pandemic – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Helps Connect Newark Residents to Rental Assistance

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

Updated December 9, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recognizing Employees for Milestones in Their 91��Ƭ Careers

Michelle Lang — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:15:46 +0000

Each year, 91��Ƭ recognizes employees who reach milestones in their employment with an annual Employee Recognition Ceremony. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, made such a gathering unsafe in 2020.

91��Ƭ still recognizes the accomplishments of 48 employees who reached milestones of five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years with NCC during 2019.

“Congratulations to all of you for reaching anniversaries that range from five to over 30 years,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “I wish we could be together to celebrate but we need to be safe in the things we do. Thank you for your dedication to providing the services that our clients need, especially in the face of the pandemic. You change lives, ease pain, provide housing and help people move forward. I sincerely hope that you someday join the over 30-year club.”

The employees being recognized this year come from a variety of departments, including Security, Extended Care, educational facilities, Resident Services, Food Services and administration.

91��Ƭ thanks its dedicated employees for their commitment to the mission and for continuing to serve the community even in difficult times. The hope is to be able to gather again once it is safe to do so to show appreciation in person.

EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED

Five Years at NCC:
Lawrece Anderson – Community Hills Early Learning Center
Philip Arthur – Extended Care
Carlos Batista – Environmental Services
Michelle Chatman – Community Hills Early Learning Center
Jill Derios – Resident Services
Edwin Negron – Environmental Services
Maurice Okereke – Extended Care
Marycomfort Opara – Harmony House Early Learning Center
Sadean Powell – Security
Keith Ransom – Security
Dejon Thompson – Security

Ten Years at NCC:
Mercy Attah – Security
Dashon Hall – Extended Care
Madeline Miller – Extended Care
Patience Omokaro – Extended Care
Jenifer Pineda Ortiz – Youth Services
Dennis Searwar – Environmental Services
Frances Teabout – Mission
Tony Tolles – Administration

Fifteen Years at NCC:
Ramon L. Acosta – Extended Care
Faye M. Harvey – Property Management
Michelle Jenkins – Community Hills Early Learning Center
Mercedes Navarrete – Community Hills Early Learning Center
Hope C. Okpala – Community Hills Early Learning Center
Maria Payen – Community Hills Early Learning Center
Roslyn S. Skyles – Adult Learning Center

Twenty Years at NCC:
Jacqueline Andrews – SAIF
Dorothy Artis – Property Management
Robert Broadnax – Security
Maximo A. Deleon – NCC Food Services
Genoveva Ferreras – NCC Food Services
Ramon Gerena – Technology Department
Jermaine Jones – Security
Sharon Jordan – Extended Care
James A. Massey – Security
Angela Potts – Resident Services
Vander L. Walker – Extended Care
Susan Williams – Extended Care

Twenty-Five Years at NCC:
Mulu A. Gebreyesus – Credit Union
Robin L. Harris – Extended Care
Anna Sing King – Administration
Gary A Taylor – Environmental Services

Thirty Years at NCC:
Eara L. Adebamowo – Extended Care
Gail Eunice – Extended Care
Michelle Grier-Porch – Security
Angela Hall – Harmony House
Kathy Jefferson – Extended Care
Vernice J. O’Neal – Home Friends

Victoria Foundation Grant Helps Harmony House Families

Michelle Lang — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 15:30:55 +0000

Thanks to the Victoria Foundation Fund, the residents of Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, have received additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

91��Ƭ applied for and received a $10,000 grant from Victoria Foundation to support its work at Harmony House during the pandemic.

The Victoria Foundation Fund provided the grant money to 91��Ƭ in May to purchase food and supplies for Harmony House, expand mental health care and buy cleaning supplies.

The grant money helped with the purchase of a variety of food and supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), for Harmony House and each family was provided with a $100 ShopRite gift card so they could purchase items they wanted and needed.

“We chose the gift cards to ShopRite because it gives them a choice,” said NCC Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya. “Harmony House has received a lot of support throughout the pandemic. But having their own choice was more powerful than getting them food and distributing it or buying them something that we think they want.”

Harmony House families received the gift cards toward the middle of the month when other assistance like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be depleted.

“We waited until the middle of the month when clients really need food the most. They came in handy,” said Harmony House Director Yonette Fredericks. “The families are really appreciative of it.”

Harmony House is a transitional housing program with the primary goal of helping families move from homelessness to permanent housing and from dependency to self-sufficiency. With the capacity to house 102 families in individual apartment units and a host of on-site social services, Harmony House offers stability to families facing seemingly insurmountable barriers and enables them to restore their lives.

