Frances Teabout – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Graduate Builds Career in Health Care, Pursues Further Education

Michelle Lang — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:55:13 +0000

Simone Parkes has always wanted to work in the medical field. She began her career in health care at a job that didn’t require post-secondary training, but after giving birth to her son, she decided she wanted to advance her career and enrolled in the Medical Assistant Clinical (MAC) program at . After completing the program, she began working as a medical assistant and has now decided to further her education and become a nurse.

Parkes was working at when she became pregnant. When she was on maternity leave, she decided to enroll in NCCTI to obtain her MAC certification. Her cousin completed the MAC program and encouraged her to apply. In order to focus on her education, Parkes quit her job at Summit Health and started working for an hospital on the weekends.

“I had the support of my family, so that helped me be able to succeed with the program,” Parkes said.

She had been unable to enroll in school previously because she was caring for her parents when they fell ill. Her siblings all live out of state, so she was the person who took her parents to medical appointments and testing. Her husband stepped in to help so that she could focus on her studies, which was a great weight lifted off her shoulders.

“I spoke to my husband about [enrolling in the program]. He’s like, yeah, go ahead. We’ll take it day by day and we’ll figure it out,” she said. “And I’m happy and thankful that I did because I love what I do at my job.”

Parkes now works as a medical assistant in an RWJBarnabas Health multi-specialty pediatric office in West Orange, which offers care in cardiology, urology, allergy and general surgery. She enjoys working with the children and putting them at ease during their appointments. If she has an anxious cardiology patient, she will let the child put on and take off the EKG stickers before starting the procedure so they know what to expect.

“I try to make the experience most comfortable for them. To where they’re leaving all happy,” Parkes said. “That makes my day.”

Her experience in her current role has inspired her to become a pediatric nurse. She enrolled in ’s nursing program for the fall. She will retain her current job and attend school part-time. She hopes to eventually work in a pediatric emergency department or a pediatric unit in a hospital.

“Those kids need that proper nursing where they’re not going to get upset with what’s going on with the child. They’re going to find the best way to help them heal,” Parkes said.

She said her experience at NCCTI was positive and she recommends the school to anyone interested in launching a career in health care.

“The staff was amazing. The program was amazing,” Parkes said. “Being able to do book work and hands-on was great because we weren’t being thrown out there when we got to a doctor’s office or hospital, not knowing what was going on.”

Instructor Dr. Mamdouh Sorial prepared students for both the certification exam and the work world, according to Parkes. She said he broke down the steps of the medical procedures and provided little tricks to help students remember what to do.

NCCTI Interim Director Frances Teabout is happy the school has been a positive part of Parkes’ journey.

“At NCCTI, we aim to help our students launch their careers in their preferred program of study. It’s fulfilling to hear that Ms. Parkes has found meaningful employment and is continuing her education to further her career goals,” Teabout said. “We wish her great success going forward.”

Parkes lives with her husband and 1-year-old son and has two step-daughters, ages 10 and 5, who live with them part-time.

She is excited to be taking the next step in her educational journey and is thankful to have had NCCTI lay the foundation for her success.

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 Hosts Employee Appreciation Day Luncheon

Michelle Lang — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:54:28 +0000

91��Ƭ hosted an Employee Appreciation Day Luncheon on March 7, which was National Employee Appreciation Day, to honor and celebrate employees who reached career milestones in 2024. A total of 49 employees who have collectively served 91��Ƭ for 660 years were recognized at the event.

CEO Simone Gagneron highlighted the importance of each employee working toward a common goal. She quoted an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” At 91��Ƭ, Gagneron said only collectively can the organization move forward.

She acknowledged that the work involves dealing with real life challenges on a daily basis that can be draining. But she knows that 91��Ƭ employees continue to show up to do their jobs because they take pride in their work helping others.

“We care and we put that into every piece of the work that we do,” Gagneron said. “We work together and we care and it shows and it delivers. And it makes a difference.”

Gagneron said the talents the honorees have dedicated to 91��Ƭ in Newark, Orange and Jersey City have helped keep families housed, helped children develop a love of learning, kept individuals and families safe and saved lives.

“We honor and celebrate each of you today not because of your years that you have worked for NCC. We honor and celebrate you today for the thousands of lives you have touched,” she said. “Today we say thank you and congratulations and we can’t wait to move forward together.”

