Vision

Our vision is for Orange and neighboring cities to be composed of healthy, robust neighborhoods that provide security and opportunity for all residents. Low and moderate-income families have access to civic, cultural, and natural resources, educational and economic opportunities in "just and beautiful" cities.

Goals

1. 1.Scale the Lead Remediation Program (LRAP): Move the LRAP from its "slow start-up" phase to full, sustainable implementation. Key Actions: Resolve problems with clients and general contractors to streamline operations, develop and execute a workflow to meet the DCA requirement of completing 7 remediations per month, continue active marketing and outreach to build a robust participant pipeline.
2. 2.Expand Economic Empowerment Youth Focus: Build upon core program success by integrating a youth entrepreneurship track and enhancing small business support. Key Actions: Solidify new partnerships to expand offerings to middle school students; secure NRTC 2026 funding; implement planned enhancement for the 2026 Sustain & Thrive cycle to connect grantees with CDFIs and microfinance institutions.
3. 3.Deepen Strategic Partnerships & Governance: Leverage new and existing high-level partnerships to enhance organizational capacity, fundraising, and community impact. Key Actions: BOD Chair and ED participate in NWA Excellence in Governance Academy; pursue collaborative projects with the City of East Orange and the Northern NJ Community Foundation; utilize Regional Foundation technical assistance.