County of Union Resources and Events
Find more events on the County’s home page and on social media.
Family Fun And Flix
- September 8 – A Minecraft Movie
Warinanco Park
Free
Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. Movies start at dusk.
Residents are encouraged to bring blankets or beach chairs to relax on the lawn.
An ice cream truck will be available for those wishing to purchase refreshments.
Hayrides and Campfires
Tickets are $6 for Union County residents and $12 for non-residents and go on sale Tuesday, September 1 at 9:00 a.m.
All tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the event.
Tickets can be purchased at ucnj.org/ticket
Group sales are limited to 15 people, and no refunds or exchanges will be offered.
Friday, October 2
- Warinanco Park
- 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Sunday, October 4
- Trailside Nature & Science Center
- 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Friday, October 9
- Trailside Nature & Science Center
- 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Sunday, October 11
- Trailside Nature & Science Center
- 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Friday, October 16
- Trailside Nature & Science Center
- 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Haunted Hayrides
- Friday, October 23rd
- Saturday, October 24th
- Sunday, October 25th
- Rain Date – Monday, October 26th
- More details coming soon
- Tickets can be purchased at ucnj.org/ticket
Hispanic Heritage Cultural Festival
- Saturday, October 3rd
- UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage
- 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway
- 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Free for all ages
- More details coming soon
Pumpkin Sail
- Sunday, November 1st
- More details coming soon
- Tickets can be purchased at ucnj.org/ticket
Four Centuries in a Weekend
- Saturday October 17th
- Sunday, October 18th
- Free
- View website for site information
- Special events, hours of operation, and programs coming soon
- Deserted Village will have special programs and exhibits from Noon to 5:00 pm each day
Families First – Third Annual Back to School Health Fair
Message from the Sheriff’s Office Regarding Phone Scams
We’ve received reports of an ongoing phone scam in which callers are impersonating Sheriff’s Officers, demanding payment for service of process and/or “missed jury duty”.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office will never call and demand payment over the phone for any reason, not for service of process, jury duty, gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
Project Lifesaver
Since 2003, the Union County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with Project Lifesaver International continues to bring to the citizens of Union County a valuable service in Project Lifesaver.
This program is a valuable tool for law enforcement to assist in the locating of lost or wandering individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders such as Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.
Blue Envelope Program
The blue envelope brings together law enforcement and motorists with autism and other sensory disorders. It’s a resealable and convenient place to keep all driver documents, and contains instruction for both the driver and the interacting officer in the event of a traffic stop.
The Blue Envelope Program is accessible to all Union County residents on the Autism Spectrum. Residents can obtain a Blue Envelope at their local police departments throughout the county.
Special Needs Registry
The Union County Special Needs Registry is a voluntary service open to all citizens.
The registry was created to help police officers and other emergency service personnel to better assist residents with special needs in the event of an emergency by providing those first responders with vital information regarding a registrant’s disability, emergency contact information, a physical description, and a current photograph of the registrant.
ARRIVE Program
The ARRIVE Together Program has expanded throughout Union County and implemented by all 25 of our law enforcement agencies along with Trinitas Regional Medical Center, providing a more comprehensive and compassionate response to those members of our community in crisis, including appropriate follow-up, referrals, and care.
The officer and crisis worker literally arrive together. Both are in plain clothes, and arrive at the call in an unmarked police vehicle. During the encounter, the mental health screener takes the lead.
Explore Union County App
Explore Union County includes tools including a news tab, events calendar, parks and recreation directories, recycling and election shortcuts, Commissioner and administration contact directories, push notifications for countywide updates, and links to social media pages.
The app also includes reporting function that residents can use to send feedback about issues and corresponding photos directly to County administration. With the user’s permission, the tool can also use GPS data to inform the County of the exact location where the issue was reported from. Users can also submit feedback on the Explore Union County app itself.
Union County Votes App
The Union County Votes app enables voters to find their polling place, request voter registration forms and vote-by-mail ballots, view sample ballots, and follow unofficial election results in real time.
The app also provides information for persons interested in becoming a poll worker or running for office, including election filing dates and district maps.
Veteran Services
Committed to serving veterans of all ages, their spouses & family members.
The office acts as your representative and liaison to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), helping you navigate the often complex benefits & claims process with guidance, advocacy & support.
ASK Program for Seniors
ASK – Helping Seniors Navigate the Complex Landscape of Aging
ASK offers personalized guidance, support, and access to community resources. ASK is a trusted source of information and assistance for seniors and caregivers in Union County. Below you will find the dates and locations for the month:
Tuesday, September 1 – Cranford Public Library
- 224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 17 – Fanwood Memorial Library
- 5 Forest Road, Fanwood
- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23 – Union Public Library
- 1980 Morris Avenue, Union
- 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 29 – Rahway Public Library
- 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway
- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Home Improvement Program
The Union County Home Improvement Program is funded by Union County with Community Development Block Grant Funds. The purpose of the program is to help you rehabilitate your home.
