The Top 5 Free Family Resources and Youth Programs in Paterson
April 16, 2025
Trying to organize your finances, find the right programs for your kids, or figure out what help is available can feel overwhelming. The good news is that NJCDC (New Jersey Community Development Corporation) offers free programs for Paterson residents — whether you need financial coaching, preschool for your child, legal or housing assistance, or a safe place for teens after school.
These programs have helped people build better credit, find stable housing, prepare for college, and connect with a supportive community — all without worrying about the cost. If you’re looking for extra support, here are five free programs in Paterson that can help:
Financial Counseling through Paterson’s Financial Empowerment Center
Many residents face high rent, student loans, and credit card debt. Paterson’s Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), the only such program in New Jersey, helps individuals make informed financial decisions and achieve greater stability.
Paterson’s FEC, which we operate in partnership with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and the City of Paterson's Office of Financial Empowerment, offers guidance on budgeting, debt management, and credit improvement for Paterson residents.
Read about Paterson's FEC below and watch our brand-new video to learn more!
What services does Paterson's Financial Empowerment Center provide?
Personalized Financial Counseling Sessions: Meet one-on-one with certified counselors to receive expert advice on managing your finances — and you can return as often as you’d like!
Assistance with Budgeting, Reducing Debt, and Improving Credit Scores: Counselors provide guidance on creating budgets, managing debt, and building credit.
Support for Saving towards Homeownership or Starting a Business: The FEC assists clients in developing savings plans to purchase homes or launch businesses.
Completely Free and Confidential Support: All services are offered at no cost and are confidential.
How do I contact Paterson’s Financial Empowerment Center?
Location: 13 1/2 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ
Phone: 973-413-1655
Appointments: Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling is recommended
Visit our Neighborhood Help Center for Housing, Legal, and Employment Support
NJCDC’s Neighborhood Help Center (NHC), “Paterson’s One-Stop Shop for Help and Hope,” provides neighborhood residents with free access to information and resources that allow them to overcome obstacles and build better lives and stronger families. Focused on addressing the most vital issues our residents face — housing, immigration, job readiness, educational opportunities, and financial literacy — NHC’s ultimate goal is to empower and enrich lives so that our community can achieve success.
What services does our Neighborhood Help Center provide?
Immigration Assistance: From understanding rights to obtaining U.S. Citizenship, we help residents navigate the immigration process, including helping residents apply for asylum, secure work permits, obtain health insurance, register to vote, prepare for the civics test, and access stable housing. We have also supported families new to the country in furnishing and settling into their homes.
Housing Assistance: From homelessness to home ownership, we provide guidance and resources to improve residents’ quality of housing, including our brand-new free Lead-Safe program offering free lead paint inspections, lead-safe repairs, and relocation assistance for eligible households.
Employment & Education Support: Staff provide job search assistance, skill-building workshops, and guidance on college preparation. NHC members have also gone on college tours, participated in service-learning programs, and received mentorship on applying for higher education.
Community Engagement & Volunteering: The NHC hosts events and service opportunities, allowing residents to give back, develop leadership skills, and build connections. Many participants, including former clients, return as volunteers and AmeriCorps members, contributing to the same community that once helped them.
Workshops & Financial Literacy Programs: Residents can attend English language classes, budgeting workshops, and career development sessions to gain the tools they need to succeed.
How do I contact the Neighborhood Help Center?
Location: 32 Spruce St, 1st floor, Paterson, NJ 07501 (OPEN: Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Phone: 973-413-1630
Our Great Falls Youth Center Is a Place for Teens to Learn, Create, and Connect
Are you a Paterson teen looking for something to do after school? Since 2018, The Great Falls Youth Center has provided a safe environment where students can do homework, build new skills, and participate in fun activities. We offer recreational activities, mentorship programs, and leadership development opportunities. A recent expansion also includes a new podcast studio for Paterson students to share their stories.
Listen to or watch our podcast, The Loft, on all major streaming platforms (Youtube, Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and Podbean)!
What activities are offered by our Great Falls Youth Center?
Open Mic Nights & Coffee Houses: Students express themselves through poetry, music, or comedy while enjoying a laid-back café-style setting with friends.
