Dupré Kelly – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Celebrates the Class of 2025

Michelle Lang — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:30:49 +0000

hosted graduation on June 27 at Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza, 233 West Market St., Newark. Students who completed the Automotive Technician, Building Trades Specialist, High School Equivalency, Medical Assistant Clinical and Patient Care Technician programs were honored during the ceremony.

91��Ƭ Interim Board Chairman Edgar Nemorin welcomed graduates and thanked them for trusting NCCTI to provide their education.

“I admire your strength, perseverance and will in getting through this technical school year and mastering your craft,” he said.

91��Ƭ CEO Simone Gagneron reminded graduates that their journey doesn’t end with obtaining their certificates and that they are always welcome back to the organization, especially since they have made friends and family during the course of their studies. She also encouraged them to continue on the trajectory of making positive choices.

“You said yes to advancing your career. You said yes to making a difference in your lives and making a difference in the lives of your family and making a difference in the lives of your community,” she said. “And everything else from here on out is a yes. No one can tell you no.”

Newark West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly served as the keynote speaker and told graduates to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.

“This achievement is just a testament to the fact that a dream, no matter how big, can be realized with dedication and determination. Today we don’t just celebrate your academic milestones and your technical milestones. We honor your resilience. Each of you have faced distinct challenges,” he said. “Yet you are still here and ready to take on the world.”

Kelly also reminded graduates that they are the reason for their success and that success isn’t defined by the type of work that they do. He said success has more to do with the impact you make on those around you.

“I’m excited to see how you bring your skills and passion to not only Newark, N.J., but to the world,” he said.

Two graduates spoke to their peers and supporters during the ceremony. Simone Parkes, who completed the Medical Assistant Clinical program, quit a full-time job to become a student and also married, became a stepmom and became a mom to an infant. She juggled her family responsibilities with studying and is grateful for her family’s support and to NCCTI for helping her excel. She currently works in a pediatric office and draws on the knowledge she learned from the program when speaking with patients and their parents during appointments.

“I’m beyond proud of our accomplishments. You never know how much impact you have on others. You’re amazing,” she said. “Continue pouring that positive energy into other people.”

Automotive Technician graduate Shareif Gilmer spoke about the challenges of growing up without a mother or a father. After finishing high school, he obtained a CDL license to support his family and decided to enroll in NCCTI to further his career. His current role has him maintaining medical transportation vehicles.

“It has been a race worth finishing. I have had the pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life, which is the reason for encouraging all of you to be the best you can be,” he said. “I encourage you all to continue paving the many ways to your success.”

NCCTI Career Services Coordinator Chanda Webb presented employer partners and with awards for their ongoing support, providing students with tours and information and for hiring graduates.

University Hospital Manager of Recruitment Patient Care Services Claudia Alves said the relationship is changing lives, shaping the community and shows what is possible when organizations come together with a common goal.

“By partnering with NCC, University Hospital is helping to create a direct bridge between education and employment,” she said. “The program doesn’t just train workers. It builds careers, strengthens families and uplifts the entire neighborhood.”

Newark Community Health Centers Inc. Human Resources Recruiter Kobie Brown said his company has hired more than 28 NCCTI graduates from both medical programs and looks forward to welcoming even more in the future.

“It’s a pleasure for us to be here to serve our community and help see you guys grow as individuals,” he said.

NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that is currently enrolling for the following programs: Automotive Technician, Medical Assistant Clinical and Patient Care Technician. For more information, call 973-824-6484, email nccti@newcommunity.org, log onto or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility Celebrates Resident’s 100th Birthday

Michelle Lang — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:34:25 +0000

Every birthday is special, but turning 100 is an incredible milestone. , 266 South Orange Ave., Newark, celebrated the 100th birthday of resident Edna Hill on Dec. 13. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Council Member at Large Louise Scott-Rountree, West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly and 91��Ƭ CEO Simone Gagneron joined Extended Care residents and staff in honoring Hill alongside her family.

When asked how it feels to be 100, Hill said, “I feel good. I’m blessed to be an old lady.”

Baraka said he was happy to celebrate Hill’s milestone birthday.

“I just pray that I make it to live as long as you,” he said. “I wish you many more and good health especially. God bless you.”

Scott-Rountree read the City of Newark resolution marking the date of the celebration and Hill’s birthday.

“May God continue to bless you, be in you to strengthen you, be beneath you to support you, go before you to guide you and put his loving arms of protection around you,” she said.

Kelly shared the letter he wrote marking Hill’s milestone birthday, discussing her contributions to her family, public service as a clerk and her church community.

“It is my sincere hope that the coming years and all of your years to follow are filled with wonderful experiences, new adventures and the fulfillment of your heart’s desire,” he said.

Gagneron expressed her congratulations to Hill and gratitude to all in attendance.

“On behalf of 91��Ƭ, we are excited, we are blessed to have you all and we say thank you and happy birthday to Ms. Hill and everyone celebrating their birthday today,” she said.

In addition to Hill, Extended Care recognized all residents who celebrate a birthday in December. They enjoyed a meal, cake, music and dancing.

Newark Councilman Dupré Kelly Visits 91��Ƭ Residents

Michelle Lang — Fri, 12 May 2023 20:09:01 +0000

Residents of Roseville Senior, 1 South Eighth St., Newark, got to visit with West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly on May 11. He visited the building to distribute food, Mother’s Day presents and flowers. He also spoke to residents and encouraged them to attend the on May 20.

