#hands inc

ARE U A VOLUNTEER BASED GROUP OR ORGANIZATION LOOKING FOR FUNDING & OVERALL SUPPORT FOR A COOL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT IDEA…THIS IS FOR YOU!

Upon arriving in Orange, New Jersey in 2011, one of the first things I remember doing was taking a tour with Molly Rose Kaufman. Then, the community organizer at HANDS, Inc. I quickly learned from her some of the rich histories in Orange like the Berg Hat Company, and Thomas Edison. But what stuck out to me was learning about how the construction of a highway, I-280, changed everything. At the…

Now Introducing Neighborhood Project Grants to Orange, NJ!

Do you have an idea that will bring people together, get to know your neighbors better, and make meaningful change in your community? Apply for a Neighborhood Project Grant to help make it happen! Orange is full of talented people with exciting ideas about how to make the city a better place. We are supporting resident-led projects in the Heart of Orange neighborhood to build community, cultivate…

Who is Dawan Alford?

This site has always been about broadcasting the dynamic individuals I meet here in the Valley Arts District. With this interview, that is exactly what I am doing. I met Dawan Alford years ago at Hat City Kitchen or one of the many events. He always had a camera in his hand and was starting his nonprofit organization, Citrus City. An Orange native, he has been all about doing what he can do to…

Full Circle – Happy 30th Anniversary HANDS!

Coming Full Circle – Happy 30th Anniversary HANDS! HANDS, inc. is  a nonprofit organization aimed in the revitalization of Orange, New Jersey neighborhoods. Started by Patrick Morrissy in 1986, first focused on fixing houses in the heart of Orange and later the Valley neighborhood on the border of Orange and West Orange. HANDS, along with Valley Arts, inc. have been the powering organizations of…

Hat City Kitchen Designer Inspired by Folk Art :: An Interview with Kimberly Maier

Hat City Kitchen Designer Inspired by Folk Art :: An Interview with Kimberly Maier If you have been to Hat City Kitchen located in New Jersey’s Valley Arts District, I am sure you have noticed the folk inspired are pieces and quilt as the backdrop of the stage. They have been there since the bar/restaurant opened six years ago. The detailed, and intricate pieces have become such an important…

Ultimate Frisbee Comes to Orange!

Ultimate Frisbee Comes to Orange!  I remember the first time I heard about Ultimate Frisbee. It was back when I started as a VISTA at HANDS, inc. Patrick Morrissy, at the time, my boss’ boss was out of the office due to an Ultimate Frisbee tournament. I was surprised because I did not know at the time how cool Pat Morrissy was. Then I was like, what is ultimate frisbee? The world’s fastest…

Meet the Archeologist :: A Few Words with Orange native, Christopher King

Original Art Work by Vladimir Jean  Reverse Archeology, I-280 in Orange, New Jersey Usually, archeologists dig into the ground to uncover the stories of the past. In Orange, we already have a hole in the ground where the highway runs through town. A lot has changed about Orange since the 1960’s when Interstate 280 divided the city in half. To build the interstate, hundreds of homes, shops,…

I wanted to give myself time to write about the celebration ceremonies for #ValleyArtsDistrict10. I wanted to talk about the day’s event in a way I have not done before.

Last Thursday, May 14th was a celebration of the work Pat Morrissy, Richard Bryant and the vast amount of special and dedicated individuals have done in the community of the Valley Arts District.

I watched as we kicked-off the…