Unified Vailsburg Services Organization
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Unified Vailsburg Services Organization
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Support Us
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Community Engagement
  • #GetM.A.D
  • Careers

#GETMAD!

The #GetMAD! project is a public education and awareness campaign on solid waste and illegal dumping delivered through youth publicists, journalists, and community organizers trained in the UVSO Public Relations Apprenticeship Program (PRAP) curriculum. PRAP trains working-age youth to conduct research, investigate, produce messaging, creative content, and an engagement campaign to ignite action and reinforce behaviors that increase the quality of life in Vailsburg and Greater Newark. This version of PRAP (#GetMAD! project) will expose environmental injustices Vailsburg related to solid waste, illegal dumping, and improper hazardous waste disposal.

Teams

#GetMAD Avengers

The trash talkers

#GetMAD Avengers

AQuamariness

The trash talkers

#GetMAD Avengers

The trash talkers

The trash talkers

The trash talkers

#GetMAD avengers

synopsis

The #GetMAD Avengers will interface with people and industry alike, in an attempt to stop those who dump toxic materials and solid waste. Our PSA will attempt to compare the difference between urban and suburban communities to shed light on the systemic issues and lack of resources in disadvantaged areas. We hope to educate and generate community awareness around these issues and find solutions that will impact the lives of Vailsburg community members.

“Everyone, no matter their race, ethnicity, color, national origin, or income deserves to live and work in a healthy and clean environment, free from the harmful and degrading effects of polluted air, contaminated water, and illegal dumping.” - Gurbil Grewal, Attorney General, New Jersey


The avengers psa

#GETM.A.D AVENGERS PSA VIDEO 

GET M.A.D. AVENGERS

THE AVENGERS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

VIDEO LINK

Meet the avengers team

Sabrina Ross - team leader

Sabrina Ross was born and raised in Newark. She currently serves as the Community Outreach Manager for Unified Vailsburg Services Organization (UVSO). Ross’s mission is to educate and empower residents to engage with local, state, and federal officials on issues relating to economic development. She is a dynamic professional with success in delivering impactful programming through local and national partnerships. Ross has an extensive background in service delivery, neighborhood planning, and project planning. Ross graduated from Seton Hall University with a bachelor’s in Social behavior Science and Economics and from Rutgers Newark with a Master’s in Public Administration with a concertation in non-profit management. 

Renay campbell

Renay Campbell was born in the beautiful Island of Jamaica where she lived for sixteen years and later moved to America. She has recently graduated from West Side High School and now looking forward to attending Montclair State University in the fall where she will be majoring in business. Campbell’s mission is to strive for equality for women in the workplace by climbing the corporate ladder and someday starting her own business. Her interest started when she was placed to work as an intern at the Newark One-Stop Career Center where she has gain valuable skills. Campbell’s interests are traveling, shopping, makeup, and staying connected with family. Some of her accomplishments include graduating from high school, completing an internship with Newark Works, getting accepted to ten universities, and now been accepted to the Summer Youth Program to bring forth change and her work doesn’t stop there.

ZOya dodd

Zoya Dodd was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to America in 2019. She has recently graduated from West Side High School and is set to attend Rutgers University - Newark this upcoming Fall where she plans on majoring in either Criminal Justice or Law. Dodd’s mission is to bring about justice through her profession for those who are considered as the minority. Zoya enjoys listening to music in her free time, swimming, going on walks with friends, shopping, and using social media. A recent accomplishment of hers has been being accepted into the Summer Youth Program where she now has the opportunity to help better her community and learn from peers.

talib crawford

Talib Crawford was born on November 24 2000 in Newark NewJersey. He lived with both parents up until the age of 5, where he then went on an adventure to Atlanta Georgia with his mother. Throughout his life, he's had to transition back and forth from living with his mom to living with his dad, all the way until they both agreed to go back to  NewJersey and live as a happy family. Now it's just Him, his two little siblings (Brother and sister), and of course, his two loving parents. Current day in 2020, Talib is 19 and listens to NBA Youngboy, Lil Wayne, A boogie, and more. He enjoys video games, basketball, wrestling, and going on vacations. Crawford is a recent High School graduate and is working on becoming

a dedicated Fireman.

ayANNA JOHNSON

Ayanna Johnson was born on November 4th, 2002 in Newark New Jersey. She lives with both parents including her brother and other family members residing on the floor above and below her. Throughout her life, she was always around her cousins and older brother attending family events regularly. Current day 2020, Ayanna is 17 years old, enjoys artists including Polo G and NBA Youngboy. She enjoys music, basketball, and Youtube. She has just exited her junior year of high school and will be entering her final year in August 2020 and to end June 2021. 

