History of the Agency

New Jersey Community Development Corporation was founded by Bob Guarasci in 1994. At the time, Bob had worked closely for several years with the state’s Commissioner of Human Services, and wanted to use his knowledge of governmental programs in a way that would assist people and communities in need. Bob asked a colleague to join him in setting up NJCDC as a private, non-profit community development and social service agency with the simple mission of creating opportunities to transform lives.

Paterson, New Jersey’s third-largest city and one of its poorest, became our base of operations. An initial AmeriCorps national service grant enabled us to open an office, recruit 20 recent college graduates committed to helping others, and start on a path towards building an organization capable of delivering high-quality services in the areas of community development, youth empowerment, education, and building affordable and supportive housing.

Each year, new programs and services were added to our menu of offerings. Among these were services to individuals with developmental disabilities in 1996, our YouthBuild program in 1998, our Garrett Morgan Academy in 1999, and our Paterson Family Center in 2003. In September of 2003, we moved into our headquarters, a 40,000 square-foot building that was once part of the Rogers Locomotive Works in Paterson’s historic district.

2008 has been our busiest year ever. We built and opened two new apartment buildings, one for the homeless mentally ill and the other for adults with developmental disabilities. We expanded Independence House, our transitional living facility for youth leaving foster care. We founded the new Community Charter School of Paterson, which serves 500 inner-city students grades K-4. And we’ve developed a strategic plan for the Greater Spruce Street Neighborhood in Paterson, as we continue our advocacy for a new State and National Park surrounding the majestic Great Falls.

A recounting of the history of New Jersey Community Development Corporation would not be complete without an emphasis on the considerable help we’ve had in carrying out our mission. We’ve enjoyed the phenomenal support of our state’s corporate community, governmental agencies, and caring individuals who share our vision for creating opportunities. A dedicated staff, a strong Board of Trustees, and fantastic program collaborators have made our success possible. And perhaps most importantly, we have been privileged to meet and help the men, women, and children who benefit from the work that we do.

NJCDC works with community members to provide opportunities to transform lives.