Director of Human Resources Benjamin Galvez thanked the honorees for their many years of service and their commitment to 91��Ƭ’s mission.

“I want to remind you that what you do and what you have done for many years makes an impact on every single client, resident and member of the public that you see every day,” he said.

Each honoree who reached a milestone year was presented with a certificate and later received a rewards program gift, which was based on years of service.

2024 Honorees

5 Years of Service
Anibal Alvelo, Resident Services
Fernando Argueta, Environmental Services
Milton Austin, Extended Care
Guadalupe Cepeda Reyes, Resident Services
Abiola Dyall, CHELC
Olakunle Fadayomi, Security
Marva Gillens, Security
Pablo Guzman, Environmental Services
Harriet Harrison, Extended Care
Tina Howard, Human Resources
Leonard Hughes, Security
Kenneth Izuogu, Extended Care
Azmar Kemp, Security
Shabana Khan, HHELC
Sunil Kumar, Security
Francine McLaughlin, SAIF
Kate Okolo, Extended Care
Noemi Sanabria, Family Service Bureau
Jermaine Simpkins, Environmental Services
Ricky Smith, Security
Paola Vasquez, CHELC
Akash Verma, Security

10 Years of Service
Lawrece Anderson, HHELC
Philip Arthur, Extended Care
Carlos Batista, Environmental Services
Jill DeRios, Resident Services
Edwin Negron, Environmental Services
Marycomfort Opara, HHELC
Keith Ransom, Security

15 Years of Service
Mercy Attah, Security
Dashon Hall, Extended Care
Madeline Miller, Extended Care

20 Years of Service
Michelle Jenkins, CHELC
Hope Okpala, CHELC
Roslyn Skyles, Adult Learning Center

25 Years of Service
Jacqueline Andrews, SAIF
Dorothy Artis, Property Management
Maximo DeLeon, Food Services
Genoveva Ferreras, Food Services
Ramon Gerena, IT
Jermaine Jones, Security
Sharon Jordan, Extended Care
James Massey, Security
Angela Potts, HHELC
Susan Williams, Extended Care

30 Years of Service
Mulu Gebreyesus, Credit Union
Robin Harris, Extended Care
Gary Taylor, Environmental Services

35 Years of Service
Michelle Grier-Porch, Security

91��Ƭ Celebrates Administrative Professionals Day

Michelle Lang — Thu, 02 May 2024 20:29:45 +0000

91��Ƭ held a luncheon for its administrative staff members on Administrative Professionals Day, which was April 24, at Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza, 233 West Market St., Newark.

Director of Human Resources Benjamin Galvez said 91��Ƭ employs about 20 individuals in administrative roles, which are critical to helping the organization fulfill its mission.

“We want to make sure that we give our gratitude to you today because, to me, you are the staff that keeps the wheels turning,” he said.

Director of Mission Frances Teabout told a story about two shoe salesmen who visited a remote country to see if it would be a good location to sell products. The first salesman said there was no potential because the people didn’t wear shoes, but the second salesman said there was a great deal of potential because everyone needed shoes. She said there are similarities between that story and what 91��Ƭ does because it serves individuals with needs and challenges.

“These people have value. Their lives matter. And we are here to address the needs of those people,” she said. “And so the challenge for all of us is to be like the second salesman who recognizes the need and the potential.”

Teabout said it might not always be easy to look past some of the issues, but she knows the employees in administrative roles do that often.

“On behalf of 91��Ƭ, I say thank you to all of you for being like the second salesperson, recognizing the potential and meeting the needs of our clients, our residents, our children and our seniors,” she said.

The employees enjoyed lunch and the company of their colleagues at the event. They received ShopRite gift cards as a token of appreciation.

91��Ƭ Recognizes Employees Who Have Reached Career Milestones

Michelle Lang — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:10:09 +0000

91��Ƭ hosted Employee Appreciation Day on March 1, which was National Employee Appreciation Day, to honor and celebrate employees who reached career milestones in 2023. A total of 46 employees were recognized at the event with a combined total of 590 years of service.

91��Ƭ CEO Simone Gagneron told the honorees that the organization would not be able to fulfill its mission without them.

