Fred Hunter – 91��Ƭ

From Interns to Licensed Professional Counselors: Two FSB Clinicians Share Their Journeys

Michelle Lang — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 19:45:59 +0000

Alexander Arici and Kimberly Lipari started their careers in mental health services as interns at Family Service Bureau of Newark (FSB), an affiliate of 91��Ƭ. Both were earning master’s degrees at Montclair State University when they became interns at FSB and both recently became licensed professional counselors (LPCs) working at the agency.

New Jersey requires counselors to be licensed. There are two levels of licensure: licensed associate counselor (LAC) and licensed professional counselor (LPC). Both Arici and Lipari obtained their LAC after completing the graduate program at Montclair State University and passing the National Counselor Examination. Those with an LAC must work under supervision for 4,500 hours, or approximately three years, before becoming eligible to apply for an LPC license. Arici and Lipari both worked at FSB under supervision for the required time and received their LPC licenses in August. Now they are permitted to provide services independently.

Both Arici and Lipari decided to pursue a career in counseling because they wanted to help people. Lipari always wanted to help her siblings and friends when she was young and a high school class made an impact.

“I remember I took a psychology course in high school and it was so interesting to me. I found a calling for it,” she said. “So that’s what I did with my bachelor’s and when I graduated, there’s really not much you can do with your bachelor’s in psychology so I was looking for different things in the field. And being a counselor, it would help people. It felt like something I needed to do.”

Arici had experience receiving services. He was in foster care and had what he describes as a good therapist when he was a teenager. But he didn’t decide to pursue that line of work until he was in college working toward a different degree.

“I was going to school for computer science and then I decided about a year and a half into my program, I don’t really want to pursue this any more,” he said. “I was taking a psychology class at the time and I liked it. So I pursued that instead.”

When the time came to think about a job after graduation, Arici said he had the choice of social work or counseling. He chose counseling because he wanted to “help people deal with their problems and how to solve those problems.”

Arici graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. He started interning at FSB in 2018 while pursuing his graduate degree and graduated from Montclair State University in 2019 with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. That same year he became a permanent employee at the agency.

“I probably chose FSB because they’re a very community-oriented clinic with a high client population and that stood out to me,” he said.

Lipari attended Rowan University for her undergraduate degree and graduated with a major in psychology and a minor in Spanish. She began her internship at FSB in May of 2017 while completing the graduate program at Montclair State University. She knew others at Montclair State University had interned at the agency and reached out to see if there was an opportunity. When her internship ended and she graduated with a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling in May of 2018, she wanted to become an employee at FSB, but there were no open positions at the time. Luckily for her, a position became available shortly after and she became a permanent employee in July of 2018. Aside from feeling comfortable at FSB and already knowing the procedures and clientele, Lipari said the agency offered supervision, which is required with the LAC license she had at the time.

“They give us supervision, which is really important, which you need to get your LPC. A lot of jobs don’t offer that. You have to pay out of pocket,” she explained. “That’s one of the good things about working here. They really give you the support that you need to succeed and move forward.”

FSB Director Christina Ward is happy to assist clinicians during their careers.

“Alex and Kim started here as interns and it’s been a rewarding experience watching them grow as clinicians,” Ward said. “Getting a clinical license is a journey in and of itself requiring a lot of education and a lot of clinical work hours. I have no doubt both Alex and Kim will show continued success in the counseling field.”

91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter said he enjoys recognizing employees’ accomplishments.

“It’s great to acknowledge our hardworking frontline staff,” he said. “I think it’s exciting to celebrate their dedication to their clients, residents and coworkers, which seems to be a common theme here at 91��Ƭ.”

As mental health clinicians for FSB, Arici and Lipari meet with clients one-on-one, provide case management, conduct outreach and work on treatment plans. They both work out of the Kearny office.

Arici’s favorite part of the job is the variety it brings with each unique client.

“Everybody’s different. I enjoy that part of the job. Every day feels different. Every session feels different,” he said. “I’m a people person. So I really enjoy that part of the job. It’s very rewarding at the end of the day.”

Lipari enjoys her clients’ successes.

