New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) is proud to serve as the lead agency at the new Full Service Community School at Paterson's John F. Kennedy Educational Complex (JFK)—New Jersey's first federally-funded Full Service Community School at a high school. The Full Service Community School is designed to solve the obstacles to learning students face, such as hunger, mental health struggles, and even dirty clothing!
Additional partnering agencies include Felician University, which is providing academic support, a summer bridge program, and internships; St. Paul's Community Development Corporation, which offers food pantry services; and Health N Wellness, LLC, which delivers health care and behavioral health services.
To officially open the new Full Service Community School, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on January 21 in JFK's lobby. Addressing the crowd, NJCDC Founder and CEO Bob Guarasci said, "The work we do here helps students deal with their stuggles outside the classroom, so that they can achieve more inside the classroom. We are not striving to make this a good community school—we want to make it the best."
Indeed, the Full Service Community School at JFK offers a plethora of services, including an in-school health clinic; academic assistance; afterschool and summer programs; college and career readiness programs; internship opportunities; chronic-absenteeism mentorship; anti-bullying/violence prevention; Restorative Justice; family nights; parent workshops; adult education programs such as ESL and workforce development; a laundry room; and access to social services.
And it was made possible thanks to a $2.5 million federal grant secured by the school district with the support of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. At the ceremony, the Congressman said, "Our push for equality in equitable education must be multi-faceted. I mean, strong federal investments. That means state support and it means collaboration within the community working together. Because only together are we going to do the job of educating our kids."
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh was also among the dignitaries at the opening ceremony. He said, "So in the spirit of equality and the spirit of teamwork, today we celebrate as a district a major victory, specifically for all the students that walk through these doors." He also remarked that he hoped the students will ask themselves "not what Paterson can do for them, but what they can do for Paterson."—a spin on the famous quote by the school's namesake, President John F. Kennedy.
Reflecting on this milestone occasion, Michael Hill, JFK's Principal of Operations, said "The Full Service Community Schools partnership has given JFK an opportunity to better service the students and parents of the community. It has given JFK additional resources which assist in breaking the barriers of education for our students. We hope to continue these efforts that allow our students every opportunity at success."
Iffat Aniqua, who is a junior at JFK, an ambassador for the Full Service Community School, and a Paterson Youth Council alum, was also very excited about the new program. She said, "Full Service Community Schools is a great program, and I'm excited to see how it impacts my peers. It's wonderful to see many people who care about our students and their education, and to work alongside peers who are so passionate about making a positive change in Paterson."