Monsignor Linder – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Corporate Offices Renamed in Honor of Founder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NCCTI Celebrates Program Graduates

Michelle Lang — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 20:51:06 +0000

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) celebrated the accomplishments of its students at a graduation ceremony Aug. 28. Family members and friends of the graduating students gathered at St. Joseph Plaza to recognize their achievements.

“It is always a good day when we can send our well trained and credentialed graduates out into the working world,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “Congratulations to the graduates and thank you to the dedicated staff that made it possible.”

91��Ƭ Board President Dr. A. Zachary Yamba spoke at the ceremony, thanking NCCTI staff members for their work helping students to succeed. He then addressed the graduates.

“This is just the beginning. Learning is a lifelong experience. I challenge you to grow in your professions,” he said. “Those of us who will be in need of your services will be expecting nothing but 100 percent quality work. And I know you will do that.”

NCCTI Director Rodney Brutton explained that the graduation isn’t the most important part of the student’s journey.

“We’re very proud of our graduates but in the words of our late great leader, Monsignor Linder, the most important thing that we really acknowledge and welcome is the number of students who actually get jobs,” he said. “We celebrate the employment and connection to employers.”

NCCTI alumna Jessica Jackson, who graduated from the Patient Care Technician program in 2018, shared words of encouragement to the graduates. She currently works at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and enjoys her position. She said she knows the hard work it took the graduates to get to where they are.

“It was a tough six months. I was juggling three jobs, two kids and continued to run a nonprofit organization that I started in 2016. There were many times I wanted to give up, but thanks to 91��Ƭ’s amazing professors and administration and countless hours of studying, I finally made it,” Jackson said.

Culinary Arts Graduate Paula Moore, who was offered a job at 91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility three months into the program, told her classmates they will have many opportunities going forward.

“This is only the beginning. It doesn’t end here,” she said. “All I can say to everybody is take advantage of this experience and make the best of it. Just know that once one door opens, it allows you an abundance of opportunities.”

NCCTI recognized two employer partners during the graduation: Sansone Auto Group and University Hospital. Both organizations hire NCCTI graduates.

Rich Liebler, Chief Administrative Officer and Veterans Coordinator for Sansone Auto Group, helped start the Automotive Technician program 23 years ago.

“One of the reasons why I wanted to help out down here is that I didn’t want individuals to just get a job. What I wanted to do was to help them develop careers,” Liebler said. “An automotive technician has the potential in five years to make over $75,000 a year.”

Barbara Karpinska, Vice President for Ambulatory Care Services of Rutgers Health Group at University Hospital, explained that she worked to change the organization’s job descriptions so recent graduates could be hired.

“Working with hospital leadership, we were able to make changes so that we still required the educational certificates, but no longer the experience. And therefore we were able to open the door to new graduates,” she said.

Newark Deputy Mayor of Employment Rahaman Muhammad served as the keynote speaker of the event. He is a lifelong Newark resident and in his current role he refers individuals to NCCTI for training. He said while many come to his office in search of a job, he tries to convince them to further their education to start a career instead. He congratulated NCCTI for not only helping students graduate, but for also helping them find employment in their field.

He said that no matter the circumstances, people can achieve.

“What our first chapter is is not how our last chapter has to end. We can change it if we want to change it,” Muhammad said. “But you’ve got to take that opportunity.”

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 and 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 and to apply, call 973-824-6484, log onto newcommunitytech.edu or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

Remembering Longtime NCC Executive Chef Joe Rodriguez

Michelle Lang — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 19:40:34 +0000

Jose “Joe” Rodriguez worked at 91��Ƭ for nearly 33 years before his retirement in January. He passed away Aug. 10 at the age of 84. Photo courtesy of Anne Marie Ventura.

