Paterson Alliance Executive Director Announces Retirement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2, 2024
Inge Spungen, Executive Director of the Paterson Alliance, will step down on May 31, 2024
after almost eight years at the helm. She leaves the Alliance in good hands: Tanya Mann, the
Paterson Alliance office manager, has been serving Paterson and its nonprofit community
skillfully for seven years; Shanikwa Lemon, the Paterson Alliance’s Program Manager, will have
completed almost two years in her important role and will provide the face of the Alliance as it
moves into a new era. Shanikwa has very capably stewarded the Paterson Alliance Early
Childhood Coalition and will work closely with Paterson Education Fund on the Paterson Reads
program. She will continue her work to reduce toxic lead levels in Paterson‘s youth, increase
pre-K registration, and bring books into the hands of Paterson’s children. Shanikwa will also lead
the Paterson Alliance Apprentice Program, which provides ten Paterson high school students
with paid summer jobs in the nonprofit sector. This program not only provides growth and
opportunity to the youth participants, but also offers no-cost interns to nonprofit members of the
Alliance. Shanikwa will also continue the partnership with the Paterson Free Public Library to
publish the Paterson Community Calendar.
Tanya and Shanikwa will ensure effective continuation of the Paterson Alliance’s monthly
meetings and capacity-building programs, bringing its more than 100 members together to
collaborate and create Collective Impact.
The Paterson Alliance has formed a search committee for an additional administrative officer to
oversee its finances and ensure sustainability. We will be seeking applications from interested
candidates beginning January 3.
Mayor Andre Sayegh, the Paterson Alliance’s inaugural Executive Director, says, “As Executive
Director, Inge Spungen has taken the Paterson Alliance to the next level. She has significantly
increased the membership and summarily expanded the influence of the organization. I am
profoundly grateful for the instrumental role she played in getting a complete and accurate count
in the 2020 Census. She leaves us with an enduring legacy of leadership and love.”
Community leader, New Destiny FSC Executive Director and Paterson Alliance Board President
Carolyn McCombs offered these words, “Inge has been an amazing leader in her role as Executive Director
elevating the Paterson Alliance to its most impactful outcomes over the past almost eight
years. She will be sorely missed, but we are confident that her legacy will live on as we
transition to new leadership. Special thanks and appreciation to Inge Spungen for all she has
done.”
Inge plans to continue to live in and support Paterson and its many important causes through the
Paterson Alliance community. She notes, “I am grateful to the leadership of our exceptional
Board of Directors and the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge
Foundation, and the Community Foundation of New Jersey for their incredible support! I have
enjoyed working with our small and mighty team, but the true strength of the Paterson Alliance
can be found in our more than one hundred nonprofit member organizations and their committed
staff who work together to make sure the residents of Paterson are heard and served well.”
PATERSON ALLIANCE AND PATERSON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY LAUNCH PATERSON COMMUNITY CALENDAR
October 25, 2022
Paterson now has its own community calendar. The Paterson Community Calendar a joint project from Paterson Free Public Library and Paterson hopes to be a one-stop source for what is happening in Paterson, New Jersey. This easy-to-use platform makes it possible for residents, government, and members of the nonprofit community to view and submit upcoming community events with the public.
- Please add as many details as possible when submitting events
- All events must be open to the entire Paterson community to be approved (not only for your clients/not private events)
This project was made possible by funding from the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium (NJCIC)
PATERSON ALLIANCE GRANT FEATURED IN TAPintoPATERSON
December 12, 2021
Paterson Alliance recently awarded a total of $21,000 in grants to 5 Paterson-based nonprofit organizations. The 2022 Paterson Alliance grant recipients were recently featured in a TapintoPaterson news article.
Read the full article at: Paterson Alliance Awards $21,000 in Grants to Local Non-Profits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 9, 2021
PATERSON ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2022 GRANTEES!
The Paterson Alliance will provide grants to each of five member organizations who create programs to benefit residents of Paterson. Recipients of our 2022 grants are:
Green Acre Community Garden is an urban farm in Paterson’s fourth ward founded in 2014 by long-time Paterson resident Deacon Willie Davis. They will be granted $5,000 to further their mission to grow culturally-relevant fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs for the community. They are a fully grassroots volunteer-powered non-profit organization. What used to be an underutilized lot is now a green space where families can safely interact with nature and learn about sustainable agriculture. Their community farm stand addresses the chronic lack of healthy food in the neighborhood by providing families with free, fresh produce. https://greenacrecommunitygarden.org/
Contact Deacon Willie Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
New Direction Community Development Corporation will implement a new GriefShare program at Christ Church United Methodist with their $3,000 grant. GriefShare will give families or individuals in Paterson a safe space during or after the loss of a loved one. These families and individuals will benefit by gaining a support system as well as tools and practices that will assist them in navigating through the grieving process in a healthy and healing way.