“These milestones do not only represent years of service, but they represent individual lives that you have changed for the better,” she said. “This work would not be possible without your commitment, your dedication and all the results of what you all have presented. NCC would not be possible without you. So we are truly grateful and we appreciate you all.”

91��Ƭ Director of Human Resources Benjamin Galvez said all honorees have demonstrated a commitment to the people NCC serves every day.

“We recognize that fulfilling our mission is a challenging endeavor, one that never ends,” he said. “We appreciate you and today we say congratulations and a most sincere thank you for your years of dedication.”

Two members of NCC’s Environmental Services team were recognized for 40 years of service to the organization: Bryant Hall and Linda Studivant.

91��Ƭ Director of Environmental Services Wayne Gravesande said they both embody NCC.

“They make the wheels turn. Linda, thank you for all your service and your help day in and day out. Without you, a piece would be missing. Bryant, you’re a pillar here,” he said. “Linda, Bryant, thank you from the bottom of my heart and from 91��Ƭ, the Executive Team, Board and all of your peers.”

Hall said he, like many other honorees, have seen highs and lows over the years, but the mission always shines through.

“The spirit of 91��Ƭ is about people,” he said. “Lifting those that need help. Helping those to stand that need to stand and can no longer stand on their own. Everyone in this room has served this purpose in one way or another.”

91��Ƭ Director of Mission Frances Teabout said the celebration provides NCC employees who may work behind the scenes the opportunity to hear praise that leadership hears more frequently.

“Today, we want to say a loud thank you for all that you do. Thank you for touching the lives of our people. Thank you for making 91��Ƭ look good,” she said. “We’re saying it loud and we’re saying it for the people in the back.”

Each honoree who reached a milestone year was presented with a certificate and later received a rewards program gift, which was based on years of service.

2023 Honorees

5 Years of Service
Agnes (Shanelle) Ebanks, CHELC
Terrance Hicks, Security
Sunday Ilesanmi, Security
Donte Moses, Security
Nkechi Okoroji, Extended Care
Temitope Oludotun, CHELC
Ana Issa Martinez, Extended Care
Eon Reid, Extended Care Dietary
Darnelle Richardson, Adult Learning Center
Charlene Smith, Security
Patrick Taylor, Security
Eidy Urena, Adult Learning Center
Alice Faye Vinson-Davis, HHELC
Obinna Onwunaka, Security

10 Years of Service
Akinade Adeyemi, Security
Leslie Andujar, Human Resources
Bridget Bouie, Security
Dwayne Clyburn, Better Life
Frances Davis, HHELC
Marva Gillens, Security
Mark Hall, Security
Evelyn John, CHELC
Ronald Manning, CHELC
Elsie Palacios, CHELC
Joseph Takouezim, Property Management
Dametria Wertz, FSB
Quawee Williams, Security
John Zaccheus, NCCTI

15 Years of Service
Jerome Barrow, Security
Nijeriah Coley-Severin, Extended Care
Rose Estaing, Extended Care
Ronda Lawrence, Environmental Services
John Mensah, Security
Rosa Ramirez, Adult Learning Center

20 Years of Service
Yetunde Amokun, Extended Care
Cristhian Barcelos, Adult Learning Center
Kala Boxcell, Extended Care
Marie Payen, CHELC

25 Years of Service
Richard Cammarieri, Community Engagement
Dolores Thomas, Extended Care
Elizabeth Mbakaya, Finance

30 Years of Service
Gerard Mansare, Security

35 Years of Service
William Folsom, Security

40 Years of Service
Bryant Hall, Environmental Services
Linda Studivant, Environmental Services

New Director of Community Hills Early Learning Center Has Strong Ties to 91��Ƭ

Michelle Lang — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:40:51 +0000

Community Hills Early Learning Center (CHELC) has a new director who is a familiar face to the children and families. Daniel Charles became the Director of CHELC on Sept. 1 but previously served as a teacher at the center since December 2022.

Charles has been an early childhood educator for about 23 years and prior to starting his teaching career, he worked as a buyer for Newark Public Schools, obtaining goods and services for the public school system.

