Jersey City – 91��Ƭ

Longtime Security Personnel Reflect on Time at 91��Ƭ

Michelle Lang — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:49:20 +0000

It’s rare for an individual to stay with a particular company for decades, but there are five members of 91��Ƭ’s Security Department who have worked for the organization for 30 years or more. Jerome Barrow, William Folsom, Michelle Grier-Porch, Malinda Liptrot and Gerard Mansare have more than 165 years of service to 91��Ƭ combined.

Folsom has the longest tenure with 91��Ƭ. He will celebrate 40 years as a security officer in August. He has worked mainly in the organization’s residential buildings, with Hudson Senior in Jersey City currently serving as his main post. He started his NCC career at Extended Care where he met his wife who was working in the facility’s kitchen. The couple will celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary in August.

He enjoys his work and doesn’t have plans to leave.

“I could retire now but I’m just not ready to sit back yet,” Folsom said. “I like being around different people.”

Grier-Porch greets visitors at the 91��Ƭ Health Care Building, which houses , , the Family Resource Success Center, Family Service Bureau of Newark (FSB) and Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF). She has worked at 91��Ƭ for nearly 34 years as a security officer, serving in residential buildings and , which used to fall under NCC, in addition to her current post.

She plans to stay at 91��Ƭ until retirement.

“I love my job. I love working with the people that I work with,” Grier-Porch said. “91��Ƭ’s a good place to be.”

Mansare will reach 30 years at 91��Ƭ in August. He first learned about 91��Ƭ from NCC’s late founder Monsignor William J. Linder, who was serving as the pastor at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newark. Mansare is a very traditional Catholic and was searching for a church after coming to the United States from Guinea in West Africa. He found St. Rose of Lima and became close with Monsignor Linder who encouraged him to continue his education and told him about the security positions available at 91��Ƭ.

Monsignor Linder connected Mansare to lawyers to help him bring his fiance to the United States. He wed the couple and baptized each of their three children. Mansare’s connection to Monsignor Linder and his coworkers has kept him at the organization.

“I love 91��Ƭ,” he said. “It’s like a family.”

Security Sgt. Barrow has worked at 91��Ƭ for about 30 years. He left the organization for a time to deal with family issues but decided to return.

“I came back because I love 91��Ƭ,” he said. “I loved the job I was doing.”

Barrow first came to 91��Ƭ as a security officer in 1979, shortly after the organization had finished construction on many of its residential buildings. He has worked at a variety of sites and all shifts and was promoted to supervisor. He now supervises the 4 p.m. to midnight shift, ensuring the safety and security of residents, staff members and 91��Ƭ property.

Security Operations Manager Derek White is proud of the longtime personnel on his staff.

“They are all an asset to NCC and continue to help residents improve the quality of their lives,” he said. “I’d like to personally thank them for all they have done and continue to do. Their contributions are an important part of our continued success.”

The group of longtime employees has seen many changes over the years, including the expansion of buildings and services. Folsom remembers the creation of Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, as well as the opening of the Health Care Building. The group also saw residential buildings go up and the rehabilitation of properties.

Commitment to 91��Ƭ’s mission, a desire to help others and a sense of camaraderie has kept the longtime members of the Security Department at the organization.

“In the Security Department, we all stick together to try to make everything better than before,” Barrow said. “You learn from your mistakes, build from your mistakes and you move on.”

While some are nearing retirement, they’re happy to come to work each day.

“Anybody that comes in that needs help, 91��Ƭ is there,” Grier-Porch said. “I’m glad that we can be of help to them.”

91��Ƭ Celebrates Career of Retiring CEO Richard Rohrman

Michelle Lang — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 15:41:00 +0000

91��Ƭ hosted a celebration for retiring CEO Richard Rohrman on May 20 to commemorate his 26-year career with the organization and thank him for his leadership. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a small group, including members of his family, close friends, colleagues and NCC supporters, gathered at St. Joseph Plaza to celebrate him. The event was also live streamed for those who were unable to attend in person.

91��Ƭ Board Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba congratulated Rohrman on his extensive career and called him the base of the organization.

“Monsignor [William J. Linder] was the founder, the visionary, but you also need people who are nuts and bolts type people to make the organization work. And Rich was that person,” Yamba said. “And when he became the CEO, he carried 91��Ƭ to other heights.”

91��Ƭ Board Member Diane Johnson, who served as the emcee of the event, reiterated that sentiment.

“The founder may have taken it from ashes to hope. But I know that Richard Rohrman has taken it from hope to reality,” she said. “Richard is someone who has been dedicated and committed and passionate about not only the legacy, but has taken us forward. Under his leadership, we have done very, very well.”

