Property Management – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ and Rutgers Community Health Center Host Community Health Fair

Michelle Lang — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 21:22:48 +0000

91��Ƭ and Rutgers Community Health Center (RCHC) teamed up to host the inaugural Community Health and Wellness Fair on Oct. 23 in the parking lot of the 91��Ƭ Health Care Complex, 274 South Orange Ave., Newark. Around 125 people attended the event, which featured a variety of offerings, including health screenings, COVID vaccinations, health insurance information and fun family activities.

“I think the Health Fair attendees had a chance to not only enjoy themselves for the day but to really see some of the health and housing related resources that are available to them right here on this campus,” said 91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter.

As the main partners for the event, 91��Ƭ and RCHC had several tables highlighting many of their programs and services. Staff and representatives from Family Service Bureau, Harmony House, Extended Care Facility and Property Management/Resident Services were on site to link people to their offerings. RCHC staff and clinical providers were on hand to offer blood pressure screenings and vaccination information.

The Essex County Department of Health was present with its COVID Vaccination Unit and community members were able to get both vaccinations and COVID-19 testing.

“We were able to offer all three vaccine types (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) for first and second doses, as well as booster shots. Providing a choice of vaccine to our community is enormous in addressing vaccine hesitancy as we work towards increasing the number of community members who are immunized,” said 91��Ƭ Director of Health and Human Services Denise Anderson. “Our community members are the most affected but the least protected against COVID-19. We are doing our part to support changing this and other health inequities.”

In addition to health-related activities, the fair also provided community-centered offerings, including face painting for kids, music and food. Attendees were also able to win one of 18 baskets through a raffle. The donated baskets included games for kids, kitchen items and sports gear. Nearly 100 bags of food were distributed to families in need.

“This health fair had many behind-the-scenes volunteers which allowed us to secure donations for food, gift bags, food pantry groceries, a DJ and fun activities for the kids,” Hunter said.

Throughout the event, attendees were able to visit with various community organizations including The Leaguers, Helping House, FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development and Partnership for Maternal and Child Health. The League of Women Voters was also in attendance offering voting information about ballots and polling places.

“It was so fun to connect with many community partners and residents of our neighborhood in the sunshine,” said RCHC Executive Director Andrea Norberg. “In keeping with our belief that community is everything we are looking forward to holding this event annually and are already beginning to discuss a spring event.”

91��Ƭ and RCHC thank the steering committee for its leadership, Essex County for its COVID Unit, Aetna and Amerigroup which were supporters of the event and all community organizations that participated.

Photos by Tamara Fleming.

Longtime Member of NCC Property Management Department Retires

Michelle Lang — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 20:28:52 +0000

Muobo E Enaohwo, who spent 30 years working in the Property Management Department of 91��Ƭ, retired Aug. 31. She spent time at each of NCC’s properties over the course of her career and trained many of the property managers before they started working in their assigned buildings.

Enaohwo enjoyed her time at NCC.

“91��Ƭ is part of my family,” she said. “I liked my job. I liked my tenants. I liked what I was doing.”

NCC CEO Richard Rohrman has known Enaohwo for her entire tenure with the organization.

“Muobo is the best of NCC,” he said. “I have known Muobo for the 30 years that she has worked so hard to provide housing and services to our residents. Her first position was in the management department as an administrative assistant. Then came assistant manager, manager, senior manager and a stint as assistant director. Muobo was always there through the ups and downs over the years. Dependable, hard-working and she had a firm grasp on the NCC mission. Thank you Muobo and enjoy the relaxation that you have earned many times over.”

Enaohwo became a member of the Property Management team after she went to NCC’s employment center looking for work. She was initially referred to an opportunity working with children at another organization. She told personnel she preferred working with adults, so she was then referred to NCC’s Property Management Department, where she was hired in 1990.

She served as the administrative assistant under three directors of Property Management before being promoted to assistant property manager, property manager and senior property manager. In 2006, she was placed at Commons Senior to oversee that building and the Commons Family units. At the time, there were a lot of vacancies, issues with individuals living in units without being on the lease and back rent due. Enaohwo was tasked with resolving the issues and remained in that role for 10 years.

