GreenLight Fund’s New Initiative EMS Corps Launches in Newark with Celebratory Event and Documentary Screening
GreenLight Fund Greater Newark officially launched its EMS Corps program with a reception at the Newark Museum of Art. The evening featured inspiring remarks from Mayor Ras J. Baraka, then followed by a screening of the documentary “Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders” and a panel discussion that explored the intersections of healthcare, community engagement, and workforce development.
Tish Johnson-Jones, JD, Executive Director of the GreenLight Fund Greater Newark, welcomed guests with an especially passionate speech that underscored the event’s significance. “It’s a pivotal moment for Newark,” she said. “As we launch EMS Corps in our city, we are building on the legacy of community-driven progress that ‘Freedom House Ambulance’ represents.”
Mayor Baraka spoke candidly about the city’s dedication to innovation and community health, noting that initiatives like EMS Corps are essential to propelling Newark into a future where every resident has access to quality emergency care and the opportunity for sustainable employment.
The panel discussion, moderated by Atiya Jaha – Rashidi, featured insights from Antoine Davis of the San Francisco Fire Department, Jasmine Joseph-Foreman of the Newark Opportunity Youth Network, Kevin Callaghan of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, and Mike Gibson of EMS Corps/Public Works Alliance. The panelists discussed the crucial role of EMS Corps in strengthening Newark’s emergency medical response infrastructure and providing career pathways for the city’s youth.
The documentary screening of “Freedom House Ambulance” was not only a historical reflection but also a lens to view the potential of the EMS Corps in Newark. The film tells the story of how a disenfranchised black community of late 1960s Pittsburgh revolutionized emergency medical services. The documentary was especially resonant with the aspirations of the EMS Corps initiative in Newark.
GreenLight Fund’s selection of EMS Corps as their first major investment in Newark came after a comprehensive community engagement process, including a year-long tour and dialogues with Newark residents. The organization’s evidence-based, community-centered approach is aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Newark and other cities.
“Our young people are gaining the skills not just to work, but to thrive and lead,” Johnson-Jones concluded. “Together, we are writing a new chapter in Newark’s story of resilience and renewal.”
The launch of EMS Corps in Newark marks the beginning of a promising new chapter in the city’s ongoing efforts to build a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community for all its residents.
For more information on EMS Corps, click here.