Many who are part of the 91��Ƭ network know the name Joe Rodriguez. He served as the executive chef for the organization for nearly 33 years. He passed away Aug. 10 at the age of 84.
Rodriguez retired this past January, working well beyond the age when people typically retire.
“He was a hard worker. And he loved 91��Ƭ, that’s for sure,” said daughter Anne Marie Ventura. “He liked the work and he liked the people. He made a home there.”
NCC’s late founder Monsignor William J. Linder hired Rodriguez to be the chef to oversee the opening of the Priory Restaurant. 91��Ƭ five years later, Rodriguez was transferred to Extended Care where he remained for the rest of his NCC career. He oversaw the meals prepared for the nursing home residents in addition to preparing meals for NCC special events and several schools NCC served.
“It isn’t often that you see the dedication that Joe Rodriguez brought to NCC every day for almost 33 years,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “I never heard a harsh word come out of Joe’s mouth. He was truly part of the NCC fabric. Every meal that Joe produced was important. He will be missed by all of us.”
Ventura said Rodriguez loved to cook, even when he wasn’t working. She said he would cook for his family and for parties hosted by family members and friends.
“I’m looking through all his things and behind every little paper, there’s a menu,” she said.
In addition to his love of cooking, Rodriguez enjoyed helping others. He fed the homeless at his church, Immaculate Conception in Elizabeth, about once a month and spent Thanksgivings cooking turkeys for those in need.
“Joe loved his job and cooking was a passion of his,” said 91��Ƭ Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson. “He exuded a little ray of sunshine each time that I saw him. He was an exceptional and extraordinary person.”
Ventura said Rodriguez was a good father and was dedicated to his family. He was very close with his wife who passed away in 2015. Rodriguez leaves behind three daughters and eight grandchildren.
“He was a real family man. He just always wanted to make us happy and he was very generous. He was always there for us,” Ventura said. “He was a funny guy but he was very strong willed and very religious.”
Rodriguez was in the seminary for a time.
“He really had some strong Catholic values and he instilled them in all of us,” Ventura said.
Rodriguez had great respect for Monsignor Linder, who often made requests for his food.
“My dad made some amazing soups and pastries,” Ventura said. “And Father Linder would put his orders in.”
Rodriguez also had a strong work ethic, rarely taking time off. He would even travel to work in a snowstorm to make sure food was prepared at Extended Care.
Even in retirement, Rodriguez continued to cook. He planned a July 4 barbecue with his family that included king crab legs, clams casino, spare ribs and fried chicken. He wasn’t feeling well when the day came, but the family pitched in by following his instructions and pulled everything together.
“He was very proud to show off his food and also that we helped him,” Ventura said.
91��Ƭ will host a Memorial Mass in Rodriguez’s honor Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Plaza.

91��Ƭ Celebrates Retirement Of Longtime Chief Of Staff Kathy Spivey

Michelle Lang — Fri, 03 May 2019 13:16:14 +0000

91��Ƭ has wished a fond farewell to Chief of Staff Kathy Spivey, who retired April 30 after 26 years with the organization. Family, friends and NCC colleagues celebrated Spivey’s retirement April 25 at St. Joseph Plaza.
Spivey will be greatly missed at 91��Ƭ, but has decided to return to Ohio to be closer to family.
“Kathy’s retirement has been coming for a while but is real now. Kathy is more than a 25-plus year critical piece of NCC’s progress,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “She was there with Monsignor Linder to help steer NCC through the ups and the downs. She was there to help me in my transition into the CEO role and weather a few of our own ups and downs. The organization will miss her guidance and I will certainly miss her always spot-on observations. At the same time I am very excited for her heading home into the arms of a loving family. Thank you, Kathy. You earned this many times over.”
Spivey first came to 91��Ƭ as a volunteer after meeting Founder Monsignor William J. Linder while both served on the Governor’s Commission on Employment and Training. Spivey had been the Manager of Corporate Personnel Labor Relations for McDonald’s Corporation and Monsignor Linder spoke with her about business operations often. He asked her to join the NCC staff a year and a half after she began volunteering. She accepted and became the Director of Staff Development and Training in January 1993. In 1996, she was promoted to Chief of Staff, a title she held until her retirement.
“For 26 years, 91��Ƭ had a loyal, dedicated, valuable and dependable employee. I applaud her for her contributions to NCC for which she will be missed,” said NCC Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson. “As Kathy Spivey embarks on her new career, which is retirement, I wish her every happiness and joy that she will encounter.”
Working with Monsignor Linder was a highlight of Spivey’s NCC career.
“Probably my favorite part was working under Monsignor. It was an education that all the money in the world could not have paid for. He was a master teacher,” she said.
Spivey also enjoyed working with her colleagues and the clients of 91��Ƭ. She developed lifelong relationships over the years.
“I don’t have sisters or daughters,” Spivey said. “But I have so many adopted daughters here at 91��Ƭ and adopted grandchildren here at 91��Ƭ. And I’ve got some mothers in the buildings.”
More than 100 individuals came to celebrate Spivey’s long career at 91��Ƭ April 25. NCC Board President Dr. A. Zachary Yamba talked about how Spivey dedicated herself to the organization and its mission.
“Throughout all these years, she’s really been a credit to 91��Ƭ. She loves 91��Ƭ, she loves the people who are part of 91��Ƭ and she loves the city,” Yamba said. “Thank you very much for being that go-to person when we had to do something. Thank you for your years of service. Godspeed and we all wish you the best.”
NCC Board Member Diane Johnson helped organize the celebration and served as the emcee. She talked about the qualities that make Spivey special and how she impacted the organization.
“You will be missed from 91��Ƭ. You will be missed from the city of Newark and from New Jersey,” Johnson said. “But you’re God’s special flower and we want you to know that your wisdom, your love, your strength and your grace shall never be forgotten. Your journey through the lives and adventures of 91��Ƭ was not a journey in vain.”
During her time at 91��Ƭ, Spivey had the opportunity to travel internationally and welcome visitors from other countries to NCC. She worked closely with Monsignor Linder and the Board of Directors. She was instrumental in the development of many new buildings during her tenure, including Hudson Senior, Orange Senior, the NCC Health Care Complex and Better Life. 91��Ƭ also ventured into home ownership opportunities during her employment with Community Hills and Bergen Estates.
Spivey’s advice to employees is to stay focused on the mission of 91��Ƭ: to help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual God-given dignity and personal achievement.
“The work for us is about the people we are commissioned to serve,” Spivey said. “I share with potential new employees that if you’re coming here just for a paycheck, you’re in the wrong place.”

