ANNUAL REPORT FY 2016-2017
“The Power of 100� marks
Power that comes in the form of many hands, hearts, and voices working together. Power that shapes the education of our children. Power that not only builds homes, but edifies the people that will live in them. When the power of the League multiplies ten-fold, it benefits the whole and reflects our best.
Message from the Chair of the Board and the President & CEO Dear Urban League of Essex County Partners, Since 1917, the Urban League of Essex County has strived to make life better for everyone who walks through our doors. We have empowered thousands of individuals and families through effective programming, community building, and advocacy. Our impact and longevity is due, in large part, to the support of a diverse community of partners like you. African American families still struggle to achieve financial security and contribute to an opportunity economy. Decades of unequal access to economic opportunity means these families must climb a steeper hill to financial well-being. Households of color are 2.1 times more likely to live below the federal poverty level and 1.7 times more likely to lack liquid savings. Making ends meet on a modest income involves regularly “robbing Peter to pay Paul� just to manage week-to-week finances. As a result, these families have little chance of finding their financial footing. The Urban League of Essex County remains committed to strengthening families and building wealth in our community -including training people for job opportunities, helping families build savings, building homes, helping homeowners avoid foreclosure, working with young people to prevent them from being lost in the penal system, and more. We do this with a firm commitment to our vision that a strong African American community is a better Essex County. We are pleased to share our recent accomplishments in this Annual Report. Thank you for your continued support. We look to empower our community and to change more lives in our partnership with you. Sincerely,
The Urban League Responds To The Challenges Of Today The people, vehicles, and businesses on the streets of Essex County may look different today than they did 100 years ago, but similar challenges remain; as do opportunities for progress. The League understands the unique challenges of communities that have suffered decades of disinvestment and our programs respond to these challenges: Poverty may impede cognitive function[1], requiring early intervention. Our Early Childhood Program provides support, education and enrichment to ensure our youngest community members are school-ready and able to keep up with their higher-income peers. Education provides a path out of poverty. While graduation rates are up, only 73.5 percent of traditional Newark public school students have graduated within in four years, compared with 90.1 percent statewide[2]. Our Urban Youth Empowerment Program helps to provide education, vocational and job-skill building opportunities for young people, including those who have dropped out of school or spent time in the juvenile justice system. Children who are born poor tend to remain poor as adults [3], and too often wealth-building skills are not passed down from one generation to the next. Our Financial Opportunity Center helps low-to-moderate income people to build smart money habits and keep them in the family. Poor neighborhoods tend to stay poor, and income segregation is growing.[4] Our Real Estate and Community Development programs build and rehab housing, and engage in other activities to improve living conditions, raise property values and create growth opportunities. Housing stability and employment stability are linked.[5] The Housing Counseling Program helps stabilize local families with guidance on home purchase, credit financial management, foreclosure prevention, and homelessness prevention. The average age of retirement is rising, creating a need for jobs and training in our communities’ older residents.[6] The Urban Seniors Job Program provides education, on-the-job training, and placement in permanent jobs. With your support the League’s work during the next century will help ensure that all residents of Essex County can enjoy equality, opportunity and access to the American Dream. [1] Mani, Mullainathan, Zhao, “Poverty Impedes Cognitive Function,” Science Magazine, August 30, 2013. [2] Karen Yi, “Newark’s High Schools See Overall Boost in Graduation Rates,” NJ.com, January 13, 2017. [3] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2010, “Economic Policy Reforms 2010: Going for Growth,” Structural Policy Indicators, Priorities and Analysis.[4]Sean Reardon and Kendra Bischoff, 2016, “The Continuing Increase in Income Segregation, 2007-2012,” CEPA Report.[5] Matthew Desmond and Carl Gershenson, 2016, “Housing and Employment Insecurity among the Working Poor,” Social Problems. [6] Rebecca Riffkin, “Average U.S. Retirement Age Rises to 62,” Gallup.com, April 28, 2014.
William Mobile Ashby Founder & CEO, 1917-1927 Urban League of Essex County
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To hate, one must generate in himself a degree of mental and emotional animosity. Why should I make myself miserable by always being mad at somebody? There is no one whom I am better than and no one better than I am.
A Century Of Service 1960 1940’s 1926
Formed self-help Afro-American Realty Co engaged in buying and rehabbing of houses for Black families and extended loans to Black families for home-buying and other basic needs.