“My favorite part is when I see people succeeding,” she said. “It’s nice when I’m seeing a client for a while and they’re starting to hit those goals and start implementing the different strategies we talk about. It’s rewarding to see that I’m having an impact on their mental health.”

Family Service Bureau of Newark is a licensed outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment center with two locations. The Newark office is located at 274 South Orange Ave., Newark, and the Kearny office is located at 379 Kearny Ave., Kearny. FSB aims to provide each consumer with the resources needed to improve their quality of life. If you are interested in services, please call the Newark office at 973-412-2056 or the Kearny office at 201-246-8077 or email fsbaccess@newcommunity.org. More information is available online at fsbofnewark.org.

Family Service Bureau of Newark Promotes Employee to Director Role

Michelle Lang — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 18:21:29 +0000

Family Service Bureau of Newark (FSB) has promoted its new leader from within. Christina Ward, who previously served as the Director of Clinical Services, became FSB Director on July 16.

Ward first joined FSB in February 2021 as Director of Clinical Services for both the Newark and Kearny locations. She initially wanted to work at FSB to have a supervisory role. When the opportunity arose to lead the agency, she decided to apply for that position.

“I am really excited to promote Christina Ward to FSB Director. She previously served as the Director of Clinical Services and now will have the overall responsibility for FSB,” said 91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter. “Christina has a lot of mental health and substance abuse experience and I am looking forward to FSB’s continued community impact under her leadership.”

As FSB Director, Ward oversees both the Newark and Kearny offices. Her responsibilities include running staff meetings, correspondence with state agencies, grant reporting, grant research and signing progress notes.

Ward previously worked as a corrections officer where she was introduced to social work. An injury forced her to leave that position. She then worked at a halfway house and decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work.

“I ended up just really enjoying it and being very good at it,” she said. “So then I got an internship at Integrity House, and that’s where I got basically all of my training.”

Ward interned at Integrity House while in school and was then hired as a counselor, which helped propel her career forward. After Integrity House, she worked at New Jersey Reentry Corporation due to her unique experience with law enforcement and social work. She then moved on to Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center as a Team Lead, which provided her with more on-the-job training and prepared her for the move to FSB. She had worked in managerial roles in previous industries, like retail, before entering the Health and Human Services field and decided to combine the two skills.

Ward finds her work rewarding.

“My favorite part of the field is watching people grow,” she said. “Having them come to you with an issue and then actually seeing them work through the issue and then leaving with hope for their future.”

Ward grew up in Newark and only recently moved out of the city. That has helped her in her roles at FSB.

“I relate to a lot of the people from this area,” she said.

After graduating high school in Newark, Ward earned her bachelor’s degree in Technical Management from DeVry University and is a member of the Sigma Beta Delta honor society. She earned her master’s degree in Social Work at Rutgers University and is a member of the Phi Alpha honor society.

Ward got married in April and moved to Lyndhurst with her wife.

She is an artist and creates work with spray paint. When she was young, she attended Arts High School in Newark for its summer arts program and attended high school there for communications. She initially was an art major in college but decided to keep it as a hobby instead of a career. In her spare time, she also enjoys playing video games.

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.

91��Ƭ Showcases Financial Opportunity Center to LISC Partners

Michelle Lang — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 17:45:18 +0000

Staff members of 91��Ƭ’s Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) recently had the opportunity to share their work with others who are looking to duplicate a successful FOC model. 91��Ƭ has run its FOC under the umbrella of Greater Newark LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) since 2016. The FOC operates out of 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) and helps individuals access financial education and financial coaching. Since its inception, 91��Ƭ’s FOC has been a top performer in the LISC FOC network, which is made up of more than 100 sites nationwide. 91��Ƭ FOC personnel hosted representatives from New Jersey agencies working with Greater Newark LISC to launch FOCs in four other New Jersey cities to explain how the model works and answer questions.

Greater Newark LISC Deputy Director Judith Thompson-Morris explained that LISC is expanding its programs to other parts of the state, starting with the FOC. The organization has plans to create FOCs in Camden, Elizabeth, Perth Amboy and Trenton.

The initiative has been in process for about two years and is now close to kickoff. The visit to 91��Ƭ’s FOC was an opportunity to show partners how the program works in a practical way.