In 2016, Enaohwo became the Assistant Director of Property Management, but she was asked to return to Commons in 2017 to resolve additional issues there. She spent the remainder of her NCC career at Commons Senior.

As a longtime member of the Property Management team, Enaohwo had a variety of responsibilities. In addition to collecting rent, she made sure recertifications were done on time to ensure tenants were able to keep their subsidies, she conducted interviews with potential tenants to fill vacancies, she did unit inspections to ensure apartments were kept in good condition and she oversaw staff members.

Enaohwo also embraced NCC’s mission of improving the lives of individuals. If she was meeting with a resident about recertification and found out the person needed assistance, she would inform the Resident Services Department to provide additional help.

“She often tried to assist residents in various ways with the intention to always provide them with something they didn’t have or share knowledge or ideas that they didn’t think about; to provide them a better outcome in some way,” said Director of Property Management Hector Torres. “I found Muobo to always be caring and genuine. Where she could help she would. If she couldn’t provide it, she found a source that could provide what the resident needed.”

After three decades with NCC, Enaohwo decided it was time to retire. She plans to move to Texas with her husband to be closer to family. She has three children (two sons and a daughter) and four grandchildren.

Coping with COVID-19: How 91��Ƭ is Helping During the Pandemic

Michelle Lang — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:23:47 +0000

The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of life for people and businesses around the world. 91��Ƭ has had to make adjustments to its operations, but it has continued to provide vital services during the pandemic, keeping in mind and taking steps to ensure the safety of employees, residents and clients.

“NCC has risen to the challenges brought on by COVID-19. Even during a global pandemic, our dedicated staff members have embodied our mission, finding ways to safely provide essential services to our residents and clients in the community at a time of great need,” said NCC CEO Richard Rohrman. “I want to especially thank our teams at Extended Care, Security and Housing who have been continuously working to help our seniors and disabled residents through this crisis. As we move forward in a new normal, we will continue to make adjustments to our operations as necessary, always keeping in mind the health and safety of our employees and those we serve.”

Members of NCC’s Board of Directors have remained involved during the pandemic.

“As a Board, and working very closely with the Management Team at 91��Ƭ, we have witnessed the enormous toll COVID-19 is taking on our residents, employees and the community at large,” said NCC Board Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba. “With dedication and compassion, the leadership team at NCC rose to the occasion to minimize and contain the spread of this deadly virus and to ensure that lives were saved and livelihood was protected.”

Before action was taken by government officials in New Jersey, NCC leadership created a task force made up of department directors and senior leaders to discuss and create plans for each department’s response to the virus. When it became clear that COVID-19 was going to impact the state and NCC’s footprint, those plans were put into practice.

“Our early action made an impact,” said NCC Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter.

Hand sanitizer stations were installed in all NCC buildings and increased cleaning protocols were put in place in early March. NCC’s Environmental Services Department has maintained cleaning and sanitizing protocols throughout the pandemic, at times with fewer staff members.

Across the board, NCC has leveraged remote activity. Meetings moved to remote means to limit in-person contact. Many employees who were able to perform their duties off-site did so at least part of the time.

Each of NCC’s departments has made changes in response to the pandemic. The following provides highlights from these different areas.

Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka, right, checks the temperature of an employee before she starts her shift. Screenings were enacted at the skilled nursing facility to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo courtesy of Fred Hunter.

91��Ƭ Extended Care Facility
To help reduce the risk of infection to residents and staff members of the skilled nursing facility, Extended Care has taken several steps. Visitation was suspended and the building was closed to the public in March. Screening of staff members was put in place, including temperature checks before the start of every shift. Staff members were provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) to use when caring for residents. Plexiglass was installed at the reception desk to serve as a barrier. A specialized environmental professional group that used EPA approved disinfectants sterilized the entire building, from the basement to the fourth floor. Each floor was cleared for several hours during the disinfecting. In addition to the deep cleaning, staff members continually clean the facility with government-approved cleaning products.