1917
Founded the Negro Welfare League ( Later renamed Urban League of Essex County) and became officially affiliated with the National Urban League.
Placed the first black women as operators in NJ Bell Telephone, first black bus drivers for public services, Western electric Co, Oxweld Acetylene Brewster Aeronautical Corp, Otis Elevator Co, Titeflex Metal Hose Co, RCA and Curtis-Wright.
Recruited 500 adoptive homes and the list was made available to both public and private adoption and child care agencies in the area.
1935
Formed Essex County Workers Council with 90 building trades, laborers and craftsman which became a League auxiliary.
1958
Accelerated efforts to desegregate housing. Formed New Jersey Committee Against Discrimination in Housing. Advocated for the Newark Housing Authority to abandon its segregated housing policies.
... A Legacy Of Progress 2005
Provided academic tutoring and afterschool to over 400 youngsters.
1975
Provided childcare to working mothers.
1995
2011
Launched Campaign for African American Achievement.
Opened the Ultra Center and began providing training in COBOL.
Opened Childcare Center at Boys and Girls Club.
2017 Celebrating 100 years of community building and impact!
2015
Launched Financial Opportunity Center to increase asset building.
1998
Launched Homebuyer Education Course to educate potential homebuyers.
Launched new initiatives for building affordable housing, economic development and social enterprise.
Completed the Fairmount Neighborhood Strategic Plan with participation from residents and other community stakeholders.
Established the Family Technology Center.
1985
2013
2008
Launched Mature Workers Program to help older workers re-enter the workforce.
Piloted Newark Kids Code to increase youngsters exposure to STEM.
EARLY CHILDHOOD From the moment I walked in to apply Hayden for preschool, I felt welcomed and that each staff member had her best interests at heart. Toni Williams, parent
LONDON
Our teaching staff noticed that London had been uncharacteristically absent from our preschool program for several days. We discovered that the child and her family were facing eviction as a result of a recent job loss. We contacted her family immediately to offer support. ULEC’s Housing Department provided urgently needed expertise to prevent the eviction of London and her family. Staff in our Financial Opportunity Center identified job openings appropriate to the family’s wage-earners. They found London’s mom a job interview that day, to be held over videoconference. But London’s mom did not have the resources for a proper interview. ULEC’s ThriftWORKS provided simple professional clothes for the interview, and we used the computer in a classroom to videoconference. The next day, London’s mom had the job, working at Newark Airport. With the eviction avoided, London soon returned to her consistent attendance. Now she’s back on track to be prepared for kindergarten.
Children’s early years set the foundation for learning, health and wellness in later life. Development during these years depends on the quality of experiences children have with the adults in their lives, including families, child care providers, and teachers. Milestones are not a fixed time table but approximate times when certain skills and abilities can be observed in a child. To build a foundation for comprehensive school readiness and to support the overall development of each child, our early childhood program implements a research based curriculum that is fully aligned to early learning standards. Families play a critical role in helping their children to prepare for school. We work with the entire family supporting family goals. Children transition to kindergarten more successfully when their schools and families prepare together. Throughout the school year, the Full Day Preschool program provides daytime care for children from ages to 4 years old, while the Early Head Start program cares for children ages six weeks to 2 ½ years. Our Summer Enrichment Camp complements these programs during the summer, with activities to provide a caring environment and foster continued academic growth.
85 EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDENTS
NEWARK KIDS CODE I love that my daughter is getting exposed to coding early. I can see the difference in how she approaches her work. Parent of NKC student
According to code.org, 70% of new STEM jobs are in computing, but only 7% of STEM graduates study computer science. We must begin to train our youngsters earlier to prepare for the jobs of the future. Newark Kids Code is an exciting program designed to teach children how to think like technologists. This ten week program is designed to bring youngsters from charter schools and traditional public schools together on a Saturday to build new skills together. Young students enter the world of computer science by learning how to create animations, computer games, and interactive projects. Using Scratch, a graphical programming language developed at MIT, students learn fundamental programming concepts such as variables, loops, conditional statements, and event handling. As they teach a mischievous cat to pop a balloon, explore a maze, or play games, students learn how to use math and computer code to think creatively.