He was successful in his role as a buyer and hadn’t thought about becoming an educator until someone approached him with the idea, telling him he would be a great teacher. When he thought about it further, he decided to pursue that career path. He got a provisional teaching license and went back to school to get a P-3 certificate, which allows a person to teach preschool through third grade. And he never looked back.

Charles originally decided to enter the education arena for the children and families.

“I wanted to make an impact on young lives and be able to mold and pour into and have a hand in something that’s great,” he said.

Before coming to CHELC, Charles served as the director of the preschool program at Passaic Community College in Paterson. When Sister Maurice Okoroji left CHELC in June, Charles decided to apply for the director position because of his past director experience and his familiarity with the center.

91��Ƭ Director of Mission Frances Teabout is pleased to have Charles at CHELC.

“Mr. Charles is a dedicated educator with a wealth of experience as an early childhood teacher and administrator,” she said. “He came to Community Hills as a teacher and assumed the director role when Sister Maurice left to accept a position in Nigeria.”

Charles believes his coming to CHELC was ordained because of his strong connections to 91��Ƭ. He was born in Newark and lived at Hayes Homes directly across the street from where CHELC is today. He was a parishioner at Queen of Angels Church, where 91��Ƭ founder Monsignor William J. Linder served as priest and many of the others who helped start and build 91��Ƭ worshipped. Later in life, Charles lived at 91��Ƭ Manor Family at 72 Hayes St. in Newark.

Throughout the years, Charles has had a positive opinion about 91��Ƭ and its mission.

“91��Ƭ has always proven to be a help to the disadvantaged,” he said. “So I always admired and was always inspired by what 91��Ƭ stands for.”

Now that he’s a part of the organization, he hopes to further uplift its reputation and to serve the children and families in the community.

“I want to put 91��Ƭ on the map as that place of excellence, that place where people say, that’s where we need to go. That place of hope,” Charles said.

Charles has spent his career serving others. He is a disabled Navy veteran who served our country before entering the education field. He said his current role is another form of servitude.

“I’m serving the children, serving the parents, serving the teachers and serving the community,” he said. “And bringing all those things together with a common goal to achieve excellence.”

His favorite part about working in education is seeing children succeed long after he is an everyday part of their lives. This past school year, a former student mentioned him during the speech he gave at his middle school graduation. Hearing about the impact he had on the student was very meaningful to him.

Charles sees himself as an advocate for teachers, in addition to students, parents and the community. With experience as a teacher himself, he understands the importance of sharing information and techniques and encourages that.

His main goal is to work to ensure children, families and staff members are in a positive environment that promotes success.

“I believe in people. I believe in investing in people, pouring into people,” Charles said. “I want them to excel. I want them to achieve. I want everybody to win.”

91��Ƭ Bids Farewell to Early Learning Center Director

Michelle Lang — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 19:41:05 +0000

Sister Maurice Okoroji was a dedicated 91��Ƭ employee for more than a decade, serving as the Director of Harmony House Early Learning Center (HHELC) for 12 years and the Director of Community Hills Early Learning Center (CHELC) for two years. Her tenure with the organization came to an end on June 30 because she was called by her order to return to her home country of Nigeria to become the principal of a high school there.

While Sister Maurice was excited about taking on the challenges of a new role, she had grown close to her colleagues over the years and had mixed emotions about leaving 91��Ƭ.

“We’re family. So leaving them just like that is a little emotional for me,” she said.

Sister Maurice came to the United States from Nigeria in 1995. She returned to Nigeria in 2000 for two years and then permanently relocated to the U.S. She earned her degree from Caldwell College and began working as a teacher at St. Rose of Lima School in Newark in 2004. When that school closed in 2009, she made the transition to Director of HHELC at 91��Ƭ. When the Director of CHELC resigned in 2021, she transferred to that facility.

The superior general of her order reached out to her about taking a principal position at an all-girls boarding school in Imo State, Nigeria earlier this year. Sister Maurice visited the school and agreed to relocate but only after the school year had ended at CHELC so she could attend the graduation ceremony and formally say goodbye to the children and parents.

“I’m bound by moral obligation to do the right thing even though they were like come, come, let’s go. We need you,” she said.

Sister Maurice was inspired to work in the education field by her mother who was an educator and retired as a supervisor of schools. Her favorite part of her work is impacting lives.

“I enjoy being a role model to the young, to my colleagues, the teachers and the staff,” she said.

