Visions Federal Credit Union partners with Paterson Public Schools Full Service Community Center 

By Kathryn Coulibaly

For more than a year, Visions Federal Credit Union, one of NJEA’s partners in social justice work, has been supporting Paterson Public Schools Full Service Community Center (FSCC). The center, located in Paterson’s fifth ward, offers a variety of services and resources to the community.  

“We provide a lot of education for adults, everything from ESL and GED classes, parenting and financial skills workshops, free dental care for Paterson students, a food pantry and a clothing boutique,” says Evelyn Peña, District Wide Community Outreach & Special Projects Coordinator. “Basically, we try to identify what the community needs and help provide that.”  

“FSCC is in the heart of one of the busiest sections of Paterson,” says Tatiana Lopez, Community Development Liaison with Visions Federal Credit Union. “When you see the center, you see that it’s a nice space and that Evelyn and her team take exceptional care of everyone who walks in the door.”  

The relationship with Visions began with the girls mentoring program where they focused on STEAM and financial literacy. Visions also provides a series of adult financial literacy workshops. If participants complete the series, they earn a certificate. The series covers topics such as banking, savings, budgeting and saving for holiday purchases.  

In addition, Visions provided financial assistance to revamp the FSCC’s clothing boutique.  

“Before, if a family came in to look through the clothing, everything was piled on top of tables,” says Peña. “Thanks to a grant from Visions, we purchased racks and hangers for our Community Boutique, and we were able to make it look more welcoming with color and designs on the walls. It makes it a nicer experience for our community members.” 

Visions staff also provides resources and volunteers for the food pantry. FSCC is now providing 200 meals a day.  

“FSCC is providing so much to the community,” Lopez says. “From language to tutoring to starting a business, they’re really finding ways to empower the community. Going forward, we want to be there more often and help present more programs. We are working to help facilitate more area organizations to get involved and volunteer. None of that happens without Evelyn. She’s the machine who makes it all happen.”  

NJEA has been partnering with Visions Federal Credit Union since 2021 when then-President Marie Blistan announced a 10-year, $1 million grant from Visions to fund NJEA’s racial and social justice work. Part of the grant funds an NJEA Frederick L. Hipp grant, which is awarded annually, up to $10,000 for projects related to racial and social justice.  

The NJEA grant is part of Visions Federal Credit Union’s Visions Cares program, which is responsible for over $1 million in annual contributions to the communities they serve, as well as a workforce volunteer program that yields thousands of volunteer hours annually. Learn more at visionsfcu.org/cares

The credit union also created the Visions Loves Educators program, a collection of products, services and grants tailored to the needs of educators. Read more at visionsloveseducators.com. 

To learn more about FSCC, visit paterson.k12.nj.us/Page/151.

Kathryn Coulibaly is the associate editor of the NJEA Review and provides content and support to njea.org. She can be reached at kcoulibaly@njea.org

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