Who We Are
NJ4S Passaic County Hub
Paterson, NJ
The NJ4S Passaic County Hub is here to support the mental health and well-being of students, families, and schools — at no cost! As part of the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) Network, we provide resources and programs designed to help K-12 students thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Launched in 2023 through the New Jersey Department of Children & Families, NJ4S created 15 regional hubs to ensure students across the state have access to the support they need. Operated by the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC), our Passaic County Hub connects local schools and families with expert-led services, from mental health support to wellness programs, all designed to build stronger, healthier communities.
We’re here for you — because every student deserves to feel supported, confident, and ready to succeed.
NJCDC
Designated as the managing agency of the NJ4S Passaic County Hub, New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) is a Paterson-based private, non-profit community development and social service agency focusing on education, youth development, affordable and supportive housing, and community building initiatives. Founded in 1994 with a mission of creating opportunities to transform lives, NJCDC now serves over 4,000 children and families each day.
In 2023, NJCDC extended its reach across Passaic County by opening the doors of the NJ4S Passaic County Hub. Given its breadth of experience helping youth develop in and out of the classroom, NJCDC is proud to be a part of this important state-wide initiative.
NJ4S Passaic County Hub
Bloomingdale
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Clifton
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Haledon
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Little Falls
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Hawthorne
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North Haledon
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Passaic
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Paterson
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Pompton Lakes
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Prospect Park
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Ringwood
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Totowa
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Wanaque
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Wayne
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West Milford
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Woodland Park
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Bloomingdale 💙 Clifton 💙 Haledon 💙 Little Falls 💙 Hawthorne 💙 North Haledon 💙 Passaic 💙 Paterson 💙 Pompton Lakes 💙 Prospect Park 💙 Ringwood 💙 Totowa 💙 Wanaque 💙 Wayne 💙 West Milford 💙 Woodland Park 💙
At the NJ4S Passaic County Hub, we’re committed to supporting the mental health and wellness of students, families, and school staff — at no cost. Our goal is to provide the right resources at the right time, making it easier for our community to thrive.
We offer a variety of support services, including interactive workshops, professional development for educators, support groups, skill-building sessions, clinical assessments, and therapeutic interventions. Every program is designed to meet the unique needs of Passaic County’s schools and families.
Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and shaped by the voices of our community — educators, school leaders, parents, caregivers, and students — so that we can provide the most effective and meaningful support possible.
Hub Leadership
DIRECTOR: Kathy Barreto, LCSW, CCS
Kathy Barreto is the Director of the NJ4S Passaic County Hub at NJCDC. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in social work and a concentration in group psychotherapy from Yeshiva University. Kathy has over 20 years of clinical experience working with children and their families in New Jersey’s public school system. She has also worked with the co-occurring, SPMI (serious and persistent mental illness) adult population and has experience in private practice. Kathy is passionate about advocacy and is driven by helping others make positive, lasting changes that impact overall well-being.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Patricia Kramer, MA, EdS, LMFT
Trish Kramer is the Assistant Director of the NJ4S Passaic County Hub at NJCDC. Trish has over 15 years with NJCDC and extensive training in mental health services. Trish received her B.A. from William Paterson University and holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Seton Hall University. She went on to obtain an advanced Ed.S. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University, where she also taught as an adjunct professor. Prior to joining the NJ4S team, she was Director of the School Based Youth Services Program at Clifton High School. Trish is a New Jersey State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and private practitioner Trish loves being part of a great organization and team, who are committed to making a positive impact on the youth and families they serve.
Our Team of Experts
The NJ4S Passaic County Hub is staffed by a dedicated team of experts, including Licensed Mental Health Clinicians, Supervising Prevention Consultants, Prevention Consultants, Scheduling Coordinators, and Marketing Coordinators.
Collectively, the team has backgrounds and experience in mental health, public health, prevention science, social services, education, childhood development, youth programming, and more. NJ4S staff are experienced in delivering effective, engaging services to youth, families, educators, and community members in individual and group settings. Team members have bachelor’s or master’s level degrees and many possess professional licenses, including LCSWs, LSWs, LPCs, LMFTs, and LCADCs.
NJCDC hires from within the communities it serves to ensure culturally competent staffing and programming, reflecting the diverse population of Passaic County. Several members of this dynamic group are Passaic County natives, current residents, and/or parents of children throughout the county’s public school system. The NJ4S team features several bilingual Spanish-speaking staff members and clinicians.
Key Partnerships
Our partners are the critical links in how we reach our residents.
They provide referrals, host our workshops, and share evidence-based practices.
• Passaic County Public & Charter Schools
• NJ Children’s System of Care
• Passaic County Circle of Care
• Youth and Teen Centers
• Family Success Centers
• Passaic County Public Libraries
• Social Service Organizations
• Faith-Based Organizations
• Partnership to End Addiction
• Connect for Freedom
Project H.O.P.E.
Helping Our People Excel
Project H.O.P.E. is an NJ4S Passaic County Hub initiative dedicated to supporting underserved youth, especially those experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to provide essential resources, support, and opportunities to help young people in Passaic County build resilience and a brighter future.
Through community partnerships, outreach efforts, and donations, Project H.O.P.E. connects youth and families with the tools they need to thrive. Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch our First Annual Walk in Spring 2025 — an event designed to raise awareness about youth homelessness while providing direct support, community resources, and educational opportunities.
By working together, we’re creating real change and forging new pathways to hope and empowerment for Passaic County’s youth.
Check out our newest podcast!
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Check out our newest podcast! 💙
Allow Kathy, Kenicia, and Larry tell you what NJ4S is all about, opportunities to get involved, and the impact the program has already made for students, parents, and schools in Passaic County on NJCDC’s new video podcast, The Loft.