Sister Maurice encouraged her colleagues to continue their own education and professional development and she told them to look at errors as learning opportunities.

“If you don’t make mistakes, you will not grow,” she said.

91��Ƭ Director of Mission Frances Teabout, who oversees the organization’s early learning centers, recognizes the work Sister Maurice put into her roles at 91��Ƭ.

“Sister Maurice was a dedicated director who was committed to the children and families served by Community Hills Early Learning Center and Harmony House Early Learning Center. She strived to create a supportive environment where all children could thrive,” Teabout said. “Sister Maurice will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.”

Sister Maurice will also miss 91��Ƭ. She is grateful for the opportunities she has had with the organization, particularly because of its founder, the late Monsignor William J. Linder, who recommended her for her first teaching position at St. Rose of Lima.

“I’m really grateful to 91��Ƭ, especially Monsignor Linder,” she said. “He actually believed in me, that I can do wonderful things.”

91��Ƭ colleagues surprised Sister Maurice on her last day at CHELC with a goodbye celebration where they spoke about what she meant to them and how they would miss her. The organization also presented her with a plaque commemorating her years of service.

While she was excited about the challenges to come and the opportunity to be close to her mother again, Sister Maurice was also sad to leave 91��Ƭ.

“For me, this was more than a job,” she said.

91��Ƭ Celebrates Employees Reaching Career Milestones

Michelle Lang — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:24:14 +0000

91��Ƭ held Employee Appreciation Day on May 26 to recognize staff members who have reached career milestones with the organization. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the event so this year’s gathering recognized employees who reached milestones in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Honorees enjoyed a hot lunch and received certificates documenting their years of service. In addition, 91��Ƭ launched a new rewards program that provided honorees with a monetary gift in the form of gift cards of their choice with the amount based on seniority.

91��Ƭ Chief Financial Officer/Interim Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya said she was glad to be able to host Employee Appreciation Day once again after more than two years of time apart.

“We are blessed and lucky to have you all as our employees,” she told the honorees. “We do not take you for granted. We know that you all have many choices other than NCC.”

She acknowledged the challenges presented by the pandemic over the past two years and thanked those in attendance for their flexibility and persistence.

“Every one of you is important to the success of NCC,” Mbakaya said. “From those who ensure that our working areas are cleaned every day and who show up during snow storms, those who showed up every day during lockdown and enabled us to continue providing the critical services needed. Those who put their lives and those of their families in danger to show up to work during COVID and did not have the option of working from home.”

She continued, “I am truly amazed and inspired by all of you. It is both an honor and a privilege to work alongside you. I hope we all get to stay around and celebrate our 40 years plus here at NCC.”

91��Ƭ Director of Human Resources Benjamin Galvez was happy 91��Ƭ was able to recognize employees in person again.

“It was great to finally hold this event after two years of postponement due to the pandemic and acknowledge our dedicated employees for their years of service to 91��Ƭ and our mission,” he said. “Along with recognizing years of service, this event provides an opportunity for staff to spend time with colleagues all across our network of services and introduce our new rewards program. I see this year’s event as a step towards a renewed commitment to continue to serve our community.”

At the event, 91��Ƭ Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson received the Monsignor William J. Linder Award in addition to a certificate recognizing her 40 years as an employee of the organization in 2020. The award, named after the late founder of NCC, recognizes “unwavering commitment, dedication and valuable contribution to the mission of 91��Ƭ.”

NCC Director of Mission Frances Teabout called Wilson up to receive the award.

“It was my distinct honor to present Ms. Wilson with the Monsignor William J. Linder Award,” Teabout said. “She has faithfully served NCC residents, employees and families for over 42 years. Every year, collecting and distributing hundreds of gifts, Ms. Wilson ensures every child connected to 91��Ƭ has a wonderful Christmas. She has put our needs above her own, often riding many miles to collect turkeys for thanksgiving, Christmas trees for the holiday and supplies for back to school.”

Wilson received a standing ovation when Teabout said, “Ms. Wilson, you said if Monsignor Linder was here, you would tell him well done and I am sure if he was here he would tell you well done.”

Wilson said when she was hired for a role in 91��Ƭ’s Property Management Department, she didn’t know she would remain at the organization for more than four decades. But she soon realized that NCC was special.

