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Welcome to the
Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation’s website!
As you read about the rich
history of this organization and the many wonderful things that we do and
have done, I am confident that your reaction will be one of amazement and
you will think, “I really did not know anything about MNDC or “I did not
know they did so many things”. Do not feel bad, because we get this reaction
often, as we have allowed the organization to be one of the best kept
secrets in Montclair for over 30 years.
Over the past three years the organization has worked
diligently to improve the image of MNDC and to get the message out to the
world about who we are and what we do. This website is just one example of
the steps that we have taken to get out our positive message. The
restructuring of our Board of Directors and their full commitment to moving
the organization further also has been instrumental in our rebirth and
growth.
As you read our history page, you will see that the
period of the 80’s was a time in America when due to budgets cuts, we as a
people deserted a portion of our population that was ill prepared to fend
for itself. I am talking about our young people, who desperately needed
support programs to level the playing field with their peers. I believe that
the growth of the gang problem and the need to bridge the academic
achievement gap for minority students all over the United States of America
is in direct correlation to the 1980’s cut back on federal programs for at
risk young people.
MNDC has tried to do its part to eradicate some of
these problems. For the past eight years, we have been extremely active in
creating programs like Project Oasis and other activities geared towards
preparing our youth for the future. We cannot have a repeat of the 1980s and
lose all the momentum we have gained.
Our goal is to save our children, one child at a time.
In addition, our agency is actively involved in seeking solutions to the
needs of our senior population and working with the growing population of
citizens that society has labeled the “working poor”.
Everyone can play a role in this endeavor. We can
always use in-kind services, volunteers, partners, collaborations, funding
sources, new board members, donations, new ideas and support of any kind.
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank
everyone who has supported us in the past and undoubtedly, will in the
future. Many elected officials have seen our operations and have supported
us in the past year and I would be remised if I did not acknowledge them:
Governor Cody; Senator Nia Gill; Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver; Freeholder
Albertus Jenkins; Essex County Executive, Joe DiVincenzo; and the Montclair
Town Council.
In closing, thanks once again for taking the time to
access our website. Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns or
comments. We would love to have you play some role in our mission to empower
and support disadvantaged individuals, youth and families.
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Sincerely,
Albert Pelham, Executive Director
AlbertPelham@aol.com
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