Celebrating Youth-Driven Environmental Transformation in Paterson

View our Youth Climate Grant Ceremony photos

For three decades, New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) has championed the health, wellbeing, and revitalization of Paterson’s Great Falls Neighborhood. From creating safe housing free of contaminants to building parks and community gardens, NJCDC’s initiatives have consistently focused on uplifting both the residents and the environment. Today, we are proud to share a new milestone in our environmental journey: the launch of Paterson’s Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF).

Thanks to a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, NJCDC, in partnership with Mayor Andre Sayegh and the City of Paterson, is spearheading this exciting initiative, which empowers young people ages 15-24 to design and implement climate solutions in their community. Paterson joins a global network of cities across 38 countries participating in the YCAF, collectively representing over 62 million people working toward a more sustainable future.

Youth-Led Climate Innovation in Action

On November 7, 2024, Mayor Sayegh joined NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci at our Great Falls Youth Center to award the inaugural recipients of Paterson’s YCAF microgrants. Eight projects were awarded $5,000 each to address critical environmental challenges, from reducing emissions and waste to promoting sustainable agriculture. These initiatives, selected by our Paterson Youth Council, showcase the creativity and commitment of Paterson’s young leaders:

• Recycling Bins for Emission Reduction (Brian Princiotta): Promotes community recycling to minimize waste and reduce emissions.

• Green Acres Community Garden (Eduardo Sivori): Expands green spaces and educates residents on sustainable gardening practices.

• Urban Farm-to-Table Project (A Better Initiative): Focuses on reducing food waste through sustainable farm-to-table practices.

• Green Thumbs and Dirty Hands (Kayla Wimberly): Creates community gardens to provide fresh produce and foster environmental stewardship.

• Neighborhood Community Garden (Derbney Kelly Fils): Develops local food resources to decrease reliance on imported produce.

• Beautiful Paterson Beautification Initiative (Imahni Meyers): Restores and maintains cleanliness in parks and public spaces.

• Paterson Food Waste Awareness Project (Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools Teen Center): Educates the community on sustainable practices to reduce food waste.

• Herbal Living for Sustainability and Food Security (Jayden Cabrera): Promotes holistic health and nutrition through community access to herbal plants.

Empowering the Next Generation

The YCAF not only provides financial resources but also technical expertise, enabling young leaders to turn their innovative ideas into impactful solutions. These projects reflect Paterson’s historic legacy of sustainability, dating back to Alexander Hamilton’s vision of using hydroelectric power from the Great Falls to fuel the city’s early industries.

Bob Guarasci underscored the importance of youth-driven climate action: “This event underscores our commitment to not only Paterson but also the entire planet. I am thrilled to see our young people rise to the challenge of tackling climate change, a crisis they will inherit more than we will.”

Through their innovative work, Paterson’s youth are not only improving their city but also contributing to a broader global movement. As Mayor Sayegh aptly noted, “Paterson’s youth are setting a powerful example of local action on a global issue. Through these initiatives, they’re not only creating immediate impacts in Paterson but also inspiring a movement for sustainable cities worldwide.”

Join Us in Supporting Climate Action

NJCDC remains dedicated to fostering a safe, sustainable, and thriving Paterson. We invite community members and partners to join us in supporting initiatives like the Youth Climate Action Fund. Together, we can empower the next generation to build a brighter, greener future for Paterson and beyond.

We are so proud of our determined youth and can’t wait to watch these initiatives unfold!