“My first day at work, I felt a sense of belonging. I knew that this would be my calling. I simply had that feeling,” she said. “This job has truly been my mission in life and I feel as though I have fulfilled it. I pray that God will spare me many more years to do his will.”

2019 Honorees

5 Years of Service
Lawrece Anderson, HHELC
Philip Arthur, Extended Care
Carlos Batista, Environmental Services
Abdul Carter, Youth Services
Jill DeRios, Resident Services
Sharlene Jackson, Youth Services
Edwin Negron, Environmental Services
Maurice Okereke, Extended Care
Marycomfort Opara, HHELC
Keith Ransom, Security

10 Years of Service
Mercy Attah, Security
Dashon Hall, Extended Care
Madeline Miller, Extended Care
Patience Omokaro, Extended Care
Dennis Searwar, Environmental Services

15 Years of Service
Faye M. Harvey, Property Management
Michelle Jenkins, CHELC
Mercedes Navarrete, CHELC
Hope Okpala, CHELC
Roslyn S. Skyles, Adult Learning Center

20 Years of Service
Jacqueline Andrews, SAIF
Robert Broadnax, Security
Maximo A. Deleon, Food Services
Genoveva Ferreras, Food Services
Ramon Gerena, Information Technology
Jermaine Jones, Security
Sharon Jordan, Extended Care
James A. Massey, Security
Angela Potts, HHELC
Vander Walker, Extended Care
Susan Williams, Extended Care
Dorothy J. Artis, Property Management

25 Years of Service
Mulu A. Gebreyesus, Credit Union
Robin L. Harris, Extended Care
Gary Taylor, Environmental Services

30 Years of Service
Eara L. Adebamowo, Extended Care
Gail Eunice, Extended Care
Michelle Grier-Porch, Security
Angela Hall, Harmony House
Kathy Jefferson, Extended Care
Vernice J O’Neal, Home Friends

2020 Honorees

5 Years of Service
Nana Bekoe, Security
Jose Carmona, Environmental Services
Noreen Charles, Extended Care
Nalini Chunnu, Extended Care
Sabine Fortune, Security
Benjamin Galvez, Human Resources
Sonia Garcia, SAIF
Janesa Henry, Security
Anne Moran, Resident Services
Martha Ojibe, Extended Care
Odette Phillip, NCCTI
Joseph Sweet Jr., Environmental Services
Winston Thomas, NCCTI
Luz Toro, Property Management

10 Years of Service
Rosa A. Auquilla, SAIF
Manuel Guzman, Environmental Services
Kim Hawkins, CHELC
Gladys C Inazu, Security
Clifford W Melville, Environmental Services
Joyce N Misiani, Extended Care
Aleta M. Morse, Security
Nancy Nii-Moi, Extended Care
Theresa M Omari, Extended Care
Denise Y Swiney, Extended Care
Lisa Watson, CHELC

15 Years of Service
Amalia Aldana, Adult Learning Center
Lucia Dominguez, CHELC
Ogheneochuko L. Erukanure, Extended Care
Samuel Gaddy, Food Services
Manuela Garcia, Property Management
Clifford E. Josiah, Environmental Services
Priscilla Njoku, Extended Care
Gabriel Robinson, Home Friends

20 Years of Service
Delores Bynum, Extended Care
Stevonne N Cummings, Extended Care
Maria D. Perez, Property Management
Ruth D. Reeves, Finance
Adanech Y. Tesfagiorgis, Finance

25 Years of Service
Jonathan Butler, NCCTI
Patricia Tucker, Extended Care

30 Years of Service
Gloria Austin, Extended Care
Jeanette Morales, Environmental Services
Meena Pilgrim, Home Friends

40 Years of Service
Madge D. Wilson, Administration

2021 Honorees

5 Years of Service
Janet Maye Adekunle, Extended Care
William Arango, Adult Learning Center
Veronica Asebiomo, Extended Care
Onassis Boafo, Extended Care
James Bullock, Adult Learning Center
Darlene Grimsley, HHELC
Christiana A Ibeh, Extended Care
Elizabeth Jimenez, Adult Learning Center
Temitope Kayode, Environmental Services
Andrea Kelly, NCCTI
Priscilla Ordonez, Property Management
Colin Pilgrim, Environmental Services
Maurice Savadogo, Extended Care
Bianka Shields, Extended Care
Andrew Solomon, Environmental Services
Glenda Wills, Adult Learning Center
John Zuniga, Environmental Services

