Independence House at 20: Two Decades of Guiding Young Adults Toward Brighter Futures

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In New Jersey, nearly 1,000 young people age out of foster care each year, often with nowhere to turn. For twenty years, Independence House has been changing that story in Paterson, providing a crucial bridge between homelessness and independence for hundreds of young men. On Friday, September 26, NJCDC proudly celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Independence House — a milestone that highlights the young people whose lives have been shaped within its supportive walls.

Dozens of community leaders, staff, and alumni gathered at “Indy” to mark its 20th Anniversary. The celebration began with opening remarks from NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci, who reflected on two decades of impact. “So often, young people leaving foster care are expected to have it all together at 18,” Bob said. “Independence House has always rejected that notion. Instead, it has offered daily guidance and all the essentials that prepare young people not only to survive, but to thrive.”

Bob was followed by Congresswoman Nellie Pou, who was instrumental in making Independence House possible during her time as a state assemblywoman. Joined by her longtime colleagues Idida Rodriguez and Carol Cuadrado, the congresswoman presented Bob with a congressional certificate honoring the milestone. “For 20 years, the Waldman Independence House has been living proof of Paterson’s spirit of taking care of one another — meeting young men leaving foster care with dignity, support, and opportunity,” she said. “The genius of Independence House is simple: it sees young men not for their vulnerabilities, but for their gifts.”

Guests also heard a moving letter from William Waldman, the residence’s namesake and former Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services. In it, he wrote, “I’ve met so many people who were in the foster care system and went on to be successful. While their stories are unique, one powerful commonality remains: all attributed their success to having at least one responsible, caring adult who told them they could be somebody. Independence House has made that difference for countless youth.”

The program continued with remarks from Eddie Gonzalez, NJCDC’s Director of Community Outreach, and Robin Murray, NJCDC’s Director of Residential Operations, before turning to the voices of Independence House alumni Tyler and O’Brien, who shared their personal stories. A video presentation highlighted the program’s history and the journeys of its residents, reminding everyone of the legacy being celebrated. The event concluded with a shared meal and a beautiful anniversary cake — a fitting tribute to 20 years of community, opportunity, and growth.

A Foundation for Success

Located in Paterson’s Great Falls Neighborhood, Independence House provides transitional housing for up to 10 young men ages 18–21 who are aging out of foster care, leaving shelters, or otherwise experiencing housing instability. With

support from dedicated staff, residents gain essential tools — from financial literacy to cooking and cleaning — that prepare them for adulthood.

The residence itself has grown stronger with time. A recent renovation upgraded common spaces and improved facilities, ensuring that future generations of residents have a safe and welcoming environment. Beyond daily routines, staff also organize excursions — from trips to museums to paddling on the Passaic River — giving residents experiences that build confidence and community.

Independence House has become a springboard for transformation. Residents arrive in moments of uncertainty and leave with confidence, self-reliance, and hope. The experiences of three alumni — O’Brien, Tyler, and Vincent — show how transformative those two years can be.

O’Brien: Building Confidence and a Career

O’Brien came to “Indy” in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. Before arriving, he had bounced between unstable living situations after emigrating from Jamaica. Independence House gave him stability and a clear path forward. “The staff here were very supportive. They made sure I stayed on top of my goals every day,” O’Brien recalled. They even drove him to apartment viewings when it was time to move on, easing what could have been an overwhelming process.

During his two years, O’Brien learned the importance of credit and financial management — lessons that continue to guide him. He also built close friendships, deepened his faith, and launched a career at UPS with the encouragement of staff. Looking back, O’Brien is proud of the person he became. “Without the structure here, I wouldn’t have learned as much or gotten to this point. Being in this program gave me a foundation.”

Vincent: From Uncertainty to Stability

Vincent’s journey began in 2021 during a period of profound loss. He had recently lost his adopted mother to COVID and was struggling to find stability. At first, he kept to himself, until a shared love of video games helped him connect with other residents. Little by little, Vincent began to thrive. “The biggest lesson was how to live independently,” he shared. He mastered daily living skills, improved his organization, and developed a new sense of responsibility. Staff and former residents helped him secure a job at UPS, which led to promotions and, later, steady employment at the U.S. Postal Service.

Today, Vincent lives independently in Garfield and continues to build his future. He recently bought a car and takes pride in managing his apartment and career. “When I first arrived, I thought I’d spend my life in group homes, never save money, never get a car. Now I have my own apartment, a car, and a job. My confidence grew tremendously.” Without Independence House, Vincent believes his life would have been drastically different. “Honestly, I’d probably be out on the streets, struggling to survive. Independence House gave me hope when I didn’t have any.”

Tyler: Discovering Responsibility and New Passions

For Tyler, “Indy” represented a crucial turning point. While a resident, he picked up practical skills — financial responsibility, cooking, cleaning — that prepared him for adulthood. “Beyond the basics, I became more resourceful and adaptable,” he said. During this time, Tyler joined NJCDC’s AmeriCorps program, building friendships, giving back, and discovering a new passion: welding. “I thought it was amazing — I wanted to try it myself,” Tyler remembered. Independence House had instilled in him the discipline and drive to seize opportunities like this.

Now thriving at NJCDC’s Elm Street Apartments, Tyler reflects on the program as the foundation for his independence. “It made me more responsible. I started taking better care of myself and thinking more about what I wanted to do with my life. Independence House really shaped me into the person I wanted to become.”

Two Decades of Independence — and Beyond

For 20 years, Independence House has given young men in Paterson far more than a roof over their heads. It has given them skills, confidence, and hope. The stories of O’Brien, Tyler, and Vincent represent just a glimpse of the countless lives transformed within these walls — young people who arrived uncertain and left equipped for independence. As NJCDC marks this milestone, we also look ahead to the next 20 years of opening doors of opportunity and helping young people take their first confident steps into independent adulthood.

Ready to support the next generation of Independence House residents? Learn more about how you can contribute to this vital program at njcdc.org/donate.