NNJCF

Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance community meeting
2024-01-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Second Reformed Church, 436 Union, Hackensack, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
Join us to learn more about an exciting project to help reduce future flooding in Hackensack and make neighborhoods in the city greener and healthier. Learn about green infrastructure and environmental justice planned for 2024, and how you can get involved.
There will be light refreshments served (snacks and soft drinks).
To learn more about the Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project, visit this page.
Please consider donating to help support this project. Any amount you can give will help. All donations made through this event will be used to support the Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project.
The Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project is produced by Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Hackensack and Greater Bergen Community Action, as well as Hackensack residents and representatives of several organizations in Hackensack. It is supported in part by The Funders Network, AARP, Valley Bank Foundation, M&T Bank Foundation, PSE&G Foundation, the Hackensack Rotary Club, and other supporters.
Questions? Contact Leo Vazquez of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation at leo@nnjcf.org or 201-568-5608, x2.

Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance community meeting
2024-02-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Second Reformed Church, 436 Union, Hackensack, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
The Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance, a community group that focuses on helping people who are hardest hit by environmental issues, will hold its monthly meeting February 26, from 7 to 8 pm.
We will be talking about creating a green infrastructure plan in Hackensack that is guided by community members. A green infrastructure plan is a set of strategies to help reduce flooding and water pollution using nature-based strategies. You can learn more about green infrastructure here.
Learn how you can get involved in this important effort. You can also learn about upcoming environmental events in and around Hackensack.
There will be light refreshments served (snacks and soft drinks).
To learn more about the Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project, visit this page.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Please consider making a donation to help support this project. Any amount you can give will help. All donations made through this event will be used to help create a community rain garden or other environmental projects benefitting the community.
The Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project is produced by Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Hackensack and Greater Bergen Community Action, as well as Hackensack residents and representatives of several organizations in Hackensack. It is supported in part by The Funders Network, AARP, Valley Bank Foundation, M&T Bank Foundation, PSE&G Foundation, the Hackensack Rotary Club, and other supporters.
Questions? Contact Leo Vazquez of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation at leo@nnjcf.org or 201-568-5608, x2.

Clase de Arte y Conversacion Comunitario/ Art Class and Community Conversation
2024-03-23 14:30 - 16:00 | Rinconcito Musical, 340 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601
La Fundacion Comunitaria Northern de Nueva Jersey, invata a la comunidad que vive in Hackensack a una clase de pintura gratis para las familias, con el fin de concientizarnos acerca de las inundaciones en su barrio y reflexionar sobre el medio ambiente.
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation invites anyone who lives or works in Hackensack to a special free family art class. There we will also share thoughts about flooding in Hackensack and environmental issues.
La clase, materiales y aperitivos son gratis!
The class, materials and refreshments are free!
Esta clase sera directado por la profesora de artes Monica Chavarria-Malin. Sra. Chavarria-Malin es el presidente del Hackensack Art Club. Esta clase sera ofrecido en ingles y espanol.
This class is taught by Monica Chavarria-Malin, a teaching artist who is also President of the Hackensack Art Class. This class is offered in English and Spanish.
Esta clase es limitado a 25 personas.
This class is limited to 25 people.
Register/ Registrase

Environmental art brainstorming session
2024-04-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Hackensack Performing Arts Center, 102 State Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
Public art can help raise awareness, generate new ways of thinking and even inspire people to act. Following up on its Barrels O’ Art project, the Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice program, is looking for ideas for environmental art that addresses climate change, flooding or other environmental issues.
Share your ideas in this free event produced by the Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance and the Hackensack Art Club. You don’t need to be a professional artist; everyone is welcome.
This session will focus on ideas for environmental art that can go near the new community rain garden at Hackensack High School. The rain garden will be installed June 1.
The Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice program is an initiative to help reduce flooding in Hackensack and improve conditions in areas of the city that are overburdened with environmental issues. Learn more here.
The event is free, but please consider making a donation to support environmental art in Hackensack.
Questions? Please contact Leo Vazquez, project director for Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice, at leo@nnjcf.org or 201-568-5608, x2.