10 Years of Service
Yuri Abrams, Environmental Services
Fernando A. Argueta, Environmental Services
Peggy F Barnes, Harmony House
Trudiann J Clement, Property Management
Tony Drye, Security
Emmanuel Ekechukwu, Extended Care
Juan R Figueredo, Environmental Services
Marianne K. Ilunga, Extended Care
Donald McGill, Environmental Services
Folasade A. Ogunniran, Extended Care
Sabrina E. Prunty, Extended Care
Lenette Tillman, CHELC
Winton Tolles, Real Estate Development
Patricia Washington, Corporate Office
Cheick Yaora, Security

15 Years of Service
Deborah Bradley, Security
Alisha Chatman, Property Management
Ruby Cueto De Luna, Finance
Letekidan Ghebreselasse, Extended Care
Marie Carme Jean Paul, Extended Care
Sandy T. Le, Property Management
Edward Morris, Youth Services
Linda Washington, Harmony House

20 Years of Service
Yolanda Dawson, Extended Care
Damari Hernandez, CHELC
Zoisha A. Holder, CHELC
Carolyn Lowe, CHELC
Rafaela Made, Extended Care
Julius Malker, Information Technology
Marilyn Rodriguez, Family Service Bureau
Frances Teabout, Mission

25 Years of Service
Sheila D. Coleman, Extended Care
Gabe Coley, Environmental Services

30 Years of Service
Melinda Liptrot, Security

35 Years of Service
Elmin Debbie Rohrman, Administration

91��Ƭ Hosts Leadership Newark Class of 2023

Michelle Lang — Tue, 17 May 2022 15:51:01 +0000

Members of Leadership Newark Class of 2023 visited 91��Ƭ on May 11 as part of a session titled “The Intersection of Faith, Activism & Public Policy.” 91��Ƭ Director of Community Engagement Richard Cammarieri and Director of Mission Frances Teabout met the group at Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza and discussed the history of 91��Ƭ, the role religion played in its founding and its offerings to the community. Leadership Newark was established in 1998 to develop the skills and knowledge of a diverse network of established and emerging leaders who will collectively and individually enhance and strengthen the vibrancy and future growth of the greater Newark region.

91��Ƭ Celebrates Birthday of Long-Time Employee and Board Member

Michelle Lang — Thu, 12 May 2022 16:50:18 +0000

Photos by Richard Ryals.

91��Ƭ board members, employees and friends gathered at Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza on April 12 to celebrate the 89th birthday of Madge Wilson, who serves as the organization’s Outreach Coordinator and is a long-time member of its Board of Directors.

Wilson has worked at 91��Ƭ for 42 years, starting her NCC career in the Property Management Department in 1980. In addition to helping community members secure housing, she has served countless individuals over the years beyond her official job responsibilities. She started a Christmas drive, which she still does today, arranging for the collection of holiday gifts for children from a variety of sources and distributing them to families in need. She also distributes donated turkeys to families in need for Thanksgiving to ensure they have a festive holiday meal.

Wilson works with the National Council of Jewish Women Essex County (NCJW/Essex) to ensure 91��Ƭ and Saint Rose of Lima families are able to participate in the organization’s annual Back 2 School Store, which takes place each summer. It provides school supplies, shoes, clothing, winter coats and toiletries to county residents in need who are identified by area organizations.

In addition to the annual events, Wilson also helps 91��Ƭ residents furnish their apartments if necessary. She will arrange for pick up and drop off of donated furniture to make the units truly feel like home.

She also fields phone calls from residents, prospective residents and employees and helps them in whatever way she can.

“We wanted to honor Ms. Wilson and celebrate her on her special day,” said Chief Financial Officer and interim Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya. “She does so much for 91��Ƭ, its residents, its employees and its clients. This served as a small token of our appreciation.”

91��Ƭ Board Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba wished Wilson a very happy birthday.

“It’s a real milestone,” he said. “We continue to wish her good health so she can continue doing what she’s been doing for NCC.”