Johnson talked about the rehabilitation of several Newark properties that took place under Rohrman’s leadership that ensures the affordable housing units will be available for many years to come. She also said there are new projects in the works that were started with Rohrman at the helm.

Newark Central Ward Councilwoman LaMonica McIver represented the City Council at the event, bringing a resolution from the council and speaking on their behalf.

“I want to tell you congratulations and thank you for everything that you have done, continuing the legacy of 91��Ƭ and all of the hard work, working for our residents, the programming, everything,” McIver said. “91��Ƭ is literally an enterprise. We would not be able to be the city that we are without 91��Ƭ and so I’m thankful for you from day one.”

Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree spoke on behalf of Newark’s mayor at the event.

“As I stand here today on behalf of the mayor of this great city, Ras J. Baraka, and over 300,000 residents, I say thank you. Thank you for your perseverance when you could’ve turned your back and said I’m done,” she said.

91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter and Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya presented Rohrman with an award depicting NCC’s footprint as a collage.

“Most of us see Rich as more than just our CEO. He’s a mentor, he’s inspiring, he’s a leader, he’s a partner and a trusted friend,” Hunter said. “As a CEO out in front, you can easily put yourself out there constantly. But it was never about Rich. It was always how to make 91��Ƭ better. Well, Rich, we all want to say job well done.”

In addition to being an advocate for affordable housing, Rohrman has also been passionate about promoting homeownership. To help individuals who face challenges with down payments and closing costs, Yamba announced the creation of the Richard Rohrman 91��Ƭ Fund for First Time Home Buyers. Board members presented Rohrman with a check in the amount of $35,000 raised as a start for the fund. Money received in support of this initiative will be awarded as grants to qualifying first time home buyers from the service areas of Newark, Orange and Jersey City to help offset down payments and closing costs.

Johnson also announced the renaming of the East Africa Room in St. Joseph Plaza. It is now known as the Richard Rohrman Conference Room and will showcase photos of Rohrman and his work over the years.

91��Ƭ Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson read a congressional record that Congressman Donald Payne Jr. submitted honoring Rohrman’s retirement.

In addition to the in-person remarks, attendees had the opportunity to view a tribute video produced ahead of time which included 91��Ƭ employees from various departments, board members, family members and friends.

Rohrman was very appreciative of the event and remarks. He said his time at 91��Ƭ has greatly impacted his life.

“This has just been an incredible, enriching experience for me to be a part of 91��Ƭ for these 26 years,” Rohrman said. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet and become friends with people of such different backgrounds and nationalities and with such different life experiences. It’s just given me a great respect of people for their kindness, their openness and their perseverance.”

Rohrman recalled first coming to 91��Ƭ when he was in his late 20s and being part of a building boom for the organization. He said having grown up in a suburban community and attending Catholic schools for his education from grade school through college provided him with a much different experience than the individuals who were being served by 91��Ƭ.

“Monsignor opened my eyes to a much different reality than I had lived. He just showed me what he and 91��Ƭ were doing to change the city of Newark and they were just working at such a feverish pitch. And I’m just so grateful that I was able to work so closely with Monsignor and learn from his vision and his deep passion for the people of Newark,” Rohrman said. “And then again much later, after experiencing this initial building boom, I was able to work again with so many talented, hardworking people to renovate the same housing and restructure NCC and set it up for its future.”

. All photos are by Lloyd G. Holmes. You can watch the event live stream here. The tribute video can be viewed here.

Newark’s 91��Ƭ Serves as Nationwide Model for Providing Cohesive Human Services During COVID-19 and Civil Unrest Pandemics

Michelle Lang — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 20:52:08 +0000

91��Ƭ (NCC), affectionately known as “91��Ƭ,” continues to help Newark residents improve lives amidst increased racial tensions and this year’s COVID-19 pandemic.

Financially stable; self-sufficient; and strategically positioned to enter its next phase of growth. These are uncommon phrases to hear as the U.S. economy continues to endure COVID-19. However, 91��Ƭ in Newark – one of the largest and most comprehensive community development corporations in the country – fits the bill, with a best in class model for financial sustainability and a workforce of almost 500 employees.

“We’ve been able to leverage over $80 million to strengthen and revitalize our affordable housing units for seniors, families and the disabled for the next 20 years, and in doing so, we were able to enhance our financial position and generate revenue to continue our mission,” said Richard Rohrman, CEO of 91��Ƭ.

91��Ƭ has 1,812 housing units spread over 12 properties in Newark, Jersey City and Orange. The organization offers 360-degree human services and 60 percent of its employees are local residents.

