Community Corner

Gloria Gaynor Visits Newark Homeless Facilty

'I Will Survive' singer meets parents, kids Tuesday

The residents of a city transitional living facility enjoyed a visit from a special guest Tuesday: legendary disco diva -- and Newark native -- Gloria Gaynor.

“I am just overwhelmed by what you’re doing here,” the “I Will Survive” singer said to a group of parents gathered at the New Community Corporation’s Harmony House on South Orange Avenue.

Harmony House provides more than 100 units of housing to parents and children as well as services to help those families eventually obtain their own homes. Harmony House is part of a village-style complex that includes a Pathmark supermarket and other facilities located near University Hospital.

During her visit, Gaynor met with staff and clients, including single and about-to-wed mothers and fathers and their young children. The clients and their kids lined up for autographed copies of “Christmas Presence,” a CD of holiday music.

Gaynor, who said she hopes to start a foundation to help families stay intact,  said she came to New Community to learn. The product of a single-parent household, Gaynor spoke about the importance of keeping families intact.

“I understand where these young people are coming from,” she said, adding that she believed in the importance of “bringing mothers and fathers together, or at least having the fathers in their children’s lives.”


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