NJCDC’s Annual Friends Breakfast Celebrates Service, Partnership, and Hope in Paterson

Watch our Friends Breakfast 2025 video short

View photos from our Friends Breakfast

On the morning of Thursday, December 4th, more than 150 supporters, partners, and friends gathered at the Brownstone for NJCDC’s Annual Friends Breakfast — an uplifting celebration of community, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Each year, this event brings together the people and organizations who believe deeply in Paterson — its people, its promise, and its future. It’s a morning to reflect on another extraordinary year of service and progress, and to honor the partnerships that make our work possible.

A Warm Welcome and Message of Gratitude

NJCDC Director of Community Outreach Eddie Gonzalez opened the morning by welcoming guests and recognizing the many friends who have contributed to NJCDC’s mission over the years.

“It’s very important to us that we celebrate all of our friends — individuals who have been a part of the life of NJCDC at some time or another, helping us serve Paterson’s most vulnerable,” Eddie said. “With your help, we can get things done.”

Following Eddie’s welcome, NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci shared heartfelt remarks reflecting on how far the organization has come — and how much more there is to do.

“This Friends Breakfast is one of the moments each year when I’m reminded how fortunate we are to have so many people who believe in Paterson and its families,” Bob said. “NJCDC was founded on a very simple idea — that every child and every family deserves a real chance to succeed. Today, we serve 4,000 people a day through affordable and supportive housing, schools, youth programs, and family services. None of it happens without each and every one of you.”

 Bob also spoke about the power of unity in challenging times. “This does feel like this is a time when our country and our world are divided,” he said. “But what I see in Paterson are people choosing to come together for the common good. That gives me hope — and I hope you share that, too.”

Guests then enjoyed a short video presentation highlighting NJCDC’s impact over the past year, before sharing a family-style breakfast and reconnecting with fellow supporters.

A Shared Vision for Paterson’s Future

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh delivered remarks celebrating NJCDC’s long-standing partnership with the City and highlighting several joint initiatives currently underway — including the transformation of a former nightclub into new affordable housing, the continued expansion of the Financial Empowerment Center, and the creation of Paterson’s first indoor recreation center.

 “For far too long, our children have lacked access to the kinds of facilities they deserve,” the Mayor said. “It’s on us — government, nonprofits, and neighbors — to make sure they have parks, playgrounds, and safe spaces to grow. Government doesn’t always have all the answers. Sometimes other entities do. And all it takes is collaboration between us.”

Voices of Impact

The most moving moments of the morning came from the personal stories shared by NJCDC program participants and staff, whose experiences embody the organization’s mission to create opportunities that transform lives.

O’Brien Walters, a former resident of NJCDC’s Independence House, which provides housing and support to young men aging out of foster care, reflected on his journey of perseverance and growth. “Coming here to America was not easy,” he said. “But with NJCDC’s support, I built my credit, improved my communication and leadership skills, and learned to stay focused on my goals. Today, I’m an operations supervisor at UPS. NJCDC was always in my corner — and that made all the difference.”

Gabrielle Foushee, NJCDC’s Director of AmeriCorps, spoke passionately about the power of mentorship and belief. “I’ve seen students who didn’t think college was possible until they met someone who believed in them,” she said. “Here at NJCDC, we remind families and children that they are important — that they are seen and heard. With Bob’s vision and everyone’s commitment, we get things done for Paterson families.”

 And through the words of Berta Torres, a 90-year-old NJCDC affordable-housing resident, read by staff member Cristina Tone, the audience was reminded of the compassion that defines NJCDC’s work.

“Not long ago, I lost my home. I had nowhere to go and no one to turn to,” Berta shared. “But God led me to NJCDC, and my life changed. They found me a beautiful apartment, filled it with furniture, food, and love — and made sure I will never be without a home again. Because of NJCDC, I am not alone.”

A Morning of Hope and Friendship

As guests reconnected over breakfast, the spirit of the morning was clear — this work happens because of friendship, partnership, and an unwavering belief in Paterson’s potential. From those who fund programs and volunteer their time, to those who share their stories and help others find their way — each person in the room played a part in building a stronger, more hopeful community.

NJCDC extends sincere thanks to all who attended, and to every friend who continues to stand with us as we create brighter futures for the children and families of Paterson.

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