What is Paterson One Square Mile?
Paterson One Square Mile is a hyper-local, place-based, cross-sector initiative with the goal of accelerating the revitalization of a concentrated area in Paterson, New Jersey. Paterson One Square Mile will use strategically organized community engagement efforts focused on a bounded area within the city of Paterson. This community-led collective impact approach aims to improve outcomes in health, education, and economic opportunity for the residents of Paterson.
Where is Paterson One Square Mile located?
The northwest corner of the Paterson One Square Mile boundary begins at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Straight Street. From there:
- Head east towards 16th Street
- Turn right (south) on E. 16th Street
- Turn left (east) on 12th Avenue
- Turn right (south) on Madison Avenue
- Turn right (west) on 21st Avenue
- Turn right (north) on Straight Street
- Turn left (west) on 20th Avenue
- Turn right (north) on Railroad Avenue
- Turn left (west) on Slater Street
- Turn right (north) on Main Street
- Turn right (east) on Broadway
- Turn left (north) on Straight Street
- End at the corner of Straight Street and Lafayette Street
How was this area selected for Paterson One Square Mile?
Montclair State University initially identified the 4th Ward as the area in Paterson with the greatest need, thinking the area may expand into other Wards. When the Paterson One Square Mile Advisory Committee met for the first time, they agreed with the 4th Ward and voiced areas of the 1st and 5th Wards too. Based on this information, a map was created and approved by the Advisory Committee, and presented at community events where Paterson residents spoke into the boundaries.
Who is funding Paterson One Square Mile?
Montclair State University received funding from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation to help launch Eastside High School as a community school, and to find community priorities through the Paterson One Square Mile initiative.
What is a place-based partnership?
In a place-based partnership, a cross-sector of organizations (nonprofit, government, education, businesses) collaborate to create impact in a defined geographic area.
What has Paterson One Square Mile already done?
In addition to our active programs, Paterson One Square mile has also created a hiring pipeline, the Breaking the Cycle Initiative. Breaking the Cycle provides court-involved and formerly incarcerated individuals with transitional job training opportunities. Areas of focus include: Energy Efficient Building Maintenance and Culinary Arts. Montclair is working to build a direct pipeline to place their re-entry program participants in the University’s Auxiliary and Facilities departments.
What is Montclair State University’s role?
Montclair State University is the recipient of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation funding that supports Paterson One Square Mile initiatives. Montclair State University is the backbone institution, helping Paterson One Square Mile by providing staff time. Staff includes a full-time program manager through the University’s Community Action Nexus.
What is the community’s role in the project?
Paterson One Square Mile wants to engage the community to be involved in its efforts! The community can be involved by giving feedback, sharing information with community members, volunteering, and attending events.
What is Paterson One Square Mile hoping to accomplish?
Paterson One Square Mile hopes that by focusing on a relatively small, and
well-defined area, community partners will be able to work together to improve outcomes within its boundaries.
How will Paterson One Square Mile help the community?
Paterson One Square Mile is planning a wide range of programs and initiatives to serve the Paterson community. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Who has been involved in the process?
Paterson One Square Mile is a community-led initiative.
Montclair State University convened an Advisory Committee made up of community members representing:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government
- Educational institutions
- Health organizations
- Business representatives
Over 40 organizations are represented on the committee. Montclair State University hired Transform Consulting Group to help develop Paterson One Square Mile.
Additionally, residents of Paterson have spoken into every phase of the project through gatherings and listening sessions.
How long will Paterson One Square Mile continue?
Paterson One Square Mile aspires for this to be just the starting point, and we believe that the efforts will extend far beyond this beginning phase. Our hope is that the momentum generated during this initiative will serve as a catalyst for ongoing work and sustained impact.
How will Paterson One Square Mile collaborate and intersect with other community organizations and coalitions in Paterson?
Paterson One Square Mile is partnering with many organizations, including coalitions in Paterson. The goal is not to duplicate effort, but to collaborate and partner in ways to impact a large number of Paterson community members. Initiate a long-term effort of commitment with community leaders to find the gaps that needs support from all stakeholders to create a positive collective impact by joining forces.
What are some immediate wins for the residents?
So far, residents have had the win of being heard. Over 300 people have spoken into what it’s like to live in Paterson. This information will help guide Paterson One Square Mile in identifying focus areas. Paterson One Square Mile will continue listening!
The community will have the opportunity to give input and speak into the 3-5 year plan. They can offer feedback on the strategies proposed to move the Paterson One Square Mile initiative forward.
As Paterson One Square Mile works to develop the plan, strategies that include easy and early wins will be included.
How does Paterson One Square Mile help the residents?
Paterson One Square Mile aims to improve the outcomes for the residents within the boundaries. Paterson One Square Mile will focus on projects and programs that will contribute to social, economic, and cultural growth.
Enhancing educational opportunities for students and families from the Eastside Full Service Community Schools, by:
- Providing access to healthcare services
- College readiness preparation
- Creating workforce development training and job opportunities
Paterson One Square Mile wants to:
- Foster a sense of ownership and pride among the community.
- Develops mutual trust and respect with government leaders and local law enforcement to create a secure and supportive environment for the Paterson community.
- Provide hope, services, and support to inspire, and empower individuals of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, and personal interests.
How will you share progress on goals with the community?
Progress will be shared with people who have participated in giving feedback by email, and through social media by various partners. Updates will be also available on our website.
How can I get involved in Paterson One Square Mile?
Paterson One Square Mile sends a monthly email update. To be included, or for other ways to get involved, contact Aracelis Ruiz, Paterson One Square Mile Project Manager at: ruizar@montclair.edu or 973-655-4139.
We invite you to join us in our efforts to create a positive collective impact for the One Square Mile Paterson community members!