Freeholders Approve $360,000 Boost For Montclair Community Group

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation (MNDC) will get a $360,000 boost from block grant and CARES Act funding, county officials announced Monday.

Earlier this month, the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved two resolutions that will channel more than $360,000 to the MNDC. The funds were granted via the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and the Economic Security (CARES) Act.

According to a joint news release from the freeholders:

“The MNDC offers a multitude of services for community residents ranging from employment readiness and financial literacy education, to independent living support services and youth after-school programs. Through Essex County’s CSBG program, the MNDC was initially awarded $58,000 to be used this year. The resolutions passed by the board will allocate an additional $233,000 to be used by Dec. 31. Additionally, with Congress passing the CARES Act to assist low-to-moderate income communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the county was able to grant the MNDC an additional $127,767 to be used by Sept. 30, 2022.”

MNDC Executive Director Albert Pelham said the group was grateful for the funding boost.

Pelham, who oversees community operations for the MNDC, also pointed out the importance of receiving additional funds through the CARES Act.

“The courts which were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic are beginning to open up,” Pelham said. “The money provided through the CARES Act will be vital for needed legal assistance. This additional funding shows our government is keenly aware of the support needed by members of our community.”

Freeholder President Brendan Gill, a Montclair resident, said the MNDC has shown “great dedication” to enhancing the quality of life in the town.

“I am pleased we were able to do our part and provide the Montclair community, especially in light of COVID-19, with some financial relief,” Gill said.

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