South Ward Nonprofit Consortium brings nearly 2 dozen groups together to discuss community needs

South Ward Councilman Patrick Council hosted the first South Ward Nonprofit Consortium meeting in collaboration with Clinton Hill Community Action on June 20 at the Temple of Hip Hop in Newark, bringing together local nonprofit organizations, community leaders and stakeholders to discuss joint efforts, shared resources and collective impact in the South Ward community.

The meeting, which was attended by over 20 representatives from various nonprofit organizations in the South Ward, focused on the importance of working together to address the needs and priorities of the community. Leaders for Life, Clinton Hill Community Action, Hear My Cries, International Youth Organization, Newark Community Solutions, Newark Community Street Team, South Ward Environmental Alliance, South Ward Promise, South Ward Special Improvement District, United Community Corp. and the Weequahic Family Success Center were the nonprofits that presented and shared the services their organizations offered. Attendees engaged in productive discussions, shared best practices and explored potential partnerships to better serve the residents of the South Ward.

Council shared his vision for bringing this group together. The highlights from the meeting included the presentation of the South Ward Nonprofit Consortium’s goals for the upcoming year. A major objective is to meet regularly with residents, so they are aware of the mission, goals and progress that each organization is making in their service to the community. The evening also provided networking opportunities for organizations to connect, collaborate and share resources. Attendees discussed issues facing the South Ward community and brainstormed solutions for collective impact. This meeting recognized the valuable contributions of local nonprofits in addressing community needs and fostering positive change.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and engagement at the South Ward Nonprofit Consortium meeting,” Khaatim Sherrer El, executive director of Clinton Hill Community Action, said. “By coming together as a united front, we have the opportunity to amplify our impact, leverage our resources and create lasting change in the South Ward community. We look forward to continuing to work together to build a stronger, more resilient community for all residents.”

The South Ward Nonprofit Consortium is dedicated to fostering collaboration, coordination and communication among nonprofit organizations in the South Ward of Newark to address shared challenges and opportunities. By working together, the consortium aims to enhance the connectivity of each organization so that it can increase the quality of life for all residents and create a more equitable and vibrant community, cultivating the neighborhood residents can be proud of.

For more information about the South Ward Nonprofit Consortium and upcoming events, please contact Brianna Anderson, legislative aide and policy adviser, at andersonbri@ci.newark.nj.us.