Paterson, NJ – September 16, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — In memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11, NJCDC organized a Day of Service and Remembrance to give back to the Paterson community. Led by NJCDC’s AmeriCorps program, with strong support from Valley National Bank, the day of community service resulted in a new and improved Elysian Fields Community Garden behind Community School 5.
The dedicated volunteers from Valley National Bank built a greenhouse, completed construction of a gazebo, and organized general landscaping around the community garden. At the same time, students and teachers from Community School 5 painted community garden boxes vivacious colors, bringing additional brightness to the vibrant garden.
The Community Garden, which opened this spring, provides green space for residents, as well as an opportunity for families to plant and harvest their own fruits and vegetables in special garden boxes built and maintained by volunteers, Community School 5 staff and students, and community members.
The Elysian Fields Community Garden serves a dual purpose: providing local residents with the opportunity to grow nutritious fruits and vegetables in their ‘backyard,’ in a city widely known as a “food desert,” and supplying students from Community School 5 with experiential learning opportunities.
Bob Guarasci, NJCDC’s CEO, thanked the volunteers for their hard work stating “We are extremely grateful for so many volunteers coming together today to commemorate all the lives lost on September 11th by giving of their time to our community. We thank you in making a difference in a city that has been so influential in making America the proud nation it is today.”
NJCDC is currently recruiting for the next class of AmeriCorps members. To apply, please visit https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=49290&fromSearch=true or send your cover letter and resume to AmeriCorps (at) njcdc (dot) org.
Media Contact:
Valerie Trawinski, Communications & Events Associate
New Jersey Community Development Corporation
Tel: 973.413.1608
Email: vtrawinski (at) njcdc (dot) org
www.njcdc.org