The program is available to low and moderate income homeowners in Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth,Mountainside,New Providence, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit and Westfield. Several municipalities, Elizabeth, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway and Union, have housing rehabilitation projects independent of this program.
Surrogate Weddings
Couples may schedule, at no charge, a wedding ceremony officiated by Surrogate Christopher Hudak. Ceremonies will be conducted at the Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park, Roselle.
Ceremonies will be scheduled monthly on a first-come, first-serve basis, with intention to increase dates and hours as demand grows. At this time reservations are limited to Union County residents and participants are required to obtain all licensing paperwork from the municipal registrar’s office prior to the scheduled event.
American Job Center Services
Services include career counseling, training, and career advancement for residents and employers. Organizationally under the Office of the Director
Our mission is to align education, employment and other community programs and to collaborate with our partners to cultivate the skilled and high-quality workers needed for local employers to prosper and grow.
Family Clinic
Wellness Visits, Vaccines and Mantoux Tuberculosis/TB Testing for Eligible Union County Residents.
The clinic is at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.
Visit their website for more information and to make appointments online.
Visit your Local County Parks
Veterans on the Green – Honoring Service with a day on the Fairway
Join us for a day of golf, camaraderie, and appreciation as we bring together veterans, family members, friends, and supporters for a memorable day on the course.
Fresh Start
Showers, laundry, restroom services. First-come, first-served basis
- Please check County social media for upcoming dates and locations.
Food, Housing & Utility Assistance
Homelessness Assistance
Human Services – Office on the Homeless and Housing Continuum of Care
Provides and/or connects residents to emergency shelter, permanent/supportive housing, rental assistance, food assistance, homeless outreach programs, mortgage/foreclosure assistance, and more
- https://ucnj.org/dhs/ohhcoc
- DHSAction@ucnj.org
- 908-677-5405
Housing Counseling Services
Human Services
- DHSAction@ucnj.org
- 908-677-5405
Utilities Assistance
Human Services
- DHSAction@ucnj.org
- 908-677-5405
Food Assistance
Human Services
- DHSAction@ucnj.org
- 908-677-5405
Housing Assistance
Human Services – Division of Individual and Family Support Services
Connects residents to various programs and services that can provide rental assistance, security deposit assistance, emergency shelter, and more.
- https://ucnj.org/dhs/difss/
- DHSAction@ucnj.org
- 908-677-5405
Familycare Assistance
Senior Assistance
Human Services – Division on Aging
The Division connects seniors to helpful services like adult day care, home care, and home-delivered meals. It provides assistance with healthcare, transportation, housing & other aging-related concerns
Child Care Assistance
Human Services
- DHSAction@ucnj.org
- 908-677-5405
Children & Youth Programs
Parks and Recreation
Various programs for Children of all ages
Human Services – Division of Children and Youth Services
Delivers effective & accessible county-wide programs and services that help children and youth ages 0-24 in areas of mental health, safety, education, family crisis, juvenile justice and more.
Disabilities & Special Needs
Human Services – Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs
Office offers a range of social & recreational opportunities to help individuals with disabilities connect with others and engage in meaningful activities. Advocates for disabled persons of all ages
New American & Immigration Services
Human Services – Social Services – New American Unit
Clients can contact for information regarding any services or resources
We Are One New Jersey
To provide social and legal services that educate, empower and uplift working families.
New Jersey is home to an estimated 8.9 million people, including 21 percent who were born outside the United States. Hudson County is New Jersey’s fourth most densely populated county, with 653,000 residents, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. Hudson County is also home to 93,000 Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), who are eligible to become U.S. citizens, but who may lack the financial resources, English-language skills or time to fulfill their dream of full citizenship.
The We Are One New Jersey Hudson County Center provides U.S. citizenship application guidance, voter registration, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application and renewal assistance, understanding of workplace rights and Notary services. The goal of the center is to build stronger communities by educating and engaging new Americans to become active participants in our Democracy. Services are provided at low- or no-cost.
Veteran Affairs
We offer many resources here for veterans of all ages. The office is here to partner with veterans and their family members and to act as their representative/liaison to help navigate the complicated workings of the Veterans Administration (VA.) Throughout the website you will find links to state, federal & county agencies that you may find helpful. If you have question or concern, please feel free to reach out to us.