Home-Cooked Meals: Freshly prepared meals in a family-style atmosphere that brings the community together.
Talent Shows & Movie Nights: These events give teens a chance to relax, be entertained, and support each other’s creativity.
On-Site Fun & Off-Site Field Trips: From roasting marshmallows to friendly laser tag battles, we always find a way to bring excitement and fun to the center and beyond.
Drone Classes: Hands-on learning experiences where teens can explore drone technology, learn how to fly, and even program drones for different uses.
E-Sports Competitions: Teens can compete in tournaments featuring popular video games, fostering teamwork and friendly competition.
Who can join our Great Falls Youth Center?
The center is open to youth aged 12-18 who live in Paterson and surrounding areas. Sign up online or give us a call. You can also follow us on Instagram: @greatfalls_youthcenter
How to join
Phone: 862-203-8803
Email: gfyc@njcdc.org
Location: 52 Front St, Paterson, NJ 07522
Follow our Great Falls Youth Center on Instagram
Early Childhood & Parenting Support from Our Paterson Family Center
Our Paterson Family Center (PFC), founded in 2003, provides full-day preschool for 105 three- and four-year-old children in Paterson. We are committed to early childhood education and family engagement, ensuring children are prepared for academic and social success.
What services are available at The Paterson Family Center?
Full-Day Preschool Program: A free, full-day preschool for three- and four-year-olds, using an evidence-based curriculum aligned with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines. The program focuses on learning through play, helping children develop literacy, communication, and problem-solving skills.
After-School Programming: We provide extended learning opportunities beyond school hours, supporting working parents while ensuring children continue their education in a structured environment.
Family Support Services: Dedicated family workers help connect parents to needed resources that support family stability and child development.
How to Enroll
Phone: 973-413-1567
Eligibility: Open to families residing in Paterson
Leadership & Advocacy Program for Teens through Our Paterson Youth Council
The Paterson Youth Council (PYC) is a leadership program that provides Paterson’s young people with opportunities to develop advocacy skills, engage in community initiatives, and connect with local leaders.
Youth meet with city leaders, school officials, and policymakers to express their opinions. Recent meetings have included discussions with the Mayor, the Superintendent of Paterson Public Schools, and City Council and Board of Education members. Through these conversations, students gain firsthand experience in civic engagement, policy discussions, and community organizing.
What does The Paterson Youth Council do?
Leadership Development Program: A year-long program where members develop public speaking, advocacy, and leadership skills through regular meetings, workshops, and engagement with community leaders.
Civic Engagement & Government Meetings: Members meet with city officials, school board members, and policymakers to discuss issues affecting Paterson youth and advocate for change.
Community Service Projects: Our members organize and participate in service projects to support local initiatives, including neighborhood clean-ups and volunteer events.
Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Recognition Awards: An annual event where our PYC honors Paterson youth who are making a positive impact in their schools and communities.
Educational & Advocacy Trips: Members visit historical and political sites, including Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to learn about civic engagement, leadership, and history.
College & Career Readiness Workshops: Sessions covering topics such as the college application process, financial aid, resume building, and career exploration.
Ivy League & College Tours: Organized visits to colleges and universities, including an annual Ivy League Tour in the Northeast to expose students to higher education opportunities.
Youth Advocacy & Public Forums: Events where students discuss important topics and voice concerns, such as the City Council Candidate Forum, where members question local candidates about policies affecting young people.
Who can apply for our Paterson Youth Council?
High school students in Paterson and surrounding areas who are interested in community involvement and leadership development.
How to get involved
Email: dgelman@njcdc.org
Phone: 973-413-1622
Follow us on Instagram: @pyc_njcdc
Want to Learn about More Free Programs around Paterson?
NJCDC is here to make sure Paterson residents have access to the support they need. Whether it’s education, housing, job training, or community programs, there are free resources designed to help families, children, and young adults build a more stable future. In addition to the programs we’ve covered, NJCDC also offers affordable housing initiatives, youth development programs, and community events that bring people together and create new opportunities.
The goal is to ensure that every child in Paterson’s Great Falls Neighborhood has the chance to graduate high school prepared for college, a career, and a successful future. If you’re looking for more free programs and services, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, send us a message, or call 973-413-1600 to learn more.