St. Joseph Plaza – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Celebrates Career of Retiring CEO Richard Rohrman

Michelle Lang — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 15:41:00 +0000

91��Ƭ hosted a celebration for retiring CEO Richard Rohrman on May 20 to commemorate his 26-year career with the organization and thank him for his leadership. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a small group, including members of his family, close friends, colleagues and NCC supporters, gathered at St. Joseph Plaza to celebrate him. The event was also live streamed for those who were unable to attend in person.

91��Ƭ Board Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba congratulated Rohrman on his extensive career and called him the base of the organization.

“Monsignor [William J. Linder] was the founder, the visionary, but you also need people who are nuts and bolts type people to make the organization work. And Rich was that person,” Yamba said. “And when he became the CEO, he carried 91��Ƭ to other heights.”

91��Ƭ Board Member Diane Johnson, who served as the emcee of the event, reiterated that sentiment.

“The founder may have taken it from ashes to hope. But I know that Richard Rohrman has taken it from hope to reality,” she said. “Richard is someone who has been dedicated and committed and passionate about not only the legacy, but has taken us forward. Under his leadership, we have done very, very well.”

Johnson talked about the rehabilitation of several Newark properties that took place under Rohrman’s leadership that ensures the affordable housing units will be available for many years to come. She also said there are new projects in the works that were started with Rohrman at the helm.

Newark Central Ward Councilwoman LaMonica McIver represented the City Council at the event, bringing a resolution from the council and speaking on their behalf.

“I want to tell you congratulations and thank you for everything that you have done, continuing the legacy of 91��Ƭ and all of the hard work, working for our residents, the programming, everything,” McIver said. “91��Ƭ is literally an enterprise. We would not be able to be the city that we are without 91��Ƭ and so I’m thankful for you from day one.”

Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree spoke on behalf of Newark’s mayor at the event.

“As I stand here today on behalf of the mayor of this great city, Ras J. Baraka, and over 300,000 residents, I say thank you. Thank you for your perseverance when you could’ve turned your back and said I’m done,” she said.

91��Ƭ Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter and Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya presented Rohrman with an award depicting NCC’s footprint as a collage.

“Most of us see Rich as more than just our CEO. He’s a mentor, he’s inspiring, he’s a leader, he’s a partner and a trusted friend,” Hunter said. “As a CEO out in front, you can easily put yourself out there constantly. But it was never about Rich. It was always how to make 91��Ƭ better. Well, Rich, we all want to say job well done.”

In addition to being an advocate for affordable housing, Rohrman has also been passionate about promoting homeownership. To help individuals who face challenges with down payments and closing costs, Yamba announced the creation of the Richard Rohrman 91��Ƭ Fund for First Time Home Buyers. Board members presented Rohrman with a check in the amount of $35,000 raised as a start for the fund. Money received in support of this initiative will be awarded as grants to qualifying first time home buyers from the service areas of Newark, Orange and Jersey City to help offset down payments and closing costs.

Johnson also announced the renaming of the East Africa Room in St. Joseph Plaza. It is now known as the Richard Rohrman Conference Room and will showcase photos of Rohrman and his work over the years.

91��Ƭ Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson read a congressional record that Congressman Donald Payne Jr. submitted honoring Rohrman’s retirement.

In addition to the in-person remarks, attendees had the opportunity to view a tribute video produced ahead of time which included 91��Ƭ employees from various departments, board members, family members and friends.

Rohrman was very appreciative of the event and remarks. He said his time at 91��Ƭ has greatly impacted his life.

“This has just been an incredible, enriching experience for me to be a part of 91��Ƭ for these 26 years,” Rohrman said. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet and become friends with people of such different backgrounds and nationalities and with such different life experiences. It’s just given me a great respect of people for their kindness, their openness and their perseverance.”

Rohrman recalled first coming to 91��Ƭ when he was in his late 20s and being part of a building boom for the organization. He said having grown up in a suburban community and attending Catholic schools for his education from grade school through college provided him with a much different experience than the individuals who were being served by 91��Ƭ.

“Monsignor opened my eyes to a much different reality than I had lived. He just showed me what he and 91��Ƭ were doing to change the city of Newark and they were just working at such a feverish pitch. And I’m just so grateful that I was able to work so closely with Monsignor and learn from his vision and his deep passion for the people of Newark,” Rohrman said. “And then again much later, after experiencing this initial building boom, I was able to work again with so many talented, hardworking people to renovate the same housing and restructure NCC and set it up for its future.”

. All photos are by Lloyd G. Holmes. You can watch the event live stream here. The tribute video can be viewed here.

7th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration at St. Joseph Plaza

Michelle Lang — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 14:28:47 +0000

St. Joseph Plaza, 233 West Market St., Newark, hosted the Seventh Annual Women’s History Month Celebration titled “Living Life on Purpose” March 6. The event, which drew about 150 guests, was dedicated to the memory of Yvette Glover, a Newark native who sang gospel and jazz locally and internationally. She passed away Feb. 11, 2020.

Joy Topping-Mann produced the event, which included a musical performance by the Sheba Jordan Band and a song by Norman Mann. There was also a tribute to Brenda Mosley. The Mental Health Players of New Jersey performed as well, led by Director Lynette Sheard.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Burrus Around Town.

Music @ St. Joseph Plaza: Joy Topping-Mann Presents 7th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration

Michelle Lang — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

As part of the live entertainment at St. Joseph Plaza on Friday nights, Joy Topping-Mann Presents the Seventh Annual Women’s History Month Celebration Dedicated to the Memory of Yvette Glover.

A food or beverage purchase is required.

Music @ St. Joseph Plaza: Anonymous

QSD — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

As part of the live music and entertainment at St. Joseph Plaza, Anonymous performs Feb. 21. A food or beverage purchase is required.

