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.

Credit Union Member Helps Others After Overcoming Struggles

Michelle Lang — Tue, 01 May 2018 14:24:04 +0000

Rev. Dr. Miles S. Callender, AAS, BSW, CSW, MSW, Ph.D., at the window of 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union with NCFCU Director Mulu Gebreyesus.

Miles Callender has completed an impressive amount of education: two associate degrees, two bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees and a doctorate. He currently works at Bethel Counseling Services in Newark as a substance abuse and mental health specialist. But it wasn’t always obvious that he would end up on this path.

What’s not surprising is that Callender entered a career path helping others. From the time he was young, he looked up to people who were making a difference in the world. He met Martin Luther King Jr. a week before his assassination and took part in the Walk for Understanding that took place after his death. He was 6 at the time.

91��Ƭ Founder Monsignor William J. Linder was Callender’s pastor at one time. His whole family attended Queen of Angels Church until its closing.

“That’s the history I come from: social justice, civil rights and to advocate for the less fortunate,” Callender said.

He spent 15 years in the military, serving in the Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserves and United States Marine Corps. He received an honorable discharge from all.

Callender lived at 91��Ƭ Gardens Senior, 265 Morris Ave., Newark, for a time until he was removed from the building about 15 years ago for substance abuse. While he was a resident, he opened an account at 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union. He remained a credit union member even after his departure and still uses its services today.

“Even in my worst state, they were always very, very supportive,” Callender said of 91��Ƭ personnel. “Mulu always said, ‘Miles, you’re living beneath your potential. Just stop doing the drugs.’”

Mulu Gebreyesus is the director of the 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union. She always encouraged Callender to get sober and he has. Once he was free of drugs, he was able to focus on education, which has led to multiple degrees and certifications.

Callender has an Associate of Applied Science degree, Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) and a Ph.D. in theology and ministry. He has studied at Essex County College, Eastern Bible Institute and Seton Hall University. He is a Certified Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker and Licensed Substance Abuse Addiction Specialist. He is a member of the national social work honor society Alpha Delta Mu. He also has a certification in anger management and is an HIV specialist.

“The first time I met Miles as a young man, he did not take any directions or follow anyone’s rules other than his own. Today Miles has accomplished the goals he has set for himself, and that made him an exemplary within his community,” Gebreyesus said. “Miles’ achievements show that one can dream and make the dream come true with hard work and dedication.”

In addition to meeting his own goals by completing his education, his career in social work is very fulfilling to him.

“It’s in giving that we receive. And that’s why social work is so gratifying,” Callender said.

He uses his own past experiences to help with his work as a substance abuse counselor, though he said disclosure of his past is only necessary when it helps the client.

Callender is happy to be drug free and helping others but hasn’t forgotten all his experiences.

“I’m not ashamed of my past,” he said. “Those that don’t acknowledge their past are doomed to repeat it.”

Martin Luther King Jr. – 91��Ƭ

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

Credit Union Member Helps Others After Overcoming Struggles