All residents and staff members were tested for COVID-19. Residents who tested positive were isolated and staff members found to have the virus were removed from duty and not permitted to return until they received a doctor’s clearance. Retesting was completed in late May and isolation protocols remain in place for those with positive test results.

As an additional precaution, the facility designated a washing machine to launder linens and personal clothing for residents who were identified as COVID-19 positive.

Hunter said Extended Care staff members deserve recognition for their commitment to the residents.

“We have a dedicated group of folks working at Extended Care in all areas, from laundry to nurses to security,” he said. “They’re doing a fine job. I’m proud of them.”

Extended Care received a donation of face shields and ear savers from SOMA NJ 3D Printers Alliance in May, which staff members put to good use when attending to residents’ needs.

Plexiglass has been installed at Security stations, including the one at Harmony House. Photo courtesy of John Wade.

Security
Members of the NCC Security Department have continued to provide services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of staff and residents. They wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and take other preventative measures to keep them as safe as possible. In addition to their traditional duties, Security personnel make sure everyone at their post wears the proper PPE and adheres to social distancing guidelines. For increased safety, Security staff members have minimal direct interaction with the general resident population.

Plexiglass has been installed at Security stations throughout the network to protect staff members from other individuals’ coughs and sneezes.

Members of Security have also assisted with the execution of COVID-19 testing at NCC senior buildings.

Environmental Services
NCC’s Environmental Services Department has managed emergency work orders for NCC residences and cleaned common areas and the grounds throughout the pandemic. Personnel installed hand sanitizer stations in all NCC buildings and plexiglass coverings at security posts. The department was also tasked with handling procurement of PPE for all departments except Extended Care.

Associates Resident Services Coordinator Desiree Crespo hands a hot meal to a resident. Photo courtesy of Resident Services.

Resident Services
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Resident Services has continued to provide support for NCC residents. Resident Services Coordinators conduct phone wellness checks on residents twice per day. The calls range from five to 40 minutes and provide residents with a listening ear. Coordinators have managed more than 1,500 cases per month during the pandemic. In addition to the wellness checks, they provide rental payment and rental assistance reminders; assist tenants filing for unemployment; provide families with baby food, diapers and clothing as needed; help residents complete their census forms by phone or internet; assist residents who don’t normally file tax returns apply for stimulus checks; make routine hospital calls after admission to keep track of residents’ health and wellbeing; call in necessary prescriptions; teleconference with residents to assist with doctor calls after residents experience symptoms possibly related to COVID-19; and share resources related to COVID-19 with residents, including referrals to mental health services when needed.

The Emergency Food Pantry has remained in operation throughout the pandemic, providing food to the community on its regular schedule, opening the first business day after the 15th of each month. Food is also provided to the community on the first Tuesday of each month. During the pandemic, the Emergency Food Pantry has served more than 500 clients per month including seniors, adults and children. From March to April, the food pantry fed 1,069 clients. The number of individuals in need of assistance is expected to increase with a high unemployment rate.

Resident Services Coordinators have facilitated the distribution of meals to residents in NCC’s senior buildings, which have been provided by the City of Newark. They also ensure residents receive food commodities donated by food banks and others.

“The meals are sorted and delivered daily by the Resident Services Coordinators. They do a fantastic and tireless job in assuring that all who want a meal will receive a meal,” said Hector Torres, Director of Property Management. “Our Resident Services Coordinators have been true heroes from day one of this pandemic. I applaud them and their relentless efforts to make sure our residents are at least provided a meal or food during this crisis.”

For more photos of Resident Services in action, click here.

Property Management
NCC residents were informed about COVID-19 through flyers, building intercoms, website updates and follow-up telephone calls. Residents were given ways to reach out to their Property Managers and Management offices to provide for minimal physical contact and when Newark instituted the shelter-in-place order, all physical contact was eliminated. To ensure residents have the most up to date information, the Property Management Department provides flyers and posters and makes follow-up phone calls with updates about changing protocols and food distributions.

Property Managers continue to be at buildings daily and address the recertification process for residents as best as possible with physical limitations. The residents have been cooperative and understanding during the pandemic.

