INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 2 Director’s Message
3 Scholarships Awarded 5 Head Start Scrapbook 9 Residential Services 9 New Hackensack 10 HSE Program 10 ESL and Computer Classes 10 Back-to-School Night 10 The Play’s the Thing 11 Affordable Housing
Donald Conway is very quick to let you know that, contrary to popular belief, he has not retired. In fact, he starts every day at his office in Hackensack, where he manages his real estate and other business endeavors. Don assumed the Chairmanship of the GBCA Board of Trustees upon the untimely passing of the organization’s longtime Chairperson and matriarch, Lois Braithwaite, earlier this year. Don had served as Board Vice Chair alongside Lois since 2013. He described how impressed he was with the leadership of the organization and the high level of success GBCA has achieved, as measured by the number of lives impacted over the years. He describes his fellow
Board members as, “A group of highly capable and very effective individuals, who have kept me very engaged in the work of the organization.”
Don will immediately tell you that his association with GBCA is inextricably tied to Lois Braithwaite. The two friends kept in touch ever since they first met back in Holy Continued on page 4
11 GBCA Services 12 Garfield 1st Ward 12 A. Harry Moore Construction 13 1st Bergen FCU 13 ETC Speakers 14 CAP Solar 15 Hackensack Street Fair
16 New Marketing Department
Don Conway with long-time friend and GBCA mentor, Lois Braithwaite.
Robert F. Halsch, Jr.
O
ur lives at GBCA were thrown into deep mourning, along with lots of questions, when our matriarch, Lois Braithwaite, suddenly passed earlier this year. This happened at a time when we were being asked to provide leadership to dramatic expansion in early childhood education and community economic development. And so, we are both grateful and energized by the commitment of Donald Conway to step into the void and provide seasoned leadership at this pivotal time. Lois will be forever missed, and we could not be more fortunate than to have a successful businessman, who grew up with Lois, take the helm. Lois created the vision and opened so many doors for so many, and Don has been by her side throughout. If we are lucky, we all have a small handful of childhood friendships that last and grow through the years. Lois and Don had this, and she knew that he was the man to keep her dream alive. Lois’ legacy is huge, and generations of families will continue to make a difference in the world because of what she taught them, and all of us.
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Lois’ guidance was simple. She said lifelong education is essential. All smart decisions come from smart education, starting from birth. We responded and are now building and renovating schools in Bergen County, Paterson, and Jersey City. She challenged us to provide affordable banking, financial literacy and financial planning to people who are shunned by the traditional banking system. We responded by creating 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union. She told us that one life changed is the certainty that every life can be changed, and she endorsed our work in Community Development and Neighborhood Revitalization—knowing that the investment of private capital in our neighborhoods is essential to create jobs and sustain opportunities. I think one of Lois’ greatest legacies is what she taught us about how to always find the opportunity to do the next good thing. She was a teacher first and foremost. Her glass was always half-full, and as a result, GBCA last year alone helped more than 60,000 individuals in Bergen County, Paterson, and Jersey City to take the next steps to a self-sustaining and stronger future with education, housing, and financial resources. Lois Braithwaite – the gift that keeps on giving.
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2015 Lois A. Braithwaite Scholarship recipients STANDING L TO R: Kayla Ligon, Nardine Shenouda, George Henry Clark Smith II, Tatayana Butler, George Henry Clark Smith III, Salima Dudley, Tahmir Williams, Barry Palmore Jr., Sahil Trivedi, Eugene Marshall SEATED L TO R: Danielle Jones, Nikayla Barnaby, Karina Grullon-Perez, Idelsa Sanchez NOT PICTURED: Tyralle Jordan, Angie Quispe, Zanaiya Leon, Doryanna Ortiz, Avik Dureja, Michele Strum
GBCA awarded 20 local college-bound youth with $1,000 scholarships in honor of Lois A. Braithwaite. Lois was chair of GBCA’s Board for 23 years. The scholarship was open to applicants pursuing post-secondary education with high school GPAs of 2.5 or higher who planned to attend school for the 2015-16 academic year. The Lois A. Braithwaite Scholarship fund was started at GBCA’s 2015 Gala Fundraiser and will be a continuing tradition. Funds have already started coming in for the 2016 scholarship fund from the 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union’s Labor Day Debit Card Promotion. Please visit greaterbergen.org/get-involved to learn more about how you can support the Lois A. Braithwaite Scholarship Fund.
The City of Hackensack is honoring Lois
Braithwaite with a commemorative street sign on Berdan Place, the street where the GBCA matriarch grew up. The sign will be erected in June, 2016.
