Unlock the Potential: Faith in Action in Sustainable Development Symposium

• Posted on: 03/1/2024

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TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Redevelopment Authority, in collaboration with the New Jersey Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, Kean University, Monarch Housing, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and DMR Construction, is pleased to announce the "Unlock the Potential: Faith in Action in Sustainable Development Symposium." This event, tailored exclusively for faith-based organizations, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the North Avenue Academic Building at Kean University.

“In an ever-evolving landscape, faith-based organizations play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their communities, making this symposium a unique opportunity for learning and collaboration,” said Leslie A. Anderson, president and CEO of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority.

The Faith in Action Symposium is designed to inspire and equip faith-based organizations with the knowledge, tools, and strategies essential for actively contributing to the redevelopment of communities in the Garden State.

"This symposium is an incredible opportunity for faith-based organizations to position themselves at the forefront of positive community transformation," said Edward LaPorte, executive director of the New Jersey Office of Faith-Based Initiatives.

“DCA is committed to addressing the State’s critical affordable housing shortage by increasing, preserving and enhancing its affordable housing stock,” said DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Providing affordable housing in partnership with faith-based nonprofits presents a strategic opportunity to align our respective, yet shared, missions to uplift individuals and our communities by ensuring the inclusion of quality, affordable housing opportunities and economic advancement for those in need.”

The one-day symposium delves deep into the intersection of faith-based development and community service, addressing the distinctive needs and opportunities within New Jersey.

“Kean University is pleased to be a partner in this initiative,” said Kellie LeDet, chief government affairs officer at Kean. “Our Faith-Based Institute of Public Policy is committed to nurturing and strengthening the relationship between faith-based communities and society. This symposium speaks to our mission to foster collaboration and action for the betterment of all.”

The symposium is offered to faith-based leaders free of charge. Attendees will have the chance to learn from real-world examples and best practices in faith-based redevelopment projects, gaining valuable insights to drive their initiatives.

“At Monarch we believe Housing is a Human Right. Housing is the cornerstone from which we have the opportunity to grow and thrive. We are thrilled to participate in this critical conversation as faith-based organizations explore their role in creating opportunity and access through development for our communities,” said Taiisa Kelly, CEO of Monarch Housing Associates.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/2024FIASymposium.

For more information, please contact Oscar Parham, chief strategy officer, New Jersey Redevelopment Authority at oparham@njra.us; or Edward LaPorte, executive director, NJ Office of Faith Based Initiatives at Edward.laporte@sos.nj.gov.

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About the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority

NJRA is a comprehensive resource center that focuses on improving the quality of life by creating value in New Jersey's urban communities. The Authority invests financial and technical resources into redevelopment projects and plans that will create a positive impact in eligible communities and ensures projects are urban-focused, neighborhood-based, and investment-driven. Visit the NJRA online at www.njra.us or follow them on social media @njra_nj on Instagram, @NJRedevelopmentAuthority on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About the NJ Office of Faith Based Initiatives (OFBI)

The OFBI mission is to eliminate barriers to funding and other resource opportunities; create greater access for partnership; provide training and technical assistance in areas that include but are not limited to capacity, infrastructure, and sustainable development. The OFBI also works with various state and federal agencies to develop the needed infrastructure that supports the vision of faith leaders in creating sustainable development projects. Visit the OFBI online at https://www.nj.gov/state/ofbi.shtml or follow them on social media: Facebook: NJ OFBI, “X” (Twitter): OFBI_NJ, Instagram: OFBI_NJ

About Kean University

Kean University, New Jersey’s urban research university, is a national institution of higher education recognized for its diversity, innovation, and the social mobility of its graduates. Founded in 1855 as a teachers college, Kean has evolved into a thriving research university that supports students as they persist to graduation, give back to their communities and launch successful careers. Kean’s six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate programs, six doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications, across a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, as well as Kean Online, the University provides students of all backgrounds an affordable and accessible world-class education. Learn more at www.kean.edu.

About New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a state agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support, and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses, and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey. DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

About DMR Construction

DMR Construction Services, Inc. is a family-owned single-source provider of construction, development, and real estate services. Since the inception of the business in 1992, quality and integrity in our craft have been our priority. In the early 90s, DMR started complex track and tunnel projects in NY and NJ. As the company expanded it began to take on larger residential projects including subdivisions, luxury estate homes, and luxury townhouse communities. Currently, DMR Construction, aside from its public work and third-party construction for private developers, has nearly $100M in development projects in its portfolio. DMR Construction continues to be one of the top-tier public works contractors in the State of New Jersey.

About Monarch Housing Associates

Monarch Housing Associates is a non-profit organization whose mission is to expand the supply, accessibility, and variety of affordable, permanent supportive housing through development, planning, advocacy, and partnerships. To this end, Monarch serves as a financing consultant supporting mission-aligned developers in their efforts to create affordable and supportive housing. Monarch also works with communities across New Jersey to develop and implement strategic plans to end homelessness. Finally, Monarch coordinates and supports advocacy efforts to ensure policies and regulations are aligned to enable the creation of affordable and supportive housing as well as the implementation of efforts to end homelessness. Monarch is committed to moving New Jersey closer to a state where Housing is a Human Right. Within that vein, we strive to ensure equity is at the forefront of all efforts as we seek to create opportunity and access. 

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: