The Mt. Zion CDC was established and incorporated in May 2000. It functions to support the needs of the community in order to enhance the quality of life for its people, while providing hope and encouragement. The rationale is that it enables the community to be emerge better equipped to lead pursue fuller more productive lives.

 

The Mt. Zion CDC was organized exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes within the meanings of section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. By-Laws were amended 2005 to include ‘provide affordable housing”.

 

Since 2000 the Mt. Zion CDC has been involved in the following activities:

2001 

Computer classes for Seniors

 

2002

Utilizing the Mt. Zion Praising Healthy Team at least two community health fairs have been held annually

 

2003

Established Mt. Zion as a Select Group site of the Financial Resources Federal Credit Union which gave credit union benefits to church and community members that joined.

 

2004 

• Co-sponsored with the Financial Resources Credit Union a free financial seminar featuring workshops: Budgeting 101, and First Time Home Buyers

• Began planning Nehemiah Project, affordable housing in New Brunswick

• Received Grant from NBTomorrow and Rutgers Community Health program for Praising Healthy to implement the Get Fit with MZ obesity prevention program.

 

2005 

• Partnered with two new organizations and utilized Praising Healthy to implement programs

• Domestic Violence Awareness Coalition – hosted Domestic Violence Awareness training for representatives from 20 local churches

• Partnership for Prescription Assistance – hosted speaker from HINJ and disseminated information about discounted prescription drug program

• Received grant from Johnson & Johnson in recognition of CDC member’s voluntary service supporting the CDC’s community programs.

• Established partnership with the City of New Brunswick and Leewood Real Estate Group to develop affordable housing in New Brunswick (formerly the Nehemiah Project.)

•  Rev. Joseph Hooper began partnership with Rev. Vincente Martinez to lead New Brunswick Clergy and Community leaders in the promotion of free Annual Prostate Cancer Screenings sponsored by RWJ University Hospital and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

• Hosted first fundraiser, a Golf Classic at Fox Hollow Golf Club on Aug 14

•  Opened Mt. Zion CDC Preschool on September 7 with 75 students, Director – Cheryl Curry

• Received grant from Novartis and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey for Praising Healthy to conduct Cancer education programs for the community

 

2006

Funding approved for Housing. Ground breaking for Mt. Zion Leewood Homes – December 3.

 

2007 

• Purchased 45 passenger bus

• Hosted 2nd Annual Golf Classic at The Meadows on August 13.

• Donated funds for Back to School supplies for underprivileged children

• Donated Thanksgiving baskets for underprivileged families of preschool students

• Key ceremony for new homeowners of Mt. Zion Leewood Homes on October 24.

 

2008

• Hosted 3rd Annual Golf Classic at Fox Hollow on August 25

• Donated Back to School supplies for underprivileged community students