COVID-19 testing for residents and staff members at NCC senior buildings began in May. services were coordinated with Sunrise Diagnostics and the City of Newark. All residents and staff members in the buildings receiving testing were given the opportunity to be tested in the Community Room. A doctor was on site for testing. Social distancing guidelines were adhered to for the testing and residents waited outside for their turn to be swabbed. Anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 had their primary care physician notified.

“There are many people to thank and give appreciation to as we move forward to assure that NCC is doing all it can to make sure our residents are looked out for,” Torres said. “The true meaning of community is reflected during times such as we are experiencing and our employees are true warriors and heroes each and every day.”

Family Resource Success Center
The Family Resource Success Center has remained available throughout the pandemic to ensure that vulnerable, low-income families and individuals can remain in their homes and have access to resources and benefits during and beyond the crisis. The center offers guidance and support to ensure residents are connected to critical local and national resources, and social outlets to maintain their economic and mental health to lessen the impact of the pandemic.

“As the hub for NCC services, we are connecting residents to a range of strategies and activities. We will continue to support communities in an effort to address needs during this public health crisis, and respond to future needs,” said Family Resource Center Director Joann Williams-Swiney. “We hope to leave our communities better prepared and secured for future emergencies and crises.”

The Family Resource Success Center connects individuals to the myriad of services provided by NCC, as well as outside entities. During the pandemic, the center has referred clients and provided the following services: online training programs available through 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI); senior services; health care services for seniors, the disabled and uninsured; housing resources through NCC and specialized housing for those with HIV, the homeless and veterans; counseling services; benefits screenings; energy assistance; prescription assistance; free tax prep, which continues since the tax deadline was pushed back to July 15; detox placements; food referrals; rental assistance programs; financial literacy programs; furniture referrals; and legal services.

Harmony House
Harmony House, NCC’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, has been open for regular services throughout the pandemic and is accepting new referrals. The staff has provided 854 case management hours in eight weeks. Food is also distributed to families through collaboration with the City of Newark and other supporters. Family counseling is available through Family Service Bureau for all families.

Family Service Bureau (FSB)
Family Service Bureau (FSB), a licensed outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment center, has continued to operate during the pandemic with remote services. FSB provided 1,200 sessions in eight weeks with a combination of telehealth and telemedicine.

In addition to servicing community clients, the facility has worked with NCC employees as part of the Employee Assistance Program to provide free support during these difficult times. Mental health and substance abuse services are also available to senior residents and Harmony House families.

In addition, FSB is providing free COVID-19 crisis counseling services to families, individuals and youth living in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. Services are available through the Disaster and Terrorism Branch of the State of New Jersey and are offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 973-272-7488 or email FSBNJHH@newcommunity.org to utilize the services.

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI)
NCCTI was forced to suspend all on-campus classes because of the pandemic. To adjust to the new normal, the school made preparations and began offering three online programs. Clinical Medical Assistant and Patient Care Technician programs began online May 11 and the online Automotive Technician program starts June 8.

“We were able to adjust and offer online learning to ensure we are continuing the pipeline of skilled and trained workers in health care and automotive,” said NCCTI Director Rodney Brutton. “We were able to change our delivery in a matter of weeks and meet our enrollment goals. And the quality has not been jeopardized or diluted.”

Brutton is thankful for NCC’s IT and Finance departments for their assistance making sure online students had the tools and resources necessary to participate in the programs. He also said the Communications Department was instrumental in promoting the online programs, which helped recruit the desired number of students.

The Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) continued its operations during the pandemic, offering financial coaching, job readiness and retention support remotely. The FOC also continues to conduct financial literacy workshops remotely and shares information about topics and online events.

Work for the Newark 2020 initiative also continues during the pandemic. As a community hub, NCCTI personnel participate in weekly conference calls with representatives from other organizations involved in Newark 2020, including Ironbound Community Corporation, Urban League of Essex County, La Casa de Don Pedro and the Newark Alliance, which heads the initiative.

“We are still engaging Newark 2020 clients to assess their education level and work experience and connect them to current job openings within the Newark 2020 employer network,” Brutton said.

