In collaboration with Catholic Charities of Newark, this year's Leadership Fellows partnered with the Strong Futures program in Union City, NJ to help young people transitioning out of the child welfare system or experiencing homelessness. To enhance their journey toward a brighter future, we developed and guided the transformation of previously abandoned spaces into a Strong Futures home and agricultural gardens. The gardens will provide fresh produce and serve as therapeutic outdoor environments for their young residents, offering a sense of support and purpose-driven investment. Each seed planted symbolizes our hopes for the young people’s futures and our best wishes for their success. We firmly believe in each person's potential to achieve great things. With the guidance and expertise of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension, the gardens will sustainably and regeneratively thrive.
Our leadership program is deeply rooted in Professor Franzese’s philosophy, methodology, and strategies for putting loving kindness in action to foster social change and eliminate poverty and injustice. Accordingly, our garden embodies and extends Professor Franzese’s spirit and philosophy of compassion and hope-giving. Her teachings remind us that as lawyers we are uniquely situated to champion the underdog and be the light we wish to see in the world. Through this project, we aspire to create a lasting impact on the lives of the young people in the Strong Futures program, empowering them to succeed and thrive. May the sparks of hope be passed down through generations.
A Chinese proverb reminds us, "It takes ten years to grow trees, but a hundred years to cultivate people." This proverb emphasizes the time and care required for educating and nurturing the generations that succeed us. My journey at Seton Hall Law has instilled in me the commitment to public service and taught me the power and value of commitment, integrity, patience, and passion for a cause bigger than my own.
*Photography by Annie Gavin*