Victoria Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of children and families in Newark and to protect water resources and preserve open space statewide.

Photos courtesy of Yonette Fredericks.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Building Trades Graduate Finds Success as Solar Panel Technician

Michelle Lang — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 13:52:39 +0000

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) helped launch Terrell Williams into a career as a solar panel technician, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

After graduating from high school, Williams entered the workforce because he didn’t want to take on the high debt associated with attending college. After several years, however, he decided to pursue additional education to increase his earning potential.

“I wanted to explore a trade school option to see if I could find an affordable one,” Williams said.

After doing online research, Williams found NCCTI which was conveniently located for him since he lives in Newark.

“When I looked on the website and saw the programs and saw it costs an amount of money that would be more reasonable and could be paid off, I decided to go there,” he said.

That decision has paid off. Williams completed the Building Trades Specialist program in the spring, where he learned the basics of carpentry, electrical and plumbing, and then opted to take a short solar panel installation course through Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC). He started working as a solar panel technician for Solar Energy Systems at the beginning of June where he installs solar panels on commercial buildings full-time.

NCCTI Director Rodney Brutton said Williams is one of the school’s many successes.

“Terrell is a smart young man with an eagerness to learn and a commitment to putting in the work. Those attributes and characteristics allowed him to get the opportunity with Solar Energy Systems,” Brutton said. “It was beyond a pleasure having Terrell as a part of our Building Trades program.”

While Williams was skeptical at first that he would be able to learn the basics in the three areas of carpentry, electrical and plumbing, he felt prepared upon completing the program at NCCTI and recommends the school to others.

“In my head, I thought it was going to be impossible to teach all these things in this short period of time, but they ended up teaching us all the basics,” Williams said.

Williams had the opportunity to participate in the solar panel course because 91��Ƭ is part of the Newark Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) network, which includes NCC, ICC and the Urban League of Essex County. The Greater Newark LISC office provides funding support and technical assistance to all the FOCs in the network. Organizations in the network share their program information with each other and invite participation.

“We really appreciate the partnership with ICC and our FOC agencies for the work they do and for creating this wonderful opportunity for Terrell,” Brutton said.

At just 24 years old, Williams is well on his way to a successful career in a growing industry.

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

NCC Early Learning Centers Begin School Year in New Way

Michelle Lang — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 13:42:15 +0000

Both Community Hills Early Learning Center (CHELC) and Harmony House Early Learning Center (HHELC) opened Sept. 8 for the new school year with some changes because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The buildings are open for infants and toddlers while the older children are participating in virtual learning. Teachers providing virtual instruction are in the classroom interacting with their students through devices. Children attending in person have their temperatures checked upon arrival and other safety measures are also in place. We hope everyone has a great school year! Photos courtesy of CHELC and HHELC.

91��Ƭ Summer Camp Goes Virtual for 2020

Michelle Lang — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 16:33:54 +0000

When the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to run 91��Ƭ’s annual summer camp in the traditional way, staff members began working on an alternative to engage children in activities safely. The result was a virtual camp for children ages 5 to 13, which ran four days a week from July 22 to Aug. 27.

The virtual camp was free for families and served more than 50 children. Funding was provided through the New Jersey Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Committee and administered through the JJC.

Children participated in a variety of activities, including photography; STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics); Zumba; arts and crafts; music appreciation; group discussions; and virtual field trips. For the virtual field trips, the younger children got to experience a zoo by viewing live cameras showing the animals. Older children were exposed to a variety of museum exhibits with their virtual field trips.

Children who participated in 91��Ƭ’s virtual camp got to do a variety of experiments as part of the STEM session. Photo courtesy of Edward Morris.

The virtual camp ran Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon via Zoom. Children were provided with a science kit and a camera for the program. Activities were taught by traditional camp staff and outside vendors, including a photography teacher and Zumba instructor.

The response from parents has been positive. Two of Tecia Martinez’s children participated in the virtual camp: Madisyn, 11, and Kaleb, 6. She was very pleased with what was offered and believes it was a great alternative to the traditional camp.

“They’re still becoming engaged with other kids and they’re meeting other children that they may not have actually socialized with when they’re physically at camp,” she said. “You don’t want your kids to just sit there and sleep all day or just try to stay in front of the screens all day because you can’t think of anything else to do. This is still making them think.”

Children and staff members involved in the virtual summer camp shared their experiences in this finale video.

Putting together a virtual camp quickly was a challenge, but 91��Ƭ staff knew it was important to provide activities in some form and give children the opportunity to interact with their peers.