From Meet the Chairman...page 1 Trinity High School in Hackensack. Don recalled speaking with Lois’ Harlem students in later years at her request and helping her with many other of her community-based projects. But Don Conway himself is no shrinking violet when it comes to making a difference in his community and impacting lives. He has been involved with many philanthropic and service organizations throughout his life, notably as President of Tomorrow’s Children Fund. Don has also been an enthusiastic supporter of The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties and the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, an organization through which he sponsors children in Central America; he has traveled to visit them and to personally witness the effect that his and others’ support is having there. Don explained, “My desire to ‘give back’ comes from my realization a long time ago that life has been good to me; I am obligated to give back to those who have not been as fortunate.” He recalled how he had been afforded the opportunity to go to college and law school; he worked as a caddy to earn money to pay his tuition and also played baseball and basketball there, “experiences that contributed to the man I am today.” Don has been married to Ginny for more than 50 years and they have two sons and four grandchildren. Don is an avid skier who took up the sport later in life. He enjoys “excursions to some of the best skiing, both nationally and internationally.” Bob Halsch, GBCA’s Executive Director for the past three decades, shared the following with us: “I can think of no one more qualified to keep alive the legacy of Lois Braithwaite than Don Conway.”
PICTURED L TO R: Christopher Irving, GBCA Board Member, with Don Conway
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Donald R. Conway, Chair
Freeholder David L. Ganz
Sercan Zoklu, Vice Chair
Freeholder Tracy Zur
Tim Flynn, Treasurer
Julie O’Brien
Soraya Gonzalez, Secretary
Lourdes Cortez
Christopher Irving
Mitchell Kahn
Jerry Lombardo
Vanessa Sosa
James Young, Board Attorney The CAPsule Editor-in-Chief: Allan De Giulio, Ph.D. Editors: Carole Lotito, Jessica Massler Production: Marianne Bente
An apple picking trip is so much more at GBCA Head Start in Paterson. With the “K-W-L” approach, children discuss what they already Know about apples, what they Want to know, and then, after the trip, what they Learned. The trip included apple and pumpkin picking, plus a visit to the petting zoo.
Jersey City Police Officer Dina Lionakis has a way with children—she gives tips and information to Head Start students about transportation and pedestrian safety in a way they understand—and won’t forget. Some of the children’s parents also participated.
The program was held as part of the Parent Committee at the Holland Gardens Head Start site in Jersey City.
Jersey City Head Start and Early Head Start staff proudly promoting our top quality preschool in the Jersey City Children’s Parade in September.
Paterson teacher Tulip Taylor enjoys spontaneous musical performances as much as her Early Head Start students do!
Dads who are stepping up to make a difference in their families’ futures meet at the Paterson Fathers Group.
Walter Sanchez entertains his son, Logan, while visiting his Jersey City Head Start classroom. Parent participation is a critical part of Head Start.
Who loves recess? We love recess! And it’s the most fun when you know it’s safe. All Head Start playgrounds meet or exceed all federal, state and local health and safety guidelines.
An important service for many parents, especially those who do not drive, is busing. GBCA now offers free busing for children to attend St. Stephen’s and Westside (Paterson). PICTURED L TO R (on the first day of the Paterson run): Juan Vargas, Bus Driver; Wendy Vargas, Bus Monitor; Rosario Santiago, Bus Monitor; Gladys Pastrana, Bus Liaison; Kenyam Alston, Security Guard.
The Children’s Learning Garden at Eastside. Planted by Jill Ippolito and John Labosky, the maintenance staff keeps a watch over it so it can be used for learning long after the season is over.
Hundreds of new and returning Head Start staff attended pre-service orientation days in August. GBCA presenters included Director of Human Resources Kimberly Fontanez and her staff (pictured above).
The 2015 NJ Statewide Recovery Walk and Rally was held on September 27th at Liberty State Park. The empowering event was attended by those in recovery and those seeking recovery, as well as supporters and speakers. GBCA’s Ladder Project resident and artist Louis DelGado Betacourte hand-painted a beautiful eight-foot entry for the event’s banner contest. The Ladder Project is a halfway house and transitional facility that provides intensive services for 20 men with chronic alcohol and/or drug addictions in a secure, structured, and substance-free environment. To fully support recovery, the 12-step philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous is followed, along with daily rehabilitation, case management, and an array of support services. Clients are referred by NJ Drug Court, other non-profits, or are self-referred. During the stay of six to nine months, with professional supervision and intervention available ‘round
Louis DelGado Betacourte of The Ladder Project, with his stunning entry into the banner contest for the NJ Statewide Recovery Walk and Rally.
the clock, clients gain self-awareness and an understanding of addiction, while experiencing a workable method for controlling addictive behavior. In 25 years, the program has helped 819 men.
Hackensack is changing, as city government and the Upper Main Alliance join with developers to chart a new path for economic opportunity in the downtown business district. GBCA is contributing to this renaissance, with plans to build 110 units of new housing, along with retail, on Main Street. The site has been designated an “Area in Need of Redevelopment,” which makes it eligible for a long-term tax abatement.