Coordinator: W. Geoff Smith 908-527-4918
E-mail Address: W.Geoff.Smith@ucnj.org
Fax: 908-352-3980
VA Crisis Hotline: Website 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)
LGBTQ+
Wellness
Assistance
Mental Healthcare
Human Services – DIFFS/ Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse
Department provides mental and behavioral health treatments and services to help individuals improve their emotional, psychological, and social well-being
- http://ucnj.org/dhs/obhsa/behavioral-health/
- 908-677-5405
- DHSAction@ucnj.org
Immunization Services
Public Safety – Health
The Office of Health Management is a vital component of the emergency preparedness and response system responsible to plan and manage the health related aspects of community response.
Within the division are the Office of Public Health and the Office of Environmental Health working together with a goal of a healthier and safer community.
- https://ucnj.org/public-safety/office-of-health-management/
- 908-518-5620
- Carolyn.Sorge@ucnj.org
Human Services – Social Services
The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that free immunizations are available to eligible children and adults.
- https://ucnj.org/dhs/immunization-clinic/
- 908-965-3627
- 908-965-3868
Family Care Assistance
Human Services – Division of Youth and Children
Delivers effective and accessible county-wide programs and services that help children and youth ages 0-24 in areas of mental health, safety, education, family crisis, juvenile justice and more.
Human Services – Division on Aging
The Division connects seniors to helpful services like adult day care, home care, and home-delivered meals. It provides assistance with healthcare, transportation, housing & other aging-related concerns
- https://ucnj.org/dhs/aging/
- nzarrillo@ucnj.org
- 908-527-4870
Employment
Resources
Job Search
Human Services – American Job Center
Services include career counseling, training & career advancement for residents and employers. Our mission is to align education, employment & other community programs & to collaborate with our partners to cultivate the skilled & high-quality workers needed for local employers to prosper and grow.
Job Training
Human Services – American Job Center
Services include career counseling, training & career advancement for residents and employers. Our mission is to align education, employment & other community programs & to collaborate with our partners to cultivate the skilled & high-quality workers needed for local employers to prosper and grow.
Vocational/Educational Training
Human Services – American Job Center
Services include career counseling, training & career advancement for residents and employers. Our mission is to align education, employment & other community programs & to collaborate with our partners to cultivate the skilled & high-quality workers needed for local employers to prosper and grow.
State of New Jersey Resources
Disability-Related Resources
NJ DHS/Division of Disability Services (DDS)
DDS Resource Guide English/Spanish
Information and Referral – Offers live assistance for people with disabilities to connect with a Community Resource Specialist at 1-888-285-3036.
NJ Workability Program – Health coverage for working disabled individuals.
Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Screening – Medicaid waiver program for children who require a skilled level of care.
NJ DHS/Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
DDD Quick Guide Program and Community Care Program
DDD Crisis Response System – Crisis Assessment Response and Enhanced Services (CARES) available 24/7 at 1-888-393-3007.
NJ Department of Health – Autism Registry, services for children and adults, resources, and publications.
NJ TRANSIT – ACCESS LINK – Registration, login, and mobile capabilities for scheduling transportation for persons with disabilities.
Aging
NJ DHS/Aging and Disability Resource Connection – Resources for older adults, disability, and caregiver programs.
ADA Paratransit – Related resources.
Additional Resources (Employment, Housing, and Transportation)
NJ Unemployment – File new claims, check claim status, and fraud resources.
NJ Career Services – Explore apprenticeship opportunities, employment, and training services.
NJ Housing Assistance – NJ Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency – Down Payment Assistance Program, Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA), free counseling services.
Housing Resource Center – Rent units or find a new home.
NJDCA – Housing Assistance Programs – Homelessness prevention, Section 8, and landlord/tenant rights.
Wellness Resources
NJ SNAP – Eligibility and application assistance with a SNAP Navigator.
NJ DHS/Division of Family Development – Child Care Assistance Program – Financial assistance for income-eligible families.
Mental Health Resources
NJ Addiction Treatment Services Directory – Treatment providers and pocket guides associated with NJ Reach.
Senior Tax Relief
The Senior Freeze Program reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled persons for property tax or mobile home park site fee increases on their principal residence (main home). To qualify, you must meet all the eligibility requirements for each year from the base year through the application year.
The Stay NJ program offers property tax benefits to eligible homeowners aged 65 and older. It reimburses applicants for 50% of their property tax bills, up to a maximum of $13,000, with a 2024 benefit cap of $6,500. To qualify, you must have owned and lived in your home for the full 12 months of 2024 and have an income below $500,000. If you made P.I.L.O.T. (Payments-in-Lieu-of-Tax) payments to your municipality, you are eligible for the Stay NJ benefit. Mobile homeowners are not eligible.
Tax Benefits & Financial Resources
Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) – Property tax relief for NJ residents based on income limits.