91��Ƭ Residents Enjoy Thanksgiving Meals

Michelle Lang — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:41:06 +0000

Residents of 91��Ƭ properties were treated to Thanksgiving meals in November.

Residents of Manor Senior received Thanksgiving meals on Nov. 23 from Newark West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly. Photo courtesy of Guadalupe Cepeda.

Residents of Commons Senior enjoyed a Thanksgiving luncheon on Nov. 23, organized by Millenial Social Club.

91��Ƭ Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka, right, organized a Thanksgiving luncheon for residents on Nov. 24. Photo courtesy of Julienne Van-Nooten.

Roseville Senior resident Linda Pearson prepares the food for the building’s Thanksgiving luncheon on Nov. 22. Photo courtesy of Gladys Artis.

Residents of Manor Senior enjoyed desserts in the Community Room on Nov. 23. Photo courtesy of Guadalupe Cepeda.

Members of Millenial Social Club hosted a Thanksgiving luncheon for Commons Senior residents on Nov. 23.

91��Ƭ Hosts Congressman Payne and Councilman Kelly for National Diabetes Month Roundtable

Michelle Lang — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 14:52:16 +0000

The 91��Ƭ Adult Learning Center, 563 Orange St., Newark, served as the host site for the National Diabetes Month Roundtable presented by Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. and Newark West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly on Nov. 22. The discussion focused on diabetes care and how the Inflation Reduction Act helps reduce costs for seniors with diabetes.

Congressman Payne shared his experiences and challenges living with diabetes and encouraged everyone to take the advice of their medical professionals to manage the condition. He also talked about the high cost of insulin, particularly for those without insurance, sharing a story about how he accidentally left his insulin behind one time when he traveled to Washington, D.C. and was shocked at the high cost to pay out of pocket for a small vile.

Residents of 91��Ƭ Manor Senior attended the roundtable, including Sherman Gibbs who spoke during the event about his experiences as a diabetes patient.

The roundtable was conducted virtually via Zoom for a wider audience and included Dr. Johnnie A. Lee, internal medicine, and Dr. Katherine York, AARP New Jersey, as virtual speakers.

NCC Neighborhood Center Gets New Reading Space as Part of The Children’s Place Initiative

Michelle Lang — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 19:54:58 +0000

Photos by JohnnyFoto.

Children served by the NCC Neighborhood Center, 91��Ƭ’s recreation center located on Hayes Street in Newark, now have a newly renovated space filled with books to enjoy, thanks to an initiative from The Children’s Place.

91��Ƭ and The Children’s Place unveiled the learning center on Aug. 4 with a ribbon cutting. 91��Ƭ’s center is the second of 10 locations nationwide that The Children’s Place is opening as part of a back-to-school campaign to empower children through reading and continued education.

91��Ƭ Chief Financial Officer/Interim Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya said it was an honor to be chosen as part of the campaign.

“Instilling a love of reading at a young age will serve these children well as they progress through school and look toward their future careers,” she said. “Having this newly renovated and dedicated library area will get them even more excited about reading.”

91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter said in a world where electronic devices are so widely utilized, it’s nice to have a space with physical books and an area to sit and enjoy them without the distraction of screens.

“It is great to see a program that is encouraging children to read,” he said.

91��Ƭ Youth Services Director Edward Morris was excited to unveil the room and have the children start to use the space.

“We encourage the youth to read every day. We tell them reading not only stretches your mind, but it takes you places, faraway places that you can explore without leaving your home. So I can only imagine what they’re going to do in that room, where they’re going to visit, where they’re going to explore,” he said. “My dad used to always tell me young readers become leaders. So we try to instill that in our children.”

Chief Education Officer for the Office of Comprehensive Community Education for the City of Newark Dr. Sharnee Brown attended the event on behalf of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. She talked about the importance of reading and coming back together in community spaces as conditions from COVID-19 improve.

“We’re addressing issues that are so profound like books and literacy. Those are the things that we’re charged to do every day and today is really a celebration to do that in a way that makes us all happy,” she said.

Newark West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly said that while technology provides many positive opportunities, books are still vitally important and a shared space offers additional benefits for the community.

“It’s different when you open that book and you read page to page and you get an opportunity to explore your creativity,” he said. “But you get that opportunity to do that same thing while sitting next to your peer. Next to someone who looks like you.”

The Children’s Place Vice President of Marketing Melissa Linde explained that the company had chosen 10 sites throughout the United States to place learning centers. Because The Children’s Place is based in Secaucus, leadership knew a New Jersey location would be included.

“We had to start in our backyard,” she said. “And that’s why the decision of building this learning center here in Newark was a no-brainer.”

After holding a ribbon cutting in front of the NCC Neighborhood Center, guests moved inside where children who are part of 91��Ƭ’s summer camp were reading books in the new space.

91��Ƭ received a donation of 2,000 books as part of the campaign. There were 1,000 in the reading room at the unveiling and the additional books will be delivered at a later date in order to refresh the inventory.

The children were very excited to use the new room. They enjoyed exploring the space, choosing books to read and playing a giant game of Connect 4 that The Children’s Place provided. They also received backpacks, school supplies and gift cards from The Children’s Place and BIC, a partner in the initiative. ThriftBooks donated the reading material.

Among the guests in attendance were Newark Central Ward Councilwoman LaMonica McIver, Newark Council Member at Large Louise Scott-Rountree and Newark Council Member at Large C. Lawrence Crump.

91��Ƭ thanks The Children’s Place, ThriftBooks and BIC for their work and donations and to everyone who came out for the unveiling. The organization looks forward to serving many children in the space for years to come.