Personnel also took an active role in recruiting job seekers for a new virtual career coaching series called Level Up Now!, which is an initiative through the City of Newark and Ironbound Community Corporation for Newark 2020. Sessions began April 29 and continue weekly through June 17. The series includes virtual and essential job opportunities, employer partner facilitators, training on the virtual workplace, remote task delivery, the building power of digital profiles, resume enhancement, virtual interviewing techniques and connections to career coaches.

Adult Learning Center
In-person classes had to be suspended in March because of the pandemic, but the Adult Learning Center moved its classes online April 20 for its last session of the fiscal year. All services are being offered through Google Classroom and Google Meets at their regularly scheduled times. Students were able to pick up their books from the center, which now has office hours of Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While Adult Learning Center Director Cristhian Barcelos said the transition was a challenge since it had to be done quickly and using technology staff members weren’t necessarily familiar with, he said it has been successful and has enabled students to continue their education.

“Our instructors and students have demonstrated an immense capacity to adapt and overcome the challenges that we are facing, especially in the middle of a pandemic and financial crisis,” Barcelos said. “We do not know what awaits for us in the future, but we are working very hard to be prepared for anything that comes our way.”

Early Learning Centers
Both Community Hills Early Learning Center (CHELC) and Harmony House Early Learning Center (HHELC) closed their doors in March because of the pandemic. But just because students and teachers couldn’t come together in the classroom doesn’t mean the learning stopped. Staff members at both centers have continued communicating with families and teaching children through virtual means like Zoom and ClassDojo. Parents share photos and video clips of their children engaged in learning activities. NCC personnel have also reached out to families to provide support through email, WhatsApp and text messages.

HHELC students participated in the Week of the Young Child remotely this year. Throughout the week, they made their own music objects; explored food and cooking; built structures using blocks, wood or legos; and created artwork.

CHELC staff members participate in weekly conference calls to stay updated and discuss how they are dealing with their new normal. Spanish speaking teachers provide remote learning in Spanish for families who primarily speak that language.

Newark Public Schools provided ShopRite gift cards for families at both CHELC and HHELC to help them during this difficult time. Center directors arranged for a family representative to pick up the gift cards.

For photos of CHELC and HHELC families, click here.

Youth Services
Youth Services has provided remote learning to children in the Family Friendly program and the after-school program at the NCC Neighborhood Center. In addition, mentoring services through the Teen Empowerment Network (T.E.N.) program is continuing remotely and assisting high school seniors in preparing for college.

Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF)
Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF) has been operating remotely off-site. Staff members have provided 639 outreach efforts with a total of 240 case management hours.

91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union
The 91��Ƭ Federal Credit Union has remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hours changed slightly and are currently Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

91��Ƭ Welcomes New Chief Operating Officer

Michelle Lang — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 18:49:45 +0000

91��Ƭ has gained a new member of its executive team. Fred Hunter joined the organization Oct. 1 as the Chief Operating Officer.

“I am excited at the addition of Fred Hunter to the NCC staff,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “As Chief Operating Officer, he will be supervising a number of segments of 91��Ƭ’s operations that are vital to fulfilling our mission. It was not an easy pick. We had a number of great applicants, but Fred is without a doubt the right person for the job. His background in the nonprofit world is wide and he has made many important contributions to the organizations he has been affiliated with. Most important, he feels the mission and is very eager to contribute and is already busy getting to know us.”

In the role of COO, Hunter oversees a number of departments, including Environmental Services, Adult Learning Center, Extended Care, Property Management, Security, 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute and the Department of Health and Human Services. He looks at NCC’s metrics, data and outcomes in relation to the organization’s strategic plan and operational goals.

“I think the role of the Chief Operating Officer should complement the CEO, to provide day-to-day operational supervision as well as leadership, to look at our milestones and set the pace of what our day-to-day metrics should be,” Hunter said. “Making sure we’re achieving deliverables while all the time looking at process improvement and how to improve quality.”

While the COO often takes a higher view to ensure departments are going in the right direction, Hunter said someone in that role also has to be willing to learn about and understand different jobs within the departments, even if that means working alongside an employee for a day to see what it’s like.

