New Dawn Central Jersey CDC was not built from the outside in. It was built by community members who believe in this community, and refused to accept that Central Jersey families deserved anything less than the full promise of opportunity.
Our Story: New Dawn
New Dawn Central Jersey Community Development Corporation was founded on a simple but demanding conviction: that community development is something built from within, not done from
the outside.
We are a nonprofit community development corporation rooted in Central New Jersey, working across a broad range of issue areas – environmental justice, agricultural development, workforce opportunity, health equity, civic engagement, and community access – because the people we serve do not experience their lives in silos, and neither do we.
Our work is grounded in partnership, guided by community voice, and accountable to the people whose lives it is meant to affect. Our anchoring community partner is First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey – one of Central Jersey’s most historic and trusted institutions, and the home of our flagship Genesis Project.
Our Values
Our values guide how we serve, partner and build lasting change with the communities of Central Jersey.
Community First
Every decision starts with one question: does this serve the people we are here for?
Equity in All Things
We approach every issue area - energy, food, health, safety, work, and civic life - through the lens of equity. Who is being left out, and how do we change that?
Dignity and Wholeness
We see community members as whole people with complex needs. We meet people where they are and build toward where they deserve to be.
Civic Power
The people most affected by public decisions deserve a real seat at the table where those decisions are made.
Partnership and Trust
We do not parachute in. We show up consistently, build relationships, and earn the trust of the communities we serve.
Transparency and Accountability
We say what we do. We do what we say. We report back.