Meridia on Main will provide exciting new opportunities for those who wish to live and work in a new, bustling downtown Hackensack (proposed for the corner of Main and Salem Streets).
Meridia on Main is a joint venture between GBCA and Capodagli Property Company, which is just completing construction of Meridia Metro Hackensack (on State Street), the first new downtown development in years.
PICTURED: GBCA HSE graduate and valedictorian Marco Rodriques delivering his valedictory address. “Knowledge is our safety net; knowledge is what’s going to make sure you never fall too far from reaching your goals.”
GBCA’s Education and Training division began offering a High School Equivalency (HSE) program for out-of-school youth (ages 16-21) in partnership with the Bergen County One Stop Career Center, Bergen Community College, and Hackensack High School. A June graduation ceremony at Bergen County Technical High School included 19 GBCA HSE students. Our own Marco Rodriques was chosen as class valedictorian. GBCA’s classes in Cliffside Park and Garfield continue to grow, with students from towns in Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties participating. Under changes to the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA), students up to age 24 are now eligible to take part in the program, giving more clients this critical tool that can help them take the next step to a stronger future.
Paterson Head Start/Early Head Start’s Eastside site opened up a brand new classroom for its parents, utilizing shared computer equipment that is already available at the site. The adult students can learn English as a Second Language, as well as Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook—all skills that are valuable to move ahead and become employed in a higher-paying job. All classes are free.
Head Start staff members, parents, children, and community officials enjoyed “The Wisdom of Oz” at its Eastside location over the summer. The play was per-
PICTURED L TO R: Odell Lashley, Security Guard; Paterson Councilwoman Ruby Cotton; Jill Ippolito, Administrator of Bergen/Passaic County Programs; Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter; Nyesha Coleman, GBCA maintenance.
PICTURED L TO R: Mary Anne Brown, Site Manager Eastside; Councilman Andre Sayegh of Paterson; Troy Greer, Nutrition Assistant; Neil Rossi, Assistant Director of Food and Nutrition Services.
formed by members of The Mighty
Sons of God Church.
GBCA is partnering with WINN Development to preserve 131 units of low-income housing in Jersey City. “Brunswick Estates” will significantly upgrade the quality of life and safety of the families who live there, while ensuring that these units remain affordable for years to come. Other critical partners in the project are the Jersey City Housing Authority, the NJ Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, and the NJ Economic Development Authority. NJEDA is providing Economic Redevelopment and Growth Program Residential Tax Credits, for which GBCA will be the conduit. GBCA will also provide essential financial literacy and banking services to residents with the goal of helping them build assets that can ultimately move them out of subsidized housing.
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Children 0-5 Head Start/Early Head Start (free full-day preschool)
Adults
English as a Second Language Classes Parenting Classes High School Equivalency Classes USA Citizenship Classes Microsoft Office Computer Training Weatherization Training`
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Universal Service Fund Energy Affordability (USF) Home Energy Efficiency (Weatherization Assistance) Water Bill Assistance (United Water Cares) In-Home Personal Emergency Preparedness/Alert (Verizon NJ’s Communication Lifeline )
Construction Disaster Recovery, Rapid Reconstruction,
Home Improvements (SAFER)
Housing Landlord-Tenant Law Guidance
(Greater Bergen Housing Coalition)
Banking Low-Income Designated, Community Development
Credit Union (1st Bergen Federal Credit Union)
Financial Asset Development Financial Literacy Counseling Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Housing Counseling
Homelessness Prevention Housing for Post-Foster-Care Young Adults (PHASES) Transitional Housing for Men in Recovery
(The Ladder Project) Affordable and Special Needs Housing Development (CHIP) Neighborhood Revitalization (Residential and Retail) Community and Facility Development (Schools, Health
Energy/Utilities Energy Payment Assistance (LIHEAP) Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses
(TRUE, NJShares)
Clubs, Community Banking Facilities) Solar Energy for Nonprofit Facilities (CAP Solar)
GBCA and partner DMR Construction Management The GBCA/DMR team has continued to work closely have been very busy over the past 18 months, since the with the City Manager, Tom Duch, who has been key in two organizations were designated co-master developers advancing the initiative. The development team has kept of the Passaic Street commercial area in the City of the City apprised of its progress, most recently preGarfield. A clearer vision for the 19-block area of the senting its preliminary development analysis at a meeting City’s First Ward, which was designated an “Area in Need of the City’s Redevelopment Authority. of Rehabilitation,” has emerged and tangible steps have been taken to move things forward. Much of the past months have been spent meeting with property owners and developers, examining the feasibility of various development scenarios. The primary focus is now on the area immediately surrounding the Garfield train stop, where a transit-oriented development approach is being pursued with a mix of residential and commercial development. GBCA has taken the first steps in this direction with its purchase earlier this year of a key property on Passaic GBCA’s future headquarters building 95-99 Passaic Street, Garfield Street, where the agency will relocate its corporate headquarters.