“You can explain what the FOC model is, but we thought it would be helpful for them to see and hear from the partners in the Newark footprint who have been doing this work for a while,” Thompson-Morris said.

While all LISC FOCs follow a particular framework, Thompson-Morris explained that each site has unique aspects to match the partner’s work in the neighborhood. For example, 91��Ƭ’s FOC is tied to its career and technical education program at NCCTI, a service not every FOC partner offers.

NCCTI Director Dr. Sylvia McCray welcomed the visitors on June 27 and provided an overview of how the FOC operates. Then Financial Coach Tamara Brown went into greater detail about how she works with clients and answered the participants’ questions.

91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter was also on hand to greet the guests and provide a brief explanation of NCC as a whole.

“The LISC partner site visit presented a wonderful opportunity for the staff at NCCTI to discuss the FOC program. FOC staff provided a robust discussion that included outreach activities, program enrollment, measuring success and the future vision,” Hunter said. “The success of the FOC program can be measured by the clients’ increased knowledge of their financial potential. Positive outcomes include improvements in job placement due to job coaching sessions, improved personal credit scores and financial plans that increase clients’ net value.”

McCray was happy to host the agency representatives.

“It was a good opportunity to meet other partners who are also committed to working with the community in understanding financial health, stability, growth and wealth legacy building for their future generations,” McCray said. “I look forward to our continued collaboration with not only LISC but its partners across New Jersey and the United States.”

Brown believes increasing the number of FOCs in the state is positive for residents, particularly those with limited financial resources.

“Access to having a financial coach is an important resource for low-income and moderate-income families,” she said. “In the past, a lot of wealth-building information was only available to the rich and the very few. The prospect of adding more Financial Opportunity Centers means more access to financial education and wealth-building services for everyday people.”

Four groups that will be launching FOCs participated in the event, both in-person and virtually: Center for Family Services in Camden, Isles Inc. in Trenton, Union County Department of Human Services in Elizabeth and United Way of Central Jersey in Milltown which will operate the Perth Amboy FOC.

Thompson-Morris said the Perth Amboy location will likely be the first new site since Congressman Frank Pallone secured funds in a federal bill for that FOC location. It could become operational in the fall.

There are currently three LISC FOCs in Newark: at 91��Ƭ, Ironbound Community Corporation and Urban League of Essex County.

Since 1986, Greater Newark LISC has collaborated with community-based organizations in Newark and the surrounding region to improve the quality of life for residents and shopkeepers.

NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that offers the following programs: Automotive Technician, Diesel Technician, Building Trades Specialist, Clinical Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Community Healthcare Worker, Culinary Arts Specialist and Business & Computer Technologies. NCCTI also operates a comprehensive Financial Opportunity Center and Bridges to Career Opportunities Program sponsored by the local and national Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) offices. For more information, call 973-824-6484, log onto or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

Rising Stars Program Opens Doors for 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Building Trades Students

Michelle Lang — Fri, 13 May 2022 14:25:54 +0000

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) and Tremco have partnered to introduce the Rising Stars program to students in the NCCTI Building Trades Specialist program. Rising Stars aims to introduce students to a variety of aspects of the construction industry and connect them to job opportunities.

David Hutchinson came up with the concept for Rising Stars. He works for Tremco in Deep Energy Retrofit Development, which means his division works to retrofit existing buildings by putting new panels on existing structures and upgrading HVAC systems while limiting tenant disruption. The ultimate goal is to reduce carbon and energy consumption and the focus is primarily on affordable housing in the Northeast. His work brought about the idea for Rising Stars.

“I wanted to do something as an outreach and be more engaged in the communities that we operate in,” Hutchinson said.

He pitched his idea to the president of Tremco in the summer of 2020 and received support. After many conversations internally and externally, Hutchinson was able to launch Rising Stars in March 2022 under the umbrella of Tremco.

NCCTI is one of three educational institutions to host the Rising Stars program for its inaugural cohort. The others are in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Boston, Mass.

