Paterson Residents Lead the Way: Announcing NJCDC’s Summer 2025 Neighborhood Activities Fund Minigrants

June 20, 2025

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At NJCDC, we believe that the people who know our neighborhood best — its residents — are the ones best equipped to lead meaningful change in their neighborhoods. That’s why, with the generous support of the Regional Foundation, we launched the Neighborhood Activities Fund (NAF) Minigrant Program, a participatory grantmaking initiative which provides small grants to help Paterson residents bring their ideas to life and make a positive impact in their community.

Following the success of our inaugural round earlier this year, we’re proud to announce the Summer 2025 minigrant recipients: ten Paterson residents who are using their talents and passion to create free, community-driven programs for their neighbors. These projects, which range from youth soccer to cultural dance to community clean-ups, reflect the diversity, creativity, and commitment of Paterson’s residents to building a stronger city for all.

Meet the Summer 2025 Minigrant Recipients

The ten projects selected this summer will offer free classes and community initiatives throughout July and August. Each project is led by a local resident who wants to give back to their neighborhood and create opportunities for others to connect, learn, and grow.

The selected projects include:

Youth Soccer Training

Luis Angeles

A free soccer program for children ages 4 to 12 to build skills, teamwork, and confidence.

*"I want to give kids a safe, fun space to play and grow together through soccer. My goal is to build confidence, teamwork, and stronger community bonds."*

Basic Baking for All Ages

Brenda Figueroa

A hands-on baking class where teens and adults can learn how to create delicious desserts.

*"I hope to share the joy of baking with my neighbors and help others discover new skills that can bring families and friends together."*

Sewing for Middle School Students

Gabriela Suriel

A creative sewing program for youth ages 8 to 13 that encourages focus, patience, and self-expression.

*"Through sewing, I want to empower young people to create, express themselves, and build valuable life skills they can carry into the future."*

Caporales Dance: Afovic USA New Jersey

Jhoel Pecho

A cultural dance class open to all ages that celebrates Peruvian heritage through the lively art of Caporales.

*"I want to bring the beauty of Peruvian culture to Paterson, uniting people of all backgrounds through the rhythm and joy of Caporales dance."*

Capture Paterson: Through Our Eyes

Jennifer Rivas

A youth photography project that will showcase the beauty of Paterson as seen through the eyes of its young residents.

*"My hope is to help young people tell their own stories and capture the beauty of Paterson through their own lens."*

Balloon Creations for All

Carmen Candia

A fun and creative class for teens and adults to learn balloon art and design.

*"My goal is to bring joy, creativity, and color to our community by teaching balloon art in a fun, welcoming environment for all."*

Piano Classes for Beginners

Marcos Brito

Introductory piano lessons for youth ages 12 and up to explore their musical talents.

*"I believe everyone should have access to music. I want to help residents discover the joy of playing piano and develop their musical talents."*

Puerto Rican Bomba y Plena Dance Class

Tammy Rivera Lugo

An all-ages dance class that introduces participants to Puerto Rico’s rich musical and cultural traditions.

*"I want to create a space where people can come together to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and connect through dance and music."*

Dominican Cooking for All

Lety Alvarez

A cooking class open to teens and adults, focusing on traditional Dominican recipes and family favorites.

*"I’m excited to share the flavors and traditions of Dominican cooking and bring people together through food and culture."*

Neighborhood Clean-Ups

Gwendolyn Tyler

A community service project that invites residents of all ages to come together and keep their streets and parks clean and welcoming.

*"I want to inspire our community to take pride in our streets and show that when we work together, we can make our neighborhoods cleaner and safer for everyone."*

A Continued Investment in Resident Leadership

These projects build on the momentum of last year’s inaugural minigrants, which empowered residents to lead projects that brought neighbors together, celebrated local culture, and made Paterson’s streets and parks more vibrant. The Neighborhood Activities Fund is part of NJCDC’s commitment to investing in the leadership potential of Paterson residents. By providing the tools, resources, and support to lead their own initiatives, we help create stronger, more connected neighborhoods, and ultimately, a stronger Paterson.

Join a Free Class This Summer!

All ten classes and community projects are free and open to the public. Whether you’re looking to try something new, give back to your neighborhood, or simply connect with your community, there’s a program for you. Classes will begin in July and continue through August. Register today to reserve your spot.

We look forward to seeing Paterson residents come together this summer to learn, create, and make a difference, led by the incredible neighbors who are shaping the future of our city!