DANNY
Rambunctious, inquisitive, and assertive, Danny found his way into Newark Kids Codes by accident. His Grandmother, Ruth Paredes (seen in the picture to the right), came to the Urban League seeking employment assistance. While waiting to be seen by a employment counselor, Ms. Paredes picked up a Newark Kids Code flyer. Attracted by the colorful picture of the youth participant on a laptop computer Ms. Paredes brought Danny to a Saturday class. Ms. Paredes didn’t know what coding was but sensed it would be an important opportunity for Danny. As she learned more about the program she said she was grateful for this “gift� for her grandson. Danny loves the program and has made many friends. He said he wants to make and sell apps.
N E WA R K K I D S C O D E H A D
AMERICORPS AmeriCorps has enabled me to engage more and give back to my community. - Luz Morales
The AmeriCorps program, was created under President Bill Clinton by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. It has helped thousands of nonprofit organizations address the most urgent community-based needs. The League has ten AmeriCorps members that play a key role in executing our Fairmount Heights neighborhood revitalization plan. The AmeriCorps members also play an important support role in providing some direct services and connecting residents to programs and services.
SOPHIA
Sophia Charles came to the Urban League in 2014 at 23 years of age, a single mother of two, unemployed, and without a high school degree. Through the Urban Youth Empowerment Program (UYEP) and her own determination, Sophia has furthered her education, obtained key job skills, and serves as a community engagement AmeriCorp member at the Urban League.
Sophia reflects, “In my effort to improve the lives of those I work with in our community, I have in turn improved my own life.” As with many of our students, Sophia had barriers that prohibited consistent attendance in a traditional High School setting as well as involvement in the Justice System. However, Sophia regularly attended her UYEP classes and was a key contributor in class discussions. While in UEYP, Sophia obtained her High School diploma and she is now attending Essex County College. UYEP encouraged her to apply for the AmeriCorps Program and she was accepted! Now she does outreach activities to make members of the Newark community aware of programs and services that can help change lives. Sophia observes, “The AmeriCorps program has also been a great benefit towards my college education, which is how I plan to use my education award.” The UYEP program, along with child care and housing assistance provided by the Urban League, made a difference in Sophia’s life. She says, “I feel exceptionally thankful for the experiences at the Urban League and as an AmeriCorps member.”
URBAN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT I know that the Urban League is there for me, even if my family is not. -Aaron Harrington
We all make mistakes, but low-income families often lack the resources to provide a second chance to a child who has strayed off the road to success. That’s why the Urban Youth Empowerment Program (UYEP) offers a systematic path up and out of difficulty for youths who have dropped out of high school or are engaged in the juvenile justice system. The program creates a personalized plan for success for each youth, anchored by a one-on-one relationship with a caseworker. UYEP provides training in life skills, decision making, and teamwork, blended with third-party services. The case management team stays engaged until the youth’s plan goals are met, thereby ensuring support is received in overcoming any obstacle.
ALIYAH
Aliyah Williams started hanging with the local gang and dropped out of high school. She was arrested multiple times and, at 17, she became pregnant. Shortly before giving birth, Aliyah was kicked out of her parent’s house.
UYEP helped Aliyah turn her life around. Our case management team took a comprehensive approach. We secured shelter for her at the Apostle House Family Shelter and got temporary help with food, cash, medical, and rent expenses. We also helped her obtain childcare for her infant son. Aliyah then enrolled in and completed the UYEP weekly training program which included Conflict Resolution, Character Development, and Life Skills. Further, she succeeded in getting her high school diploma, got an apartment of her own, and enrolled her son in ULEC’s Early Head Start Program. She is now pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice Studies at Essex County College. With the assistance of ULEC’s Financial Opportunity Center, she has obtained a license to work as a security officer and got a job with a local security firm which allows her the ability to go to school and work at the same time. Aliyah believed in herself and was able to take full advantage of UYEP. She is now able to advocate for youth and often speaks for ULEC’s programs for empowering urban youth.