“The program at its core is trying to expand the views and the opportunities that are present in the construction industry,” Hutchinson said. “We start with design and have an architect come in and really talk about what goes into sustainable green design or future design of projects and then also the career paths. So it always is an educational format but also almost kind of a career day at the same time.”

Guest speakers, who are volunteers Hutchinson has connected with during his career, visit once per week and share their experiences with students. In addition to Tremco, one of the larger groups involved is Turner Construction.

“We start very high level with design and we work all the way through to the trades where it concludes with trade day where we have people from the union hall and job opportunities presented,” Hutchinson said. “So for the participants that show the ability or have the want to, there is an opportunity to actually get employed by some of the speakers.”

That type of access is extremely valuable for students looking to launch their careers.

“We are proud to be a strategic partner with Tremco and this program is an excellent opportunity for our Building Trades students to meet industry experts across trades/professions while undertaking their studies at NCCTI,” said 91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter.

NCCTI Director Dr. Sylvia McCray said Rising Stars got students excited about building trades and the possible career paths available to them.

“The program not only helps students to understand the business but also develops that connection and building in their creativity of thinking outside the box, breaking that stereotype that it’s just one job or one type of job,” she said.

The Building Trades class had more females than males, challenging another stereotype.

“Allowing women to see themselves in nontraditional roles and that they’re able to build career paths and make a substantial amount of money taking care of themselves and their families, that was really important to me,” McCray said.

The students were engaged and had positive experiences.

“I was impressed with the program because it exposed us to new technologies and new things that are happening in the construction industry,” said Chinedu Arisa. “For me, it changed my perspective about construction.”

Nicole Wilson raved about the program, saying it was very informative, had a hands-on component and brought in “incredible” speakers. She said she learned a lot and the program inspired her to apply for a job at Tremco. She landed an interview and is now waiting for her start date.

“Rising Stars helped me to a better future,” she said.

NCCTI Building Trades Instructor Yusto Awich saw his students benefit from Rising Stars.

“The program is well structured and coordinated well,” he said. “The professionals who came were prepared and engaged the students well.”

McCray and Hutchinson plan to bring the Rising Stars program back to NCCTI in the fall. Hutchinson’s goal is to have two sessions per year, one in the fall and one in the spring. He has been asked to launch additional sites in other geographic locations, including Syracuse, N.Y., Orlando, Fl. and areas of Texas.

McCray is happy that NCCTI got to be one of the first institutions to expose students to the program.

“I’m really glad that we were able to show students that there’s more out there. And to whet that curiosity,” she said.

91��Ƭ Extended Care Welcomes New Director of Admissions

Michelle Lang — Fri, 13 May 2022 14:09:24 +0000

Julienne Van-Nooten may be new in her role as Director of Admissions at 91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility, but she is no stranger to the organization or the work.

Van-Nooten graduated from the licensed practical nursing (LPN) program in 2012 that 91��Ƭ used to offer and completed her clinicals at Extended Care. She enrolled in the LPN program to increase her clinical knowledge because she was already working in admissions for medical facilities. She has worked in admissions for many years and when she saw an opening at Extended Care, she saw it as an opportunity to further her career. She started working at the facility on April 18.

For Van-Nooten, working in the health care industry began when she was 21 and in school looking for employment. A friend encouraged her to get a job at the company she worked at, which was a home care agency. Van-Nooten took the advice and worked with individuals in their homes before becoming a home care coordinator and then a member of the admissions staff. Her work has become a passion.

“I love this field, the health care industry. Because it makes you feel that all of us can be affected, no matter what our job titles are. Sickness doesn’t discriminate,” she said. “And it put compassion and caring in my heart.”

Her values align with the mission of 91��Ƭ.

“Treating people with respect and dignity, that’s what I like. That’s me,” she said. “And I’ll carry that with me wherever I go.”

91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter is happy to have Van-Nooten join the team.

“Julienne is familiar with 91��Ƭ and understands the importance of service to the community. We welcome her back to 91��Ƭ since she is a prior graduate of the organization’s LPN program,” he said. “Julienne comes to us with over 15 years of experience working in admissions.”