91��Ƭ Director of Mission Frances Teabout said the celebration marked Wilson’s birthday but also celebrated her work over the years.

“There is no limit to Ms. Wilson’s compassion and commitment to helping individuals in need,” Teabout said. “She is the walking, talking embodiment of the mission of 91��Ƭ.”

Wilson was very grateful for the celebration and provided the following message:

It was once said that “The best present you can gift anyone on their birthday is your time.” That said, I am beside myself with immense gratitude that my friends, family, colleagues and the community gave me their time and undivided attention by playing a special part in my celebration of 89 years of life!

Words can never adequately express my appreciation for this gesture of honoring me on my special day. I sincerely appreciate all the in-person well wishes at the event and felt so special to have received so many telephone calls, cards, flowers and last, but certainly not least, an abundance of prayers. The perfect recipe for a beautiful birthday is to be surrounded by the people you love and those who love and admire you. And, yes, NCC “understood the assignment” (as the young folks say) and they did not disappoint!

I am sure many can attest to this; as the years pass in our lives, it is essential to realize that every precious year is an opportunity to reflect and hold dear to our hearts a few good memories. Thanks to a circle of beautiful people I have in my life, I will add the memory of the delightful celebration of my 89th birthday.

Since this day of celebration, I wake up each morning with the gentlest smile on my face reminiscing about the event and the outpouring of love and appreciation for my life’s toil. As most of you know, I have been aligned with 91��Ƭ for 42 years. I chose this career path because I believe love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries, in helping to build marginalized communities. I passionately believe you cannot hope to create a better world without improving individuals’ lives, especially those in need of essential services, housing and employment support to meet their basic human needs.

As Nelson Mandela poignantly stated, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” To this end, I have worked day and night, often working seven days a week, sometimes alongside Monsignor Linder, embracing the mission of NCC: to help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual God-given dignity and personal achievement. This is truly my proudest achievement in life, and I vow to continue this path of dedication until the ultimate calling from the most high.

In closing, please know that I am praying for you all and I thank you for your prayers for me. I thank God for allowing me to see another year of a life of service. Please know that the greatest gift you can continue to give is the gift of service by joining forces with 91��Ƭ to help make a difference in the greater community. I witnessed first-hand what this organization has done; transforming the City of Newark to become one of the largest and most comprehensive community developments in the nation! Your commitment to join me in continuing the work of this internationally renowned organization will be appreciated. The gift of service legacy is the greatest gift of all!

91��Ƭ Corporate Offices Renamed in Honor of Founder

Michelle Lang — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 19:33:27 +0000

91��Ƭ has renamed its corporate office location Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza in honor of its founder. There is a new sign in front of the building, located at 233 West Market St., Newark, and a bronze plaque inside displaying the new name.

Monsignor Linder founded 91��Ƭ in 1968 along with members of the community following the 1967 Newark Rebellion. The mission was to help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual God-given dignity and personal achievement. That goal has remained unchanged for more than 53 years. As an organization, NCC has helped countless individuals and families at all stages of their lives with services ranging from housing and shelter to childcare and education to nursing home care and mental health services.

“This dedication of the plaza in the memory of Monsignor Linder is just a small token of our appreciation and affection for all that he did for the City of Newark and its residents. Clearly this in no way reaches the magnitude of his deep commitment and sacrifice for the City of Newark,” said 91��Ƭ Board Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba. “We want to make sure that people who pass by or come to this building for functions will remember Monsignor Linder and what he meant to the City of Newark.”

91��Ƭ Chief Financial Officer/Interim Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya believes the naming is appropriate.

“Monsignor Linder worked tirelessly to ensure that 91��Ƭ was successful and lived up to its mission. Having his name at our corporate offices is a fitting tribute to recognize all he did for the organization and the people it serves,” she said.

91��Ƭ Director of Mission Frances Teabout believes the name will serve as inspiration.

“Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza will not only stand as a memorial to Monsignor Linder and many others who worked tirelessly to fulfill our mission, but it will also serve to constantly remind us and future generations of the importance of helping others improve their lives,” she said.

Monsignor Linder served as 91��Ƭ’s CEO until 2013 when he transitioned to the chairman of the Board of Directors. He served as the board chairman until his passing on June 8, 2018.