THRIFTWORKS -
ThriftWORKS has been a godsend to me. I have been able to purchase needed items at highly discounted prices and can rely on them. -Customer
141 T O N S O F M E R C H A N D I S E $100,000 O F R E V E N U E One of the most impactful ways to create job opportunities in low income communities is to develop business enterprises that are staffed by local people and provide in-demand services. With that in mind, in 2016 ULEC officially launched ThriftWORKS. ThriftWORKS sells gently-used clothing, household items and books to create jobs for people who need training and skill-building opportunities. In doing so, contributes to the economic well-being of the community. Our ramp-up included placing 24 donation bins and boxes throughout Essex County; a marketing program through local community organizations; the launch of our eBay site; and on September 5, the opening of the first ThriftWORKS retail store. In only a few months, eleven ThriftWORKS staff graduated to full-time employment in other organizations. ThriftWORKS promises to reduce shoppers’ cost of living, improve the job skills of staff members, and reduce neighborhood waste. In one year, we were able to remove 141 tons of material from the waste stream by recycling goods that would have otherwise been thrown away.
SHAQUILLE
Shaquille Salam had been unemployed when he started the Urban Seniors Program in 2015. He had the opportunity to train at the Salvation Army for about six months and then rotated to ThriftWORKS. He had 30 years of experience in dry cleaning business. He has learned new marketing and merchandising skills. He assists with the distribution of ThriftWORKS flyers and he learned how to sort and price merchandise. He is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program and believes the program will provide much needed employment opportunity for people in the community. Shaquille appreciates the opportunity to learn and earn an income.
URBAN SENIORS JOB PROGRAM It is a wonderful feeling to begin your life over, without being judged for the mistakes you have made. - Herbert Wilcher, USJP participant
JAMES
James had been a highly skilled worker with a well-paying IT job. But then he hit a stretch of personal misfortune and unemployment. His technical knowledge was obsolete now and almost worthless. He had no recent job history and a devastated self-image. James approached his USJP program with eagerness and energy, attending our trainings to promote his personal growth, and eagerly absorbing new technology in his USJP-sponsored job. From the experience he gained with the League, he was able to obtain an IT consultant position, earning more than three times his prior salary. James’ example reminds our staff and our clients how far you can bounce back, with help and a positive attitude.
When you’re over 55, it’s harder to bounce back after losing a job or being out of the workforce for a while. Our Urban Seniors Jobs Program (USJP) is designed with the unique challenges faced by older job seekers in mind. Our counselors design a personalized re-employment program for eachparticipant. This plan includes up to four years of ULEC-provided education, on-the-job training with community service organizations, and placement in a permanent job. Counselors continue to work with participants for 18 months after their final placement to ensure their success.
THIS YEAR WE WORKED WITH 215 SENIORS
FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER I wasn’t successful until I came to the Urban League. They listened and helped. Now, I am working and driving my own car. —Anthony Bygrave, FOC participant
There may be no one to teach you the most basic financial skills when you grow up in a poverty-stricken environment. That’s why ULEC offers a career and personal finance service center, designed to help low-to-moderate income people build smart money habits. Our program includes workshops on the following: workforce fundamentals; one-on-one coaching; personal assessment tools; credit, savings and assets; computer training; job search; and guidance with income supports such as food stamps, utilities assistance, and affordable health insurance. After enrollment, we monitor participants’ progress for two years. We know that long-term job retention—holding a job for a year or more—almost doubles when financial coaching reinforces the work of employment counseling. Opened in collaboration with Greater Newark LISC in 2015, the Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) is building the financial capability of an entire community , one household at a time.
THIS YEAR THE FOC ADVISED
ANTHONY
Anthony Bygrave had hit hard times. The business that he worked for closed nine months ago and he was still unemployed. His savings were almost exhausted. He needed encouragement, hope, and, most of all, a secure future. The ULEC Financial Opportunity Center helped him with all of this, and more. His first stop was with FOC coaches who worked with Anthony one-on-one on essential financial and job-hunting skills. While the coaches provided training, they also helped him secure government financial aid to bridge his period of employment. Anthony then used ULEC’s ‘Fast Track to Success’ program to increase his attractiveness to employers. This intensive two-week program consists of eight workshops covering the full range of self-assessment, job-seeking, and personal financial skills. Further, he then attended our computer training as well as a series of ULEC-sponsored sessions with prospective employers. Anthony got a new full-time job within two months after enrolling at the FOC ! What’s more, he got great salary increases, a new savings account, and a used car without financing. Thanks to the FOC, his career and his finances are back on track.
HOUSING COUNSELING I appreciate all the housing counselors’ work to give me hope for keeping my home. —Emmanuel Assibey, client
It’s scary when you have to go hungry so that you can pay the rent. The expertise of a housing counselor can be a lifesaver for individuals facing such a crisis. The League helps people to keep a roof over their heads through one-on-one counseling in credit, financial management, foreclosure prevention, and homeless prevention assistance. We also provide specialized training and guidance for residents to help them to achieve and sustain the goal of owning a home.
EMMANUEL
Emmanuel Assibey was living on a fixed income, and every year the rising cost of living took a bigger bite out of it. He was a recent widower, at age 85, and couldn’t find a way to pay the mortgage. His counselors confirmed that the mortgage’s terms did not allow a smaller monthly payment, even though he had nearly paid the loan off. He had no living relatives and was about to lose his home.
But the staff persisted. We approached Emmanuel’s lender, personally explaining the details of his hardship and petitioning for a loan modification. In response, the lender not only slashed the interest rate by more than two thirds; they also forgave $25,000 of the remaining principal. Emmanuel is overjoyed to be secure in his home again.
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT I have been in Newark for years and I have never seen anything like this. —Kisha Williams, city resident
KISHA
Kisha Williams attended ULEC’s first time homebuyers workshop and she wanted to purchase one of the new homes the League was building. When she met with our housing counselor she learned that her credit score was acceptable. But she had a high debt to income ratio that would not support the addition of a mortgage. Counselors conducted an in depth financial analysis and helped Ms. Williams to develop a plan to pay down her debt over time; thereby lowering her overall debt to income ratio. Ms. Williams was determined. She gave up her apartment and moved in with her mother to save more money and implemented the Power Pay plan. Within four months she had paid down enough debt to qualify for a mortgage! Ms. Williams and her children Nyjae and Nyvek are happy in this picture because she received great support from the Urban League -- down payment assistance, lower interest rate, tax abatement, solar panels and a new home! Their utility bills dropped by more than 2/3rds when the solar panels were installed. Kisha Williams got lower utility bills, and young men in the community were trained in solar installation.
R E A L E S TAT E R E S U LT S
In 2014, the Urban League launched our first housing development project. Our housing development team preserves and builds high quality affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents. We are committed to building housing that is as sustainable as possible, and we will break ground this year on 9 affordable homes with another 13 homes and 1 apartment building in the project pipeline. Our projects include the installation of durable materials, energy and water conservation building techniques, and solar panels, we utilize green building best practices wherever possible. We incorporate construction training and renewable energy skills building in our projects. ULEC partnered with GRID Alternatives, a national nonprofit solar installation and job-training organization.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT I’ve been on the block and I’ve seen it go up and down but this is the best that it has ever been in 30 years. —Wade Tapp, city resident
The League is committed to fulfilling the role of catalyst for positive, sustainable development by increasing access to economic opportunity, improving family financial stability, and developing local leadership
capacity in high poverty neighborhoods. We do more than help individuals and improve buildings -- we help neighborhoods to heal. We know that the most lasting changes originate within the community. The League and Fairmount Heights Neighborhood Association (FHNA) worked together to amplify resident voices regarding a controversial decision to build an electrical switching station directly in the middle of a high density residential community in Fairmount Heights. FHNA rallied residents in Fairmount early on following the announcement of the decision to locate the five acre power generating station in their back yard and we reached settlement that will bring new development including a community center to the Fairmount.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DORIAN
Mr. Johnson has lived in the Fairmount Heights neighborhood all of his life. He attended a spaghetti night dinner that the League hosted during the development of the Fairmount Heights Strategic Plan. He joined with other residents to give his input and ideas on what was needed to improve his neighborhood. He started to attend the monthly community meetings and when FHNA was founded, he was elected President. He now remarks that despite the challenges in the neighborhood, he has seen a big change in his community and he is proud of the contribution the Association has made to improve the quality of life for families.
AUXILIARIES Urban League of Essex County Young Professionals is best place for professionals under forty to serve, learn and lead. —Jason Grove, YP President 2014-2017
JASON
Jason Grove viewed taking over the helm of the Urban League of Essex County’s Young Professionals (ULECYP) as an honor. His primary focus was developing a vision to guide ULECYP’s work, and growing the membership. Under his leadership the Young Professional’s hard work paid off, resulting in very well-attended networking events and successful membership drives. Jason said he belonged to many organizations, but few more exciting and fulfilling than the ULECYP.