As the Director of Admissions at Extended Care, Van-Nooten’s primary responsibility is to bring individuals to the facility. To do that, she meets with families, provides tours, works with Administrator Veronica Onwunaka to promote services and collaborates with outside doctors, hospitals, case managers, discharge planners and home care agencies. She also works internally to ensure 91��Ƭ residents know about the post-acute care Extended Care offers.

For the administrative side of her job, Van-Nooten does insurance updates, works with HMO agencies to authorize patient stays, assists families that need to apply for Medicaid and reviews referrals with the facility’s Director of Nursing.

Administrator Onwunaka said Van-Nooten is a team player who is very goal oriented.

“I see her as an achiever and a very ambitious person. And she’s very persistent and consistent in her message to get us where we need to go,” Onwunaka said. “I think she’ll be a great asset.”

Van-Nooten enjoys admissions work because her role helps people get needed services and helps the facility generate revenue to further improve.

“It gives me joy to see the patients come in and then get rehabilitated and go home,” she said. “That’s my favorite thing, to see the patients come in and to know that the facility is doing a good job.”

Van-Nooten’s goal is to promote Extended Care to Newark and the surrounding areas.

“I want this facility to be the number one choice for people in the community,” she said.

For more information about 91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility, visit .

91��Ƭ Extended Care Thanks New Jersey National Guard for Assistance

Michelle Lang — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 22:05:10 +0000

Members of the New Jersey National Guard were assigned to 91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility from Jan. 27 to Feb. 11 to assist with resident care. The deployment was part of a statewide effort to assist long-term care facilities with their COVID-19 response and to help with staffing shortages brought on by the surge of cases due to the Omicron variant of the virus.

Extended Care residents and staff members showed their appreciation to the service members on Feb. 11 by presenting them with gift bags and words of gratitude during the residents’ Valentine’s Day party.

“We at 91��Ƭ greatly appreciate the assistance the members of the New Jersey National Guard provided to our Extended Care Facility,” said 91��Ƭ Chief Financial Officer/Interim Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya. “The COVID-19 pandemic has posed numerous challenges, including staffing, and the additional support made a difference for those living and working in the facility.”

The New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services fulfilled the request for assistance by assigning 10 members of the New Jersey National Guard to Extended Care. The National Guard members were permitted to assist in a variety of areas, including helping to move residents from bed to chair, helping with dressing and daily hygiene activities, meal set-up and feeding, routine assistance and testing and screening staff, residents and visitors.

“The members of the New Jersey National Guard coming in to provide help like this really goes a long way. We have staff shortages in all areas and they are ready to jump in without any hesitation,” said 91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter. “I would just like to say thank you. It has been a pleasure and honor to have them here. This is what America is all about: giving a helping hand to our brothers in need.”

Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka was grateful to be able to welcome the service members to the facility.

“It was not only an answer to a prayer but an act of humanity to ensure that our residents receive the best care and staff who serve the underserved community get relief,” she said. “With the shortage of staffing happening everywhere, the help from our National Guard members was most appreciated by our residents and staff. They were very professional, caring, humble and dedicated to serving. We thank them sincerely and wish them the best of luck.”

This wasn’t the first time Extended Care welcomed service members to the facility. Members of the New Jersey National Guard provided support at Extended Care for about a month in the summer of 2020, shortly after the onset of the pandemic and before vaccines were available.

The 10 members of the New Jersey National Guard who assisted at Extended Care this year were Sergeant First Class Gary Collins, Sergeant Evan Howe, Sergeant Jeffrey Joy, Specialist Nicole Mejia, Specialist Zachary Porter, Private First Class Sean Martin, Private First Class Robert Morello, Private First Class James Pica, Private First Class Charles Asare and Private Mukesh Balram. 91��Ƭ thanks them for their service.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Welcomes New Director

Michelle Lang — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:56:39 +0000

Service has been a driving force in Dr. Sylvia McCray’s career. She served in the Air Force for five and a half years as a medical technician and has worked in the higher education space, helping students reach their goals. She became the director of 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) on Jan. 19, a position she pursued because of the organization’s mission.

“Looking at the mission of the organization, NCC, and the overall mission of NCCTI, I felt that I wanted to somehow be involved,” McCray said. “When the director position was available, I thought about it in relation to where I am in my career and I felt that I had the experience of working in that type of programming and also balancing the fine line of laying out procedures and processes to get better operational results.”