“Being place-based in Newark allows us to blanket the area we live and work in with a wide variety of comprehensive services that rise to meet people where they are,” Rohrman said. “In addition, our Board of Directors is curated from thought leaders in education, finance, public safety, government, affordable housing and law. This combination of our community connections and boots on the ground expertise allows us to help residents increase their quality of life and drive social impact for generations to come.”

NCC was founded in response to the 1967 violent civil unrest in Newark, N.J., by the late Monsignor William J. Linder (who marched in the famed Selma to Montgomery March with Martin Luther King Jr. and U.S. Rep. John Lewis) and a core group of Black community leaders and white allies, including Tim Still, Willie Wright, Bob Curvin, Joe Chaneyfield and Ken Gibson. 91��Ƭ has since provided affordable housing, critical social services and continuous economic opportunities throughout each stage of community members’ lives.

Now, faced again with similar challenges in 2020, the organization can serve once more as a national model for those seeking best practices in community development as we move through the double pandemics of COVID-19 and social justice.

“Newark is on the rise and a model for peaceful protests. However, the incidents of police brutality, senseless hate crimes and the impact of COVID-19 throughout the Black community are reminders of systemic racism in our society,” said Rohrman and A. Zachary Yamba, chairman of 91��Ƭ’s Board of Directors. “To that end, 91��Ƭ has pledged to double down on our existing initiatives to close the asset gap and reduce inequality in health and social services, financial literacy, education, affordable housing and workforce development.”

Its “Walk the Walk” pledge includes working closer with social justice advocacy groups such as New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and Newark Communities for Accountable Policing as well as the development of a think tank that will host topical discussions with thought leaders to address innovations for success, best practices and ways to work together for an equitable future for all.

“When community development corporations work to empower their residents to participate in such neighborhood growth from the ground up, a sort of self-sustaining synergy arises,” said Fred Hunter, chief operating officer of 91��Ƭ. “91��Ƭ is committed to going deeper and connecting with partners and funders to increase our social impact in the Greater Newark Area.”

91��Ƭ plans to invest more heavily in three areas in the near future: workforce development, home ownership and improved community health, explains Rohrman.

“We’d like to increase our enrollment at 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute to enhance employability and provide skills for future generations to build a career,” Rohrman said. “And, for the residents of Newark to continue to live here and keep this community intact, we’ll need to increase home ownership opportunities, so that absentee landlords who sell for the right price don’t leave it up to the market to determine whether a current resident can afford to stay.”

Since its founding, 91��Ƭ has listened to the needs of the people to fulfill its mission of helping inner city residents improve the quality of their lives. Therefore, it offers a wide range of services for individuals of all ages, including housing, health care, education and financial services.

“We’ve made incredible progress over the last 52 years, and our programs, services and expertise are needed now more than ever,” Rohrman said.

91��Ƭ Board Approves Four New Members

Michelle Lang — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 19:36:06 +0000

New NCC Board members Diane Johnson, Anthony Marchetta, Ingrid Rasmussen and Jerome St. John, left to right.