DENISE
For a quarter of a century Denise Muhammad has been an active member of the Urban League Guild of Essex County. Her experience as a social worker helped her develop a deeper understanding of the importance of volunteering and giving back. Ms. Muhammad, along with Guilds members, worked on several community service projects which included Circle of Friends, Voter Registration, the Urban League Health Awareness Program at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, and Newark Kids Code. In the coming year under her leadership, the Guild will continue to provide these and other services to the community.
The auxiliary organizations function as the “arms and legs” of the Urban League. These organizations are able to support the mission and programs of the League through in-kind donations, volunteers and tremendous energy. Both organizations are dedicated to serving as the primary volunteer source of the Urban League of Essex County.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
The Urban League of Essex County Young Professionals (ULECUYP) is an auxiliary of the Urban League of Essex County and National Urban League Young Professionals affiliate. The organization promotes the development of young professionals (ages 21-40) in the Essex County area to serve locally through social and community action. Through leadership and professional development, they unlock the potential in each of their members so they can unlock the potential in the people around them.
AUXILIARIES CONTRIBUTION 94 Members 5,300 Service Hours $2,000 Donations 30 Community Service Events THE GUILD
Founded in 1945, The Urban League Guild of Essex County is one of the oldest members of the National Council of Urban League Guilds. For over 70 years, the Guild has served as the agency’s official volunteer auxiliary, educating people on the programs of the Urban League of Essex County through volunteerism and philanthropy. The Guild attracts members who are interested in networking and serving the community through volunteerism and service.
Financials Revenue and Expenses 2016 Special Events, 106,737
Earned Income & Contributions, 444,916
Foundations, 757,394
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Government, 3,417,109
Mangement and General, 686,415
Program Services, 4,010,032
Program Services Program Service 2016
Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Programs 10%
2016
Employment & Economic Development 10% Youth Programs 25%
Educational Services Programs 23%
Adult Programs 32%
2016
2015
Assets Current assets: Cash Grants and other receivables (net of allow for bad debt) Prepaid expenses and other assets Total current assets
484,531 506,689 38,480 1,029,700
83,360 679,854 29,861 793,075
Noncurrent assets: Property and equipment (net) Total noncurrent assets Total Assets
1,595,452 1,595,452 2,625,152
1,408,400 1,408,400 2,201,475
Liabilities and Net Assets Current liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued expenses Contractual advances Line of credit Motgages payable - current portion Total current liabilities
44,409 66,346 410,000 318,837 59,741 899,333
82,069 63,411 138,525 100,000 53,358 437,363
Long term liabilities: Mortgages payable - long term portion Total long term liabilities
266,282 266,282
334,284 334,284
1,459,537 2,625,152
1,429,828 2,201,475
Net assets: Unrestricted Total Liabilities and Net Assets
Board of Trustees Chairperson Annie Sneed-Godfrey Johnson & Johnson Vice Chairperson Archie Colander, Jr Colander & Associates Treasurer Samuel Baker American Express Secretary Annamaria Porcaro, Esq. Attorney at Law Charles Brown, MPA Rutgers, The State University of NJ
Adenah Bayoh Urban Development, LLC
Annamaria Porcaro, Esq. Attorney at Law
Isabel Daguet Panasonic Corporation of North America
Rynthia Rost Esq. GEICO
W. Bernard Dudley International Longshoreman Atlantic Coast District
Myles Varley Consultant
Sherkera Green Wells Fargo Reverend Sr. Perry Simmons Abyssinian Baptist Church Denise Muhammad Urban League Guild
President & CEO Vivian Cox Fraser Donald Mullins Farmers Insurance Eric S. Pennington Attorney at Law
Leadership Team Vivian Cox Fraser President & CEO
La’Keisha Ciprian Director, Early Childhood Programs
Shonique Banks Director of Youth Department
Darrin Sharif Chief Administrative Officer
Ashaki Larkins Director of Housing
Alice Frazier Director of Urban Seniors Jobs Program
William Darby Johnny Chief Financial Officer
Leonard Robbins Director of Real Estate
Patricia Sermon VP, Workforce Development & Director Financial Opportunity Center
Samuel Ogunnaike Director of Thriftworks
Partners Annie Mac Home Mortgage Audible.com Cablevision Caldwell Banker Realty Capital One Bank Catholic Charities Chase Bank Citibank City National Bank City of Newark County of Essex Delta Air Lines EriDonn Mortgage, LLC Essex County College Essex County One-Stop Essex Regional Educational Services Commission Exit Platinum Realty Fairmount Heights Neighborhood Association FedEX Garden State Cold Storage Greater Newark Conservancy Greater Newark LISC Green Tree Financial Services Greyhound Bus Grid Alternatives GROW NJ Kids Halsted Commons Dental Center Horizon Healthcare NJ Manufacturers Insurance Co.
