NJCDC Celebrates 31 Years of Transforming Lives in Paterson

October 29, 2025

Watch our 31st Anniversary Gala Video

View our 31st Gala photos on Flickr

Thirty-one years ago, Bob Guarasci and Rob Long launched the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) with a small AmeriCorps grant and just two employees. What began as a modest effort has grown into a cornerstone of Paterson's revitalization — investing more than $120 million to transform the Great Falls Neighborhood and improving the lives of more than 4,000 children and families each day.

On Thursday, October 23, nearly 300 guests gathered at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park to celebrate this remarkable journey. The evening brought together community leaders, supporters, and the people whose lives have been transformed by NJCDC's work for a night of heartfelt stories, moving tributes, and joyful celebration.

An Evening Rooted in Purpose

Board Chair Martin Vergara opened the evening’s program by recognizing NJCDC’s dedicated trustees, staff, and donors, whose generosity helped raise $300,000 to support programs that continue to transform lives across Paterson. He then welcomed Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci, who reflected on the organization’s humble beginnings and enduring mission.

Bob reminded guests that NJCDC began “with a simple conviction that we could make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in need.” From day one, he shared, the team has worked tirelessly for those who are struggling, living with disabilities, or at risk. He explained that the question Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once posed — What are you doing for others? — continues to guide NJCDC “in every program, every decision, every day.”

The best way to understand NJCDC's impact, Bob noted, is not through statistics or buildings, but through the stories of the people whose lives have been changed.

Voices of NJCDC: Stories of Strength and Transformation

Guests were then introduced to four remarkable individuals whose journeys illuminated the heart of NJCDC’s work. Each story was unique, yet all were connected by resilience, hope, and transformation.

Lexie Castillo’s NJCDC journey as a preschooler began at our Paterson Family Center. She later became part of our Community Charter School of Paterson’s first graduating class, and through NJCDC’s youth and college access programs, she discovered her passion for service and advocacy. After earning a Public Health degree, Lexie returned to give back, completing an AmeriCorps term with our Paterson Public Health Corps. She shared that this full-circle experience “strengthened my passion for advocacy, outreach, and service.” Now, she's preparing for law school to pursue immigration law or public policy — “something where I can be a voice for people who might not have one.”

As a first-generation college student, Mariajose faced a devastating reality: she couldn’t afford tuition. But NJCDC stepped in, providing both financial support and employment to help her cover the rest. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, Mariajose spoke with pride about her studies and deep gratitude for NJCDC’s support. The organization “helped my family with everything from food to clothing” and ultimately “made it possible for me to attend college.” Now studying to become a child therapist, she told the crowd she hopes to one day help others the way NJCDC helped her.

Kirrsy Baez’s story captured the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in Paterson. After immigrating from the Dominican Republic in 2019 with her two children, she arrived with no car, no home, and no family — just faith and determination. Through our Paterson Financial Empowerment Center, Kirrsy learned to manage credit, build a budget, and take steps toward stability. When homeownership seemed out of reach, she pivoted toward another dream: opening her own business. With guidance from the FEC, Kirrsy launched Fancy K Laundromat, transforming a long-vacant storefront into a vibrant community hub. “Every day I see neighbors talking, laughing, helping one another — and my kids can proudly say, ‘My mom made this happen,’” she said to warm applause.

Perhaps the evening’s most emotional moment came from Berta Torres, a 90-year-old NJCDC affordable and supportive housing resident. Standing beside her was our Assistant Director of Community Outreach Cristina Tone, who delivered Berta’s remarks on her behalf. Once homeless and without anyone to turn to, Berta shared how NJCDC gave her not just a roof over her head but a renewed sense of family and belonging. The organization found her a beautiful apartment, furnished it with care, and filled it with food, comfort, and love. “Because of you, I have a home. Because of you, I am not alone,” she said through Cristina’s words — moving many in the audience to tears.

Honoring Community Champions

The evening also recognized two exceptional partners whose leadership have strengthened Paterson’s foundation.

Valley Bank was honored for its deep commitment to empowering local neighborhoods. NJCDC Board Member Carline Morrison described Valley as “a partner whose values show up where they matter most — on the ground, in our neighborhoods — investing in affordable housing, small businesses, financial education, and the nonprofit backbone that supports our families.” Accepting the award, Kaitlyn Schillizzi, Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility, thanked NJCDC for its decades of dedication. “When organizations like ours work together, we’re not just funding projects — we're fueling dreams, expanding access, and helping entire communities rise,” she said.

The second honoree, Chief Alex Alicea of the Paterson Fire Department, was introduced by NJCDC’s Director of Community Outreach, Eddie Gonzalez, who noted that under Chief Alicea’s leadership, “our firefighters are better trained, our community outreach is stronger, and our city is safer.” Accepting his award, Chief Alicea said he was humbled to be recognized in his hometown and shared that “Paterson is more than where I work — it’s where I was born, where I raised my family, and where I’ll always give back. We all share the same goal — keeping our neighbors safe and helping our city thrive.”

A Joyful Finale

The evening’s energy carried late into the night as Paterson’s own Anointed Friends quartet took the stage, joined by Mayor Andre Sayegh for a spirited sing-along of “Sweet Caroline.” Following a delicious dinner and dessert buffet, the celebration continued with familiar favorites like “We Are Family” and “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).” Guests also enjoyed raffle and silent-auction prizes ranging from golf outings to a family portrait experience to an exclusive private guided tour of Lambert Castle ahead of its grand reopening.

As guests departed, the message of the night was clear: NJCDC’s story is the story of Paterson itself — resilient, generous, and ever-rising.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

NJCDC extends deep gratitude to the following sponsors for their generous support of our 31st Anniversary Gala and their ongoing commitment to our mission:

Gala Underwriter:

The Daleo Family

Anniversary Sponsor:

Valley Bank

Benefactor Sponsor:

Broadridge Financial Solutions

Celebration Sponsors:

Horizon | Mrs. Marilyn Clark | PSEG | Railroad Construction Company | Ralph Rocco & Family

Friend Sponsors: