Security Department – 91��Ƭ

Longtime Security Personnel Reflect on Time at 91��Ƭ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Retired Member of Newark Police Department Now 91��Ƭ Security Operations Manager

Michelle Lang — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:43:11 +0000

91��Ƭ’s Security Department has a new person at the helm. Derek White joined the NCC family as the Security Operations Manager on June 1. White was a longtime member of the Newark Police Department, retiring after about 31 years of service, and he also has experience supervising unarmed security guards for a company in New York.

“We are very happy to have Derek White join 91��Ƭ as the new Security Operations Manager,” said 91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter. “Derek is a retired lieutenant from the Newark Police Department and brings his vast knowledge of law enforcement and public safety.”

During his tenure with the Newark Police Department, White worked in several investigative units, including robbery squad, the sexual assault unit and internal affairs. He also worked patrol, the taxi unit and the executive protection unit. After retiring from the department, he made the move to a security company in New York as a supervisor.

White applied to the position with 91��Ƭ to bring him closer to home. He hopes to make a difference in his new role.

“My intentions are just to use my knowledge and the experience that I’ve gotten from the police department and from life in general and try to make some type of impact as far as making things safer and also continuing what my predecessor started,” he said. “My goal is to just keep the positivity going.”

White has a long history in Newark, both personally and professionally. His grandfather came to Newark in the 1950s and operated a cleaners business in the city, his father served as a Newark police officer for 26 years, his mother taught in Newark for 28 years and his sister is currently a teacher for the Newark Public Schools.

White was born in East Orange and lived in Newark until he was in first grade. His parents then moved to Plainfield, where he attended elementary school and junior high school. He graduated from Seton Hall Prep for high school and attended a couple of years of college, but wasn’t excelling. His father gave him the application for the police exam and encouraged him to pursue a career in law enforcement, which he did.

He started the police academy in October 1989 and finished in March 1990. He officially retired from the Newark Police Department in February 2020.

White is currently a Newark resident and has been in the same home since 1996. He is familiar with 91��Ƭ from his time in the city and working in the police department. His mother’s aunt also lived at Gardens Senior for a time.

In his spare time, White likes to travel, ride his bicycle and go to the gym. He has a son and a stepdaughter.

91��Ƭ Participates in Newark Equitable Vaccine Initiative

Michelle Lang — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 19:07:47 +0000

91��Ƭ is one of the community organizations working to ensure residents of color have access to COVID-19 vaccines through the Newark Equitable Vaccine Initiative. The initiative kicked off on March 23 with a community vaccination event in the parking lot of the IHOP on Bergen Street.

91��Ƭ’s Health and Human Services Department was instrumental in helping to ensure the event’s success. The department’s community health workers (CHWs) registered individuals for vaccine appointments prior to the event and were on site to help check in vaccine recipients, alongside representatives from Urban League of Essex County, which was a partner with NCC in executing the plan for the day. Event participants also received information about free COVID-19 crisis counseling that is available through Family Service Bureau of Newark (FSB). 91��Ƭ’s Security Department provided transportation for NCC residents who had vaccine appointments at the event.

“This is another in the list of cooperative efforts between government, business and the nonprofit community to get those who face challenges vaccinated,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “The level of cooperation and shared urgency has been something that is encouraging and shows us what we are capable of as a unified group. We were happy to be able to transport people to the event. This initiative is another much needed avenue to help us reach our shared goal of vaccinating as many residents as possible.”

Women check in for their vaccination appointment during the Newark Equitable Vaccine Initiative kickoff on March 23. Representatives from 91��Ƭ and the Urban League of Essex County were on hand to assist those receiving vaccines. A tent was set up in the parking lot of the IHOP on Bergen Street in Newark where individuals received vaccines and those involved in the initiative spoke about the importance of educating and vaccinating minority communities in the city.

NCC Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter attended the kickoff event and spoke about how 91��Ƭ serves a large population of people of color and has made vaccine education and distribution a priority.

“There are many different areas of 91��Ƭ that are instrumental in getting the message out about the importance of getting folks vaccinated,” he said.

In addition to helping with the community vaccination event, 91��Ƭ, with the assistance of area pharmacies and the City of Newark Department of Health, has offered vaccines to residents and staff members at its senior housing buildings and skilled nursing facility. Education surrounding the vaccines for residents and staff members is ongoing.

“Vulnerable seniors in our nursing home and senior buildings were vaccinated in their homes,” Rohrman said. “The Newark Health Department has been outstanding.”

91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter addresses the crowd during the kickoff of the Newark Equitable Vaccine Initiative.

91��Ƭ Chief of Health and Human Services Arti Kakkar emphasized the importance of education and accessibility.

“When it comes to disparities in health, it is important to note for future endeavors why it exists because that needs to be addressed. When it comes to vaccination efforts, we need to make it easily accessible for Newark residents to be able to meet the vaccination goals set by the county and the state,” she said. “For successful implementation of a vaccination program, I strongly believe we need to address the hesitancy around the vaccines by community education, which we are doing with our community health workers, and also address emotional issues and anxiety that we are addressing through our crisis counseling support through FSB.”

Data supports the assertion that increased education and access to vaccinations for communities of color are important to help put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of the kickoff event, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said that less than 5 percent of the Newark population had been fully vaccinated.

“With something like this, we’re providing access to people to get the vaccination, particularly in neighborhoods where people are more likely to die from COVID-19,” Baraka said. “These communities are three times more likely to succumb to the coronavirus and 10 times less likely to take the vaccine, which is why this event is extremely important.”

Funding for the Newark Equitable Vaccine Initiative comes from a $1 million grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to United Way of Greater Newark.

“The Newark Equitable Vaccine Initiative leverages Newark’s best resources for building equity and increasing access to the community,” said United Way of Greater Newark President and CEO Catherine Wilson. “It brings together local health care providers, community-based organizations, small business owners, clergy, elected officials and concerned citizens all working together to coordinate on distribution, connect residents with providers, share resources and promote accurate health information.”

Having a group of entities working together to help to educate and vaccinate the community will hopefully increase vaccine participation.

“No one organization, no one government can do this alone,” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo. “I want to see everyone engaged in this.”

Dr. Shereef Elnahal, president and CEO of University Hospital, told those in attendance that he and his staff have seen firsthand the devastating effect COVID-19 has had on communities of color. Because infections continue, he said the efforts of the Newark Equitable Vaccine Initiative are vital to fighting the virus.

“This pandemic is not over and its impact on Black and brown people has not ended,” Elnahal said. “We have to do this. We have to start now and we have to work together.”

Adenah Bayoh, IHOP Multi-Franchise Owner and Cornbread Co-Founder, allowed her Bergen Street IHOP location’s parking lot to serve as the kickoff event location. She was born and raised in Newark and volunteered at University Hospital when she was 12 years old. She said the initiative is personal to her and very important.

“I would shut down IHOP if I had to to make sure more people in the community get vaccinated,” she said.

Personnel from Rite Aid and Newark Community Health Center were on hand to administer vaccines throughout the day of the kickoff.

Rite Aid Division Vice President Margherita R. Cardello said the pharmacy is happy to be a part of the Newark Equitable Vaccine Initiative to increase access to information and vaccinations.

“It’s only possible with community groups and businesses working together seamlessly for the greater good,” she said.

Former NCC Security Supervisor, Now Newark Police Officer, Returns to NCC as Task Force Officer

Michelle Lang — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 21:15:20 +0000

Quawee Williams has a long history with 91��Ƭ. He grew up in NCC housing, worked for the organization’s Security Department for seven years and has returned as a Task Force Officer after achieving a career in law enforcement with the Newark Police Department.

Williams joined NCC as a Security Officer in 2012 and was promoted to Supervisor. In his seven years with the department, he worked every shift and at every site. He resigned from his role with NCC Security in September 2019 to become a Newark Police Officer. While he was excited for the opportunity and his next chapter, he was sad to leave 91��Ƭ.

“I loved it here. I loved the people, the community,” he said. “91��Ƭ was a great stepping stone for me. The transition, the training, the people I’ve interacted with, everything prepared me for the next level.”

Williams entered the Police Academy in September 2019 and officially became a Newark Police Officer on Feb. 3, 2020.

He decided to return to 91��Ƭ as a Task Force Officer to serve as a role model, showing others that they can achieve their career goals.

