L-R: Marge DellaVecchia,  ED, NJ HMFA; Melissa Castro-Marmero, Office of Senator Robert Menendez;  Msgr. Robert McDermott, Chair, St. Joseph’s; Pilar Hogan Closkey, ED, St. Joseph’s; Eileen Fitzgerald, COO, NeighborWorks America; Deborah Boatright, Northeast District Director, NeighborWorks America and Keith Getter, Relationship Manager, NeighborWorks America

Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) in New York City and St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society in Camden, New Jersey, each recently held events to mark their affiliation with NeighborWorks. Both highly accomplished organizations, they represent the first new affiliations in the Northeast district since 2002 and significantly expand NeighborWorks’ reach into underserved communities.

St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society marked their affiliation at Carpenter Square, where ground will soon be broken for the first 18 of 42 homes planned for what was once one of the most drug and violence-plagued areas of Camden. NeighborWorks® America COO Eileen Fitzgerald noted that “St. Joseph’s represents the kind of excellence in community stabilization, revitalization and development that characterized the NeighborWorks network across the country.” The event was covered by the local ABC affiliate, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Catholic Star Herald.

“St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society has helped thousands of New Jersey residents purchase and maintain their homes and they will be a tremendous asset to the NeighborWorks America network in our state,” said U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. “Their proven track record of educating potential home buyers will complement NeighborWorks’ efforts in improving the quality of life of working families. I congratulate St. Joseph’s for their revitalization projects which have improved the lives of so many children and families, andhope this partnership will serve to expand their efforts in promoting safety, financial stability and homeownership opportunities in Camden neighborhoods.”

L-R: Deborah Boatright, Northeast District Director; Chris Kui; ED, AAFE; Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Keith Getter, Relationship Manager

Asian Americans for Equality, the first community development corporation to serve the NYC’s nearly one million residents of Asian descent, celebrated their affiliation at their annual Thanksgiving banquet, attended by over 100 people. The event was widely covered in the area’s Asian-language media. 

Joined by District Director Deborah Boatright and several other prominent local elected officials, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez offered her congratulations to AAFE. “By joining forces with NeighborWorks, AAFE will have additional funding and support for their efforts to create equal opportunities for all New Yorkers.  I am committed to working with AAFE to address the shortage of affordable housing, increase financial literacy and improve lending practices.  With unemployment rising above 10 percent and families struggling to make ends meet, this help is needed in New York City now more than ever.”

While unable to attend the event, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney also applauded AAFE’s membership into the NeighborWorks network.  “I am delighted that AAFE will be one of the first Asian-American charter members of the NeighborWorks,” said Congresswoman Maloney. “For decades, AAFE has been a force for positive change in lower Manhattan, helping thousands access affordable housing and granting millions in low-cost loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs.  AAFE exemplifies the spirit of civic involvement that makes New York the greatest city in the world.”

More information about Asian Americans for Equality can be found at www.aafe.org and St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society can be found at www.sjcscamden.org.