Contact Arlena Clayton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SOLID Foundation’s Youth Outreach programs provide opportunities that dramatically and positively impact Paterson’s youth. Skating sessions are held twice each week with 30-40 participants per session, and engage youth in a healthy activity that keeps them off the streets. Skaters are able to pick themselves up off the ground time after time to learn a trick on a skateboard. This learned and practiced resilience helps them become successful in every area of life. SOLID provides mentors, computers and programs to help with homework assistance, and prepare youth for a future with job preparation activities. Paterson Alliance’s $4,000 grant will train and certify staff and volunteers with safety, CPR and first aid education so they are prepared for any emergency. www.skatecreateconnect.org
Contact Executive Director Steven Wolfe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
St. Luke Community Development Corporation will receive a $5,000 grant to support their Saint Luke Freedom School, a summer enrichment program for Paterson children ages 5 to 13. It is offered in partnership with Children’s Defense Fund and operates for six weeks each summer. The Freedom School model offers high-quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement; intergenerational servant leadership development; and nutrition, health, and mental health services.
Contact Rev. Kenneth Clayton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Amazing Help hosts the GPS (growth, prosperity, selflove) Clubhouse Program to provide school-aged children and teens with a caring, stimulating, and encouraging environment that promotes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. The Amazing Help will receive a grant of $4,000 to further their work. GPS conducts an assessment of the children and teens, then provides developmentally appropriate activities that allow children to thrive. Curriculum is guided by the Nurtured Heart Approach, a relationship-focused methodology to help create and maintain healthy relationships with people throughout life. http://theamazinghelp.org/
Contact Executive Director Kimone James at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Paterson Alliance is a coalition of 80 nonprofit organizations, uniting nonprofits and community partners in collaboration to create a vibrant Paterson. Paterson Alliance nonprofits have touched every neighborhood in Paterson, bringing support, compassion and community. Together they serve all areas of need, from food and housing to childcare and education, from health and homelessness to job and life-skills training.
Contact:
Inge Spungen
201-233-3048
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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May 25, 2021
PATERSON ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2021 GRANTEES!
The Paterson Alliance will grant $5,000 to each of three member organizations who create programs to benefit residents of Paterson. Recipients of our 2021 grants are:
The Inner City Ensemble is developing a pilot program for Paterson middle-school students, which will offer year-round weekly, dual-language dance training that focuses on multi-cultural themes and learning about dance in English and Spanish. http://www.innercityensemble.org/
contact Executive Director Nicholas Rodriguez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Mindful Awareness Academy for Children will offer a program for Paterson high school seniors to prepare them for college, both practically and emotionally. Executive Director Andrea Smith-Morgan tells us, "Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC) is so excited to begin this incredible college readiness and mindfulness program with the 12th-grade scholars from Paterson. Breakaway Prep, the country's top-notch college readiness program leads the charge. They offer the most deeply resourced teams in the world of test prep and college admissions. Our 2-week summer program begins the week the August 16th. We're anticipating at least 30 scholars, who exhibit the drive and motivation to go to college. Our full-day program offers breakfast and lunch, music and mindfulness, and opportunities to connect with the community. Week two of our program, allows our scholars to unpack the intensity of the first week. Students engage in morning mindfulness, connect with guidance counselors and certified teachers to review the scholar's college application, and engage with community stakeholders who are invested in their college readiness success."
contact Executive Director Andrea Smith-Morgan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SOLID Foundation Youth Outreach is building community and mentoring youth through skateboarding and art. According to Executive Director Steven Wolfe, "This grant will allow SOLID to purchase 5 computers to expand our Art Department and afterschool programs at our new facility directly across from the Paterson Falls." www.skatecreateconnect.org
contact Executive Director Steven Wolfe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Paterson Alliance is a coalition of 80 nonprofit organizations, uniting nonprofits and community partners in collaboration to create a vibrant Paterson. Paterson Alliance nonprofits have touched every neighborhood in Paterson, bringing support, compassion and community. Together they serve all areas of need, from food and housing to childcare and education, from health and homelessness to job and life-skills training.
Paterson Alliance Grant Opportunity - Applications due April 30, 2021
April 2, 2021
Thanks to an anonymous donor Paterson Alliance is able to offer our member organizations the opportunity to apply for a grant ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. To qualify for a grant your organization must meet the follwing eligibility requirements:
- Organization must be a Paterson Alliance Member in good standing
- Organization must have 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status
- Annual Operating budget must be less than $500,000
- Grant seeker is required to make a short presentation to the Paterson Alliance Board.
Community Development Block Grant Presentation
October 2019
Community Development Block Grants were the main topic at the Paterson Alliance membership meeting on September 12, 2019. City of Paterson Economic Director Michael Powell along with New Jersey Community Development Corporation's CEO and founder Bob Guarasci and Director of Real Estate Michael Cassidy lead the discussion and provided our members with a wealth of information about Community Development Block Grants and how to successfully apply for them.
