In June, Henry organized a painting event for the residents of Associates, with the help of Sgt. Aleta Morse and Sgt. Habeebah Rasul. The trio provided canvases with image outlines and paint so the residents could choose how to design their creations. They decorated the Community Room of the building and provided refreshments.

In August, Henry worked with Resident Services Coordinator for Families Anibal Alvelo to host a Family Movie Night. The event was a fun evening for children and families with refreshments and a school supply giveaway. Alvelo had some donated backpacks and Henry solicited additional donations from NCC staff members to ensure each child in attendance received school supplies, snacks and drinks. Members of the NCC Task Force volunteered their time for the event and also ordered pizza. Additional members of the Security Department also donated funds and items to ensure the event was a success.

Henry has helped plan a variety of events for the Security Department over the years. When she first started working at 91心頭, she threw a baby shower for a friend. It was so successful that many people suggested she get into party planning as a job. She wasn���t interested in that then, but as time went on, she helped organize department Christmas parties and other events.

���I just really like helping people and being involved,��� she said. ���I like to see smiles on people���s faces when they enjoy themselves.���

While Henry likes the planning aspect of events, she prefers to be in the background rather than be the face of the affair.

���I���m more of the backup help that basically makes sure that everything���s in the right place so the people that are in the front, they have the tools that they need,��� she said.

Henry and her sister hope to start a business offering balloon arches and wall backdrops, as well as event planning.

Henry plans to continue organizing events for 91心頭 residents. Her next project is a Harlem Nights movie night at Roseville Senior at the end of September. She also hopes to host field days for the seniors next spring to get them moving and outside.

In addition to producing fun events for residents, Henry also hopes to show them that NCC Security is part of their community and not just there to enforce rules.

Henry said 91心頭 is in her blood and that���s one of the reasons she wants to give back.

Henry���s grandmother on her mother���s side used to live at Commons Senior and she remembers the security officer having her mother sign in when they would visit. Her grandmother on her father���s side currently lives at Douglas Homes and turned 101 earlier this year. Henry was present for the birthday celebration that Resident Services hosted in the Community Room.

���91心頭 is like home,��� she said.

Henry hopes to be able to host more events that are larger in scope to bring the community together and provide joy to NCC residents.

���I really love 91心頭,��� she said.

Williams was on duty at Commons Senior, 140 South Orange Ave., Newark, on Nov. 17 when a resident informed her that two men were lying on the ground in the building���s parking lot. Her first instinct was to bring Narcan with her when she went outside to investigate.

���One of the guys was completely out and the other one was going down so I knew it was something related to them being high,��� Williams said.

She notified the Security Base Station to call for paramedics and administered Narcan to the unconscious man. She spoke with the other man.

���I asked him, ���Can I please give you this to avoid you passing out?��� At first, he was saying no, but when he saw that he couldn���t stand up, he was like, ���Give it to me,������ Williams said.

She administered Narcan to him as well. She located a third man between two cars shortly before paramedics arrived.

None of the men were 91心頭 residents, but Williams said that didn���t matter.

���If they���re on our property, we are the first responders before anyone else gets there,��� she said.

Williams had never administered Narcan before but followed the instructions on the box.

91心頭 Security Operations Manager Derek White praised Williams for her actions.

���Officer Williams��� quick thinking and decision-making in administering Narcan to the men not only saved lives, but it demonstrates the dedication and preparedness that our Security team strives for,��� White said. ���She is a valuable asset to our department and deserves to be commended for her heroism.���

Williams said she didn���t take action that day to receive accolades.

���I don���t care about recognition for it,��� she said. ���I did it because they were human and it was the right thing to do.���

She said everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves help and has families that love them.

���My father was on drugs and I would���ve wanted someone to do everything in their power to help him if he needed that help before he passed away,��� she said.

Williams hopes the incident at Commons Senior raises awareness about Narcan and that her fellow Security officers know that it���s available to them as a resource and understand the importance of using it when necessary.

Folsom has the longest tenure with 91心頭. 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心頭 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心頭 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心頭 until retirement.

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

Mansare will reach 30 years at 91心頭 in August. He first learned about 91心頭 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心頭.

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心頭,��� he said. ���It���s like a family.���

Security Sgt. Barrow has worked at 91心頭 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心頭,��� he said. ���I loved the job I was doing.���

Barrow first came to 91心頭 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心頭 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心頭���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心頭���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心頭 is there,��� Grier-Porch said. ���I���m glad that we can be of help to them.���

���We are very happy to have Derek White join 91心頭 as the new Security Operations Manager,��� said 91心頭 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心頭 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心頭 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.

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心頭.

���I loved it here. I loved the people, the community,��� he said. ���91心頭 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心頭 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心頭, launch a law enforcement career and return to serve the organization and its residents once again.

���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心頭, 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.

91心頭 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.

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.

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心頭 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心頭 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心頭 Federal Credit Union
The 91心頭 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.

���I am excited at the addition of Fred Hunter to the NCC staff,��� said 91心頭 CEO Richard Rohrman. ���As Chief Operating Officer, he will be supervising a number of segments of 91心頭���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心頭 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心頭, 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心頭���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心頭, 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.

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心頭 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心頭 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.