Music @ St. Joseph Plaza: The Storm Band

QSD — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

As part of the live music and entertainment at St. Joseph Plaza, The Storm Band performs Feb. 7. A food or beverage purchase is required.

NCC Employees Celebrate the Holidays

Michelle Lang — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 15:56:00 +0000

All 91��Ƭ employees were invited to the NCC Holiday Party Dec. 19, held at St. Joseph Plaza. Attendees enjoyed appetizers, drinks, dinner and dessert along with the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with their coworkers. Every attendee received a raffle ticket for a chance to win gift cards throughout the evening. Thanks to everyone who participated and made the party a success! Photos courtesy of Get My Good Side Photography.

Withum Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner for Harmony House Families

Michelle Lang — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 18:03:52 +0000

Accounting firm Withum hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for the residents of Harmony House, 91��Ƭ’s transitional housing facility for homeless families, Nov. 26 at St. Joseph Plaza. Volunteers from Withum cooked the meal and served it to the families. Adults and children in attendance enjoyed traditional Thanksgiving dinner and dessert.

NCC Residents Dress Up and Enjoy Harvest Ball

Michelle Lang — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 19:32:57 +0000

The Resident Services Department of 91��Ƭ held the Harvest Ball for NCC residents Nov. 21 at St. Joseph Plaza. The event included guest speakers, a catered lunch, door prizes, awards for best dressed male and female, recognition of the two oldest NCC residents, a game and a dance competition.

Resident Services would like to thank those who contributed to make the event a success: Diana Rivera of UnitedHealthcare, Sara Werner of Amerigroup, Paul Hsu of Guardy’s Pharmacy, Luz Ramirez of WellCare, Elvin Santiago of Horizon NJ Health, Taraja Hudson of Taste Tee’s Cuisine and Alistair Liddell of DJ Gospel Connection.

The department also thanks the special guests who were in attendance: Hassan Abdus-Sabur; Aide to Councilwoman LaMonica McIver; Gloria Chambers-Benoit, Essex County Division of Senior Services; Flohisha Hill, Community Action; Margaret Cammarieri, American Heart & Stroke Association; Nadira Brown, Division of Family Assistance and Benefits; Jessica Torres; and Ethel Gilbert.

91��Ƭ Remembers Retired Executive Chef with Memorial Mass

Michelle Lang — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 18:36:09 +0000

91��Ƭ held a Memorial Mass remembering Joe Rodriguez, who served as the executive chef at the organization for nearly 33 years. He had retired in January and passed away Aug. 10 at the age of 84. Rodriguez’s family members, friends and colleagues gathered at St. Joseph Plaza Sept. 27 to honor and remember him.

“Joe’s Memorial Mass and reception was a beautiful, warm gathering of friends and family,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “We enjoyed each other’s company and shared stories that were both funny and underscored Joe’s seemingly bottomless kindness and compassion. He was a great man who went about his goodness quietly and without any fanfare. We will miss him.”

Father Beatus Kitururu led the mass and pointed out that Rodriguez was always smiling, citing photos of him in the room.

“Now that smile tells you the personality of the person. He’s a person full of faith,” he said. “Joe went through some very difficult times but you can see he is always full of smiles. Because all things are good for those who love God.”

91��Ƭ Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson called Rodriguez special.

“Joe was a great person. He never said no to anyone,” she said, citing the many Thanksgiving meals he made for those in need over the years. “He never complained about anything.”

Extended Care Administrator Veronica Onwunaka worked with Rodriguez for 28 years. She talked about his dedication to the nursing home and its residents, explaining that he never missed Thanksgiving or Christmas, he didn’t call out sick, he would come to the facility in snowstorms and that he was dedicated to his job even when he was caring for his late wife when she was ill.

“So for the family members that are here today, on behalf of [late NCC Founder] Monsignor [William J. Linder] and the entire, hundreds of thousands of residents that Joe fed over so many years, we really thank you,” she said.

NCC Director of Mission Frances Teabout told those in attendance that she always thinks of Rodriguez when she hears a famous IHOP slogan.

“Any time I heard ‘Come Hungry, Leave Happy,’ I always thought about Joe. Joe was such a wonderful gift to all of us here at 91��Ƭ. We always came hungry if we knew that Joe was cooking. And no doubt, you always left full and happy,” she said.

Teabout also spoke about his deep faith.

“Joe was a christian, a devout Catholic. And he followed those words of Jesus,” she said. “He had compassion.”

Two of Rodriguez’s daughters spoke at the Memorial Mass in his honor. They said their father loved working for 91��Ƭ and Monsignor Linder.

“Every time Father Linder accomplished anything, Dad accomplished something because he was so happy. And I see that he loved all of you,” said daughter Anne Marie Ventura. “And as much as he didn’t like parties and everything else, I think he would’ve been very pleased that we’re all assembled together for mass here in his honor. I can’t think of anything better.”

Joyce Hessemer, another one of Rodriguez’s daughters, agreed that her father loved 91��Ƭ and was extremely dedicated to his work. She said she wished he had more time to enjoy his retirement, but she knows he’s in a good place.

“I can’t be sad and think about all the things he could’ve done in his retirement because he’s with God,” Hessemer said. “He’s having the best retirement he ever could have.”

NCCTI Celebrates Program Graduates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that offers the following programs: Automotive Technician, Diesel Technician, Building Trades Specialist, Clinical Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Community Healthcare Worker, Culinary Arts Specialist and Business and Computer Technologies. NCCTI also operates a comprehensive Financial Opportunity Center and Bridges to Career Opportunities Program sponsored by the local and national Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) offices. For more information and to apply, call 973-824-6484, log onto newcommunitytech.edu or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.