A brief overview was followed by an informative Powerpoint presentation. After the main presention the presenters held a lively Q & A session where Paterson Alliance members in attendance received even more valuable information about CDBG's. Paterson Alliance would like to thank Mr. Guarasci, Mr. Cassidy and Director Powell for sharing their knowledge and experience and for allowing us to provide this valuable information to our members. We would also like to thank Bob Guarasci, Michael Cassidy and NJCDC for allowing Paterson Alliance to post a pdf copy of of the CDBG Review Powerpoint Presentation below.
Courtesy oy NJCDC
Paterson Alliance and ‘Think Pre-K’ Help Expand Early Childhood Education
December 11, 2017 at 4:56 PM
The “Think Pre-K” campaign, initiated by the Paterson Alliance, and funded by The Nicholson Foundation, set a goal of increasing enrollment by 100 more registrations on October 15, 2017 than on the same date a year previous. Through a three-pronged approach, which included creating a map to show where spaces existed compared to where eligible children reside, launching a strategic outreach campaign in four languages, and placing nine “navigators” across Paterson to help parents better understand the value of early childhood education, the campaign exceeded its goal with enrollment increasing by 337 children.
While studies show that children who attend pre-K are more prepared for kindergarten and do better in school the impact goes well beyond academics. “Every dollar spent on early childhood education saves $7 on social service costs in later years,” said Inge Spungen, Director, Paterson Alliance. However, whether it’s issues of logistics related to getting children to school, culture, or lack of spaces in proximity to their home many parents still are not enrolling their children.
Article Source: TapintoPaterson.com
Life getting better for Paterson's poorest kids
By Myles Ma | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on December 10, 2015 at 12:25 PM, updated December 10, 2015 at 2:27 PM
PATERSON — Cecilia Zalkind, executive director of Advocates for Children of New Jersey, remembers when her organization presented the results of the first Paterson Kids Count in 2011.
"It was not a pretty picture," she said.
The report, a statistical profile of children in the city, showed the sobering effects of the pervasive poverty in Paterson on academic and health outcomes. But four years later, there have been some victories.
Advocates for Children of New Jersey presented the second edition of Paterson Kids Count [pdf] on Thursday, and while many of the issues identified four years ago persist, the report showed gains in the number of children receiving free school breakfasts, getting access to health care and passing state literacy tests. Zalkind credited the Paterson Alliance, a coalition of city non-profit agencies, with focusing on the three measures.
$2.5M grant to grow school-based community programs in Paterson
The federal government is giving Paterson schools $2.5 million to expand a program to provide medical and social services to students and their families within school buildings.
"You took small bites at issues that had a possibility of being successful, and ultimately will impact on those bigger issues," Zalkind said to a crowd of advocates, educators and parents at the Brownstone.
School breakfast
The participation rate in Paterson's school breakfast program is now 93 percent, tops among large, urban districts in New Jersey, according to the report. In 2011, city schools were feeding only 27 percent of the 21,000 children who qualified for free or reduced-cost meals.
Health insurance
There were 4,000 uninsured children in Paterson in 2010. That figure has since dropped to 1,800. The report credits Paterson Alliance members who held enrollment drives and publicized the availability of coverage and asked community organizations to enroll clients in NJ Family Care. The numbers also got a boost in 2013, when Gov. Chris Christie opted the state into the federal Medicaid expansion.
Reading
City students were in a huge hole in 2010, with only 31 percent of city third graders passing state literacy tests. The numbers aren't much better, but they have improved, up to 37 percent in 2014. Charter schools have shown an even larger improvement, with passing rates up 25 percent to 55 percent over the same period.
These improvements are worth celebrating, Zalkind said, but Paterson has plenty of issues to focus on going forward:
- 41 percent of Paterson children live in poverty, a figure that likely undercounts the number of struggling city families, since the federal poverty level doesn't account for the higher cost of living in New Jersey, Zalkind said.
- The number of children receiving food stamps is up 16 percent from 2010 to 2014.
- There were 246 children admitted to the hospital for asthma in 2013, up 24 percent from 2010.
- The number of children who were victims of proven child abuse or neglect rose 19 percent from 2009 to 2013.
- Athough Paterson has full-date, state-funded preschool, only 72 percent of eligible 3- and 4-year-olds attend.
Moving forward, the Paterson Alliance is focusing on the latter point. The organization commissioned consultant Nina Sazer O'Donnell to create a plan to boost pre-K enrollment.
"We all have one goal, and that is to make sure that our children are successful."
O'Donnell's study found that many working families have trouble fitting pre-K programs into their scheduled because they only run six hours a day. Many can't afford to pay for child care before and after these programs.
In addition, many parents who don't speak English, particularly those who speak Bengali and Arabic, are unaware they have access to free pre-K. O'Donnell recommends starting Pre-K programs in targeted neighborhoods and increasing outreach to Paterson's various immigrant groups to boost enrollment.
Leah Dade, executive director of the Paterson Alliance, said the group would meet soon to set more goals based on the 2015 data.
"We all have one goal, and that is to make sure that our children are successful," she said.