Our Work
The mission of GRCA is to create and foster an environment where all people feel welcome and included in our Glen Ridge community.
The GRCA seeks to engage, educate, and equip our community with knowledge and understanding of diverse and multi-cultural experiences to create an environment in which all children can thrive.
The GRCA is made up of community members across a spectrum of backgrounds and experiences who strive to create and foster an environment where all feel welcome and included in Glen Ridge.
Education. Inclusion. Support. Alliance.
GRDIA’s goals are centered around creating and fostering an environment of inclusion, support and alliance in two key areas, education within the Glen Ridge School District and support of students in the Glen Ridge community at large.
AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
To encourage diversity among teachers, administrators and community leaders
To support a culture of multi-faceted teaching and learning approaches with diverse curricula which will raise the performance across all levels of education in the district
To help inspire acceptance, appreciation and fellowship among students
A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
We seek to encourage inclusiveness and allyship throughout the entire community. Our objectives in this space are:
To facilitate cultural awareness through events, education, and activities
To create a safe space for students and families to connect and relate.
To identify and understand underlying microaggressions felt within various student communities and to encourage behavioral shifts to address those microaggressions.
Our Strategic Goals
The Way Forward
To encourage greater diversity in hiring within the Glen Ridge Public School system
To advocate for a more robust multi-cultural education curricula throughout Glen Ridge Public Schools
To support an ongoing program of diversity training and education for educators and administrators within Glen Ridge Public Schools
To establish greater cultural awareness of diverse communities through events and activities
GRCA Organizations
Visit our community-lead coalitions for more information
The Glen Ridge Community Association is a non profit civic organization formed to address the gaps of diversity and inclusion in Glen Ridge Public Schools. The goal of GRCA is to have an open dialogue with the GRPS Administrator and BOE to work towards measurable actions to improve DEI in the school system so that all students can thrive in our global environment.
The GRCA continues to evolve with the inclusion of new constituencies to promote DEI in our community.
Glen Ridge Pan Asian American Asssociation
Established 2021. GRPAAA First event in September of that year. Their mission was to engage and educate the Glen Ridge community on issues affecting the Asian American population and to celebrate Asian American culture.
Glen Ridge Black Diversity Inclusion & Association
Est 2019. GRBDIA organized by a group of mothers, then founded as a 501(c)(4) in 2020, to create a supportive space for Black and BIPOC families in the Glen Ridge community and advocate for better diversity and inclusion within the Glen Ridge Public Schools.
Glen Ridge Diversity + Inclusion Association
Est. 2022. GRBDIA + GRPAAA becomes GRDIA. Founded by Glen Ridge parents to address diversity issues within the public schools and community.
Glen Ridge Community Association
Est. 2025. NEW NAME. SAME MISSION. Reorganized and established GRCA as a 501(c)(3) charity organization. Our mission to bring the community together and celebrate and support each other’s cultures remains the same.
Take a look at our areas of focus and consider joining a committee!
Volunteer
“It takes a village to raise a child.” This African proverb captures the efforts of the GRCA. The contributions of each member of our community impact the experience and growth of all children. We invite you to consider and to be intentional in what and how you can make this a safe and healthy environment for every child. We can do this…together.
Our Committees
Human Resources Committee
The goal of the Human Resources committee is to work with Glen Ridge Public Schools Superintendent, Administration and the Board of Education to develop and execute a plan to hire more teachers with diverse backgrounds. Studies have shown that all children thrive with diverse learning vis a vie staff and techniques so we look to promote that diversity through the faculty and administration.
Diversity Training Committee
The goal of the Diversity Training committee is to work with the Glen Ridge Public Schools Superintendent and Principals to increase staff diversity training in an effort to equip them with knowledge needed to support the entire student population.
Curriculum Committee
The goal of the Curriculum committee is to support and assist the Glen Ridge Public Schools Superintendent, Administrators and the Board of Education with establishing more robust diverse and inclusive education curricula, appropriate for all levels from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Community Engagement Committee
The goal of the Community Engagement committee is to work with community organizations and leaders to establish greater cultural awareness of our diverse and inclusive community through events, activities, speaking engagements and book readings.