The 91��Ƭ Board of Directors has four new members: Diane Johnson, Anthony Marchetta, Ingrid Rasmussen and Jerome St. John.
The expansion to 11 board members is part of ongoing board development. NCC Board President Dr. A. Zachary Yamba is excited to move forward in 2019 with a larger board.
“We are delighted to have dedicated and qualified individuals who have agreed to join the board to help carry out the mission of NCC,” he said.
Several of the new members have long histories with 91��Ƭ and all are committed to the organization’s mission: To help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual God-given dignity and personal achievement.
“We have been very fortunate to have attracted four accomplished and well respected new board members to NCC. Each has a specific skill, experience and contacts to help propel NCC into its bright future,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “We have a rich mix of skills and community involved leadership in our board that will be a benefit for years to come. This is a major step in positioning ourselves to be a force in Newark’s future and I am thankful for their commitment to our mission.”
Johnson, who is the retired director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Newark Field Office, interacted with 91��Ƭ and Founder Monsignor William J. Linder for decades in that role. She became a consultant for NCC in 2015.
“I joined the board because I’ve always believed in the mission and the programs of 91��Ƭ and the various activities that they do to assist residents in the city of Newark,” Johnson said. “Whether it is families or seniors or children, 91��Ƭ has touched the lives of all facets of those individuals.”
Marchetta, who formed and currently serves as the principal of ALM Consulting Group, worked with Monsignor Linder when he was the executive director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) from 2010 to 2017. Monsignor Linder was a board member of NJHMFA for 43 years and 91��Ƭ also worked with NJHMFA on several projects.
“I’m honored to be part of this organization, which is legendary, and I’m happy it’s taking place with their financial house in order and with the town that they’re based in starting to see progress moving towards a more stable and positive future,” Marchetta said.
St. John is a retired judge, having served 10 years as a New Jersey Superior Court Judge, five of those years in the Appellate Division. He was also a councilman and mayor of Essex Fells and has been a volunteer for 91��Ƭ since 1985. He and his family became close friends with Monsignor Linder over the years.
“When I was asked to join the board, I knew that Monsignor was looking down on me and I couldn’t turn it down,” St. John said. “I want to continue Monsignor’s vision for 91��Ƭ and do whatever I can to keep that vision going.”
Rasmussen is more of a newcomer to 91��Ƭ. She is the vice president of Finance and Operations for the Heron Foundation, a private foundation based in Manhattan with the mission to help people and communities help themselves out of poverty. As a Jersey City resident, she was interested in volunteering for an organization closer to where she lives so she contacted the Victoria Foundation, which put her in contact with 91��Ƭ.
“My day job is nonprofit finance, but it’s what I do in my free time as well because I just really enjoy it,” she said. “Being able to work with good organizations and be helpful in whatever way I can has always been my goal and in this case in particular, I really wanted something that was closer to home.”
The 91��Ƭ Board of Directors is made up of the following members: Barry Baker, Fernando Colon, Diane Johnson, Anthony Marchetta, Migdalia Martinez, Edgar Nemorin, Ingrid Rasmussen, Newton Richards, Jerome St. John, Madge Wilson and Dr. A. Zachary Yamba.

91��Ƭ Hosts A Memorial Tribute To Monsignor Linder

Michelle Lang — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:19:12 +0000

91��Ƭ hosted A Memorial Tribute to Monsignor Linder: Visionary, Founder and Leader to honor its late founder, recognize his accomplishments and look toward the future to carry on his mission for many years to come.

Members of the community, NCC employees and friends gathered at St. Joseph Plaza, 233 West Market St., Newark, Oct. 23 for the event. NCC Board President Dr. A. Zachary Yamba welcomed guests and explained that the occasion was a celebration of the life of Monsignor William J. Linder and a call to continue honoring his legacy.

“To carry out the legacy, the board asks that all those who support that vision join us in making that vision continue for the next 50 years,” Yamba said. “Because as you know, for 52 years, Monsignor Linder lived and worked in the city of Newark. He did not want to be anywhere else. This was his calling.”

Looking toward the future to continue Monsignor Linder’s work was a theme throughout the evening.

“Hope for Monsignor is that NCC does not continue on a nostalgic path of preserving what he had already accomplished in his last 50 years,” said Board Member Newton Richards. “Instead, his hope is that we build a bigger and stronger NCC with the capacity to fulfill the vision and transform inner cities into great urban communities.”

Diane Johnson, who served as the event emcee and is a new member of the NCC Board of Directors, said while the event was a tribute to Monsignor Linder and what he accomplished during his life, she also wanted everyone to look ahead and know the organization’s work will continue.

“91��Ƭ is not dead. Not because Monsignor is not here,” Johnson said. “We will carry out the mission of 91��Ƭ in this city, in this state. And when we get tired of doing it in Newark because there’s nothing else to do in Newark, we’ll go to Jersey City, we’ll go to Paterson, we’ll go to Irvington. We’ll go wherever we need to go because Monsignor did not leave us here to forsake us or those of us who need to be able to have hope. We will do what needs to be done.”

91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman discussed the many areas where NCC is working to grow, including renovating housing units, increasing workforce development, increasing security, increasing technology and looking at new developments. He also talked about the partnerships NCC has developed, including Rutgers School of Nursing, which will be opening a nurse practitioner led primary care operation in the NCC Health Care Complex, and the Leaguers, which helps with NCC’s early learning centers.

“We are open for business. And we are launching ourselves into the next 50 years,” Rohrman said.

Rohrman also talked about his personal connection to Monsignor Linder.

“He really opened my eyes to the injustices that existed,” Rohrman said. “He just grabbed ahold of me and he opened up my eyes and I saw what was happening around me that I never would have seen without him. And like everybody else, I joined.”

NCC Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson was a parishioner at Queen of Angels Church when Monsignor Linder was assigned there as pastor. She said he listened to the members of the community.

“He built everything upon the needs of the people,” she said.

From housing to day care centers to a nursing home, Monsignor Linder brought to fruition the needs and wants of those living in the community.