“I just want to change the mind for some of the kids that feel as though they don’t know where they want to go in life or what they can do in life,” he said.

NCC Security Operations Manager John Wade encouraged Williams to pursue becoming a police officer and helped him prepare for the transition. He is happy to have Williams back at NCC.

“Quawee Williams was one of my dependable supervisors when he worked on the Security side of the house,” Wade said. “As a former law enforcement executive, coaching him in joining the ranks of the Newark Police Department was my pleasure. Welcoming him back, as a Task Force Officer and a product of NCC, was a no brainer.”

Williams returned as a Task Force Officer in November. He works overnight shifts for NCC when he’s not working as a Newark Police Officer. He mainly responds to emergency calls.

“I’m happy that I can work for others and just be someone that can lend a helping hand in any situation and be a listening ear for those that need it,” he said.

Williams still lives in the area and has a young daughter.

He is grateful he had the opportunity to grow with 91��Ƭ, launch a law enforcement career and return to serve the organization and its residents once again.

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.

NCC Security Personnel Start Training Program

Michelle Lang — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 15:20:03 +0000

Members of the 91��Ƭ Security Department will be undergoing new training throughout 2018. The process began with three supervisors participating in a three-day training Jan. 23-25 at St. Joseph Plaza.

“Through training, policies, rules and regulations, this is how we ensure officers are trained to do what needs to be done,” said Security Operations Manager John Wade.

Wade is leading the effort and is conducting the training with help from Human Resources Director Ben Galvez and Family Service Bureau Executive Director Manuela Garcia. Wade is certified to teach almost half of the curriculum at the Police Academy and has used that background to customize training for NCC personnel. He is leading the majority of the training. Galvez is reviewing HR policies and procedures with employees. Garcia is helping with the mental health aspect of the training, including de-escalation techniques.

The training covers areas including standard operating procedures, leadership and management, ethics, verbal de-escalation, incident command and active shooter. Wade also recently reworked the emergency plans for Community Hills Early Learning Center and Harmony House Early Learning Center and will review those plans as part of the training as well.

Training will be conducted in small groups throughout the year based on employees’ schedules and positions. Supervisors will receive training first, followed by dispatchers, patrol officers and officers at the various NCC sites. Some of the training will be specifically geared toward employees’ positions. Wade plans to have everyone complete three days worth of training.

Veteran And Former Police Director Now NCC Security Operations Manager

Michelle Lang — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 14:57:46 +0000

John Wade is 91��Ƭ’s Security Operations Manager, overseeing unarmed security personnel.

91��Ƭ has a new Security Operations Manager to oversee unarmed security personnel throughout the network. John Wade has 30 years of experience under his belt, spending time in the military and civilian law enforcement.
Wade spent six years in the Air Force, mostly overseas in Europe and Central America. He served as a weapons instructor and security specialist. After leaving the military, Wade spent more than 20 years with the Orange Police Department, rising through the ranks to lieutenant before retiring. He was asked to come back after retirement and served as the deputy emergency management coordinator and the police director.
He is very familiar with 91��Ƭ. He was born and raised in Newark, graduated from Science Park High School and had family members and friends who lived in NCC’s housing.
“John will be a terrific addition to NCC. He has an extensive background in law enforcement in Essex County and is familiar with Newark and the people in law enforcement here. His background in training and administration brings a high level of organizational skills to us,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “I am happy to have him and look forward to working with John to further the NCC mission.”
Wade, who started in his role Sept. 18, said he wholeheartedly accepted the position when it was offered.
“My career has centered around different positions to make an impact. That’s what I want to do here, internally and externally,” he said.
As part of overseeing the 90-plus unarmed security members, Wade will be revamping the training programs. He serves as a police instructor part-time at the Essex County College Police Academy and plans to convert the instruction for the security officers and supervisors, increasing their knowledge and improving the image of the Security Department and 91��Ƭ as a whole.
Wade enjoys teaching, which he has been doing for more than three years.
“I impart some knowledge that helped me survive the scrutiny of my position or spared my life in different situations,” he said.
Wade is also currently a student. He’s working toward a master’s degree in public administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He may also pursue a master’s degree in homeland security in the future.
Wade lives in Essex County and has two sons. Currently most of his free time is spent working toward his master’s degree.
“I’m committed to doing it,” he said.