Greetings From Paterson!
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you received my postcard in the mail. I’m so glad you scanned the QR code to read the rest of my letter!
I left off describing the beauty of Paterson - a city rich in faith and culture. These foundations make it possible to cultivate deep and meaningful relationships. In my time here, I have seen so many of the values that I hold dear. Values like love, respect, kindness, forgiveness and generosity. I have seen this demonstrated in the lives of the skaters, families and neighborhood-residents of Paterson.
I continue to learn, especially about SOLID and its mission in Paterson. I am grateful for those who have gone before me who have set a wonderful example of bridge-building and community partnership. Friends and mentors have taught me to see the beauty that exists in Paterson. To be brutally honest, for me as the Executive Director of SOLID, an
insider/outsider, I have been wrestling for some time about how to communicate these things to people who live outside of Paterson who have not had the privilege of walking the streets, eating in restaurants, visiting homes and places of business. I am still working it out.
Our Create and Connect After-School Club at SOLID provides homework help, an art workshop, discussion time and, as always, a meal together.
I don’t share this often, but it breaks my heart when I hear people speaking disparagingly about Paterson. Are there challenges and struggles to overcome? Yes, absolutely. Do I have answers or solutions? Not completely, but I do have 20 years of experience working with youth “on the fringes.” I also have grit, resilience and a willing, open heart to learn. I witness the beauty, community and grace. I have also observed the difficult situations which surround young people. At SOLID, we are doing our part to support youth and families through the unique relationships we have formed.
I appreciate having you in my corner as our work continues, changing lives one day at a time.
Thank You.
Thank you for being part of the SOLID family. It’s the generosity and support from friends like you who have enabled and sustained our work with young people for over 20 years! Our impact as an organization is made possible, every day, by friends, family, donors, mentors, volunteers, community partners, and especially the amazing kids who participate weekly in our offered programs and services.
Have you heard the exciting news?
SOLID has been awarded a grant from the office of the Attorney General in New Jersey for our work with youth. Specifically, the grant is to support violence prevention and intervention in the city of Paterson. Our initiative is called, Pushing for Peace, and our goal is to empower 100+ youth and young adults to be PeaceMakers in their homes, their neighborhoods and their city.
This grant is a game-changer for SOLID.
Aside from expanding the programs we can offer, this grant enables us to train and hire youth and young adults from Paterson to be violence interruptors, peer mentors and high risk interventionists as we Push For Peace.
One challenge we face is that the grant only covers 80% of our 2024 operating budget. We need to raise an additional $100,000 to cover the rest.
Can we count on you to help fund our work and contribute toward this goal? Your support makes a difference in the lives of hundreds of youth at SOLID.
2023 was SOLID!
2023 was our inaugural year for our Pushing for Peace initiative. Please click the button below to learn more, read stories and see the impact.