“I thank Monsignor Linder for having the vision to build 91��Ƭ,” Wilson said. “Monsignor Linder, you left your footprint here. And I want you to pray for us while you’re looking down on us and we will always remember you.”

Sister June Favata, administrative director at Saint Vincent Academy, said she admired Monsignor Linder, who she called a force of nature and a man of faith.

“He understood what people needed. And yes, he prayed for them. And yes, he led them spiritually. But the spirituality that he helped see in people was all about service, was all about kindness to your neighbor, was all about doing for your neighbor what your neighbor most needed to the best of your ability,” she said. “So how can you not love and admire him?”

Father Philip Waters, who gave the homily at the funeral mass for Monsignor Linder, reiterated a point he made about Monsignor Linder’s willingness to get involved in difficult situations.

“He was always a priest that was willing to roll up his sleeves and to get his hands dirty,” he said. “And I think that that was something throughout his whole life.”

Father Beatus Kitururu said Monsignor Linder taught him the power of love.

“It was amazing. He had the energy of loving people that was unlimited,” he said.

NCC Human Resources Manager Anna Sing-King shared her personal story of growth that was made possible by Monsignor Linder. As a child, she and her siblings were abused by their mother and put into foster care. At age 19, she gave birth to a daughter. She wasn’t able to adequately care for herself and her daughter and wrote a letter to God asking for help.

“I wanted more out of life but I didn’t know how to get it until I joined 91��Ƭ in 1994 through the Employment Center,” she said.

Sing-King started out as a temporary clerk in the Property Management Department and then got hired as a receptionist with HR. She has since been promoted to her current position.

“My life, my daughter’s and my family, all our lives are better because of the vision of 91��Ƭ,” she said.

NCC Director of Mission Frances Teabout closed out the evening tribute with a story about how hard work, dedication and asking others for help when needed is the way to succeed. She also talked about how the organization is still very much needed.

“The issues that existed at the time that 91��Ƭ was born continue to exist,” she said. “Racism is still a problem, police brutality is still a problem, lack of good jobs and good places to live is still a problem. So what does that mean? That means we still have a whole lot of work to do.”

She then asked who in the audience was willing to join in and help NCC continue doing the work that needs to be done. Everyone rose to their feet.

“91��Ƭ is still alive and strong and vital and making a difference in the lives of the people that God has commissioned us to serve,” Teabout said. “Long live 91��Ƭ. God bless 91��Ƭ. God bless Monsignor William Linder. And God bless America.”

Honoring The Life And Legacy Of 91��Ƭ Founder Monsignor William J. Linder

Michelle Lang — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 14:46:35 +0000

Monsignor William J. Linder lived a life of service, helping to better the lives of countless individuals during his time on earth. Many of those people gathered to pay tribute to him after his passing June 8 at the age of 82.

Monsignor served others as a priest following his ordination in 1963. Five years later, he founded 91��Ƭ, which has served inner-city residents for 50 years and continues to provide critical services like housing, job training, health care and child care.

Those who knew him say he fought to get what was needed for community members and helped others without expecting anything in return.

91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman said Monsignor was very hands-on in his approach.

“He touched so many people. And he didn’t do this from up on high. He did it right in front of you, face to face, shaking your hand and walking you through his vision of where he wanted you to be,” Rohrman said. “The people of the city of Newark have lost their greatest and most persistent champion. There is physical evidence of Monsignor Linder’s legacy throughout the city, but his most important legacy is the difference he’s made in many people’s lives through the 91��Ƭ mission.”

Upon its founding in 1968, 91��Ƭ has had the mission “to help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual God-given dignity and personal achievement.” Monsignor lived by that mission and worked to ensure those that needed assistance got it.

Housing was a major need. The first NCC housing development, Homes Court, which provided family housing, opened in 1975. Construction on the most recent, A Better Life, a supportive housing facility for chronically homeless individuals that Monsignor envisioned, was completed in 2017. In between, Monsignor oversaw the creation of numerous housing facilities for seniors and families in Newark, Englewood, Jersey City and Orange.

He was also at the helm of NCC when it opened the 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union in 1984, took on the renovations at St. Joseph Plaza in 1985 and opened the nursing home, 91��Ƭ Extended Care, in 1986.

Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, began housing people in 1989 and the Pathmark Shopping Center opened in 1990, helping to alleviate the food desert that existed in Newark at the time. Monsignor welcomed Gov. James Florio to the grand opening of the shopping center.

Monsignor was very involved in education, even before the founding of 91��Ƭ. He established the Queen of Angels – Seton Hall University Remedial Reading Program in 1964 at the Newark parish to which he was assigned after his ordination. He served as the administrator of the Queen of Angels Parish School from 1966 to 1973.

