Passaic, though rich in ethnic and cultural diversity, is a city identified as having many unmet needs. it is the fastest growing city in the state, and one with a dearth of services. The poverty level in Passaic is 27.5 percent as contrasted with the state average of 9.1 percent. Aware of this data, a subcommitee of major superiors of religious was convened to explore the possiblities. 

The members represented six different religious congregations:
Missionary Sister Eleanor Goekler
Benedictine Abbot Giles Hayes 
Dominican Sister Catherine McDonnell
Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth Joan Repka
Filippini Sister Ascenza Tizzano
Sister of Christian Charity Mary Edward Spohrer

Fueled by the “dreams” shared by the major superiors at their 2011 meeting with Bishop Serratelli, the sub-committee embarked on a yearlong study to explore how a partnership between the diocese and the religious who minister here could best meet the needs of families in Passaic. Among the many people and organizations with whom the sub-committee conferred were: Nancy Mahony, director of social concerns for the N.J. Catholic Conference; Sister of Charity Marion Scranton, vice president for mission services at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic; Sister of Charity Judith Mertz, director of Josephine’s Place in Elizabeth, and Filippini Sister Mary Beth Lloyd, in conjunction with the Newark Family Network Services. The sub-committee proposed an exciting new ministry in the city of Passaic
— a Neighborhood Center for Women and Children.

Although neighborhood centers already in existence around the country respond to the unique, particular needs of their own communities, they seem to have very similar overarching priorities: offering a safe, welcoming place for women to meet one another and express their needs; connecting women and children with available resources; providing educational and personal growth opportunities that respond to the community’s needs; both initiating and promoting collaborative programs and services within the community. The Passaic Neighborhood Center embraced these same priorities.