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Paterson has the largest Moroccan community in the United States. South Paterson is often called "Little Morocco" with numerous Moroccan restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and businesses.
About Paterson
Known as "Little Morocco" - one of the largest Moroccan communities in the US.
Legal & Immigration in Paterson
Free Legal Aid in Passaic County
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) provides free legal representation to eligible low-income residents of Passaic County. They help with housing, consumer, family, public benefits, and immigration problems.
Contact the Passaic County office at (973) 523-2900, Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) coordinates statewide free legal assistance. Call 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529) Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5:30 PM.
Local Tips
NNJLS staff include multilingual professionals who can assist in multiple languages. You can also apply for assistance online at their website.Career & Education in Paterson
Workforce Development in Passaic County
The Passaic County Workforce Development Center & One-Stop Career Center offers free career services including:
- Career counseling and vocational assessment
- Job search and placement services
- Resume writing and interview preparation
- Access to job training programs
- Multilingual staff assistance
Located at 200 Memorial Drive, Paterson, NJ 07505. Call (973) 340-3400. Open Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Local Tips
The One-Stop Career Center has multilingual staff who can help you in Arabic and other languages. Bring your resume and valid work authorization documents. They also offer access to computer labs for job searching.Community & Culture in Paterson
Paterson: Heart of the Moroccan-American Community
Paterson is home to one of the largest Moroccan communities in the United States. South Paterson along Main Street and Union Avenue is a vibrant area with Moroccan and Middle Eastern businesses, including:
- Moroccan bakeries selling msemen, baghrir, and rghaif
- Halal butchers and grocery stores with Moroccan products
- Moroccan restaurants and cafes serving tagine, couscous, and mint tea
- Shops selling Moroccan goods, spices, and traditional clothing
Mosques
Paterson has numerous mosques serving its large Muslim community, including the Islamic Center of Passaic County (one of the largest in NJ with over 25,000 congregants), Omar Mosque, and several community mosques along Main Street.
Local Tips
South Paterson on Main Street is where you will feel most at home -- you can find virtually everything Moroccan here, from food to clothing to community connections. Visit on weekends for the most lively atmosphere.Essential Services in Paterson
Getting Around Paterson
NJ Transit buses are the primary public transportation in Paterson. The Broadway Bus Terminal on Broadway between Memorial Drive and West Broadway is the main hub, serving about 1,600 buses daily with routes to Newark, New York, and surrounding areas.
Key bus routes connect Paterson to NYC (bus terminal at Port Authority), Newark, and towns throughout Passaic County.
Healthcare
St. Joseph's University Medical Center is a 651-bed regional medical center located at 703 Main Street, right in the heart of the community. Emergency services available 24/7.
Local Tips
NJ Transit buses are the most common way to get around. Download the NJ Transit app for schedules and real-time tracking. For trips to NYC, take the bus to Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.Learning English in Paterson
ESL Classes in Paterson
Passaic County Community College (PCCC) offers ESL programs at multiple levels on their main campus in Paterson. Contact the Student Support Services ESL program at (973) 684-6443.
The Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools Adult Learning Center offers FREE ESL and Civics classes at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Located at 200 Memorial Drive, Paterson, NJ 07505. Call (973) 389-4101.
The Paterson Public Library Community Learning Center also offers free ESL programs. Contact (973) 321-1223 ext. 2322.
Local Tips
The Adult Learning Center at 200 Memorial Drive offers completely free ESL classes -- no tuition at all. The Paterson Library has multiple branches throughout the city, including the Southside Branch at 930 Main Street which is convenient for South Paterson residents.Local Resources
Northeast NJ Legal Services (Passaic County)
Free legal help for low-income Passaic County residents including immigration matters.
100 Hamilton Plaza, Suite 200, Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 523-2900
WebsiteLegal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ)
Statewide legal hotline for free civil legal assistance.
1-888-576-5529
WebsitePassaic County One-Stop Career Center
Free career services including counseling, job search, and training with multilingual staff.
200 Memorial Drive, Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 340-3400
WebsiteIslamic Center of Passaic County
One of the largest mosques in New Jersey. Jumu'ah prayers, community events, and youth programs.
152 Derrom Ave, Paterson, NJ 07504
WebsiteNJ Transit Bus Schedules
Bus routes and schedules connecting Paterson to NYC, Newark, and surrounding areas.
WebsiteSt. Joseph's University Medical Center
651-bed regional medical center with 24/7 emergency services.
703 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07503
WebsitePassaic County Adult Learning Center
FREE ESL and Civics classes at all levels. No tuition required.
200 Memorial Drive, Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 389-4101
WebsitePaterson Public Library ESL
Free ESL programs at multiple library branches throughout Paterson.
250 Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07501
(973) 321-1223 ext. 2322
WebsiteConnect with Moroccans in Paterson
Join BledUSA to meet fellow Moroccans in your area.
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