Education has always been an important part of 91��Ƭ as well. Under Monsignor’s leadership, 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center opened in 1999. The school is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that offers certification programs in a variety of fields. Also in 1999, NCC established New Horizons Community Charter School in Newark. In 2001, NCC received its first adult literacy education grant which led to the current NCC Adult Learning Center. 91��Ƭ also operates two facilities for young children: Community Hills Early Learning Center and Harmony House Early Learning Center.

In addition to these services, Monsignor established the Monsignor William J. Linder Scholarship Fund, which has helped families afford to send their children to Catholic high schools. The goal was to provide a good educational foundation and encourage the students to continue on to college.

Children and parents have expressed their gratitude over the years, saying the scholarships allowed for them to attend a school they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford. The scholarship fund remains in place to continue to help young people get a head start on pursuing their dreams.

Family, friends, colleagues and members of the community celebrated Monsignor’s life and accomplishments at two masses: one at St. Rose of Lima where he served as pastor and the other at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the home church of the Archdiocese of Newark, where he was ordained May 25, 1963.

Father Beatus Kitururu, who is very involved in NCC and knew Monsignor well, delivered the homily at the St. Rose of Lima mass. He discussed how Monsignor’s faith played a large role in his life and because of that faith he was able to help so many others.

“Those who knew well Monsignor Linder realized that he never gave up on anybody,” Father Kitururu said during his homily. “He stood to the end by those who needed the love of God even when some cheated him or betrayed him or spoke ill of him.”

Father Philip Waters delivered the homily at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart mass. He focused on how Monsignor worked hard and successfully helped the people of Newark.

“Many other efforts in the city were built on sand — but his were built on the rock of faith which stood against all the storms that blew against them. Many other programs have been blown away. NCC endures,” Father Waters said in his homily. “But this man who was willing to walk with the poor and the disenfranchised built a legacy which will last as long as people of faith are willing to grasp his vision.”

Monsignor didn’t keep himself apart from those he served. In retirement, he remained a Newark resident and when he needed additional medical care, he moved into 91��Ƭ’s nursing home, Extended Care. He also decided prior to his passing that he wanted the funeral home that provided services for the patients who could not pay to handle his arrangements.

At the repast celebrating Monsignor’s life and legacy, which was held at St. Joseph Plaza following the funeral mass June 16, those in attendance were encouraged to share their memories. More than a dozen took to the microphone to tell the crowd how Monsignor impacted their lives.

Several talked about how once they met Monsignor, he directed their path in life and had great vision for their future, often seeing something for them that they didn’t see themselves. Many also discussed how he taught them what service to others truly meant and inspired them to give back.

“The one thing that I learned from him and 91��Ƭ was service,” said Cecilia Faulks, 91��Ƭ’s first employee. “He taught me service was the righteous way of living.”

Gilda Rogers, who helped Monsignor write his memoir “Out of the Ashes Came Hope,” said, “I just learned from him in the two-year process working with him on that book what it really meant to be of service to people. I thought I knew, but I didn’t.”

91��Ƭ Board member Edgar Nemorin said Monsignor pulled God-given talents out of everyone and positively influenced them.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for Monsignor Linder,” he said. “I wouldn’t be involved in community service.”

CEO Rohrman said Monsignor played a large role in his career.

“I’m eternally grateful to him,” Rohrman said. “It’s been just a wonderful experience starting for me in 1981 working with him. And he’s really put me in a place that I never would have been without him.”

Although Monsignor is no longer physically present, the mission he created remains the driving force behind 91��Ƭ. Rohrman said NCC will continue to serve residents with Monsignor’s vision in mind.

91��Ƭ Board Member Dr. Zachary Yamba spoke prior to the mass at St. Rose of Lima, saying he is grateful for Monsignor’s love, kindness and humanity.

“He always remained true to those who were downtrodden and poor and in need of help,” Yamba said. “And so the board members will continue to remain true to his vision because that vision and that legacy should not die with him.”

Monsignor William J. Linder, Founder Of 91��Ƭ, Has Passed Away

Michelle Lang — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 21:40:47 +0000

Monsignor William J. Linder, a pioneer in America’s community development movement who founded 91��Ƭ in 1968, passed away June 8. He was 82.

91��Ƭ is a nonprofit organization that transformed a blighted area of Newark following the 1967 riots by building new housing and providing critical services like job training.

