The Calvary Baptist Community Center
The Community Center
Since 1972, the Community Center has led the way in serving the people of Paterson and Passaic County through high-impact programs nurturing personal growth and development and meeting important needs.
Since its founding, the Community Center has worked responsively to enrich and improve the lives of our neighbors, the residents of Paterson. Over the years, its initiatives have ranged from an after-school reading program serving more than 100 students and a community health center to a summer camp in Vermont. The organization also constructed several townhouses in the city’s 4th ward, which remain occupied by families today.
Three major programs have been most recently active, although the Covid pandemic has created disruptions in program delivery and funding, so it important to check for updates.
Start your child’s journey of Life Long Learning
Calvary Baptist Preschool
Offered in coordination with the Paterson Public School District, the preschool program serves up to 135 three- and four-year-olds, providing them with an excellent start on their journeys of lifelong learning, while freeing parents and caregivers to work. The Preschool follows a nationally recognized curriculum fostering social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Mentoring Program—This program pairs young people, ages 13-21, in Paterson and Passaic County who are under the care of the Department of Child Protection & Permanency with trained one-on-one mentors to help guide their personal development and counteract negative influences too often present in the urban environment. Mentors and mentees meet weekly, and program participants also take part in a formalized 10-month Life Skills curriculum, enjoy field trips, and more.
Adult Basic Education Program—This program provides adult learners with an innovative, research-based experience designed to meet their specific educational needs. Teachers customize instruction based on students’ individual interests, strengths, learning style, and academic level. The program focuses on pre-GED topics and includes instruction in computer skills.
The Community Center’s programs reflect a commitment to provide compassionate Christian witness in the Paterson area, addressing issues key to residents’ personal well-being and quality of life.
The Community Center’s programs reflect a commitment to provide compassionate Christian witness in the Paterson area, addressing issues key to residents’ personal well-being and quality of life. The Center cooperates with government agencies with responsibilities related to human welfare and serves as a conduit of information, keeping residents and community groups up-to-date on issues of social concern. With a knowledge of available resources on the one hand and an understanding of local families on the other, Community Center staff help connect people in need with services that make a difference.
Board of Directors
Thomas Curry, President/CEO
Florine White, Board Chairperson
Deborah Ellis, Board Vice Chairperson
Louvenia Carroll, Board Secretary
Andrea Williams, Board Treasurer
Board Members