Vision of Hope Enhances the Spirit of Newark
The Vision of Hope Community Development Corporation takes a unique approach to the revitalization of the City of Newark and surrounding areas. Formally established in 1999, the spirit and values of Vision of Hope have been at work for much longer, notes President Ernestine Watson.
A product of New Hope Baptist Church of Newark, The Vision of Hope Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity committed to addressing the social, human, and spiritual needs of the City of Newark and the greater Newark area within Essex County.
With the help of an $83,000 Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) grant through the EDA, Vision of Hope has performed site investigation at the future location of the expansion of the Marion P. Thomas Charter School. According to Ms. Watson, Vision of Hope plans to break ground on the project June 23, 2008.
"The Marion P. Thomas Charter School is a huge success story itself. We are thrilled to be able to expand the school, which will include kindergarten through fifth grade," said Ms. Watson.
The HDSRF is administered through a partnership between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the EDA. The DEP evaluates an applicant's preliminary eligibility requirements, the technical merits of the proposed project, and the estimated project costs. Upon DEP approval, the EDA evaluates an applicant's financial status, determines grant and/or loan eligibility, and awards funding. The fund is used for preliminary assessment, site investigation, and remedial investigation activities.