“This summer was very challenging for everyone, especially the children. The virtual camp was a chance for them to make that social and emotional connection with one another during a time when they might not be able to have personal connections,” said Youth Services Director Edward Morris. “We wanted to engage them in a fun and interesting way and at the same time, hopefully, teach them some new skills.”

Youth Services collaborated with Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, to ensure its residents participated in the virtual camp.

Beverly Jackson, a resident of Harmony House, signed up her daughter, Diana Bryant, and was pleased with the results.

Bryant, who turned 14 over the summer, enjoyed her virtual camp experience.

“I liked all three sessions that we got every day. I liked STEM, I liked Zumba. I liked everything,” she said. “The camp was very cool.”

Morris and Chief of Health and Human Services Arti Kakkar were happy 91��Ƭ was able to provide a free, quality camp to young people during the pandemic.

Zumba was a big hit for 91��Ƭ’s virtual summer campers. Photo courtesy of Edward Morris.

“STEM experiments really brought the kids to the class on time, ready to engage,” Kakkar said. “For the younger kids, we could see parents being a part of it, which I think is a beautiful thing and great bonding for them. Our goal was to engage kids by teaching photography, STEM, Zumba, music appreciation and arts and crafts without putting any stress on the parents.”

Martinez believes that goal was accomplished.

“It was definitely a blessing to have them participate,” she said. “They really enjoyed it. And I enjoyed it.”

Kakkar also praised the staff for being flexible and working through a new method of providing services.

“I think Mr. Morris and his team have done a great job considering the situation we found ourselves in with the pandemic,” Kakkar said. “We had dedicated staff working with the youth, keeping them occupied and enjoying learning.”

Funding was crucial to providing a positive summer experience during a difficult and stressful time.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without financial support,” Kakkar said.

NCCTI Plans Next Session Start for November

Michelle Lang — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 20:55:07 +0000

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) is accepting applications for the start of its next session, slated to begin in November. The school is planning to begin the Automotive Technician, Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) and Patient Care Technician (PCT) programs at that time.

The school continues to take precautions amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The two medical classes will begin online for six weeks before beginning a hybrid schedule with students in the classroom two days per week and completing independent assignments remotely on the other three days. The Automotive Technician program will be the standard in-person training with limited enrollment.

“NCCTI has methodically and strategically begun offering our programs to interested applicants while keeping in mind the challenges COVID-19 presents,” said NCCTI Director Rodney Brutton. “As such, we are looking to enroll students for our Clinical Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician and Automotive Technician programs in November. Students will begin their coursework online and then transition to in-person instruction for hands-on assignments. NCCTI will ensure all guidelines are adhered to, which includes face coverings, temperature checks, social distancing and limiting the number of students in class.”

To ensure social distancing in the classrooms, desks are six feet apart and students must sit in their assigned seats each day they are in the classroom. Students must wear face coverings while on site and are required to wear both face masks and face shields while participating in hands-on learning activities. NCCTI has signage displayed in its facilities about the requirements. The school has also arranged for cleaning and disinfecting of classroom space after each use.

NCCTI will be holding a Virtual Information Session Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. for individuals interested in learning about the school’s programs, application process and general procedures. The event will take place via Zoom with meeting ID 403 803 3720. The password to join the meeting is 9q37gQ.

For additional information about the Virtual Information Session, review the flyer and :

NCCTI resumed instruction for its Building Trades Specialist and Culinary Arts Specialist programs Sept. 8.

91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union Facilitates COVID-19 Grants for Local Businesses

Michelle Lang — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 20:23:29 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on small businesses throughout the country. Assistance to those businesses has sometimes come in the form of grants. The 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union (NCFCU), as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, participated in the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program, helping local businesses apply for and get approval for grants.

“The NCFCU appreciates the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York for allowing us to provide financial assistance to local small businesses in their time of need,” said NCFCU Director Mulu Gebreyesus.

One of those small businesses is Akwaaba Gallery, an art gallery located on South Orange Avenue in Newark’s West Ward. Laura Bonas Palmer runs Akwaaba Gallery, which she owns with husband Ray Palmer, Senior Property Manager of Manor Family for 91��Ƭ.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Akwaaba Gallery was forced to close as were many local businesses. The gallery had only been open for a little more than a year and did not qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Bonas Palmer heard about the possibility of a small business grant and contacted Gebreyesus to learn more. She submitted the necessary documentation and was approved for the grant.

The funding is for the operation of the gallery. Although Akwaaba Gallery closed to the public on March 16, Bonas Palmer explained that she set up a new show in the space and shared it with the public virtually. The virtual show was available online and showed photographs of the art on display on the gallery walls. People were able to browse the show online and purchase pieces as if they visited the gallery in person. Bonas Palmer said people are still buying art despite the current economic climate.