Prior to joining NCCTI, McCray was the campus director and dean of academic affairs and students for a college in Philadelphia.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Sylvia McCray to 91��Ƭ,” said 91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter. “Dr. McCray is a proven leader and a visionary with a strong commitment to academic excellence, advancement of diversity and student-focused. I think the combination of Dr. McCray’s impressive academic credentials, military service and higher education work experience have prepared her well to serve as our new director of NCCTI.”

McCray’s favorite part of working in higher education is helping individuals reach their potential.

“Really being able to see the empowerment of individuals developing, whether it’s students or staff,” she said.

McCray says her role in higher education, regardless of the official job title, is focused on the students and their advancement.

“My job is to make sure that every department and process that touches or impacts a student is in the best interest of the student and leads to student success and career development,” she said.

McCray’s goal is to work to ensure NCCTI is a well-known school in Newark and the surrounding area to help propel it forward.

“I really want NCCTI to be positioned to move to the next level successfully and be able to see all of its hard work continue to pay off and build upon the brand and the reputation of the school as well as NCC itself,” she said. “I really look forward to continuing to learn about NCC and look forward to working with our community partners and strengthening those relationships.”

McCray lives in the Burlington Township area. Before the pandemic hit, she enjoyed traveling and has visited different countries around the world. She loves anything related to the beach and enjoys doing yoga and hiking.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Graduate Begins Medical Career at University Hospital

Michelle Lang — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:47:16 +0000

Quajen Coates didn’t know he wanted a career in the medical field, but after studying at 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) he has plans to pursue a nursing degree. Coates graduated from the Patient Care Technician (PCT) program at NCCTI and currently works in that role in the oncology unit at University Hospital in Newark.

Coates first learned about NCCTI from his guidance counselor at KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy, located on Littleton Avenue in Newark. He graduated from high school in 2018 and had been working a variety of jobs including at moving companies and landscaping. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he wasn’t sure what to do. He reached out to his former guidance counselor who provided him with several options. One of them was enrolling at NCCTI.

“NCCTI was a definite option for me and it seemed like the best program possible with something that was needed in my life at the moment,” Coates said.

Before he enrolled, Coates learned his grandfather had been diagnosed with cancer and he wanted to educate himself to be able to help in any possible way. He decided to join the PCT program to be able to care for his grandfather.

“Unfortunately I wasn’t able to even show him the skills I learned or help him out because he died about a week before I graduated. But it opened up more for me because that’s what gave me the idea to take it as far as I can,” Coates said. “It started out as me just wanting to help him out and now it opened up the door for me to be in the medical oncology space.”

Prior to his graduation in May 2021, NCCTI personnel helped Coates get a job as a patient sitter at University Hospital. In that role, he did one-on-one interventions with patients. During his shift, he would sit with a patient, watch TV and play games with them and speak with them. He found the job beneficial because he was able to get used to the hospital setting and interact with patients.

Once Coates graduated, University Hospital promoted him to Patient Care Technician. He does a variety of tasks for patients and nurses, including helping patients to the bathroom, feeding them, cleaning and drawing blood.

“I enjoy it a lot,” he said.

He now has aspirations to become an Assistant Director of Nursing. He’s currently working to start prerequisite classes at Essex County College so he can get an associate’s degree in nursing and progress from there.

“I am so proud of Mr. Coates and all our students graduating from NCCTI,” said NCC Chief Operating Officer and NCCTI Interim Director Fred Hunter. “Our graduates are leaving school with the knowledge needed to be successful in their chosen program area.”

Coates felt prepared to enter the workforce after graduating. Because of the pandemic, he participated in a hybrid program where he had in-person instruction two days per week and conducted the rest of his learning on the computer. He said this schedule was beneficial because he does computer work as part of his job and was grateful for the additional practice.

PCT Instructor Dr. Maha Koltowski believes that Coates has a bright future ahead.

“He was attentive and hard-working,” she said.

Coates is happy with his current path and attributes his success to NCCTI.

