Paterson Residents Shine at Summer 2025 Minigrants Showcase

Watch our Summer '25 Minigrants video compilation

On Thursday, August 28, the outdoor patio of NJCDC’s Great Falls Youth Center was packed with neighbors, friends, and family members gathered to celebrate something extraordinary: the talents, passions, and leadership of Paterson residents. Our Summer 2025 Minigrants Showcase capped off two months of free, resident-led classes and projects funded through NJCDC’s Neighborhood Activities Fund with the generous support of the Regional Foundation.

Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and an evening filled with performances, student displays, and reflections from our minigrant leaders. Together, the event offered a vivid reminder of what happens when residents are given the tools and resources to share their gifts with the community.

Kicking Off with Words of Inspiration

NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci opened the evening by applauding the creativity and dedication of the recipients. “Tonight we celebrate you and the special talents you bring to our neighborhood,” Bob said. “These first two rounds of our minigrants program have worked beautifully — and we’re looking forward to doing a lot more of it in the coming years.”

He was followed by NJCDC’s Director of Community Outreach Eddie Gonzalez, who congratulated the summer grantees on their “commitment and fantastic results.” Eddie encouraged other residents to apply for future rounds, adding: “This program shows the strength of resident leadership — and your work inspires others to step forward with their own ideas.”

A Season of Resident-Led Creativity

The showcase opened with movement and music as the Bomba y Plena Dance Crew, led by Tammy Rivera Lugo, filled the patio with the rhythms of Puerto Rican culture. Tammy, who has dreamed of offering this kind of class in Paterson for years, shared: “This is about culture, community, and joy. We’re showing what Puerto Rican traditions can bring to Paterson.”

From dance, the evening shifted to the culinary arts. Brenda Figueroa, who taught baking classes, spoke candidly about how nervous she was at the start of the summer. With encouragement from fellow minigrant leader Lety Alvarez, she stepped into her role and discovered new confidence. “I didn’t know if I could do this,” Brenda said. “But thanks to the encouragement I received, I came out of my shell — and I’m so proud of what we created together.”

Lety herself reflected on her Dominican cooking classes, which became a gathering place for teens and adults alike. “It was a privilege to empower so many young girls and women,” she said. “Seeing their progress in just a few weeks filled me with pride.”

The spotlight then turned to visual design. Carmen Candia’s balloon art program had participants creating elaborate decorative pieces. “A few of them are even starting their own balloon businesses,” Carmen said. “That’s the kind of impact this program can have — turning creativity into opportunity.”

Another highlight was a sewing camp for middle school students, led by Gabriela Suriel with the support of her partner Veronica, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology who spent a decade working as a corporate fashion designer. Together, they guided students using machines donated by Sewing Angels and exquisite Italian fabrics. “Our students amazed us with their focus and creativity — and the support from parents was just incredible,” Gabriela said. One mother added her perspective: “My kids woke up bright and early every day, excited to come. I didn’t even have to tell them — they got themselves ready because they loved it so much.”

Music followed as Marcos Brito sat down at the piano, performing a moving piece before reflecting on his beginner classes. “Music should be for everyone,” he said. “I’ve seen how playing piano opens new doors and builds confidence.”

The showcase concluded with a striking gallery of student photographs from Jennifer Rivas’ youth photography class. Jennifer said, “I’ve wanted to lead a youth photography program in Paterson for so many years. This summer, that dream became reality. My hope is that my students will forever see the beauty in the world — and always see themselves as photographers.” Guests lingered at the gallery walls, taking in the work of young people seeing their city through a new lens.

Also in attendance was Gwendolyn Tyler and her family, whose neighborhood clean-up initiative rallied residents to take pride in their blocks and public spaces. Their project brought neighbors together to remove litter, beautify streets, and create a safer, more welcoming environment. By rolling up their sleeves and leading by example, Gwendolyn and her family showed how neighborhood pride can inspire lasting change.

The evening ended on a sweet note with a cake crafted by baking extraordinaire — and minigrant leader — Brenda Figueroa, whose artistry provided the perfect final touch to a night that celebrated learning, creativity, and community.

Building on Lasting Impact

Behind the showcase lies the bigger story: a summer of free classes and projects that brought neighbors together across Paterson. From soccer to sewing, cooking to photography, music to dance, residents of all ages connected, learned, and celebrated their community.

Reflecting on the program’s growth, NJCDC’s Director of Neighborhood Help Center Cristina Tone said, “What makes this program special is that residents are the ones designing and leading it. We’ve seen incredible leadership, and the ripple effects will carry far beyond the summer.”

Looking Ahead

The Summer 2025 minigrants build on the momentum of last winter’s inaugural round. Together, these first two cycles have already shown how much talent and leadership exists right here in Paterson — and how impactful it can be when those gifts are supported.

As Bob reminded attendees, this is just the beginning: “We’re committed to continuing this program for years to come — because when residents lead, neighborhoods thrive.”

Applications for the next round of minigrants will open later this fall. We can’t wait to see what ideas residents will bring forward next!