Jordan kemble

Jordan Kemble was born on January 22, 2003, and raised in Newark, New Jersey all his life. He lives with both parents, including when his brother occasionally comes in. Jordan is a rising senior attending Newark Collegiate Academy and is very intelligent. He is very interested in studying the brain so he intends to go to college and major in Psychology. Current day Jordan enjoys playing basketball, listening to music, and watching shows and movies on Netflix. Recently he has joined the Summer Youth Program to help advocate and raise awareness about the harmful effects of littering and has contributed to making a film speaking about that very topic.

THE AQUAMARINESS

SYNOPSIS

The Aqua Marines used a dramatic skit to address the issue of illegal dumping in the community. The PSA highlighted the importance of keeping the environment and waterways clean. The message: It is important for you to be invested in your community; every litter has an owner hold your neighbors accountable. Much like the Aquamarines’ motto, “ remain faithful and loyal to the assigned task at hand and to keep our community clean.

THE AQUAMARINESS PSA

THE AQUAMARINESS PSA VIDEO

THE AQUAMARINESS

THE AQUAMARINESS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

VIDEO LINK

MEET THE AQUAMARINESS TEAM

Ivory blair - team leader

Ivory Blair was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. She currently is a teacher assistant at UVSO located at Smith street and also a residential assistant at Youth Consultation Services. Ivory's mission is to serve as an advocate for youth. Blair has experience in childcare, both in the school environment and home setting. Ivory graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Social Work. 

Cristian Roa

Cristian Roa is 17 years old, born in Brooklyn, New York. In June of 2020, Cristian graduated from West Side High School and will be attending California University of Pennsylvania this fall. His goal in life is to get his bachelors and masters degree in accounting and business management, he wants to become a successful accountant and potentially learn more about business to start his own business to help others and his family. Roa’s interests are Broadway, gaming, anime, sports, animals, nature. Roa’s accomplishments are becoming his school student of the month 2 times in his junior year, making honor roll, captain of his JV basketball team his junior year, and graduating getting accepted to both Penn State and the California University of Pennsylvania. 

Justinian rosario

Justinian Rosario is a 17-year-old born in Bronx, New York. In June 2020, he graduated from West Side High School and will be attending Montclair State University starting in the fall. His mission is for him to obtain his Bachelor Arts Degree and find a job suitable for the major he learned at Montclair (Graphic Design). Even though he is diagnosed with “disabilities”, he fights through them and tries his best in order to achieve his dreams and goals. 

Daniel lloyd

Daniel Lloyd is 19 years old born in the Bahamas and came to Newark NJ at the age of 12. He graduated from West Side High School in June 2020 and will be attending Saint Peter's University majoring in biology. His dream is to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon.  

Freddy castillo

Freddy Castillo was born August,1,2005. Some of the things that he likes include fishing, playing video games, biking, hiking, and playing baseball. He graduated from. McKinney elementary school and is going on to this first year of high school he is an ambitious boy and intends to make the most out of it. He wants to make a change in the city because he sees way too many trash bags and garbage in the lakes and wants to raise awareness to help combat these environmental issues. 

Azariah johnson

Azariah Johnson was born on March 4, 2006, in the city of Newark, New Jersey. She attends Montclair Kimberley Academy, although she still resides in Newark.  Although she is just going into high school, she already has a goal of becoming an attorney. She enjoys activities such as writing, reading, dance, and swimming. Her favorite subjects in school are English and history, because of the writing aspect. An accomplishment of hers is receiving honor roll every single year so far, and she plans to keep it that way. She has a huge voice and can make a change in the community. 

ahmad oyediran

Ahmad Oyediran was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, although he now resides In Newark, New Jersey. Ahmad is a recent graduate from West Side High school and now plans to pursue his goal of becoming a pilot at FDU (Fairleigh Dickinson University). Ahmad’s hobbies include; reading Qur’an, playing FIFA, lacrosse, soccer, and bowling. His pet peeves include; impertinence, lying, and bright light. Ahmad’s goal of becoming a pilot will not come without adversities, but he plans to conquer whatever is in his way and let his success story be a source of inspiration to other people who pursue the same interests as him. 

Vashu patel

Vashu Patel was born in Gujarat, India, raised for about 12 years in Nairobi Kenya, and currently lives in Newark, New Jersey.  He recently graduated from West Side High School and will attend the New Jersey Institute of Technology in the fall. Vashu’s mission is to earn a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. After obtaining the degree, Vashu plans to build a career in software engineering whereby he wishes to work for an impactful company like Sony or Amazon. His key interests are Soccer, video games, and coding. Recently, he accomplished virtual graduation from high school and earned a diploma, and officially became a college student aiming to start college this fall. 

The trash talkers

synopsis

The purpose of our #GETMAD campaign is to inspire and empower individuals to make immediate changes around littering and areas of blight in  Newark, NJ. “I am a product of my environment” is a bold statement meant to redefine harmful narratives placed on Inner-city youth and communities of color. In this PSA teens use their collective power to re-imagine a better, cleaner community. 