Akwaaba Gallery reopened July 22 with visitors required to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Hand sanitizer dispensers are also installed in the space. The virtual show is still up in the gallery for visitors to see in person. Bonas Palmer expects to hang the next show in September for an October opening. Visitors should RSVP for the October show to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

In addition to general operations, Bonas Palmer plans to use some of the grant money to help kickstart a reading and arts club for children in the neighborhood around Akwaaba Gallery, including those that are a part of NCC.

“My vision is to get the kids engaged in the arts and make them feel like what’s happening in Newark, what’s happening in the neighborhood is for them as well,” she said. “They’ll come in, they’ll see the art that’s on the walls. Maybe sometimes we might have artists come in and talk to them.”

She also plans to purchase books for the children to help them build their libraries and have individuals come and read to them periodically.

In addition to the grant NCFCU facilitated, Akwaaba Gallery also received a small arts-related grant from the City of Newark. Bonas Palmer plans to use some of that grant to help with the reading and arts club as well.

Bonas Palmer said she had the idea for an art gallery for nearly a decade before Akwaaba Gallery opened. She had contemplated purchasing a property in downtown Newark but ultimately decided on the current space in the West Ward.

“A lot of people questioned why I would even consider putting a gallery in the West Ward,” Bonas Palmer said. “My response to that has always been why not? Art is for everyone.”

That mindset permeates in the way Bonas Palmer runs Akwaaba Gallery. Akwaaba means welcome and Bonas Palmer always wants people to feel accepted in the space. There is no charge for visitors to enter the gallery and view the artwork. She encourages people of all ages to come inside.

The pandemic and forced closing of the gallery for four months has been difficult, but Bonas Palmer is grateful for the grant money the gallery has received and is optimistic about the future.

“It’s challenging, but I think it’s going to work itself out,” she said.

Gebreyesus is glad NCFCU has been able to help local small businesses like Akwaaba Gallery with the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program.

“NCFCU is proud that we were able to assist a few local businesses in applying and getting approved for the grant up to $10,000,” she said.

NCC Offers Leadership Development Program

Michelle Lang — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 20:14:33 +0000

Fifteen 91��Ƭ department leaders participated in the NCC Leadership Development Program during the month of July. The program was a collaboration between NCC and the Rutgers University Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE). NCC’s Human Resources Department worked with the OCPE to tailor the leadership program for NCC supervisors and directors with the goal of enhancing their leadership and managerial skills.

Participants were members of NCC’s Environmental Services, Finance, Property Management, Resident Services and Security departments.

The program consisted of four courses, each lasting four hours: Employee Engagement (with an emphasis on increasing engagement), Performance Management (which taught practical tools and skills to improve employee confidence and performance), Emotional Intelligence (which is the ability of an individual to recognize their own and other’s emotions and understand their effects on the workplace) and Giving & Receiving Feedback.

NCC was slated to host the program in person, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, classes moved online. They were still interactive, however, with an instructor and facilitator running the courses with participants engaging in the sessions.

“I enjoyed the training,” said Program Manager/Compliance Director Dametria Wertz. “The presenter was very upbeat and kept everyone engaged.”

Assistant Director of Property Management Priscilla Ordoñez agreed that the training was beneficial.

“We explored many angles of principles of what good leadership is and it provided tools on how to keep staff and oneself motivated,” she said.

NCC hopes to continue collaborating with the OCPE to provide additional training to its employees.

NCJW/Essex Back 2 School Store Goes Mobile for 2020

Michelle Lang — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 20:08:44 +0000

The Essex County division of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW/Essex) had to reimagine its 12th Annual Back 2 School Store for 2020 because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of setting up a one-day pop-up shop for students to choose items with a personal shopper, volunteers and partner agencies worked together to safely distribute back-to-school items.

91��Ƭ, which has identified children to participate in the Back 2 School Store for many years, accepted donated items and distributed them to families in July. Families received backpacks stuffed with school supplies, calculators, board games, colorful face masks and socks. NCJW/Essex hopes to distribute additional items to families in October.

Volunteers organize boxes of donations for the NCJW/Essex Back 2 School Store. Photo courtesy of NCJW/Essex.

NCC Family Resident Services Coordinator Anibal Alvelo with a family that received items from the Back 2 School Store. Photo courtesy of Anibal Alvelo.

NCJW/Essex received many donations for the 12th Annual Back 2 School Store. Photo courtesy of NCJW/Essex.

NCC Family Resident Services Coordinator Anibal Alvelo with two boys who received supplies from the NCJW/Essex Back 2 School Store. Photo courtesy of Anibal Alvelo.