Servant’s Heart Ministry Receives $250k Grant from Bolger Foundation for Great Falls Center

Photo: J.T. Bolger and John Oosdyk with rendering of The Great Falls Center in Paterson

John Oostdyk, Executive Director of Servant’s Heart Ministry, recently announced that the organization will receive a $250,000 grant from The Bolger Foundation for the continued build out of The Great Falls Center in Paterson, NJ.

To qualify for the grant, Servant’s Heart Ministry (SMH) was challenged to raise $2,250,000. Thanks to the generous support of their donors, the goal was met on May 1. Thanks to the challenge grant from Bolger Foundation of Midland Park, NJ, the capital campaign for The Great Falls Center is fully funded for Phase 2. Phase 3 of their fundraising will begin this fall.

“We are so pleased and gratified to receive this generous challenge grant,” commented Oostdyk. “It was truly a key catalyst in encouraging other generous financial partners to make gifts to the project.”

“The Bolger Foundation is proud to be challenge Servant’s Heart in their journey to transform the building and the area around The Great Falls Center,” said J.T. Bolger, President of the Bolger Foundation. “Their mission and educational opportunities will be a catalyst for generations.”

Earlier this year, the Paterson Planning Board unanimously approved the plans for The Great Falls Center. The organization hopes to begin construction later this year.

The Great Falls Center, a collaborative initiative by Servant’s Heart Ministry and Dawn Treader Christian School, showcases a commitment to holistic community development, bridging the gap between education and practical skills. Plans for the building at 39 McBride Avenue include state-of-the-art workshops, classrooms, community spaces, and a public food hall and rooftop dining experience. The Center seeks to empower individuals with valuable trade skills and promote educational excellence, community engagement, and economic growth in Paterson.

Servant’s Heart Ministry currently uses the building for its Workmanship Training and Mentorship Program, which equips young men and women with the skills necessary to excel in various trades, thereby addressing the growing demand for skilled labor in the region. Since 2019 SHM has graduated 182 students from its growing list of courses. The program already offers training in CPM, Fine Woodworking, Welding, and Tile. A pilot program for Auto Mechanics launches this fall. The completion of The Great Falls Center will allow SHM to offer culinary courses as well.

Learn more about Servant’s Heart and the Workmanship Program at www.ServantsHeartNJ.org.

Explore plans for The Great Falls Center at www.TheGreatFallsCenter.com.