The No-Mow Lawn: Replacing Your Lawn with Native Plants
2024-04-13 09:30 - 14:00
Part 1: 9:30-12 | Part 2: 12:30 – 2
About:
Replacing all or some of your front lawn with native plants is a great way to help reduce flooding and pollution, support our natural ecosystem, and add beauty to your property. In this two-part workshop, you will learn how to design a native plant garden for your property. You will have a chance to draw out your ideas and get feedback from the instructor and fellow students.
This workshop is taught by Dave Chalek, owner of Sprout Farms and Gardens in Teaneck. Dave specializes in urban, sustainable, edible and biodiverse gardens.
In Part 1 of this workshop, you will learn about the benefits of native plant gardens, get tips on how to design your space with native plants, and draw out ideas for your property. In Part 2, you will get feedback on your designs, and more ideas, from Dave and fellow students.
The workshop is free, but please make a donation. 100% of your donation will be used to help build a community rain garden in Hackensack. We need more support to make this happen. Please consider donating at least $20. Any amount you give will be appreciated. Your donation is fully tax-deductible.

Hackensack Community Rain Garden Information and Design Session
2024-04-25 19:00 - 20:00 | online
Learn more about a community rain garden that will be installed at Hackensack High School and share your thoughts on how it should be designed. This session will be on Zoom. The link will be provided in your ticket or confirmation email.
The Community Rain Garden will be installed June 1, as part of a community and environmental festival called Boost the Block Goes Green. The event will be produced by Greater Bergen Community Action and the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.
The rain garden will be installed in the center area in the picture.

Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance September meeting
2024-09-09 18:30 - 19:45 | Second Reformed Church, 436 Union, Hackensack, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
The Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance, a community group that focuses on helping people who are hardest hit by environmental issues, will hold its monthly meeting Monday, September 9, from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.
A lot has happened over the summer and even more is going on — so please don’t miss this meeting! Here’s the agenda:
1. Welcome and introductions
2. Updates
A. Green Infrastructure Plan
B. EPA grant application
3. Introduction of new co-chairs: Amrisa Niranjan and Pedra Del Vechio
4. Update and clarify EJA’s mission
5. 2024-2025 projects
A. Pet Walk on the River
B. Art at the rain garden
C. Maintaining the rain garden
D. Share your ideas for projects
6. Next steps and to-dos
7. Next EJA meeting: Monday, October 14
The EJA is a great way to connect with others who want to make Hackensack greener, cleaner and healthier for everyone. Please join us.
There will be light refreshments served (snacks and soft drinks).
To learn more about the Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project, visit this page.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Please consider making a donation to help support this project. Any amount you can give will help. All donations made through this event will be used to help create a community rain garden or other environmental projects benefitting the community.
The Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project is produced by Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Hackensack, Greater Bergen Community Action and Hackensack Public Schools, as well as Hackensack residents and representatives of several organizations in Hackensack. It is supported in part by The Funders Network, AARP, Valley Bank Foundation, TD Bank, M&T Bank Foundation, PSE&G Foundation, the Hackensack Rotary Club, and other supporters.
Questions? Contact Leo Vazquez of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation at leo@nnjcf.org or 201-568-5608, x2.

ArtsBergen 10th Anniversary Connect the Dots: Works on Water
2024-10-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Fairleigh Dickinson University | Metro Club, Alumni Hall, 990 Library Circle, Teaneck, NJ, 07666, United States

Sweater Weather River Walk
2024-11-16 00:00 | foschini park, 278 River Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
Bring your pet. Bring your sweater. Bring your pet in a sweater.
Sweater Weather River Walk, Saturday November 16, 11 am to 1 pm, Foschini Park, 278 River Street. Meet at the picnic tables near the parking lot.
No RSVP necessary
Join the Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance for a fun family walk by the Hackensack River. Walk along the river path and learn about the Hackensack’s rich history. Gift card prizes for best pet sweater. Cider donuts and apple cider! Free face painting for kids. Painting the River Art session with Monica Chavarria.

Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance November meeting
2024-11-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Second Reformed Church, 436 Union, Hackensack, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
The Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance, a community group that focuses on helping people who are hardest hit by environmental issues, will hold its monthly meeting Monday, November 18, from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.
The agenda is:
1. Welcome and introductions
2. Finalizing the HEJA mission statement
3. Strategizing the public listening session. Share your thoughts on how we can best hear from Hackensack residents about their thoughts on flooding in the community and the responses to it.
3. Brainstorming ways to engage more Hackensack community members
4. December 9: Meeting and holiday social
The EJA is a great way to connect with others who want to make Hackensack greener, cleaner and healthier for everyone. Please join us.
There will be light refreshments served (snacks and soft drinks).
To learn more about the Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project, visit this page.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Please consider making a donation to help support this project. Any amount you can give will help. All donations made through this event will be used to help create a community rain garden or other environmental projects benefitting the community.
The Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project is produced by Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Hackensack, Greater Bergen Community Action and Hackensack Public Schools, as well as Hackensack residents and representatives of several organizations in Hackensack. It is supported in part by The Funders Network, AARP, Valley Bank Foundation, TD Bank, M&T Bank Foundation, PSE&G Foundation, the Hackensack Rotary Club, and other supporters.
Questions? Contact Leo Vazquez of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation at leo@nnjcf.org or 201-568-5608, x2.

North Jersey National Heritage Area Information Session
2025-01-23 14:00 - 14:30, 2025-01-23 19:00 - 19:30
A National Heritage Area (NHA) is a federally-designated region that has made a special contribution to American history and culture. The designation is more than symbolic – it can bring up to $1 million in federal funds a year to the NHA, and much more in economic activity. NNJCF and its partners believe that North Jersey deserves that recognition, and we are working to make it happen.
Join us to learn more about this effort and how you can be involved. To get background information on the North Jersey National Heritage Area, please visit this link.
This session is led by NNJCF Executive Director Leo Vazquez, who is organizing the effort to make the North Jersey National Heritage Area. You will have plenty of time to ask questions
Getting the NHA designation will take time and resources. We need your support to make it happen. Please consider donating at least $20 to this great cause when you RSVP.

Putting the Community in Community Solar
2025-02-05 13:00 - 14:00 | online
As our communities seek to address rising monthly utility bills and the effects of climate change, NNJCF is pleased to bring you this webinar discussion on community solar. The NJ Board of Public Utilities introduced its New Jersey Community Solar Energy Program (CSEP) in 2018 to make solar savings available to renters and homeowners without upfront costs or expensive solar panels.
Join us for a conversation about the opportunities community solar can provide for municipalities, community-based organizations, and individual NJ households. NNJCF partners Greater Bergen Community Action Inc. and Dimension Energy – one of the state’s most active community solar developers, owners, and operators – will discuss what community solar is and detail their partnership to enroll thousands of GBCA’s clients in the monthly savings provided by Dimension’s projects.
To date, Dimension has energized three community solar projects in NNJCF’s service counties that now serve almost 1,200 households – over 51% of which are low-to-moderate income. Around 2,600 more households in NNJCF’s service counties will be able to access the benefits of community solar through eight more Dimension community solar projects that will come online in 2025-2026. We hope you will join us to learn more about how you might help expand access to these community solar savings and job opportunities.

Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance March 2025 meeting
2025-03-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Second Reformed Church, 436 Union, Hackensack, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
The Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance, a community group that focuses on helping people who are hardest hit by environmental issues, will hold its monthly meeting Monday, March 10, from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.
At this meeting, we will:
*Discuss and choose projects that HEJA can undertake in 2025.
*Get updates on the Green Infrastructure plan, listening sessions and more.
The EJA is a great way to connect with others who want to make Hackensack greener, cleaner and healthier for everyone. Please join us.
There will be light refreshments served (snacks and soft drinks).
To learn more about the Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project, visit this page.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Please consider making a donation to help support this project. Any amount you can give will help. All donations made through this event will be used to help create a community rain garden or other environmental projects benefitting the community.
The Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project is produced by Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Hackensack, Greater Bergen Community Action and Hackensack Public Schools, as well as Hackensack residents and representatives of several organizations in Hackensack. It is supported in part by The Funders Network, AARP, Valley Bank Foundation, TD Bank, M&T Bank Foundation, PSE&G Foundation, the Hackensack Rotary Club, and other supporters.
Questions? Contact Leo Vazquez of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation at leo@nnjcf.org or 201-568-5608, x2.