Longtime NCC Employee Ruth Reeves Takes On Role Of Controller

Michelle Lang — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 17:50:12 +0000

Ruth Reeves, who has worked in the Finance Department of 91��Ƭ for more than 18 years, became the organization’s controller March 1.

91��Ƭ’s new controller has a familiar face. Ruth Reeves, who has worked in NCC’s Finance Department for more than 18 years, was promoted March 1 to the position.
Reeves has worked her way up in the department since starting her employment with 91��Ƭ in December 2000. She began as an intermediary accountant for housing and commercial real estate properties. When her supervisor retired about seven years later, she was promoted to a supervisor role. She was promoted again in 2014 to accounting manager, a position she held until her promotion to controller.
As controller, Reeves has many responsibilities. She monitors bank accounts to detect any fraudulent activity, approves checks, supervises accountants, conducts audits and works on financial reports for the NCC Board of Directors and outside agencies that provide grants and subsidies to the organization. She also monitors the financial performance of 91��Ƭ, oversees the preparation of annual operating budgets, manages the preparation of payroll, communicates financial metrics to senior management and provides leadership and support to finance staff.
91��Ƭ CFO Elizabeth Mbakaya was happy to promote Reeves.
“She is hard working and always ready to go the extra mile. She is a team player and has vast knowledge of NCC,” Mbakaya said. “I think it is a good idea to promote from within if we have someone on our team who is competent and has the skills instead of bringing in someone from outside. She will have a short learning curve given the complexity of NCC.”
Reeves’ entire career has been in the finance and auditing sector. Her inspiration came from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of an African nation. When Reeves was in high school in Liberia, Sirleaf was the Finance Minister of the country. Sirleaf came to visit Reeves’ high school as part of a program that brought influential figures to speak to students. Sirleaf’s presentation had a profound impact on Reeves.
“I watched her and when we saw her she was motivated and she was intelligent. In a field of men, this was a woman who was a shining star. I said I wanted to be like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,” Reeves said. “She was the Finance Minister at the time. It encouraged my interest in the financial sector. So I decided to go into accounting and economics in college.”
After graduating from college, Reeves became a bank examiner for the Central Bank of Liberia, which was an auditing position. She worked there for six years and was promoted to the role of authorized signer. She came to the United States after she left Liberia to attend a training and was unable to return because of war. After coming the to the U.S., Reeves continued working in the field of accounting.
Prior to her employment with 91��Ƭ, Reeves worked at NJPAC as a temporary employee on a contractual basis. When she found out NCC was offering a permanent role, she decided to interview and was asked to join the team as quickly as possible.
Reeves embraces the 91��Ƭ mission and finds her role satisfying because of it.
“Just knowing what NCC does to help the downtrodden, the forgotten people, the underprivileged people, just knowing I’m a part of that whole process, it brings gratification to me,” she said.
She also enjoys helping other accountants in the department with training, guidance and instruction.
Reeves lived in Newark for about 10 years. She moved to Piscataway, where she currently resides, in 2001. She has been married to her husband for 32 years. The couple has two adult children. Their son is a pharmacist while their daughter is pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy.
In her spare time, Reeves enjoys being involved in her church and entertaining family and friends. She was ordained as an elder in her church in November 2018.
She sees a connection between her service with church and 91��Ƭ.
“I’m grateful to God for Monsignor Linder’s vision. And because of his vision, today we have this beautiful legacy. And this is a legacy that can go on for many generations,” Reeves said. “NCC has done a beautiful job looking out for the poor. And I am more than delighted to be a part of this organization.”

