Morning Star Community Development Corporation Inc

Morning Star Community Development Urban Renewal Corporation (MSCDURC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation  touches the lives of countless individuals and families in the State of New Jersey. Formed in 2000 under the leadership of Therman E. Evans, MD, Phd, MSCDURC undertakes economic development projects, as well as help administer social, health, cultural and education enrichment programs. It partners with government and private entities to help redevelop communities and offer services available to individuals and families. 

MSCDURC has demonstrated its commitment to community excellence by sponsoring a number of on-going programs and events designed to meet the needs of the community.  These programs, which have been met with great success and participation by community, have been fashioned over the years to enhance the opportunity for building relationships between people of all cultural distinctions. 

Various professional and private organizations/corporations participate/partner with our events. Forums for family development and economic advancement, as well as a host of other activities, foster community awareness. 

At present, MSCDURC has many programs seeking funding including: 

► The Constine Evans Scholarship Program, which sponsors annual college fairs and tours, partners with the Princeton Review to allow our up and coming generation an opportunity to become familiar with the new SAT by allowing them to take practice exams. This program also provides annual financial scholarships to eligible candidates from fundraising efforts and donations. 

► Food Pantry/Soup Kitchen serves approximately 300 people per week. All meals are free and all are welcome. Every Friday evening, a meal and snacks are prepared for the youth, which consists of approximately 160 youth, ages 5-18. 

► Health and Wellness Program designed to help our citizens live longer and healthier lives by sponsoring health fairs and workshops.

► The Center for Employment, Education and Training, continues to help many employed and unemployed citizens find careers through job training and placement through the use of its learning center.

► Operation Warm Heart provides overnight shelter and a hot meal to the homeless population when temperatures are life threatening.

► Men Of Morning Star community Walk Around brings a presence of Men into the community and has resulted in a documented reduction in the crime rate.


► Community Development The 1013 Chandler Avenue Project was the complete renovation of a multi-family apartment building in Linden NJ with a lot size of 8,002 sq ft. Before the renovation was completed the property was a rundown and drug infested. After renovation it has become a model property of Chandler Avenue.

► School Supplies Giveaway Over the years we have distributed thousands of backpacks full of school supplies. Our children will start the school year with all they need to excel academically. This is a priority in our community.

►Thanksgiving Food Basket Distribution for needy families. Thanksgiving basket, filled with nutritious foods appropriate for the holiday.

►Gun Buy Back initiative
Morning Star participated in the Union and Hudson Counties state-sponsored Gun Buy Back initiative. According to Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman, a total of 1,599 guns were turned in.

Visit us online at www.mscdurc.org