“Learning the process and learning the challenges that that person may have that they might live with and we never knew was a problem,” he said. “You have to be willing to roll your sleeves up and get into the weeds.”

Prior to working at 91��Ƭ, Hunter served as the COO at The Arc Middlesex County, which provides people with developmental and other disabilities, and their families, with supports and services. He worked there for a little more than three years.

Hunter has had a variety of professional experiences, ranging from patient financial services, health care consulting and business management. He has worked in project management, has served as a Chief Financial Officer and has some experience in Human Resources. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and a Master of Science in Business Management.

Hunter wasn’t actively looking for work when 91��Ƭ’s COO position became available.

“I pretty much dismissed every opportunity that came across my desk and told the headhunters, ‘Let me connect you with someone who can fill the role,’” he said. “But when this COO opportunity came, I thought it was a perfect match.”

While Hunter had heard of 91��Ƭ, he didn’t know the extent of its offerings. But after researching the organization and its history, he wanted to get involved.

“It had such an esteemed reputation and if I can add value to such a great organization, if I can come there and be a resource there, that will feel good. And that’s what did it,” he said.

Hunter’s favorite part of his job is the ability to contribute toward the mission and goals and actually seeing the results achieved.

“Having the ability to influence actions that are going to be put in play that cause the desired effect of helping the most vulnerable people. That is the most satisfying part of the job,” he said.

He also has enjoyed serving as a nonprofit board member and mentor to staff members in the past.

While Hunter enjoys having a good time, he’s very serious when it comes to his work.

“I typically have a smile when you see me, but I’m certainly an operations person in the sense that there are action items, there are deliverables, there are due dates and there’s followup,” he said.

Employees aren’t left on their own, however. Hunter encourages them to bring him information about challenges that they can work out together.

“My job is to get people connected,” he said. “It’s holding us accountable to our deadlines and the people who are having struggles, working with them to really come to some type of an agreeable outcome.”

Hunter lives in North Brunswick, which he has called home for about 15 years, with his wife Kelly and 12-year-old son. He also has two adult daughters and an adult stepson. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. Aruba is his favorite destination.

NCC Security Efforts Help Reduce Crime

Michelle Lang — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 21:02:16 +0000

91��Ƭ’s Security Department has taken steps to help reduce crime within the organization’s footprint in Newark and those efforts are having an impact on the area.

Security Operations Manager John Wade explained that last year there were four hot spots for crime in Newark’s Central Ward located in NCC’s footprint.

“This year we have none because of some of the things that we’ve been doing and some of the things the police have been doing in this particular area,” he said.

Wade and NCC Director of Community Engagement Richard Cammarieri are involved with the Newark Public Safety Collaborative, which is part of the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice. The initiative aims to provide relevant crime statistics and information on what is contributing to crime in a certain area. The Newark Police Department is also involved and Wade said NCC received information about crime within its footprint.

“That’s how we ultimately came up with strategies to address some things in this particular area,” Wade said.

Members of the NCC Security Task Force now have a stronger presence during the day and have been focusing on quality of life issues including illegal parking, loitering and drug activity.

“John’s ability to reach out and get involved in bringing in new ideas and resources to NCC is paying off. We are committed to renovating our properties and partnering with our residents to provide a safe, secure and dignified living experience,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “These efforts combined with additional Task Force officers, more lighting, security cameras and outreach have had a measurable impact on the quality of life on the properties.”

During the course of patrolling and investigating, Security personnel also evaluate factors that contribute to incidents. That includes environmental factors, some of which are being addressed with the ongoing renovation project. Landscaping changes, additional lighting and cameras are expected to further improve the area. If Security personnel find that tenants are engaging in activities affecting the quality of life, the department teams up with Property Management to address issues with the tenants. Some tenants have been issued warnings and those who don’t comply can be referred to landlord-tenant court.

In addition to internal investigations and policy changes, Wade said NCC has a good relationship with the Newark Police Department. While 91��Ƭ is private property, the organization has given members of the Newark Police Department the authority to come onto NCC properties and enforce motor vehicle laws and city ordinances.

