LISC New Jersey Fall 2024 Newsletter
A Message From our Executive Director Jorge Sam Cruz
NEW JERSEY (Sept 12, 2024) — “Together, we strive to build a brighter future for all residents in the neighborhoods and communities we serve, where everyone can access pathways to opportunities and success.” This is the vision statement that the LISC-New Jersey team developed together to frame the north star of our work and the north star I followed in my return as Executive Director of this amazing team. So enough about me – what WE really need you to understand is what our three strategic goals are for the balance of 2024:
Goal 1: Serve as the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) of choice with public and private-sector partners, in particular, with respect to our lending and fund management capacity.
Goal 2: Doubling down our focus on functioning as an ecosystem-builder in NJ’s community development space.
Goal 3: Continuing our support and priority on the Greater Newark footprint.
Our continued focus is on investing in PLACE, directing capital to our most distressed neighborhoods; PROJECT & POPULATION, preferring smaller—to mid-scale projects and increasing our focus on asset-building opportunities for families and small businesses; AND PEOPLE, preferring projects led by diverse, ‘values-driven’ developers and organizations.
LISC-New Jersey will apply an integrative and strategic approach in our state-level expansion efforts, focusing on clustering our resources into the six communities of Paterson, Elizabeth, Plainfield, Perth Amboy, Trenton, and Camden. The work outlined here and beyond this newsletter is organized within this strategic frame.
Above all, the impact of the LISC-New Jersey platform is entirely driven by providing organizational and resident leaders with a steady collection of collaborative, sustainable responses to our neighborhoods' most pressing needs.
Empowering Resident Voice Building New Narratives
Newark Reopens Fairmount Heights Children's Village Park
The City of Newark, West Ward Council Member Dupré L. Kelly, and the Fairmount Heights community celebrated the grand reopening of the Fairmount Heights Children’s Village Park, located at South 9th Street and 12th Avenue in Newark’s West Ward. Previously known as KaBoom Park, the area had suffered from neglect and safety issues. Thanks to the joint efforts of the City, LISC-NJ (formerly LISC Greater Newark), the Fairmount Heights Neighborhood Association, the Urban League of Essex County, local leaders, and various community stakeholders, the park has been transformed into a vibrant and welcoming environment for children and families. To stay updated with upcoming events and opportunities for residents, visit the Fairmount Heights Neighborhood Association's Facebook page.
Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC)
Opens New Food Pantry
On July 27, 2024, the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) opened its new Food Pantry to help fight food insecurity. The grand opening was a big success, with over 175 families receiving food on the first day. Now, the pantry operates weekly and helps more than 115 families, showing how important it is to the community. Located in Newark, the ICC Food Pantry not only provides food but also connects families to other services offered by ICC.
ICC is also a partner in the LISC-AmeriCorps program. A dedicated AmeriCorps member, Jeremiah Thomas (pictured above), plays a key role at the pantry. He helps distribute food and informs families about various ICC programs, including educational support, financial coaching, and health services. As the pantry continues to grow, ICC is committed to empowering the community through its many programs. The pantry's success highlights ICC's hard work and its positive impact on many lives.
Newark Community Developer Spotlight:
Siree Morris and Ascension Capital Partners
Established in 2015, Ascension Capital Partners is an urban revitalization real estate firm focused on affordable housing in Newark, NJ. Their mission involves acquiring and managing distressed multi-family properties while fostering public/private partnerships to uplift underserved communities through a "Block by Block" strategy.
Co-founder Siree Morris, a Civil Engineer and Construction Manager, emphasizes the importance of property management and has a track record of developing innovative projects, such as New Jersey's first multi-family home made from shipping containers. During the pandemic, he created Newark Moonlight Cinema, America’s first Black-owned drive-in theater, which attracted over 30,000 visitors. His recent project, Dashers Light Show, brought over 40,000 guests to an 8-acre site during the holiday season. Siree's efforts have garnered recognition in the NY Times, and he was named a Person of Color influencer by ROI-NJ.
Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development
The LISC-New Jersey team attended the NJ Governors Conference on Housing and Economic Development this past September. The two-day conference at Harrah's Resort engaged partners across NJ in networking and discovering affordable housing and economic development pathways for 2024-2025.
Forum for Newark Residents, Leaders, and Experts
The Victoria Foundation is hosting a forum on October 12, 2024, at Rutgers University—Newark's Paul Robeson Campus Center. It will be held in commemoration of the Foundation's centennial year and in commitment to strengthening community power, fostering economic justice, and promoting youth self-determination in Newark, New Jersey. Residents, local leaders, and experts will discuss today's most pressing issues. Please save the date and join them for this one-day event.
