Summit to Address Youth Violence and Construction Begins on a New Pre-K

Central Ward Councilman Darrin Sharif, Rutgers, NJIT, Essex County College and various nonprofit and other organizations are hosting a summit to come up with solutions to curb youth violence in the state’s largest city. The “Partnerships for Change Volunteer Summit” will be held at the campus center atrium of NJIT, 150 Bleeker St., on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 am to 3 pm.

“I believe that our commitment and support of our local non-profit organizations are the key to saving the lives of all of our residents,” said Sharif. “We must work together to stabilize at-risk neighborhoods. I wanted to provide a forum where our community stakeholders can offer their support of the work of these community organizations by making a time contribution or a financial contribution. Support a non-profit, save a life.”

On Friday, Dec. 6, a community organization, United Vailsburg Service Organization, will break ground on a new infant-and-toddler preschool center to be located at 1033 South Orange Ave. The Palm Street Center will serve infants and children up to the age of 3. The groundbreaking begins at 11 am.

Community guests are invited to join UVSO for the groundbreaking ceremony at 1033 South Orange Avenue, the site of the new Vailsburg Child Development Center at Palm Street. Please RSVP to Sharon Flowers at 973.374.2000 ext. 10.