“I want to thank the staff. They really changed my life,” Coates said. “Everybody showed a tremendous amount of love and gave me so much hope doing this program at a time that was hard for me. They were just so loving. They made me want to come to school every day. I’m just appreciative of them.”

He is also working to pay it forward. His supervisors asked if he knew of any other NCCTI graduates looking for work. He reached out to Koltowski to see if anyone needed assistance getting connected to University Hospital.

“I’m more than willing to help because they helped me so much and I just want to be a bridge,” Coates said. “Somebody had to help me so there’s nothing wrong with reaching back. I want to help.”

91��Ƭ Helps Connect Newark Residents to Rental Assistance

Michelle Lang — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 15:13:19 +0000

Updated December 9, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only been a health crisis, but it has also had a devastating financial impact for many. One of those people is Anisha Mohammed. She lives in Newark and because she couldn’t work during the height of the pandemic, she is four months behind on her rent. With eviction protection set to expire at the end of 2021, she fears losing her housing.

“I couldn’t go to work and then I just started back at work this year,” Mohammed explained. She paid her rent as long as she could until she exhausted her savings.

Mohammed and many other Newark residents have applied for the city’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). ERAP funds will pay up to 12 months of past-due rent and up to three months future rent for accepted applicants.

Such funding can be a lifeline for those in need, including Mohammed who has three children and a grandchild living with her.

“This would be helpful until I get back up on my feet because now I’m working,” she said. “I want to qualify for money for the back rent because you still have to pay the one in front.”

91��Ƭ is one of the community-based organizations that partnered with the City of Newark to help connect residents financially impacted by COVID-19 to emergency rental assistance. The city’s ERAP program, which began in July, was so successful that applications had to be stopped on Dec. 10, prior to the original extension to Jan. 7, 2022.

91��Ƭ personnel met with applicants and assisted them throughout the application process. They scanned and input necessary documentation, set up email accounts for those without them and made sure applicants had all necessary documents for a complete application. They also followed up with applicants if additional information was requested.

“As a landlord, 91��Ƭ is vested in our residents, neighborhoods and the community. We are assisting those that need help in applying for eviction relief funds,” said NCC Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter. “No one wants to see families being evicted. Also, this time of the year children should be enjoying the holiday season and not worrying where their family will be living come winter.”

In addition to assisting ERAP applicants, 91��Ƭ personnel participated in outreach to encourage more people to apply. They handed out information at events, put flyers in food boxes and displayed program details in prominent community areas.

Those who received ERAP application assistance with 91��Ƭ also got information about other programs and services available to them.

“We never let people come for just one service,” said 91��Ƭ Family Resource Success Center Director Joann Williams-Swiney. “We try to make sure all their needs are met. Many of the residents who come in for ERAP also apply for the energy assistance program.”

Mohammed was prescreened when she called about ERAP and obtained a dual appointment for the ERAP and energy assistance applications. Williams-Swiney helped Mohammed apply to both programs.

In addition to benefit programs, ERAP applicants are also introduced to 91��Ƭ’s many offerings, including educational opportunities at 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) and the Adult Learning Center and behavioral health care provided by Family Service Bureau of Newark (FSB).

Applicants can also be assisted in other ways. During Mohammed’s appointment, she said she was having electrical issues and a rodent problem that hadn’t been addressed by her landlord. Williams-Swiney contacted the city’s Code Enforcement office on Mohammed’s behalf and provided her with additional information surrounding those issues.

“This is why it’s important to take a little time with people. Because there are bigger pictures in many cases,” Williams-Swiney said. “We want to do what we can to try to help them holistically. Not just do the application and send them on their way.”

According to Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the city has distributed or committed its full $20.3 million allocation to more than 1,800 households, which made it necessary to stop accepting ERAP applications early.

91��Ƭ can still assist those who started applications but have missing information or need additional follow-up. Those who did not have the opportunity to apply to Newark’s ERAP are able to access the Essex County ERAP portal at or apply at the Essex County Division of Community Action, 50 South Clinton St., East Orange.

To assist residents who missed the opportunity to apply to Newark’s ERAP, 91��Ƭ is hosting Essex County ERAP personnel on Dec. 14 and 15 who will help residents apply for assistance through the county program.