This summer, one of Security’s key focus areas was the playground between the NCC Neighborhood Center and Manor Family at 72 Hayes St. Wade said he wanted parents to feel safe sending their children to summer camp at the NCC Neighborhood Center, as well as dropping them off and picking them up.

“It’s my understanding through some of the critiques they got at the rec center that we definitely made an impact,” Wade said. “So I was very happy about that.”

There were no shootings in the area this summer, which was an improvement, and police checkpoints that were present for several months last year have been removed.

While Wade said there is still room for improvement, he has noticed more residents out and about and parents allowing their children outside to play.

“It’s good to see people who can just come out and take a morning stroll. And walk to the store and get a cup of coffee,” Wade said. “When you see people are able to do that in this particular area, I think you know you’re making a little bit of an impact.”

While violent crime is down in the area, crimes of opportunity are occurring, particularly thefts from vehicles. Wade encourages residents and visitors to always lock their cars and not leave valuables or other items in plain sight. He said even umbrellas, sunglasses or loose change could be items of interest.

With cameras being installed, NCC Security has more tools to help with both criminal and internal investigations. New parking regulations and house rules will be released soon as well to help improve quality of life issues.

Wade hopes NCC residents embrace the changes and work with the Security Department.

“The officers need resident support in order to do their job. It’s going to take a team effort,” he said.

New Director of Property Management Hopes To Instill Team Culture

Michelle Lang — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 15:45:21 +0000

Hector Torres now serves as the Director of Property Management for 91��Ƭ. He started in the position Sept. 17.

91��Ƭ recently welcomed Hector Torres as the new Director of Property Management. He has a degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University, but has been working in property management since the early 1990s.

Torres got into property management when he was working with Peter J. O’Connor, the attorney from Cherry Hill who brought a case against Mount Laurel because that municipality refused to allow affordable housing units. The case went to the New Jersey Supreme Court and led to the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), which requires municipalities to have a certain number of affordable housing units.

That experience made Torres knowledgeable about the different aspects of affordable housing, which is an asset to 91��Ƭ.

“Hector brings a great mix of experience in both the Section 8 and Tax Credit programs. After our resyndications, we have tax credits layered over Section 8 which brings a new complexity to managing our residential portfolio,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “Hector brings the technical skills, experience and temperament to meet our standard of operating a high performing property management department. Please join me in welcoming Hector to the NCC family.”

Before coming to 91��Ƭ, Torres worked for RPM Development Group and had a brief stint as director of operations for the Pemberton Township School District. He found that the public sector wasn’t a good fit for him and decided he wanted to get back into property management work. A friend and former coworker told him about the opportunity at 91��Ƭ, so he applied, interviewed and ultimately landed the job. He started Sept. 17.

As the Director of Property Management, Torres is responsible for supervising the property managers, ensuring the buildings are maintained to certain standards, keeping the buildings financially responsible and making sure NCC is in compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

“But I think my biggest responsibility is to change the culture and the attitudes,” he said. “I want to incorporate a true team concept.”

He also stresses to the property managers that they shouldn’t take the job personally.

“There’s regulations out there for housing and everything but you’re still dealing with people. And that’s the bottom line,” Torres said. “And one of the things, working with Peter O’Connor back then that is true today is that the human element always comes into play.”

Torres grew up in Camden as one of 15 children. He currently lives in Magnolia in Camden County. He has a wife, a son, a daughter and a granddaughter. He also loves pit bulls and currently has two named Roscoe and Chloe.

“If I had enough money, I would open a shelter and stop working,” he said.

In his spare time, Torres plays fast pitch baseball with a league, which he has been doing for about 10 years. Every November he attends a week-long tournament in Florida.

Torres is impressed with the vast array of services 91��Ƭ offers and hopes that more residents access those services.

“Over the years, 91��Ƭ has developed programs and opportunities for the people of Newark. I think that’s amazing. I wish more of our residents would take full advantage of everything,” he said. “That’s one of the things when I meet with them I want to stress. It’s here. Use it. Don’t let it go to waste.”