about us

Our Mission

Building stronger communities one block at a time!

The G.N.A will serve as a platform for neighbors (homeowners and renters) of Jersey City, NJ., to work together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. The Alliance, which is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization, will focus its attention on residential quality-of-life issues that include safety, land use, development, affordable housing, traffic, green space, parking, and education. It will strive to ensure that laws are obeyed and enforced. It will call on Elected Officials and Municipal Agencies to be accountable to all their constituents and diligent in fulfilling their responsibilities. It will seek to foster diversity through special outreach to underrepresented groups, build consensus, and help to generate solutions.

About Us

Defining our purpose through the support of others

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Create, organize, strengthen, support, and bring Block/Neighborhood Associations together on common issues.

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Publishing news bulletins and hosting public forums and other community activities aimed at gathering feedback, identifying “best practices” that promote civic improvement, and ultimately mobilizing members to decide upon and take appropriate actions to uphold residential interests.

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We are assisting members in learning about laws affecting the residential quality of life and identifying and utilizing available Jersey City municipal services and other public resources and information.

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Keeping members informed on a timely basis about new and pending commercial development activities, including building and demolition permits, variance requests, and applications for alcohol licenses,

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Keeping members informed on a timely basis about new and pending commercial development activities, including building and demolition permits, variance requests, and applications for alcohol licenses,

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Engaging property owners, developers, and city officials in a dialogue about the need for affordable housing that is equitably dispersed throughout Jersey City.

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Working with parents and educators to engage students in programs and projects that increase their knowledge and help them with the appreciation of civic and community issues.

BECOME A MEMBER

You can be a part of something greater by becoming an official member.

GNANJ MONTHLY MEETING

Join your neighbors for a monthly meeting to find out about neighborhood issues and how we can work together.

2025 events

We’re excited to see you at these upcoming events! Save the date!

Meet Our Board

Sandra Lovely

Sandra Lovely

Founder/CEO

gna15213@gmail.com

TINA JONES

TINA JONES

Co-Executive Director/College Tour Coordinator

tinajonesgna@gmail.com

Monica Harwell

Monica Harwell

1st Vice President

linelady1@verizon.net

Jacqueline McLeod

Jacqueline McLeod

2nd Vice President

Bidwellavenueblockassociation@gmail.com

Deborah French

Deborah French

Garden Coordinator/Secretary

Gnacg15213@gmail.com

Michelle Crook

Michelle Crook

Treasurer

michelllec.gna@gmail.com

 Deborah Howell

Deborah Howell

Event Coordinator

Deborah_howell@ymail.com

Sabrina Riley

Sabrina Riley

Director at Large

bronzeangel66@gmail.com

Keisha Davis

Keisha Davis

Youth Coordinator

keishamdavis2007@gmail.com

ROSALYN WATERS - MAXWELLS

ROSALYN WATERS - MAXWELLS

Senior Services

watersmaxwell@aol.com

A letter from

Our Founder

Dear Community Members and Supporters,

On behalf of Greater Neighborhood Alliance Inc. (G.N.A.), I am delighted to welcome you to our vibrant and ever-growing community organization. Formerly known as Greenville Neighborhood Alliance, G.N.A. has evolved into one of the leading neighborhood alliance organizations in Jersey City, New Jersey. With 25 block and neighborhood associations spanning Ward A and Ward F—and now expanding across the city—we remain steadfast in our mission to strengthen our neighborhoods, empower our residents, and create lasting positive change.

Over the years, we have made remarkable strides, and our impact continues to grow. Our monthly community meetings, held every second Monday of the month, serve as a platform to discuss important neighborhood issues, share resources, and foster connections among residents. Additionally, our quarterly block association workshops provide invaluable support to those seeking to establish new block associations, helping residents become proactive leaders in their communities. Since 2017, we have proudly facilitated over a dozen Block/Neighborhood Workshops and recorded the formation of more than twenty new block associations throughout Jersey City.

Our Initiatives and Accomplishments

G.N.A. is dedicated to uplifting our community through various programs and events, including:

  • Neighborhood Cleanups: Keeping our streets and public spaces clean and welcoming.
  • College and Career Readiness Programs: Hosting seven annual HBCU College Tours, giving our youth the opportunity to explore higher education institutions in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.
  • Scholarship Support: In 2024, we proudly awarded our first $500 scholarship to a deserving student who participated in our scholarship essay competition.
  • Community Engagement & Recognition: Organizing eight annual award galas to honor outstanding community leaders, businesses, and volunteers.
  • Family & Youth Events: Sponsoring school supply giveaways, Easter egg hunts, and networking and recreational events to bring our community together.
  • GNA Community Garden: Provided fresh produce from our community garden to local community members
  • The GNA Collaborated Community Fund: Providing small grants to local organizations dedicated to youth and community activities.

Environmental Initiatives: Advocating for Green Spaces & Sustainability

Since 2020, G.N.A. has been actively involved in environmental advocacy and green space development. We have:

  • Partnered with NJ Future to raise awareness about Jersey City’s combined sewer system and stormwater flooding issues.
  • Collaborated with Sustainable JC on tree canopy preservation, urban heat island research, and air quality improvements.
  • Adopted a community garden lot, transforming it into the GNA Community Garden, where we cultivate flowers, fruits, and vegetables to share with our neighbors.

Join Us in Strengthening Our Community

G.N.A. thrives because of the dedication and support of people like you. If you would like to contribute to our efforts, donations can be made via:

  • Check: Payable to Greater Neighborhood Alliance Inc., PO Box #15213, Jersey City, NJ 07305.
  • Zelle: Send to GNA15213@gmail.com.

For more information or to get involved, please contact us at GNA15213@gmail.com. Your generosity and participation help us continue our mission of building a stronger, more connected community. Please note that all donations are tax-deductible.

Thank you for your continued support—we look forward to working together to create a thriving Jersey City!

Best Regards,

Sandra Lovely

Sandra Lovely (Founder & CEO)
Greater Neighborhood Alliance Inc.