THE TRASH TALKERS PSA

WATCH THE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

THE TRASH TALKERS

THE TRASH TALKERS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

VIDEO LINK

meet the trash talkers team

Naomi stevens - team leader

Naomi Ruth Stevens is a recent graduate from Seton Hall University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Political Science. Ms. Stevens is a community organizer and works diligently to bring about social reform in Newark, NJ, and surrounding areas. Naomi is currently employed at Unified Vailsburg Services Organization where she works with Teens and Pre-teens after school. She is also an executive director at Sonday’s Hope, a non-profit organization based in the westward of Newark. Ms. Stevens has a property development project called “Social Healing in Public Spaces” that teaches self-sufficient practices in low-income areas and to people of color by transforming vacant areas of blight into functional spaces. Naomi Ruth enjoys writing plays, singing, producing music, and worshipping at her church, Community House of Prayer in Newark.  

Duwun E. Priester

Duwun E. Priester is from Newark, New Jersey. He describes himself as “a black man trying to find his way in life”. He is a passionate athlete and embodies a competitive spirit Priester’s mission is to create a better life for his family and his community in the South Ward of Newark. He plans on following his dream of playing professional basketball. Priester also has a heart for social service. Priester’s goal is to make jobs accessible to young people in urban communities. 

Amber a priester

Amber Ajenne Priester is from Newark, New Jersey. Her birthday is Nov 1, 2003. She is currently in 10th grade at Newark Collegiate Academy. She is a part of the Robotics team and Amine club. She also won an award with her Robotics team in their first year.

She has won the Ocean Award, Perfect attendance, and etc. Her interests right now are music, friends, Education, and her community. She is a well-spoken person. Meaning she speaks about topics she believes in. People that are influenced by her right now are Cardi B, Beyonce, Whitney Huston, Al Green, Kobe Bryant, Maverick Carter, Lebron James, Viola Davis, Ciara, and others. She also likes exploring different cultures other than her African American culture.

Antwan taylor

Antwan Taylor is a recent 8th-grade graduate and will be attending high school in the fall. He enjoys spending time playing fighting and adventure video games. His favorite foods are noodles and sushi. He likes playing baseball and basketball.  Antwan grew up in Maryland but later moved to Newark, NJ. He has two other siblings.  His dream is to one day become a YouTuber and social media influencer for video games. 

Kishon forde

Kishon Forde was born on November 19th, 2003 in Florida but moved to Newark, New Jersey at the age of three. Kishon is currently a Junior at Saint Benedict’s prep. He is an athlete and enjoys playing games and working on his YouTube channel as a hobby. Forde spends time listening to music, playing games/sports, working out, and going out to play paintball. Forde considers himself a very honest person. He can appear shy at first, but once he opens up he is very outgoing and funny. Forde is very proud of how he has matured as an individual and how he went from being out of shape to being healthier and athletic. His love for photography and his skill at editing videos and content will contribute to the overall project. 

ariel walker

Ariel Walker is from Newark, New Jersey. She is attending North Star Academy in the fall as a 9th grader. She is extremely driven by being successful, motivating others, and becoming her best self. She has received honors in her classes throughout her middle school year and hopes to do so in High School. Her motivation is driven by the people around her and in her community. She wants to do better in life and become someone one day. She is interested in sports, friends, and music. She is confident and well-spoken.

Devonyah Mars

Devonyah Mars is from Newark, New Jersey, and has many goals in life. She attends Newark Vocational high school and recently finished her freshman year with honor roll all four marking periods. She is motivated by her surrounding environment and does not want to fall into the negative narrative surrounding black girls/women. Devonyah is also very motivated by her family. She is interested in sports, reading, music, and animals. Ms. Mars believes her biggest influence is herself. She is very ambitious and strives to be a notable marine biologist veterinarian. 

special thanks to:

THOMAS ELLIS - MENTOR/ LEADER

Mr. Ellis was born In Harlem New York in 1959  and wheres many many hats. 

He is a Father, a Grandfather, a Family Worker,  Community Activist,  Leader, Professional Entertainer, M.C., Host, Poet,  Journalist for Local Talk Newspaper, T.V. and Radio host, Writer, Tap Dancer, President of the Ivy Hill Little League Baseball, Coach, Mentor, Volunteer, and Founder of Anti Violence Grassroots Organization and Community Outreach Coordinator at Unified Vailsburg Service Organization

Mr. Ellis believes  the Youth are our Future, and  we have to teach and educate them everyday, because everyday you can learn something new.

GEM PROJECT -

Amanda Ebokosia founded The Gem Project Inc. to assists youth and young adults in carrying out the educational enrichment programs that we develop, which focus on the issues of their community and youth affairs.  Through this process, The Gem Project simultaneously honed their skills of leadership and community organizing.

Learn more

brown70films -

Timothy Brown, the owner of  Brown70 Films, a film distribution company,  has a vision to express social issues using film making as an advanced digital maker and editor.  The Brown70 Films Project gives middle school and high school students the opportunity to learn the craft of digital film making. 

Learn more

GETMAD

GETMAD CAMPAIGN REEL

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