Communications Committee
The goal of the Communications committee is to spread the world about GRDIA and its activities in support of the goals.
*Disclaimer
The goal of the Fundraising committee is to execute fundraising events to support our strategic goals of the GRDIA such as curricular expansion, and teacher and community diversity training. Future goals include scholarships, and other programs.
Diversity + Inclusion Resources
References, White Papers and Research on the importance of DEI in schools*
School Community
Glen Ridge Public Schools Diversity and Inclusion
Research
Multicultural Perspectives “What Are You Reading?”: How School Libraries Can Promote Racial Diversity in Multicultural Literature
Project Muse Perceptions of Teaching Race and Gender: Results of a Survey of Social Studies Teachers
Educational Psychologist Ethnic Diversity and Inclusive School Environments
Opinions
Boston Globe Diversity, equity, and inclusion education should be included in public schools by Massachusetts DEI directors
*Disclaimer: This information is provided to inform and encourage open dialogue and awareness of the importance of DEI for K thru 12 students. This does not constitute an endorsement or approval by the GRDIA. GRDIA bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external sites or subsequent linked information. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Events and Workshops
MAY
21
International Food Fair
Thursday, May 21, 2026
5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Glen Ridge High School, 200 Ridgewood Ave, Glen Ridge, NJ
The Glen Ridge Community Association is partnering with GRHS for the 1st International Food Fair! Everyone is welcome to share a dish from their region/culture, or feel free to make something you love. We thank the Glen Ridge Education Association for supporting the application for the NJEA PEP Grant
https://www.signupgenius.com/
FEB
10
Year of the Horse-Lunar Year Celebration
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
6:00 PM-8:30 PM
Glen Ridge High School, 200 Ridgewood Ave, Glen Ridge, NJ
It is the year of the Horse and Glen Ridge is celebrating! The event will feature delicious food, student and guest performances, hands-on cultural stations, and an exciting lineup of team games for our community to enjoy together. Thank you to the Glen Ridge Education Association for supporting the application for the NJEA PEP Grant, which helps make this event free and open to all. While admission is free, any gifts or donations are greatly appreciated and will help support future cultural programming.
Registration link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdc2baRGUmkqrYCVtWbzRQd_wdvZCRiGEV5oj3SR2KM0qeY5g/viewform
JAN
19
Toni‘s Kitchen MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 19, 2026
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Toni’s Kitchen, 73 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ
OCT
30
GRHS Diwali Night
Wednesday, October 30, 2025
6:00 PM-8:30 PM
GRHS Cafeteria
new to the neighborhood?
Get to Know Glen Ridge!
Glen Ridge, NJ, was founded in 1895 after a referendum which separated the borough from neighboring Bloomfield. We feel pride in the demographic changes of the last 20 years and current residents’ embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in our town. Glen Ridge is known beyond our borders as the tiny town of 3,000 gas lamps and we strive to work towards a town where every resident can feel safe and respected and allowed to live according to his/her/their own hearts.
Photo by Jim Henderson /Text by Charlie Breslin
Glen Ridge is three miles long and half a mile wide and a long standing joke in the area is that by the time someone realizes they have driven into Glen Ridge, they have already left it. Despite our size, we host nationally recognized races, the Ashenfelter 5k on Thanksgiving Day, and, supported by our only tavern in town Fitzgerald’s, the Lager Run in June. Our strong school district always pushes the town to the top of “Best Towns In NJ” lists as well as other local events like an annual “Eco-Fair” and the unwritten agreement that Halloween is a town obsession with two streets, Forest in the North, and Midland in the South absolutely overridden with tiny ghouls and super heroes. During the winter holiday season, Glen Ridge continues its long tradition of Tree Lighting with performances from borough’s own non-profit Theater Troupe the Gas Lamp Players and, since 2020, has a community Menorah Lighting.