Selective Insurance Co, Public Service Enterprise Group PSE&G NJ Re-Insurance Co Valley National Bank HMS Host Inspections Group Irvington Township Jalloh & Jalloh, Attorneys at Law Jersey Mortgage Jewish Renaissance Medical Center Joule Staffing Kean University Leaders for Life, Inc. M&T Bank Masakhane Center National Urban League NeighborWorks America New Community Corporation New Hope Community Development New Jersey Community Capital New Jersey Federal Credit Union New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency New Jersey Tree Foundation Newark Police Department Youth Services Newark Public Schools Newark Renaissance House Inc. NewarkWorks Next Movz Realty
NJ First Steps North Jersey Community Research Initiative Opportunity Youth Network (Newark Public Schools) Peapack Gladstone Bank PeaPod PNC Bank Prisock Law Firm Programs for Parents Residential Home Funding Rutgers University Sakur Japan Santander Bank Securitas Shoprite Sodexo TD Bank The Halal Guys The Leaguers United Airlines US Department of Labor US Department of Housing and Urban Development Verizon Wireless Walgreens Washington Consulting Group Wells Fargo Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO) World Business Lenders YMCA
Donors Bank of America Foundation Build-A-Mattress Capital One Foundation Citibank City National Bank City of Newark Committe to Elect Chris James Committee to Re-elect Wayne Richardson Community Foundation of NJ East Orange Community Charter School Essex County College Essex County Department of Community Affairs GEICO
IBM Employee Services Center IT Now Corporation Kamari’s Creations L&M LISC-Greater Newark MCJ Amelior Foundation National Urban League NeighborWorks Newark Mentoring Movement Newark Public Schools Newark YMCA Nicholson Foundation Panasonic Foundation
Parkmont Housing and Redevelopment LLC PNC Bank Program for Parents Prudential Foundaton PSEG Foundation Sparkle Enterprises Incorporated St. Vincent DePaul State of New Jersey The Leaguers, Inc Turrell Foundation Victoria Foundation
Shakia Garrett Jermima George Yolanda Green Marchetta Hamilton Marina Roschelle Herbert Rosa Higgins Katrina Hill Nyjira Hill Wynora Hill Cheryl Howard Armanda Johnson James Johnson Kamilla Johnson Lataeya Lane-Mega Felicia Marie Lewis Tavonna Lewis
Mary Elizabeth Marrow Joanna Martinez Daphne Mcmillian Bonita Meggett Olga Maria Montero-Hunt Sharaini Joni Rambaran Jahlyn Sharpe Robin Stewart George Thomas Patricia Tyler Alexia Wah Lamar Wardrick Kilaina Adele Williams Rosalind Woodbridge
Staff Sebrania Alford Alberto Almanzar Cora Andrews Victoria Benton Denyse Brown Roni Bryant Rita Castellanos Irene Cerna Zabrina Coleman John Collins Jr. Glenda Daniels-Crafton Felicia Eguh Aja Faison Cynthia Elaine Fitzpatrick Alice Frazier Dorian Garrett
Individual Donors Orlenda Abel Czezre Adams Obi Agudosi Moahmad Ahmad Marjorie Albano Amjad Ali Sara Altagracia Peter Amari John Amergian Karen Anderson James Bailey Leon Baptiste Shrouq Batayneh Saadia Batool Adenah Bayoh Yazmin Beeks Andrea Bennett Geycel Best Somer Blair Colleen Bloomfield Senator Booker Felesia Bowen Shane Brewer Brandi Burkhardt Herb Caesar Denise Campbell John Carroll Robyn Chin Robert Clark Philip Coates Archie Colander Dana Coleman Henry Coleman Carmen Collazo Lillian Colonel Kathy Coplen Cecil Crump Tiffany Cummings Tyra Cunningham CurlyEmpress LLC Sonja Dabney Mark Dacko