April 2025 Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance Meeting
2025-04-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Second Reformed Church, 436 Union, Hackensack, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
Join us for the next meeting of the Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance. HEJA is a resident-led group working to address environmental issues in Hackensack, such as flooding, and make Hackensack greener, cleaner and healthier for everyone. Everyone is welcome to join.
In this meeting, we will:
* Work on 2025 actions for HEJA to take on. This will include tactical (such as a bike lane), community outreach (such as listening sessions and public education) and policy (such as influencing the City Planning Board.)
* Discuss your thoughts on what will go into the Green Infrastructure Plan for Hackensack. See and comment on plan overview here.
You can join us in person at the Hackensack Second Reformed Church or online via Zoom. (The link will be in the receipt email.)
If you are joining in person, please bring a non-perishable food item for the church’s social services program.
Questions? Please reach out to the co-chairs at Contactheja@gmail.com

Hackensack River Nation Summit
2025-04-22 10:00 - 18:00 | Fairleigh Dickinson University Student Union Building, Sub Lane, Teaneck, Nj, 07666
The Hackensack River Nation Summit brings together public officials, leaders of environmental and community organizations, and business leaders who want to protect the Hackensack River watershed ecosystem and connect more people to the river. It is a great opportunity to make valuable connections, gain useful knowledge, and increase your visibility to advance your mission.
The event features:

A keynote speech on the State of the Hackensack River, by Hackensack Riverkeeper Captain Bill Sheehan
A workshop on the clean up of the Hackensack River Superfund site, led by the US Environmental Protection Agency
A workshop on collaborating for better and more cost-effective stormwater management planning, led by Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Future
A workshop on Choosing green infrastructure for watershed protection, led by United Energy Advisors
A workshop on Building trails in urban and suburban communities, led by the New York/New Jersey Trails Conference
A panel discussion on Building Strong Watershed Alliances, with the Hackensack Riverkeeper, Musconetcong Watershed Association, and the Waterfront Alliance
Exhibitors from environmental organizations and agencies in the Hackensack River watershed
Plenty of time for networking
Breakfast, lunch and a post-Summit reception

Thanks to generous support from Dimension Energy, PSEG Foundation and M&T Charitable Foundation, tickets are at a great price. It’s only $80 for the general public; $40 for employees of government agencies and nonprofit organizations and members of Green Teams, Environmental Commissions or Shade Tree Commissions; and $10 for FDU faculty, staff or students. Financial aid is available. Please contact Leo Vazquez at leo@nnjcf.org if you need financial aid.

North Jersey National Heritage Area online information session
2025-04-29 14:00 - 15:00 | online
A National Heritage Area (NHA) is a federally-designated region that has made a special contribution to American history and culture. The designation is more than symbolic. It can generate over $100 million in economic impact, support hundreds of jobs, and bring up to $1 million in federal funds a year to the NHA, and much more in economic activity. NNJCF and its partners believe that North Jersey deserves that recognition, and we are working to make it happen.
Join us to learn more about this effort and how you can be involved. To get background information on the North Jersey National Heritage Area, please visit this link.
This session is led by NNJCF Executive Director Leo Vazquez, who is organizing the effort to make the North Jersey National Heritage Area. You will have plenty of time to ask questions.
Getting the NHA designation will take time and resources. We need your support to make it happen. Please consider donating at least $20 to this great cause when you RSVP.

May Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance Meeting
2025-05-12 18:30 - 19:45 | Second Reformed Church, 436 Union, Hackensack, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
The May HEJA meeting will focus on ways to get more trees planted and maintained in Hackensack. Guest speaker: Josh Cohen, Chair, Hackensack Shade Tree Advisory Committee. He will talk about the city’s recent tree inventory. Then we’ll get into our work groups to strategize how HEJA can increase the tree canopy. Key questions to explore:
*What areas of the city need more trees?*How do we convince skeptical residents about the value of trees in their communities?*What policies or incentives should the city adopt or strengthen to get more trees planted or maintained?

Questions about this meeting? Please contact HEJA Co-Chairs Amrisa Niranjan or Pedra O’Reilly Del Vechio at contactheja@gmail.com

