Paterson Early Childhood Coalition
Studies show that 90% of a child's brain development occurs before the age of five. Studies have shown that kids who attend preschool are less likely to drop out of high school or commit a felony and more likely to attend college and own a home. The benefits of attending preschool are evident in all socio-economic groups and greatly improve a child's chances of academic and social success when they enter school.
Paterson Alliance is committed to ensuring that every child receives high-quality child care and the opportunity to attend preschool. Through the Paterson Early Childhood Coalition (PECC) Paterson Alliance partners with more than 20 organizations that serve the Paterson community and share our commitment to improving the lives of Paterson's youngest residents. The PECC's Think Success and Think Pre-K programs provide the public with information that stresses the importance of early learning and the benefits that young children receive from attending preschool.
Lead-Free NJ Community Hub
Paterson Alliance was named a Community Community hub by Lead-Free NJ in October 2023. As a community hub, we strive to provide essential resources and education to ensure all families have access to lead testing and prevention services.
Lead is a highly toxic metal that can have devastating effects especially in children. Even low levels of lead exposure can cause health issues including learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, hearing loss, and slowed growth. In severe cases, lead poisoning can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning because their bodies are still developing, and they absorb lead more easily than adults. All children under 6 years old who have not been tested for lead should be tested.
Paterson Alliance committed to making Paterson a lead-safe city for our children. Our goal is to create a healthier, safer environment for everyone in Paterson. By working together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of our community members.
Paterson Kids Count 2022
Paterson Kids Count 2022 is a compilation of data collected by Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) that provides a snapshot of the various statistics that may affect the general well-being of kids in the city of Paterson.
Please follow the link to view this important data View Data or scan the QR Code below.
Paterson Alliance Apprenticeship Program
Each summer the Paterson Alliance hosts the Paterson Alliance Apprenticeship Program (PAAP). The PAAP is a summer youth employment program that is open to Paterson students who are entering their junior or senior year of high school. Ten students are chosen each year to participate in the paid 7-week program that includes a one-week orientation and a 6-week paid summer internship at a nonprofit agency that serves the Paterson community and is also a member of the Paterson Alliance.
The main focus of week one is orientation and preparing the apprentices for what is often their very first job. They receive training in dress codes and appropriate workplace behavior. In addition to job readiness skills, the students receive information on college preparedness and participate in exercises to improve their financial literacy. Paterson Alliance also invites guests to speak to the apprentices about some of the many career choices that are available to them.
Once they successfully complete orientation the kids are off to complete their 6-week summer apprenticeship with one of Paterson Alliance’s nonprofit member organizations. During their apprenticeship, they are mentored given meaningful tasks to perform by their host organizations. They not only gain valuable work experience, but they also learn about giving back to their community and the important role that the nonprofit sector plays in providing services to the residents of Paterson. At the end of the program, the apprentices share details of their summer work experiences with Paterson Alliance members at our August membership meeting. The names and faces may change but year in and year out our Paterson Alliance members find the poise, humor, talent, and enthusiasm displayed by these young Patersonians to be truly inspirational!
This program is made possible by an anonymous donor through the Community Foundation of New Jersey the Paterson Children's Foundation and the Columbia Bank Foundation.
Past Programs
Paterson Alliance 2024 Fundraising Certificate Program
Paterson Alliance was proud to offer our members the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Fundraising from the Nonprofit Center at La Salle University. This series of classes was designed for those who want to advance in this ever-expanding field.This certificate course centered on equity and the important role of fundraisers as changemakers today. In addition to core skills and new trends, participants were able to walk away with a deeper understanding of philanthropy’s history in the past, present, and future.
Paterson Alliance Grant
Paterson Alliance wants to propel our mission by supporting the missions of our member organizations. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Paterson Alliance is privileged to provide grants of $1,000 and $5,000 to member organizations to help fund projects that will directly impact Paterson residents. Congratulations to our 2023 grant recipients listed below.