NCC Executive Chef Joe Rodriguez Retires

Michelle Lang — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 18:08:35 +0000

Joe Rodriguez retired after nearly 33 years of service to 91��Ƭ. Photo courtesy of Frances Teabout.

Long-time 91��Ƭ Executive Chef Joe Rodriguez has retired after nearly 33 years with the organization.
Rodriguez first came to 91��Ƭ to be the chef to oversee the opening of the Priory Restaurant. At the time, Rodriguez’s daughter worked as an attorney for 91��Ƭ and she told NCC Founder Monsignor William J. Linder that her father was a chef. Monsignor Linder met with Rodriguez and after three interviews, offered him the job.
Prior to joining 91��Ƭ, Rodriguez worked at for-profit restaurants and said he didn’t understand the concept of a nonprofit organization.
“[Monsignor Linder] explained it to me. If we make any money, then we just put it back into the community. And I kind of liked the idea,” Rodriguez said. “So that’s why I came to work for him. And that’s why I stayed.”
Rodriguez not only stayed, but remained committed to his work while at 91��Ƭ.
“It isn’t often that you see the dedication that Joe Rodriguez brought to NCC every day for almost 33 years. I never heard a harsh word come out of Joe’s mouth,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “He was truly part of the NCC fabric. Every meal that Joe produced was important. He will be missed by all of us but will have more time to spend with his loving family.”
Once hired, Rodriguez said he had 30 days to open the Priory Restaurant, which was challenging but he pulled it off. The day before the restaurant was slated to open, Monsignor Linder brought employees to order anything they wanted from the menu.
“That was the last test,” Rodriguez said.
NCC Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson said it was clear Rodriguez was special as soon as he came on board.
“When Joe Rodriguez joined the NCC family back in the 1980s, I knew that we had a gem; a loyal and dedicated person that we could trust in working for 91��Ƭ as a chef,” she said. “My only wish is that we could find more dedicated people to work as Joe exemplified a love and dedication to 91��Ƭ.”
After working at the Priory Restaurant for about five years, Rodriguez was transferred to Extended Care. Once there, he oversaw the meals prepared for the nursing home residents in addition to preparing meals for several schools NCC served at the time and NCC special events.
“His dedication to the residents of Extended Care and 91��Ƭ in general is unquestionable,” said Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka. “Joe never left us because the weather was bad, because he’s coming from a far distance, he had a sick wife he was managing or he himself didn’t feel well. Joe would get in here. Because he wanted to make sure that the residents were fed the proper meal.”
Rodriguez got into the food industry out of necessity.
“When I came to America way back in the ’50s, there were no jobs,” he said. He was doing a bit of work at a hotel when a chance encounter led to his career.
“While I was having a beer, the guy that was sitting next to me, who I had never seen before, said to me, ‘Are you working?’ I said, ‘Not really.’ So he said, ‘You want to work for me? You see that diner over there? That’s my diner. If you want to, you come.’ And I worked for that man for many years,” Rodriguez said.
He didn’t attend culinary school but learned his craft by working. He said God blessed him with the ability to be able to recreate a dish he sees made one time, which also helped him excel.
Rodriguez worked long past the age when most people retire. At age 84, he said he still gets up around 4 a.m. because he’s used to being an early riser. His shift started at 5 a.m. When there were special events, he would stay through to the end, which could be quite late into the evening. He said he never required too much sleep though.
“Even if I go to bed at 2 o’clock, I can get up,” he said.
Rodriguez lives in a ranch house in Garwood. His wife passed away four years ago so he lives alone. He has three daughters and nine grandchildren. Two of his daughters live in Westfield and one lives in Flanders. He has a sister in Puerto Rico.
Rodriguez enjoyed his time working at NCC.
“I think 91��Ƭ is a challenging place to work but an excellent place to work,” he 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.”

Essex County Dedicates Plaque to NCC Founder Along Legends Way

Michelle Lang — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 15:12:35 +0000

91��Ƭ Founder Monsignor William J. Linder will forever be remembered along Legends Way near the Essex County Government Complex. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo and the Board of Chosen Freeholders held a dedication of memorial plaques honoring Monsignor Linder and Newark author Philip Roth Oct. 12. Both men passed away this year.

During the afternoon event, county officials and people connected to 91��Ƭ spoke about Monsignor Linder, the depth of his work, the influence he had on Newark and how he was personally.