What is Your Theory of Change?
2025-05-20 14:00 - 15:00 | online
What tangible changes do nonprofit programs create in the lives of the communities they serve? Too often, nonprofit reporting focuses on what we have done (or outputs) without mentioning the outcomes and impact of our program services. This 45-minute presentation will demystify the Theory of Change, a strategic tool vital for service providers and often required by funders. We’ll define it, compare it to “logic models”, identify its core components, and explain contribution analysis, empowering you to attribute outcomes to your work. You’ll leave with actionable steps to create your own Theory of Change and/or support your grantees and stakeholders in using it to represent and manage their programs.
What you learn in this webinar will not only help you with evaluation, it will help you with writing grants, building allies, and similar situations.
This webinar is free, but please make a donation to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation to support programs that benefit North Jersey communities. Please consider a $20 donation; anything you can give will be appreciated.
About the speaker: Dr. Lisa Gale, Principal, LVG Strategy Group
Dr. Lisa V. Gale is a highly experienced social impact consultant, educator, and leader with over 30 years of experience driving positive change across the nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors. As the founder and principal of LVG Strategy Group, she empowers organizations to achieve meaningful outcomes through strategic research, program development, and capacity building.
Dr. Gale is a recognized expert in evaluation and monitoring, specializing in helping organizations measure and communicate their impact. Her career highlights include serving as Chief Program Officer at StoryCorps, where she oversaw research documenting the impact of storytelling, and as Deputy Vice President at Seedco, directing initiatives to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations. She also served as Manager of Workforce Development for the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone and as Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Human Resources Administration, demonstrating her ability to lead complex projects and drive positive change.
Dr. Gale holds a PhD in Social Welfare from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, an MSW from the Hunter College School of Social Work, and a BBA from Baruch College. She is an adjunct faculty member at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, where she shares her expertise with the next generation of social impact leaders. Based in Teaneck, NJ, Dr. Gale is deeply connected to her community and passionate about creating a more just and equitable world.

Community Changemaker Night 2025
2025-06-05 18:00 - 20:30
Join us for an evening of laughter, networking, hors-d’oeuvres and drinks, feathering the “North Jersey Changemaker Awards.” The awards honor champions of community, creativity and change.
Hosted by Bill Ervolino, humorist and Bergen Record columnist
2025 Changemaker Awardees:

Visionary Leadership Award: South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum
Green and Healthy Places Leadership Award: Dr. Marion McClary, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Creative Communities Leadership Award: State Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (District 36)
Belonging and Opportunity Leadership Award: Gina Wilson and Lisa De Dominicis, Fund Advisors for the Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund

June Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance Meeting
2025-06-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Second Reformed Church, 436 Union, Hackensack, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
Join us for the next meeting of the Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance. HEJA is a resident-led group working to address environmental issues in Hackensack, such as flooding, and make Hackensack greener, cleaner and healthier for everyone. Everyone is welcome to join.
Agenda:
With a new city administration starting in July, what would you like the new Mayor and Council to do to support environmental justice, green infrastructure, or environmental protection in Hackensack. Share your ideas at the meeting, and we’ll share them with the new City leadership.
You can join us in person at the Hackensack Second Reformed Church or online via Zoom. (The link will be in the receipt email.)
If you are joining in person, please bring a non-perishable food item for the church’s social services program.
Questions? Please reach out to the co-chairs at Contactheja@gmail.com

Dedication of Hackensack Community Rain Garden
2025-06-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Hackensack High School, 135 First Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
In June 2024, more than 50 people came together to install a rain garden at Hackensack High School. The garden is meant to help reduce flooding, bring more beauty to the neighborhood, and help students learn more about sustainability. Please join us June 10 at 1 pm for the dedication of the Hackensack Community Rain Garden at Hackensack High School, 135 First Street, Hackensack. No RSVP is necessary for this free event.
Hackensack Community Rain Garden at Hackensack High School.

Making Life Better through Creative Placemaking
2025-06-12 14:00 - 15:00 | online
According to psychiatrists, all people have a similar set of needs to make their lives happy. In this webinar, learn how creative placemaking can help directly address most human needs, and indirectly support others.
Don’t know much about creative placemaking? No problem. This webinar will introduce you to this concept, which is about leveraging the power of arts and culture to address social issues in communities.
About the speaker: Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP, is the Executive Director of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2023, he helped build the emerging field of creative placemaking through conferences, educational programs, thought leadership, and community planning. His work has engaged and inspired thousands of artists, urban planners, community development professionals and more.
The event is free, but we request a $20 donation. This will to help support scholarships for artists to participate in the New Jersey Creative Communities Conference

September Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance meeting
2025-09-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Second Reformed Church, 436 Union, Hackensack, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
Join us for the next meeting of the Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance. HEJA is a resident-led group working to address environmental issues in Hackensack, such as flooding, and make Hackensack greener, cleaner and healthier for everyone. Everyone is welcome to join.
​You can join in person at Second Reformed Church or online through a zoom link provided after you RSVP.
If you are joining in person, please bring a non-perishable food item for the church’s social services program.
If you haven’t been to a HEJA meeting in a while, this is a good meeting to go to.
Agenda:

Welcome and introductions
Summer updates (reports from Pedra and Leo)
Pathways to the River project – introduction and discussion
Ideas for use of seed funding – discussion and selection
(If time allows) HEJA as an environmental hub for Hackensack – discussion
(If time allows) Call for HEJA co-chairs

Questions? Please reach out to the co-chairs at Contactheja@gmail.com

Making Life Better Through Creative Placemaking
2025-09-10 14:00 - 15:00 | online
According to psychologists, all people have a similar set of needs to make their lives happy. In this webinar, learn how creative placemaking can help directly address most human needs, and indirectly support others.
Don’t know much about creative placemaking? No problem. This webinar will introduce you to this concept, which is about leveraging the power of arts and culture to address social issues in communities.
About the speaker: Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP, is the Executive Director of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2023, he helped build the emerging field of creative placemaking through conferences, educational programs, thought leadership, and community planning. His work has engaged and inspired thousands of artists, urban planners, community development professionals and more.
The event is free, but we request a $20 donation. This will to help support scholarships for artists to participate in the New Jersey Creative Communities Conference
You can find the link to the webinar in your thank you email.
Image: Community members working to beautify an area of Bogota, NJ by placing art in a chain link fence.

Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance October meeting
2025-10-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Second Reformed Church, 436 Union, Hackensack, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601, United States
Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance logo
Join us for the next meeting of the Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance. HEJA is a resident-led group working to address environmental issues in Hackensack, such as flooding, and make Hackensack greener, cleaner and healthier for everyone. Everyone is welcome to join.
You can join in person at Second Reformed Church or online through a zoom link provided after you RSVP.
If you are joining in person, please bring a non-perishable food item for the church’s social services program.
Agenda:

Welcome and introductions
Tactical Team update
Pathways to the River project – introduction and discussion
Green infrastructure plan update
Planning for Tree and Environmental Fair, Spring, 2026
Call for HEJA co-chairs

Questions? Please reach out to the co-chairs at Contactheja@gmail.com

Pathways to the River Community Meeting
2025-10-29 18:00 - 20:00
Learn more and share your ideas about how to create paths that encourage more people in Hackensack to walk, bike or otherwise travel to the Hackensack River. Also share your ideas about how to enhance the experience of people when they are at the river.
The session will be led by the New York – New Jersey Trail Conference, one of the leading organizations in building trails around the area. It is produced by the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation and the Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance.
Note: Only the October session is at the Johnson Public Library. The November session will be in a location in Hackensack to be determined.
There will be Spanish translation at this event.

New Jersey Creative Communities Conference: The Art of Community Well-Being
2025-11-06 08:45 - 17:00 | Hudson County Community College Culinary Conference Center, 161 Newkirk Street, Jersey City, NJ, 07306, United States
A gathering of leaders, doers, thinkers, and artists throughout New Jersey. Together, we will explore innovative ways to make places better for everyone through art and creative placemaking. You can make connections; get inspired for new and better projects; meet prospective partners, and more.
The conference will explore four themes:

Art and Community Health – How art and artful environments benefit mental and physical health and well-being.
Community Economic Development – How arts and placemaking boost local economies, create jobs and support cultural entrepreneurship.
Empowering and Supporting Public and Social Practice Artists – Training and supporting artists and emerging artists wanting to help communities.
Inclusive and Accessible Communities – How the arts can help make places more welcoming and comfortable for everyone.

Learn more and register at https://www.nnjcf.org/njcc25/

Pathways to the River Community Meeting
2025-11-22 10:30 - 12:30
Learn more and share your ideas about how to create paths that encourage more people in Hackensack to walk, bike or otherwise travel to the Hackensack River. Also share your ideas about how to enhance the experience of people when they are at the river.
The session will be led by the New York – New Jersey Trail Conference, one of the leading organizations in building trails around the area. It is produced by the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation and the Hackensack Environmental Justice Alliance.
Note: The November session will be in a location in Hackensack to be determined.
There will be Spanish translation at this event.