Under Monsignor’s leadership, 91��Ƭ grew from a single housing development to an entire network of facilities and services, today encompassing close to 2,000 units of housing for seniors and families in three New Jersey cities, in addition to providing child care, education, health care and a host of other services that make it one of the most holistic in its approach in the community development arena. Monsignor’s goal from the very beginning was ambitious, radical and unlike anything ever attempted in an inner-city environment at the time: creating a planned community within an old, existing city that would provide residents with all the services they need from birth to death.

“The people of the city of Newark have lost their greatest and most persistent champion,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “There is physical evidence of Monsignor Linder’s legacy throughout the city, but his most important legacy is the difference he’s made in many people’s lives through the 91��Ƭ mission. He always worked to preserve people’s God-given dignity and helped them pursue personal achievement. We at 91��Ƭ will continue to serve residents with Monsignor Linder’s vision in mind.”

The model of community development Monsignor created attracted visitors from around the world, including places like Ireland and Africa. His work also drew the attention of leaders like Bill and Hillary Clinton — she visited 91��Ƭ back in the 1980s. Former South African Bishop Desmond Tutu and Former U.S. Housing Secretary Jack Kemp also visited.

Today, 91��Ƭ owns and operates its own nursing home; a 102-apartment transitional housing facility for homeless families called Harmony House and 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center, an accredited post-secondary career and technical school offering programs in automotive technician, building trades, culinary arts and health care. Monsignor was also the catalyst behind the opening of the Adult Learning Center and a charter school in the city’s West Ward in 2011.

Against the will of the city’s political leadership, Monsignor, back in the late 1980s, is credited with opening one of the first child care centers in the nation and the first in New Jersey for infants and toddlers suffering with HIV/AIDS, one of his proudest accomplishments. He was never one to back away from a confrontation if it meant that in the end a mother, grandmother or child would receive the benefit.

Through Monsignor’s vision and leadership, 91��Ƭ recently finished construction on A Better Life, a supportive housing facility for the chronically homeless. The building offers studio apartments each with a private bathroom and kitchen area.

Born in Jersey City on June 5, 1936, Monsignor grew up in West New York and enrolled in Manhattan College to study engineering in 1954. However, halfway through his freshman year, Monsignor’s father suddenly died at age 53. Monsignor finished the semester at Manhattan College and then spent the next two years at Seton Hall University studying classical language and philosophy. In the fall of 1958, he entered the Immaculate Conception Seminary, where he spent his next six years. Monsignor was ordained as a priest on May 25, 1963. At age 27, Monsignor received his pastoral assignment for the all-black parish called Queen of Angels in Newark, and founded 91��Ƭ with a small group of community-minded residents in 1968. In 1973, Monsignor was abruptly removed from Queen of Angels and exiled to the dormant St. Joseph Parish in Newark. In 1974, he was reassigned to St. Rose of Lima Parish in the Roseville section of Newark, where he became its pastor in 1977. Monsignor retired as pastor of St. Rose of Lima in 2012 at age 76.

Monsignor previously served as the CEO of 91��Ƭ. He was serving as the president of the 91��Ƭ Board of Directors and remained active within the organization until his death.

Services to honor and celebrate Monsignor’s life have been scheduled as follows:

Viewing
Thursday, June 14 from 4 to 7 p.m.
St. Rose of Lima Church
11 Gray St.
Newark, NJ 07107

Vigil Mass
Thursday, June 14 at 7 p.m.
St. Rose of Lima Church
11 Gray St.
Newark, NJ 07107

Funeral Mass
Saturday, June 16 at 11 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
89 Ridge St.
Newark, NJ 07104

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Monsignor William J. Linder Scholarship Fund. Donations can be sent to 233 West Market St., Newark, NJ 07103.

Extended Care Medical Director Named Top Doctor

Michelle Lang — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 16:35:08 +0000

Dr. Nicholas Guittari, Extended Care medical director, and Veronica Onwunaka, administrator at Extended Care and director of Health and Social Services for 91��Ƭ, show off the plaque designating Guittari as a Top Doctor for 2017.

