Paterson Residents Lead the Way: A Look Back at NJCDC’s Inaugural Round of Resident-Led Neighborhood Improvement Projects

Watch a short video spotlight of our winter minigrants projects

Last December, NJCDC launched an exciting new initiative that puts funding — and power — directly into the hands of Great Falls Neighborhood residents.

Thanks to the generous support of the Regional Foundation, our Neighborhood Activity Fund (NAF) Minigrant Program empowers local residents to design and lead short-term projects that create lasting community impact. From ESL classes to fashion shows, this winter’s inaugural round was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in the creativity, culture, and care of our neighbors.

A Vision for Community, Led by the Community

The NAF Program provides $500 to $1,000 minigrants to resident-led projects that align with Paterson’s resident-driven Neighborhood Plan. Applicants are guided through the process with workshops, technical assistance, and ongoing support from our Neighborhood Help Center, led by Cristina Tone. What makes our program especially unique is its participatory approach — applications are reviewed by a committee made up of neighborhood residents themselves.

Winter 2024-2025 marked the first of ten seasonal grant cycles that will run over the next five years. The pilot round funded an array of unique projects that engaged hundreds of neighborhood residents across over 100 collective sessions of programming. From cultural dance classes to mental health workshops, the impact was both deep and wide — and many groups are continuing their programming independently!

“We wanted to bring out the talent in our neighborhood — and based on everything I’ve seen so far, that’s exactly what we’ve done,” said NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci. “This is a new initiative designed to unite our community through the creativity, skills, and spirit of local residents. We’re incredibly proud to support these neighborhood leaders.”

Spotlight on Resident-Led Projects

Afro-Peruvian Dance with Socabón

Every Saturday, the gym at our Community Charter School of Paterson came alive with the rhythm of Afro-Peruvian music. Led by the dynamic group Socabón, these free community classes offered more than just movement — they offered cultural education, connection, and joy.

“We’re trying to rescue and share our culture while building opportunities for other Afro-Peruvians growing up here in the U.S.,” said instructor Marggie Ponce. “This was about more than dance. It was about building community. People got out of their comfort zones. They connected with one another. And thanks to NJCDC, we had the space and support to make that happen.”

Over 60 residents regularly participated, and the final class included a vibrant live performance that celebrated both movement and heritage.

ESL Classes with Tammy Lugo

Led by veteran educator Tammy Lugo and powered by four dedicated volunteers, NJCDC’s “Residents Teach Residents English” course provided 20 two-hour ESL classes to local residents — many of them recent immigrants. Using the Total Physical Response (TPR) method, the classes offered a safe and social space to learn English while building community ties.

“Not speaking English has left many residents unemployed or isolated,” said Lugo. “These classes give them a voice, a connection, and a path forward.”

The program’s impact speaks for itself: 20 students graduated from the course, and over 130 more are on the waiting list.

Culinary Lessons & Cultural Awareness with Chef Lety

Chef Lety Alvarez brought flavor and flair to our Great Falls Youth Center, teaching residents how to prepare Dominican classics like pernil and morir soñando. Her five-session cooking series culminated in a community-wide tasting party that honored Dominican Independence Day and celebrated cultural pride through food.

More than 50 people attended the final event, which featured live cooking demonstrations, music, and performances — a feast for all the senses.

Stitch & Share with Mariajose

What started as a simple crochet workshop quickly became a vital community hub. Over 20 sessions, Stitch & Share provided a welcoming space where neighbors could craft, de-stress, and form lasting friendships.

One participant shared, “I’m very new to Paterson, and I didn’t know anyone. Then I found community activities through NJCDC, which led me to crochet, and now I feel secure and comfortable in my new community.”

Project Runway: Paterson Edition

Led by Gabby of Abide Designs LLC and powered by donated sewing machines from Sewing Angels, this design-focused program taught 20 students the fundamentals of sewing and fashion. Over a dozen sessions included classes, field trips to NYC and the Paterson Museum, and culminated in an inspiring youth-led fashion show.

Students didn’t just learn how to sew — they learned how to dream big.

Macramé Making with Janet

Over the course of ten joyful sessions, Janet introduced residents to the intricate art of macramé. Participants learned to create decorative wall hangings, plant holders, and other handmade items — many for the first time. What began as a crafting class quickly became a creative outlet and social gathering space where neighbors could connect and unwind.

One participant shared, “This was the highlight of my week. I never knew I had this kind of creativity in me — and now I have the skills to keep going.”

Restoring Hope: A Mental Health and Faith Workshop Series

Led by Chaplain Xylena L. Ruiz and hosted at NJCDC’s Barclay Place Apartments, this three-part workshop series brought together residents to explore emotional wellness through a spiritual lens. Sessions covered topics like grief, resilience, and finding hope during difficult times — providing a safe and supportive space for healing.

“Sometimes people just need to know they’re not alone,” said Chaplain Ruiz. “This series was about restoring that sense of connection and inner peace.”

Flames & Fragrance Candle-Making Workshops

Judy’s eight-session series combined creativity with self-care, teaching participants how to craft handmade candles while incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Residents not only learned a new skill — they found a calming practice that encouraged focus, peace, and pride in their creations.

Each session ended with moments of reflection and gratitude, and participants left with beautiful, fragrant candles and a renewed sense of inner calm.

A Joyful Celebration of Community

To mark the conclusion of the winter round, grantees and their families gathered at the Great Falls Youth Center for a lively and heartfelt event. Afro-Peruvian dance students performed, Chef Lety served her signature dishes, and the room was filled with handmade fashion, candles, and crafts from the various programs.

Each grantee had three minutes to present their project and reflect on its impact. Several program participants also announced their plans to volunteer at NJCDC events and even join NJCDC’s Community Advisory Board, helping shape and support future rounds of resident-led neighborhood improvement efforts.

What’s Next?

Applications are now open for the summer 2025 round of NAF minigrants! Workshops will be held on May 6 (English) and May 7 (Spanish), and applications are due by May 26.

If you have an idea to make a difference in the Great Falls Neighborhood, this is your chance to bring it to life — with funding, guidance, and a community of support behind you.