For a small town, Glen Ridge offers many areas to play, relax, and congregate. We have several small parks, including Carteret Park with a dog run, Clay Field with Tennis/Pickle Ball courts, Hurrell Field with a full track and field location for our residents and high school sports, and a lovely authentic gazebo at the Glen (along Toney’s Brook). We are also fortunate to have a small, open to all botanical garden at Freeman Gardens. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, many residents purchase memberships at the local town pool which is perfect for kids ages 0-13 and adults who take advantage of dedicated hours for exercise.
There are also many civic organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in Glen Ridge and beyond. The Glen Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Squad offers emergency services without fee within the borough and surrounding towns. The Glen Ridge Women’s Club offers culturally enriching programs as well as social opportunities. Civic organizations like the Kiwanis and Lions also have active chapters and the Glen Ridge Educational Fund and active Home and School (parents’ association) raises money to allow the schools to purchase technology and supplies otherwise unavailable due to budgetary restraints. Both Girl Scouts and BSA Scouts have active troops in the area and take on many civil projects including developing the Benson St. Gardens that produces 1.5 tons of fresh produce for local food banks.
Small in size, Glen Ridge nevertheless has the ability to manage its own civic affairs. The borough has its own elected mayor, town council, and school board. Glen Ridge also maintains an independent police force that is large enough to protect the town, but small enough to build individual relationships within the town so that officers and residents frequently know each other by name. The GRPD is particularly active in community outreach, sponsoring a “National Night Out” every summer where residents are encouraged to meet officers and learn about policing and officers frequently meet local students with the popular “Lunch with an Officer” program.
The residents of Glen Ridge are uniquely able to participate meaningfully in town affairs and to get to know their neighbors and fellow residents. Education and community are the main reasons why families of all backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and compositions decide to settle in Glen Ridge. The GRDIA is an organization committed to ensure that in town or at school all families should know they belong in our community and are free to be their true selves at all times
Quick Links
Snapshot of government, schools and demographic.
Government and Municipal
District Schools
Census
Glen Ridge boasts a variety of volunteer organizations to accommodate just about any interest! See what make our gas lit town unique! For a more in-depth list of organizations, visit Glen Ridge Info.
(GRAPA) Art Patrons Association
(GRAA) Athletic Association
Civic Committee Conference
(GRCF) Community Fund
Gas Lamp Players
(GREF) Educational Fund
Environmental Advisory Committee
Freeman Gardens Association
Friends of the Glen Ridge Library
Historical Society
Kiwanis Club
(GRMPA) Music Parents Association
Student Lead Diversity + Inclusion Organizations
Women’s Club
(GRVAS) Volunteer Ambulance Squad
Meetings
Quarterly Meeting -January 12th 12:30pm
Committee Meeting – March 3rd 8:00pm
Quarterly Meeting – Tuesday January 20th 8:00pm
Community Meeting – Tuesday, April 21st 8:00pm
Board of Trustees Meeting -Monday, April 27th 8:00pm
Quarterly Meeting – Monday, September 14th 6:00pm
Annual Meeting – Monday, September 14th 7:00pm
Quarterly Meeting – Monday, November 9th 12:30pm
Committee Meeting – Tuesday November 18th, 8:00pm
Committee Meeting – Wednesday December 17th, 8:00pm
Statements
January 26, 2023
Letter to GRPL Board of Trustees
June 6, 2022
Statement read to Glen Ridge Board of Education regarding recent reports of hate speech in schools.
Help GRCA Grow
We depend on fundraising and donations to fund our community engagement driven events such as educational speakers, cultural celebrations, book clubs and other activities in support of GRCA. Click below to support initiatives like these, and more — donations are graciously accepted as gifts.
A few vintage items
Check out our vintage items before or rebrand
Leadership
Marylou Cabrera
Co-Leader
Nafissa Diallo
Co-Leader
Regina L. Henry
Board Member
Linella Gavin
Board Member
Karima Ravenell
Board Member
What are you waiting for?
Sign up for our mailing list to receive our event announcements, volunteering opportunities and newsletters.
Our projects
Partnering with various organizations
Who We Work With
