JVS of MetroWest and Parker Family Health Center Named New Jersey 2025 Neighborhood Builders

Bank of America has named JVS of MetroWest (East Orange, NJ) and Parker Family Health Center (Red Bank, NJ) as its 2025 Neighborhood Builders® for their efforts to provide support services and successful outcomes to NJ residents. JVS of MetroWest offers job skills training, career coaching, disability services, and more to help program participants overcome barriers to employment. JVS also collaborates with community partners to connect individuals with local employment opportunities. Parker Family Health Center is dedicated to providing free, high-quality care to community members in need. Through partnerships with NJ colleges and universities, Parker delivers medical services to uninsured Monmouth County residents while training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Both nonprofits are awarded a $200,000 grant over two years as part of the Neighborhood Builders program, along with leadership training designed to enhance the skills of each executive director and an emerging leader. This training focuses on strategic planning, financial management, and long-term sustainability, equipping leaders with the tools needed to expand their services and adapt to evolving community needs. Additionally, the honorees gain access to a national network of Neighborhood Builders peers, fostering collaboration and building partnerships that amplify their impact.

“Access to healthcare and employment are critical for well-being,” said Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey. “I’ve had the opportunity to see the hard work both JVS of MetroWest and Parker Family Health Center are engaging in firsthand, and I’m excited to see these organizations expand and serve more New Jersey residents.”

JVS of MetroWest is dedicated to connecting job seekers of all ages and abilities to meaningful employment. They are based in East Orange and serve 5,000 people each year from Essex County down to Monmouth. JVS strives to help students overcome barriers to employment such as language, childcare, and transportation through one-on-one guidance, programs, and classes. They use an employer-focused model to develop relationships with businesses and community partners to help students identify potential employers in easy-to-access locations. This new grant funding will be used to enhance their data systems, allowing for streamlined communications and coordination with community partners. By increasing operational efficiency, JVS of MetroWest will be able to connect clients to employment quickly, with a focus on addressing their holistic needs.

Hetal Narciso, Chief Operating Officer, is JVS of MetroWest’s Emerging Leader as part of the Neighborhood Builders program. Hetal has dedicated her career to creating inclusive pathways for individuals facing barriers and helping folks with disabilities achieve their career goals. She has a Master of Science in Counseling and an extensive background in workforce development, disability services, and social impact programming. With almost 15 years of experience at JVS, Hetal has served as the Chief Operating Officer, Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Manager of Rehabilitation Services, and more.

“JVS of MetroWest is committed to addressing the most pressing employment needs within our community and opening doors for program participants,” said Michael Andreas, CEO, JVS of MetroWest. "We are a workforce development organization with one clear goal: helping people address barriers to employment, receive job skills training, and ultimately become employed. We are grateful to be recognized as a Neighborhood Builder for our efforts, and the support will allow us to strengthen our internal operations and reach more job seekers throughout nine counties in New Jersey.”

Parker Family Health Center offers free healthcare services to individuals without medical insurance, focusing on treating their patients with dignity and compassion. They are based in Red Bank and serve residents throughout Monmouth County. With 206 medical and non-medical volunteers, they are able to service 18,000 patient visits each year. Parker also helps train the next generation of healthcare professionals by offering internships and assistance in fulfilling clinical requirements. Students receive job training and access to over 100 medical professionals who share their learning, experience, and sometimes even connections with the students. The bank’s funding will support New Jersey’s first free dental clinic, a partnership of Parker Family Health Center and Brookdale Community College, set to open in late Spring 2026. Dental health is an underserved need in the Garden State, with NJ children outpacing the national average for tooth decay due to limited access to care. The new dental facility will help address this critical issue and expand Parker’s services to new beneficiaries. The clinic will also provide hands-on learning experiences for Brookdale students, furthering Parker’s commitment to training future healthcare professionals.

Ana Taylor, Facility Administrator, is Parker Family Health Center’s Emerging Leader. Ana began her journey at Parker as a volunteer interpreter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following her career in healthcare sales and finances, Ana was hired as a staff member and eventually promoted to Facility’s Manager. She is trilingual, allowing her to assist Parker’s diverse patient population. Ana has been a key player in expanding Parker’s operations, including initiatives to renovate and expand the clinic and to assist in the design and construction of the new dental clinic at Brookdale.

“Parker Family Health Center carries a long legacy set by Dr. James Parker Sr. and Dr. James Parker Jr. The father and son cared for the Red Bank community for over 80 years, regardless of someone’s background or ability to pay. We at Parker strive to continue their legacy by providing high-quality healthcare to those in need,” said Suzy Dyer, Executive Director, Parker Family Health Center. “We are excited to be a part of the Neighborhood Builders program and expand our operations. Through this funding, we will provide additional clinical learning opportunities to NJ students while delivering vital dental care to dentally uninsured Monmouth County residents, including seniors and veterans.”

Now in its 21st year, Neighborhood Builders® is one of the largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership nationwide.