State Farm Awards $15,000 to NJCDC in Support of its Great Falls Youth Corps Program on the 99th Anniversary of the National Park Service.
Paterson, NJ – August 25, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — On Tuesday, August 25th, Jennifer Young from State Farm presented a $15,000 check to New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) in support of its Great Falls Youth Corps summer program. The eight-week program is designed to provide local high school students with a unique opportunity to serve as ambassadors to the Great Falls National Park and learn more about Paterson’s rich ecological, social, and industrial history. Through the program, students also organize community park clean-ups and beautification projects, offer guided tours, and learn more about careers within the National Park Service.
The $15,000 grant was presented at the Great Falls Youth Corps’ Sixth Annual Clean Up and Science Fair. Throughout the day, participants cleaned the Great Falls National Historical Park. Because they “turned off” the Falls, they were able to safely get into the river above the Falls to clear out garbage. Afterwards, educators from the Great Swamp Watershed Association, Passaic River Institute, Passaic Valley Sewage Commission, and the National Park Service provided hands-on environmentally themed experiments and activities including Fun with Chemistry and a Lenni-Lenape style soccer game. The event also celebrated the National Park Service’s 99th birthday.
“State Farm’s long history of supporting neighborhood revitalization has fostered change in communities across the country, said Jennifer Young, State Farm Community Specialist. “This $15,000 grant supports programs designed to engage Paterson high school students in experiential learning opportunities tied to the Great Falls’ ecological, social and industrial history.” She added, “Helping to preserve nature’s beauty is everyone’s responsibility and State Farm is proud to support the efforts of Paterson’s youth.”
Bob Guarasci, NJCDC’s CEO, thanked State Farm for their generous donation, stating “I am particularly delighted to be here today to express my gratitude on behalf of NJCDC and the Great Falls Youth Corps. State Farm has supported the Great Falls Youth Corps in a meaningful way, not only with encouragement, but with financial support. It really is true – like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.”
New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) is dedicated to creating opportunities to transform lives within the Great Falls Neighborhood of Paterson, NJ. NJCDC is a private, nonprofit community development and social service agency focusing on early childhood & youth development, education, affordable & supportive housing, and community revitalization. Founded in 1994, NJCDC serves over 2,000 children, teens and family daily, and strives to fulfill its vision that all 8,000 children living in the Great Falls neighborhood will reach college and career ready.
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
