Tri-City Peoples Corporation was created by dedicated citizens committed to the improvement of the Westside Park Neighborhood.  It was sponsored by Tri-City Citizens Union for Progress, which was established in 1966 as a community-based organization concerned with the absence of housing and support services for economically and socially disadvantaged people.

A group of civil rights activists and clergy from three urban centers in Northern New Jersey formed Tri-City chapters in Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson.  By 1968, the Jersey City and Paterson chapters dissolved while the Newark-based organization thrived and succeeded in rehabilitating 300 units of housing within the Westside Park area of Newark' Central Ward.

Top

Of particular concern was the general health and welfare of the area's families who were living in extremely repressive economic and social conditions, and the need to create neighborhood-based direct service delivery programs designed to strengthen and lend support to needy families.  

In response, Tri-City developed and continues to provide a wide array of comprehensive social services to assist community residents.  A sixty square block area within proximity of the Park and the Newark/Irvington border was targeted.  Today, while Tri-City Peoples Corporation continues to focus its attention on the Westside Park community, it serves residents not only from the entire city of Newark, but from Irvington, East Orange and several other communities as well.

Top

Tri-City has as its primary mission to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged people and to advocate for and sponsor programs which assist such individuals in attaining a higher level of economic, social, educational, cultural, and spiritual well being.

Tri-City has garnered a 36-year track record of successfully effectuating positive social change for disadvantage families and individuals, and in steadfastly serving as a voice and advocate for those who are disenfranchised.  We are a strong proponent of community self help, grassroots community organizing and collaboration and coordination between community institutions.

Top

As an organization, we are convinced that strong families make strong communities. Toward that end, many of our program activities and services are designed to enhance family life and to contribute to the individual growth and development of individual family members.