NCC Board President Dr. A. Zachary Yamba talked about how he met Monsignor Linder in 1963 when he was a student at Seton Hall University and Monsignor Linder was the pastor at Queen of Angels Church. Their friendship lasted for more than five decades and after Yamba retired from being president of Essex County College, he joined the NCC Board of Directors at Monsignor Linder’s request.

Yamba said while Monsignor Linder wasn’t a native Newarker, he did more for the city than anyone after the Summer Disorders of 1967.

“All you have to do is look outside the confines of county government and you can see the footprints of Monsignor Linder,” Yamba said. “We will be eternally grateful for this man who has worked so hard. And so the obligation that he has left us with is to carry on his legacy so that which he built will not have been done in vain.”

91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman talked about how Monsignor Linder changed people’s lives through a holistic approach.

“He was a big dreamer but he also had a persistence and he had a determination to turn those dreams into reality,” Rohrman said. “He was really the most persistent and effective advocate for the people in the city of Newark.”

Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura talked about Monsignor Linder’s persistence, saying he could be relentless but it was for the right reasons.

“He never stopped articulating on behalf of the people that he served. That’s what was so admirable about him,” Fontoura said. “He was so passionate about serving the folks that needed to be served the most. … His legacy will live on forever.”

Former Director of Operations for 91��Ƭ Raymond Codey shared several stories about Monsignor Linder and how he fought for the people of Newark from the very beginning of his assignment at Queen of Angels Church in the city. Three weeks after he became the church pastor, the Summer Disorders happened.

In an effort to control the situation, then Gov. Richard Hughes sent in the State Police and National Guard who set up a perimeter along the boundaries of Newark. This cut off the food supply for residents. Monsignor Linder convinced a bakery in East Orange to give him a truck and got permission from Gov. Hughes to drive that truck in and out of the city.

“He ordered milk, water, vegetables and bread and walked the projects right next to the parish. He did that for seven days. These were like 15-story buildings, no elevator service. He walked door to door, floor to floor, seven days delivering food,” Codey said. “And he built up a tremendous following in the community because of that.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo said he worked for Steve Adubato at the time when Monsignor Linder founded 91��Ƭ.

“Steve started the North Ward Center to say, ‘We’re going to be part of the community,’” DiVincenzo said. “Monsignor Linder did the same thing with 91��Ƭ, dealing with the less fortunate. He was the man who spoke up.”

Though he said the two didn’t get along, he was able to bring them together to work out their differences.

“There’s only one Steve Adubato and one Monsignor Linder, but they were both doing the same thing: trying to help people in the city of Newark,” DiVincenzo said.

Sen. Teresa Ruiz called Monsignor Linder “a giant, a legacy builder who really created fundamental core principles of improving the quality of life for people either in a moment in time, for an extended moment in time or for their entire lifespan.”

Essex County Freeholder President Brendan Gill said Monsignor Linder’s contributions to society enhanced the legacy of Newark.

“During a time of tremendous upheaval and despair, he became a favorite son of Newark by taking that despair and turning it into hope,” Gill said.

Those interested in viewing the plaque can walk along Legends Way near the Essex County Government Complex.

Editorial: Moving Forward With Monsignor Linder’s Mission

Michelle Lang — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 18:54:16 +0000

Editorial By NCC Board President Dr. A. Zachary Yamba

91��Ƭ suffered a great loss June 8 with the passing of Monsignor Linder, who was not only the founder of the organization but a constant presence and guide through the many changes that occurred over the past 50 years.

While we mourn this loss, we know that Monsignor’s spirit remains with us and his legacy lives on. We also know he would want us to continue to carry out the NCC mission: To help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual God-given dignity and personal achievement.

Monsignor left us with a well-established plan of action. Members of the board and the administration have to make sure the blueprint that has sustained 91��Ƭ for the past 50 years will continue to be followed and expanded upon for the next 50 years.

As the board regroups and reviews the goals and challenges that face 91��Ƭ, we are encouraged about the future. During the past few years, great strides have been made to stabilize the finances and leadership of the organization.

We also did an in-depth review of the services, especially in the area of housing, to ensure efficiency. Our goal is to continue to provide better services for the residents of the city and beyond.

While 91��Ƭ transitions into the next chapter without its founder, we know Monsignor’s work and accomplishments will always be remembered. All one has to do is look around the Central Ward of Newark to see the physical changes he helped bring about. Beyond these physical structures, Monsignor Linder’s work touched the lives of thousands through education, housing, health care and employment.

We continue to ask for the support of everyone connected to 91��Ƭ as we go forward in keeping with Monsignor’s spirit of hope. After all, we will need the help of others to ensure 91��Ƭ is able to serve those in need of our services.