NJCDC's AmeriCorps Program Graduates Its 30th Class

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Back in November, we swore in our newest class of AmeriCorps members. At the event, NJCDC and Founder CEO Bob Guarasci marveled at the impact that AmeriCorps has had in Paterson. He shared, “I remember AmeriCorps’ very first day in Paterson [in September 1994], and the dedication and selflessness of more than 600 AmeriCorps members over the years have helped countless people — and especially children.  I’m excited to see what this new class will accomplish.”

Months later, we were able to reflect on just that.  Held on Friday, August 23 at our historic Rogers Meeting Center, the 30th Graduation Ceremony for NJCDC’s AmeriCorps members was a heartfelt event that celebrated their dedication to building a better Paterson. The graduating class consisted of 22 individuals who each made the commendable decision to commit 1,700 hours of service in Paterson over the course of one year.

This event celebrated graduates of both of NJCDC’s AmeriCorps programs. Our longstanding Paterson Community Schools Corps members work to eliminate barriers to academic achievement, both in and out of school. Members serve at the Community Charter School of Paterson; School #5; the Joseph A. Taub School; the Great Falls Teen Center, located at International High School; the 21st Century Compete for Life program at JFK High School; our Great Falls Youth Center; and our Neighborhood Help Center. At these sites, they provide instructional support to students, host family workshops, lead community service projects, and work to revitalize the community.

This year, we also launched a new AmeriCorps program, the Paterson Public Health Corps. These members also work in the community schools to eliminate barriers to success, but with a specific focus on providing vital mental health resources to at-risk students and families.

At the event, NJCDC Founder and CEO Bob Guarasci kicked off the ceremony with an appreciative welcome speech, during which he also reflected on the history of the program. Bob said, “When we started NJCDC, it was AmeriCorps that began the organization that now serves 4,000 children and families each day through a wide variety of programs and services, some of which you know, some of which you may not know. But AmeriCorps will always be the first program of this organization, and that's a very special status conferred upon you as AmeriCorps members. I really am eager to see how your careers progress after your time in AmeriCorps, because no doubt, the things that you have learned during your service are things that will last a lifetime. Most of all, extending a helping hand to others, like you've done each and every day.”

NJCDC’s Chief Program Officer David Gelman – himself an AmeriCorps alum – then briefly addressed the graduates and thanked them for all of their hard work. He said, “You gave your heart and your spirit this year, and it’s really inspiring. I encourage you to take it with you and keep it with you in all the work that you do.”

Our AmeriCorps Program Director Gabrielle Foushee then took the mic, saying, “I’m very proud of this class. You’re very resilient – we overcame a lot together. I appreciate each and every one of you because I know that you made a difference in the lives of the children here in Paterson. Not only in the lives of the children, but also in the lives of the families.” She then excitedly handed the members their graduation certificates.

The graduates also received thoughtful awards and prizes for fun superlatives. Special recognition was given to six members who are going into teaching this year — a testament to the impact that their AmeriCorps experience has had on their future career paths.

They then had the chance to reflect on their service, and more than a dozen members chose to do so. One such member, Magnolia, said, “It’s just like parenting. You go into it, you don’t have a playbook of what you’re supposed to do – you just go with the flow, and you learn as you go. I love everyone that helped me along the way – AmeriCorps members, we have become a family.”

By the end of the night, it was crystal clear that these 22 members have made a lasting impact in the Great Falls Neighborhood and have left a legacy for the next class of AmeriCorps members to emulate. Through their dedication and passion, they’ve made great efforts to eliminate barriers to academic achievement in the City of Paterson.

If you’re interested in joining the next class of AmeriCorps members at NJCDC, please email AmeriCorps@njcdc.org.