In an innovative new approach to embrace families where they actually live, and to provide education and family enrichment programs for moms and babies starting at birth, GBCA is partnering with the Jersey City Housing Authority and Pennrose Development to build a school as part of a new public housing development on Duncan Avenue in Jersey City. The school will house 11 classrooms, which are built right into the housing development. Seven classrooms will be available to infants. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this Early Head Start initiative will welcome pregnant moms even before birth, and will stay with the family until entrance into the public schools at age 5. This is one of five pilot programs nationally that are experimenting with this model. Other funding partners include NJ Community Capital, Enterprise Community Development and the NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2015. << PICTURED L to R: Jacob Fischer, Pennrose Properties; Deputy Executive Director, GBCA, Allan DeGiulio, Ph.D.; Director of Real Estate Development and Management, GBCA, Dave Wenegrat.
1st Bergen Federal Credit Union is moving to 93-95 Main Street, Hackensack. Located across from the CVS, this new, larger location is more visible and accessible to our core membership.
or Paterson*, but as a designated community development, low-income credit union, the non-profit has a notable specialty: helping the under-served and the “credit-invisible.” Services for 1st Bergen customers will continue uninterrupted at 241 Moore St. until the move is completed on or before early 2016.
1st Bergen serves the financial needs of the GBCA community where others may not. Services are open to anyone connected with Bergen County, Jersey City 1st Bergen has many new and exciting initiatives for members and future members. Members can now join for as low as $5, withdraw money with no surcharges at 55,000 Allpoint ATMs, and apply for new mortgage and home equity and other loans online.
Future Home of 1st Bergen FCU 93-95 Main Street, Hackensack
Bergen County Deputy Superintendent of Elections Theresa O’Connor brought a real voting machine to Cliffside Park to show new voters—due to age or citizenship—how to use the equipment before they enter the booth on Election Day. She explained the election process and where to get educated. She also registered nearly 30 new voters right on the spot. The enthusiastic audience of GBCA’s ESL, USA Citizenship and HSE classes was joined by many Head Start parents and people from the community excited to learn about rights and processes that many Americans may take for granted.
*those who live, work, volunteer, attend school, worship or conduct business in those communities.
On October 15th, GBCA’s Education and Training Division hosted a workshop for their HSE youth students and English as a Second Language (ESL) students in Cliffside Park. Several Head Start parents also attended. Aggie Papis, Tax PICTURED: NNJLS’s Aggie Papis Attorney of North- delivers valuable legal inforeast New Jersey Le- mation to GBCA families and gal Services (NNJLS) students. Lower Income Taxpayer Clinic gave the workshop, and discussed the importance of filing taxes and tax credits available to low-income families and individuals. NNJLS is a nonprofit corporation that provides free legal services to low-income Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic County residents in a variety of civil law matters.
GBCA’s CAP Solar New Jersey won the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s (IREC’s) Community Renewables Project of the Year award for 2015. IREC is the national thought leader, stakeholder coordinator, expert resource and facilitator of regulatory reform in the field of sustainable energy. Projects from across the country were considered for this award. CAP Solar makes productive capital investments in community action agencies and nonprofits by installing and operating solar renewable energy projects, which save the agencies money on energy, and promotes renewable energy at the point of consumption. The fund uses capital from financial institutions, socially-motivated investors and accredited individuals to reach their social investment goals. Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group was the investor for Phase 1.—–
GBCA was honored at the Solar Power International (SPI) conference in Anaheim, CA in September. Steven Leitner, Chief Innovation Officer for GBCA, received the award on CAP Solar New Jersey’s behalf. Learn more at www.capsolar.org.
PICTURED: Steven Leitner, GBCA’s Chief Innovation Officer, accepting the Project of the Year award at the SPI Conference.
On October 3rd, 31 GBCA staff members braved the wind and rain to participate in the Hackensack Upper Main Alliance Street Fair. The event provided a great opportunity for businesses and organizations to discuss their programs and services with the community one on one. Staff members provided backpacks, pens, and snacks to people walking around the fair. GBCA and 1st Bergen connected with many people in the community who are candidates for our array of services.
Have you seen our exciting Mobile Enrollment Units? They are the new home bases of our Neighborhood Outreach efforts. GBCA’s new marketing and communications department helps the agency’s programs by promoting their missions, efforts and activities. They manage all events (including GBCA’s Gala), the website, and many other projects.
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Carole Lotito, Jessica Massler and Andrea Borja comprise the team. They are located at 241 Moore St. and are a part of Gerard Haizel’s Planning, Development and Technology Services Division. Call (201) 968-0200 X7040.
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