Dr. Nicholas Guittari, the medical director of 91��Ƭ Extended Care, has been named a Top Doctor for 2017 for his commitment to excellence in geriatric medicine by NJ Top Docs, a division of USA Top Docs.
Guittari has always been interested in geriatrics. He grew up with three of his four grandparents having Alzheimer’s disease, which got him interested in the field.
He got his bachelor’s degree from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City and attended New Jersey Medical School. He also completed a two-year fellowship at New York University School of Medicine.
Guittari began practicing medicine in 1991 at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and started a private practice in 1997.
91��Ƭ Founder Monsignor William J. Linder recommended Guittari for the position of medical director at Extended Care. Guittari was his doctor and Linder was impressed with him.
“He takes every patient seriously. He’s an excellent doctor and such an excellent person,” Linder said. “I’m very pleased my doctor is getting the recognition that he deserves.”
Guittari spends three to four days a week at Extended Care, overseeing the care provided to residents. He’s sometimes at the facility on weekends and is available as needed.
In addition to being the Extended Care medical director, Guittari leads the geriatric department at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and is also the facility’s director of hospice.
He very much enjoys his work. His favorite part?
“The old people. They’re the best,” he said. “They have a different perspective on life. They teach you time is finite and to make the most of what you have. Things aren’t always guaranteed.”
Veronica Onwunaka, administrator at Extended Care and director of Health and Social Services for 91��Ƭ, said Guittari is a special medical professional.
“If you need an angel as a doctor, Dr. Nicholas Guittari is the one to ask for. He is a special gift from heaven, one of a kind. I am honored to have him as our medical director,” she said.
Guittari lives in Essex County with his wife and three daughters, ages 14, 17 and 19. He met his wife, a nurse, at Newark Beth Israel. They’ve been married 21 years and work alongside each other often.
NJ Top Docs invites doctors to complete a qualification questionnaire and then an internal group of members reviews applications anonymously and determines who will be designated a Top Doctor.

Sending Harmony House Students Back To School In Style

Michelle Lang — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 16:01:29 +0000

Photos courtesy of Sally Milad.
Dozens of Harmony House residents participated in a back-to-school event Aug. 28 organized by Jersey City resident Sally Milad. She arranged for volunteers to provide haircuts and styling for the children and also handed out school supplies and provided pizza.
Milad found Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, and reached out to friends and family to put the event together.
“Everyone wants to do something to help out, but no one has an idea of where to start,” she said. “I know there’s a lot of people that wanted to help. I kind of took it upon myself to start it.”
Harmony House Senior Case Manager Lisa Chavis appreciated Milad’s generosity. “Sally is a beautiful and giving person. She went out of her way to recruit a number of well-known barbers from all over Essex and Union County to come out and provide haircuts for the boys and cute little hairstyles for our girls at Harmony House in preparation for the new school year,” she said. “You could feel the love, generosity and appreciation of all those in attendance.”
Many back-to-school events include school supplies, but it’s not so common to include haircuts. Milad said she wanted the children to feel confident as they started the new school year.
“When you look good, you do good, you feel good. I wanted the kids to go to school feeling good and getting work done as opposed to being worried about how they look,” she said.
91��Ƭ 75 children and 20 volunteers participated.

Teenagers Spend Week Volunteering In Newark At 91��Ƭ

Michelle Lang — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 20:02:20 +0000

NEWARK – Ten rising juniors from spent a week volunteering with 91��Ƭ as part of the school’s annual immersion trip program.
The young men from the all-male prep school in Jersey City got firsthand experience of Newark, a city most of them knew little about.
The teenagers spent the week at different 91��Ƭ locations, performing a variety of tasks. They cleaned units at Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, and , the organization’s nursing home. They helped teach English at the Adult Learning Center. They learned what happens at the Automotive and Building Trades programs that are part of the 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center. They worked with youth as part of the annual summer camp and at the two early childhood learning centers. They did landscaping work and also helped people access services at the Family Resource Success Center.
The students got a lot out of the experience. Tim Garcia called the trip enlightening. As a resident of Cranford, he said he didn’t know much about Newark before.
“This was a great experience. It really taught you about what life is like here,” he said.
Nick Gayle of Montclair said, “The trip showed me a place I didn’t know much about and proved the stereotypes you hear are not really true.”
His favorite part of the week was visiting the Automotive and Building Trades programs at the 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center.
In addition to having fun working with the equipment, Gayle said, “The people there felt like they were really a family. It was like the brotherhood I have a Prep.”
The students also got a tour of 91��Ƭ and Newark with Director of Special Projects Richard Cammarieri. They met with CEO Richard Rohrman and 91��Ƭ founder Monsignor William J. Linder, who also graduated from Saint Peter’s Prep.
Linder ate lunch with the students on their final day and shared his experiences during high school all the way to the present. He talked about how 91��Ƭ came into existence after the turmoil in Newark of 1967 and said that violence of that sort stems from people wanting control over their lives. He told the group that people’s needs are what drives him to continue 91��Ƭ’s work and mission.
“This trip is inspiring for the students,” Linder said.
Saint Peter’s Prep has been sending students to 91��Ƭ as part of its annual summer immersion program since 2013. The students volunteered from Aug. 7 to 11.