NJCDC’s 11th Annual Neighborhood Block Party Brings Together Over 1,100 Paterson Residents

Watch a short video from our 11th Annual Neighborhood Block Party

On Saturday, October 4, NJCDC once again transformed our Great Falls neighborhood into a hub of energy and excitement for our 11th Annual Neighborhood Block Party. Under clear autumn skies, more than 1,100 residents came together for an afternoon filled with games, music, and food, and the kind of community spirit that makes Paterson special.

A Day to Connect and Celebrate

Held in the parking lot behind our Community Charter School of Paterson’s elementary school campus, the free event offered something for everyone. Children squealed with delight on giant inflatable slides and bouncy houses, while families tested their skills at carnival games, created artwork at craft stations, and tried their luck at raffles. DJ Cito kept the crowd moving with upbeat music throughout the day as neighbors reconnected and new friendships formed.

This annual gathering serves as a powerful reminder of what community looks like in action. Children from our schools, families from our affordable housing sites, and residents from across the Great Falls neighborhood joined together for a day of shared joy and learning.

“We started this Block Party over a decade ago with a simple idea — to bring people together and celebrate all that makes this neighborhood special,” said NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci. “That spirit of connection has only grown stronger with each passing year.”

Showcasing NJCDC’s Programs and Partners

Guests had the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of local organizations and service providers dedicated to strengthening our community. This year's partners included Greater Bergen Community Action, the Health Coalition of Passaic County, the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health, Paterson Public Schools, and the Paterson Task Force for Community Action. We were especially excited to welcome new participants including our Community Charter School of Paterson, the Paterson Department of Recycling, the Passaic County Sheriff's Department, and Abra Dental.

In addition to community partners, NJCDC staff members hosted tables where residents could learn more about our programs and services — including our Neighborhood Help Center, NJ4S Passaic County Hub, AmeriCorps programs, Great Falls Youth Center, Paterson Financial Empowerment Center, and Paterson Family Center preschool.

Meanwhile, our longtime friends at ShopRite of Passaic returned once again, grilling up hundreds of hot dogs for hungry guests throughout the afternoon. The aroma of grilled food mixed with fresh popcorn created the perfect backdrop for an outdoor celebration, with snacks and refreshments available to keep everyone energized.

The Power of Volunteers

Behind the scenes, more than 50 volunteers worked tirelessly to make the day possible — helping with setup, running games, serving food, and ensuring every guest felt welcome.

“The Block Party is always a beautiful example of partnership,” said NJCDC’s Chief Program Officer David Gelman. “It takes a true team effort — from our volunteers and staff to our partners and residents — to bring an event of this size to life.”

More Than an Event

As the day wound down and raffle prizes were handed out, the smiles on every face told the real story. From children bouncing on inflatables to parents reconnecting with neighbors over hot dogs, the 11th Annual Neighborhood Block Party captured the essence of NJCDC's mission: building community, opportunity, and pride — one joyful gathering at a time.

Here’s to another year of bringing our neighborhood together, and to many more celebrations ahead!