Building to honor former APHSA chief bill Waldman.

Bill Waldman, former executive director of the American Public Human Services Association, will be honored in a building dedication ceremony by the New Jersey Community Development Corporation.

Waldman is a former N.J. human service commissioner and an ardent advocate for innovative and effective programs and services to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.

The building, at 16 Spruce St. in Paterson, will be called William Waldman Independence House. It was originally constructed in 1881 as the administrative building of the Rogers Locomotive Works. The Rogers Locomotive Works was one of America's premier locomotive manufacturers in the latter half of the 19th century and a dominant force in Paterson's role as a leading center of commerce and industry. Today, kids who turn 18 and leave the foster care system are often unprepared for adulthood and often become homeless and get into trouble. The New Jersey Community Development Corporation worked with the N.J. Department of Children and Families to create Independence House, which provides housing and support services for young people in need of guidance and support. The residents receive assistance in building independent living skills. After 12 to 24 months, residents leave Independence House better prepared to live rewarding productive lives.

Waldman was APHSA executive director during 2000-2001.