Great Falls Center Steps In for Couples After Art Factory Closure
Based on reporting by Nick Caloway for CBS News New York.
PATERSON, NJ — When the Art Factory, a popular Paterson wedding venue, abruptly closed in mid-September after filing for bankruptcy, more than 100 couples were left scrambling to find a new place to marry — some just days before their weddings. Down the street, Servant’s Heart Ministry’s Great Falls Center stepped in to help.
Christina Mendez, who works at Servant’s Heart Ministry, told CBS News New York that the community center and event space had been fielding nonstop calls and had already booked several of the displaced Art Factory couples. On Thursday, staff were setting up for a wedding that weekend.
“It’s really a blessing to be able to step in for these couples that kind of have this big day planned out and then it’s kind of ripped out from under them.”
— Christina Mendez, Servant’s Heart Ministry
The Great Falls Center, which overlooks Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, was among several area venues — including The Brownstone — that adjusted their usual policies to accommodate couples on short notice. For Servant’s Heart Ministry, the response reflected the same community-first mission behind its renovation and trades-training work in Paterson.
This recap is based on reporting by Nick Caloway for CBS News New York, published September 26, 2024.
Get involved: To learn about hosting an event at the Great Falls Center, or to support Servant’s Heart Ministry, contact Servant’s Heart Ministry or make a donation.
