Orange NJ Community Development Nonprofit Celebrates 25 Years

Sept. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- HANDS is stepping forward as a model of urban development, showcasing the progress we have made toward creating a just and beautiful city.  
Measurable Results
Guided by the success of other urban revitalization projects, HANDS has created an Arts District as a catalyst for development.  Innovative programs like University of Orange (a free community education program to empower the people of Orange), Hat City Kitchen (a restaurant with live music that provides financial support to the organization), a theatre, greenhouse and artist lofts/studios are significantly changing the landscape of the community.
Right now, in the Valley Arts District alone, scores of properties have been renovated and another 48 homes, studios and retail spaces are under construction.  HANDS has also worked in East Orange, Irvington and Newark.  Plans have begun for significant development in “the heart of Orange.”
Creating revitalized family communities offers the potential to significantly increase property values, make larger contributions to the tax rolls, decrease the crime rate, impact educational outcomes and improve the health and well-being of those living in the community.
Dr. Mindy Fullilove, MD, Columbia University Professor of Clinical Psychiatry &  Sociomedical Sciences and an expert in urban policy, sites HANDS in her forthcoming book, “Elements of Urban Restoration: Repairing America’s Cities After Blight, Flight and Disinvestment”:
HANDS’ work in Orange is an outstanding example of ecologically-sensitive neighborhood revitalization.  HANDS, alerted by residents’ concern, realized that there were vacant properties so troublesome they threatened the health of whole segments of the city. To stop that process, HANDS developed a strategy of systematically targeted rehabilitation.  HANDS stopped destruction in its tracks and gave the city a new future.  

Involving the Larger Community
Our efforts to publicly acknowledge the anniversary of HANDS include expanding our community of friends and donors.  Reaching beyond the borders of Orange, we hope to figuratively and literally blur the lines that mark our boundaries with West Orange and South Orange.  
Reaching out will help us meet several of our targeted objectives:
1.   Increase significant annual gifts from individuals
2.   Bring new customers to the Valley business establishments.
3.   Enrich our blossoming arts community.
4.   Provide opportunity for joint projects and collaboration.
5.   Improve the safety of our neighborhoods.
A Full Schedule of Events
The 25th Anniversary will be marked by a wide spectrum of events designed to appeal to several identified constituencies including the existing HANDS community, sponsors and funders, graduate students, residents of Orange, eminent thinkers, young community activists and residents of neighboring communities.  
With the theme: Hats Off to HANDS, we will focus on our work in The Valley of Orange and West Orange, showcasing the world-class community development initiatives.  Orange became known as “Hat City” when it was the hat making center of the country.  
Events will include:
•   A friends kick-off gathering to celebrate and share with the community.  The world’s largest Orange hat collection will be unveiled.  Registration opens for University of Orange fall/winter classes.
•   A Show of HANDS, a walking tour will be offered weekly leading up to the November 1 event.  This will highlight the Valley Arts District.
•   Several art events including a street fair, an opening at Arts Unbound (visual arts education and opportunity for those with disabilities) and a student art festival.
•   A streetscape clean-up project involving volunteers from the community as well as families from neighboring South Orange and West Orange.  Selected borders will be marked and landscaped.
•   A Symposium entitled “Toward a Just & Beautiful City” will include notable speakers commenting on the process of community development.
•   The Symposium will be punctuated by appropriate performing art pieces to showcase and reflect the Arts District.
•   A commemorative book will be produced for the occasion.
•   Hats Off to HANDS Evening Gathering in support of the work of HANDS and including an art show, by local artists, and sale.  
•   Events sponsored by affiliated organizations including Live Music at Hat City Kitchen, University of Orange programs and public gatherings and showcases.
•   Documenting and sharing the lives and work of residents, artists and business owners as well as the ongoing construction and renovation projects.