmeriCorps member, urged graduates to embrace what they had gained. “As you move forward, explore the world, but always remember the difference you made here in Paterson,” he told them. “I left after my AmeriCorps service, and eventually came back — and it’s become the foundation of my life and career. My hope is that this experience does the same for you.”

Service that Reaches Beyond the Classroom

Members served across NJCDC’s two AmeriCorps programs: the Paterson Community Schools Corps (PCSC) and the Paterson Public Health Corps (PPHC). PCSC members dedicated themselves to breaking down barriers to academic achievement in schools and youth centers, while PPHC members focused on mental health support and resilience-building.

Program Directors who worked alongside members every day shared just how much that service meant. At Joseph A. Taub Middle School, Adam Jawiech emphasized how unique Paterson’s AmeriCorps presence is. “What makes Paterson different is that families here know someone cares enough to show up for them after hours and beyond the classroom,” he said. “You were that someone this year. You’ve made an incredible difference, and if I could, I’d welcome 400 more of you into my building.”

At the Great Falls Youth Center, Tiffany Shepherd reflected on the cascading effects of service. “When we touch our scholars, we touch their families. When we touch families, we strengthen the community. And from there, the city, the state, even the world. That’s the ripple effect of your AmeriCorps service.”

At School 5, Alissa Daglezt reflected on the resilience of her team. “This was a challenging year in so many ways,” she said, “but my AmeriCorps members never gave up. They supported each other, they supported me, and they showed incredible resilience. I’m deeply grateful for everything they’ve done for our school and community.”

And at NJCDC’s Neighborhood Help Center, Cristina Tone described AmeriCorps members as “a blessing,” explaining that they “show up with dedication and heart, and the impact they leave behind is immeasurable. I truly couldn’t imagine doing this work without them.”

The Heart of AmeriCorps — Our Members

For many graduates, AmeriCorps was not only about helping others but also about personal transformation.

Mayreni, who grew up and resides in Paterson, shared that when she first joined, she “wasn’t in a good place” — but serving others gave her strength and a reason to keep going. Two years later, she said, she is proud to still be serving the city she calls home as she embarks on her third service term.

Lexie, a Mental Health Youth Mentor with the Public Health Corps, described her service as a full-circle journey. A product of NJCDC programs since preschool, she went on to earn a degree in Public Health at Rutgers University before returning to Paterson. “I’ve seen firsthand how NJCDC supports families — mine included,” she said. “That’s why it was so important for me to come back after college and give back through AmeriCorps. This community has always been home.” Lexie recently started at a law firm as she prepares to apply to law school.

Christina, a mother whose children participated in NJCDC programs before she joined AmeriCorps herself, carried forward the philosophy her grandmother once taught her: Kindness is repaid with kindness. She said the year gave her the joy of learning from the young people she served, always trying to step into their shoes. Watching one student grow from a challenging eighth-grader into a more mature, self-aware young man, she said, reminded her why this work matters so deeply.

Looking to the Future

For program leadership, graduation was as much about what comes next as it was about celebrating the year gone by. Gabrielle Foushee, who directs the PCSC component, spoke about AmeriCorps as a launching pad. She noted that many members finish their year only to move on to higher education or promising careers, saying that the lessons they learn while serving never leave them. “AmeriCorps is just the beginning,” she explained. “This year, we’ve seen members go on to finish school, land great jobs, and take the next step in their careers. Service doesn’t just transform the community — it transforms our members too.”

Maryam Ali, who oversees the Paterson Public Health Corps, reflected on the personal and professional growth she witnessed among members. “I’ve had the privilege of watching our members bloom — many completing their public health degrees and growing personally and professionally,” she said. She noted that the program has become a trusted resource for the Paterson community, and that the deep connection members feel ensures the mission will carry on.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

AmeriCorps may have been NJCDC’s first program, but its spirit continues to shape everything we do. Each class leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and hope, inspiring the next generation to carry the torch of service even further. The graduates of 2025 have added their own chapter to that legacy — and Paterson is stronger because of it.

Those interested in joining the next class of AmeriCorps members at NJCDC are encouraged to email AmeriCorps@njcdc.org.

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Meet the Graduates

Want to hear more about some of our AmeriCorps graduates? Every AmeriCorps member’s story is unique, and this year’s class reflected the diversity, resilience, and spirit of service that AmeriCorps represents.

Louis

A longtime NJCDC participant, Louis is known for his reliability and generosity of spirit — “never saying no” when asked to help. His entire family has also been deeply involved, volunteering at events like the toy drive. Now, Louis begins his first semester of college with the same determination and warmth he brought to AmeriCorps.

Karin

Karin served with the Paterson Public Health Corps, where she focused on promoting wellness and supporting students through thoughtful guidance and outreach. She approached her service with empathy and professionalism, helping to break down barriers around mental health conversations.

Ricardo

At the Great Falls Youth Center, Ricardo grew into a trusted leader. Consistently the first to arrive and last to leave, he earned recognition for his reliability and positive presence. His steady leadership made a lasting impression on peers and staff alike.

Irum

As part of the Paterson Public Health Corps, Irum dedicated her service year to supporting students and families through mental health education and outreach. She brought compassion and consistency to her role, helping to lead workshops and connect community members with vital resources.

Shamir

Shamir first connected with NJCDC through the Independence House program before being personally recruited into AmeriCorps. At the Great Falls Youth Center, he impressed with his teamwork, growth, and leadership — earning a reputation as someone others could always count on.

Nor (Norlene)

After leaving a sales career in search of a purpose-driven life, Nor found her calling in AmeriCorps. Today, she leads the Mental Health Mentors, guiding members who deliver workshops on mental health, stress management, substance use, and more. Known for her authenticity, she often encourages others to “find something you can bring to the table every day.”

Jordan

As a member of the Paterson Public Health Corps, Jordan played an important role in raising awareness about mental health and wellness. Whether leading workshops or supporting students one-on-one, Jordan was committed to creating a safe space for young people to share and grow.

Imani

Though she joined later in the year, Imani quickly became indispensable. At School 5, she was known as Site Supervisor Alissa’s “right hand,” and after transferring to the Great Falls Youth Center, she continued to excel. Young and full of promise, Imani is expected to accomplish great things.

Lexie

Lexie’s story is the definition of full circle. A product of NJCDC programs from preschool through high school, she went on to earn a degree in Public Health at Rutgers University before returning to Paterson as a Mental Health Youth Mentor with the Public Health Corps. Lexie recently began a full-time position as a Legal Assistant at a law firm, as she prepares to apply to law school.

Mayreni

Mae René served across multiple departments, earning praise as a “light” within the program. She overcame personal challenges with resilience and thrived as a leader. So valued was her service that she will return for another term beginning in September.

Christina

Christina joined AmeriCorps after her children participated in NJCDC programs, bringing with her a philosophy her grandmother taught her: “Kindness is repaid with kindness.” Known for her motherly care and passion for cooking, she created her own programs, grew into a confident leader and public speaker, and celebrated the progress of young people she mentored.