Community Builder
Janelle Hall grew up in Passaic and now runs the United Passaic Organization.
Janelle Hall, MPA’13 (Metro)
By Rebecca Maxon
As CEO of the nonprofit United Passaic Organization (UPO), Janelle Hall, MPA’13 (Metro), is a fearless champion for underserved populations — empowering individuals through community-support services.
Hall joined UPO in October 2021, but that was a homecoming. Her involvement with the organization
dates back more than two decades when, in high school, she volunteered there as a youth leader.
UPO provides emergency food and rentals to those in need in the city of Passaic, N.J., and in surrounding areas. Hall is leading a metamorphosis of the agency, expanding its reach, and transforming it into a community hub. “I have made UPO more of a wrap-around service,” she says.
“There are so many things that could impede on a family or an individual in meeting their basic needs, from unhealthy relationships to financial-health issues, underemployment or unemployment.”
Its food pantries now include a mobile food truck, fresh produce and prepared meals for those without cooking capabilities.
UPO has also branched out with a subsidiary, United Community Leadership Academy of Passaic or UCLAP. The academy offers programming on leadership, digital skills, career development and advancement and more.
Like so many served by UPO, Hall once relied on transitional housing. Then married with four young children, she worked odd jobs, from washing people’s clothes at a laundromat to mopping floors. The family fell on hard times and could not pay their rent.
“UPO helped us with an emergency rental,” Hall says. “When I see clients come in the door, I’m not providing a textbook answer. I’m giving them real life, lived experience and opportunities to better the quality of their lives.”
During that time, Hall enrolled at William Paterson University, Wayne, N.J., to earn her undergraduate degree in sociology with a minor in social science — all while working with the 4C’s of Passaic County, Inc., a childcare referral agency.
Degree in hand, she became an employment specialist at the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, helping individuals with disabilities. Hall then earned her master’s degree in public administration at FDU in 2013 and a PhD in public policy and administration in 2020 from Walden University.
“In my role at UPO, I teach, guide and instruct the board on policy development.”
All of Hall’s work is dedicated to helping others as she was once helped. Her personal goal is to “inspire others to become the best versions of themselves.”
DEDICATED ALUMNA
Hall recently joined the FDU Alumni Association Board of Governors.
OFF HOURS
Family time, beach-bumming, traveling, sorority life (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) and self-care.
CAMPUS SPACE
“My adviser’s office was my favorite place on campus. I received wise counsel there on how to navigate my FDU educational journey and beyond.”