Alnisa Davis Keenan Davis Stephanie Davis Nancy Deighan Michele Delisfort Kimberly Demaio Sharon Dolan Roosevelt Donat James Drayton William Duddley Kathleen Dwyer Natasha Dyer Anthony Escarraman Mac Exume Aja Faison Alysia Falby Evette Feagin Kathy Ferrell Susan Fleming Arthur Flores Prudential Foundation Linda Francis Yanique Francis Leon Fraser Vivian Fraser Deborah Fuller Alisha Gamble Christopher Garlin Darleen Gearhart Lynijah George Linda Georges Elaine Gibson Eve Gibson Bernadette Glass Corina Goin Yris Gomez Jose-Rafael Gonzalez Ashley Green Tonya Green Anthony Greene Jason Grove Ricardo Gutierrez
Cortney Haliburton Romona Hall Jennierose Halperin Angie Hammond Porche Hardy Kyra Hawn Karriedee Hefner Katerine Hernandez Johana Hidrovo Janus Holder Ray Hollar-Gregory Robert Holley,Jr. Kimberly Honnick Cheryl Howard Jody Howard Juana Ibarra Natasha Inniss Jojo Israel Jack J Keith Brenda Jackson Chris James Antonio Jimenez Allison Johnson Latisha Johnson Paul Johnson Cherhonda Jones Kevin Jones Thomas Jones Leaia Keith Jesse Kelly Debra Kenyon Kianta Key Malik King Stephanie Koch Kenneth Kolanko Tina Kolstad Amy Korner Jack Kutzer Heidi Lamonica Damian Lawrence William Lee Kareem Lewis
Scharron Little Brenda Lovett C. Lubin, Cpa, Llc Timothy Lyons Lisa Malanij Derick Marshburn Jasmine Martin Saielle Martin Peter Marycz Kimberley Mason Ramelle Massey Hla Maung Carolyn Mazzucca Rich Mcdonald Julia Mcgann John Mckinley Charles Mclean Courtney Mcmanus Shakeerah Mcpherson Kennisha Miles Mark Miller Beverly Mills Tracey Moore Lynnette Morello Denise Muhammad Micheal Mullins Obiajulu Nwabuzor Anne Oliver Chigozie Onyema Ikechukwu Onyema Wilmer Otero Sonia Oyorzabal Daniel Pak Charlotte Palmer-Lane Adam Patton Wendy Pecchi Teresita Pedraza Mario Pedro Eric Pennington Susanne Peticolas Christopher Phillips Anna Porcaro
Sabina Porcaro Sandralee Prather Charlotte Pratt Jill Pruett Novel2Go Publishing Amanda Ramppen Ikhlas Rashid Wayne Richardson Leonard Robbins Annette Roberson Connie Roberts Mark Robertson Minsun Robillard Darlene Robinson Stacey Robinson Brian Rock Denise Rodgers Edwin Rodriguez Ronald Rogers Tasha Rogers Sabine Roskey Sabrina Ross Dewayne Rudolph Shawna Russell Claudia Saavedra Cecil Sanders Juliana Santos Martin Scaffidi Sam Schatz Mariska Schnecker Jennifer Schuler Darrin Sharif Irina Shlyakhtichman John Simmons Latoya Smallwood Darcy Smith Dorian Smith Patrice Smith Walter Smith Carl Smoot Annie Sneed-Godfrey Grace Spencer
Collins Spencer , Jr Sean Spiller Eric Staples William Starks,Iii Michael Stokes Leonard Strzeszewski Alex Su Michael Switzer Linda Taylor Loretta Taylor The Ajancy The Late Bloomers C. Thomas Harlin Thompson James Thompson Lisa Thompson Bianca Toliver Graciela Torres Monique Travis Alan Trotty Urban Truban Lauren Vandierendonck Jassie Vilela Kelly Virella Robert Vitalis Sharon Wallenberg Morris Warner Kenitra Washington Aylah Weinstein Sherry White Krystle Whitlock Katina Williams Anna Williams Charisse Windom Gay Adaneka Witter Somsak Wongthepniwat David Young Mindy Yowell Michael Zumpino
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