County of Union, New Jersey

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office on Behavioral Health & Substance Misuse (OBHSM) are hosting a free virtual educational webinar aimed at supporting the mental well-being of children and adolescents.

The webinar, titled “Supporting Children and Youth Mental Health,” will take place on May 13 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, and will be presented by Susana Mateo, LCSW, of Union County’s Division of Children and Youth Services.

“As conversations around mental health continue to grow, it’s vital that we give families and caregivers the knowledge and resources needed to support children early and effectively,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This webinar is an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and offer guidance to those in our community who are supporting someone who is struggling.”

The session will provide valuable tools and strategies for parents, caregivers, and community members to better understand and support the mental health needs of young people in today’s world. In addition to the webinar, OBHSM invites all residents to participate in “Wear Green Day” on May 14—a simple but meaningful way to show support for mental health awareness.

“Mental health touches every family, every school, and every community,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of the Union County Department of Human Services. “Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that showing up for one another can make a lasting difference, whether through education, conversation, or acts of support.”

Registration information can be found on ucnj.org/mental-health, and all community members are encouraged to attend.

The Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse advises anyone needing support, information, or resources to reach out to NJ Mental Health Cares, New Jersey’s behavioral health information and referral service system. Calls are answered by trained staff who provide emotional support, assessment of presenting problems, and information and referral. This is a free, confidential service with multilingual translation available.

If you or a loved one is facing mental health related distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, for 24/7 support. The Lifeline provides free confidential emotional support to individuals in crisis or emotional distress. To learn more about events and programs offered through the Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that 81 artists, historians and local non-profit organizations will receive funding through the 2026 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

The HEART grant program was created by the Board of Commissioners in 1998, in recognition of the importance of culture and the arts to the Union County economy and quality of life. The innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and demonstrates a commitment to the artists and non-profit community organizations of Union County. Total funding for this year’s grants is $100,000.

“We are proud to support the individuals and organizations who create meaningful opportunities for our residents to connect through arts, history, and education. The HEART Grant Program helps make these experiences accessible and keeps our communities connected,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “At its core, this program supports the people who make Union County a vibrant place to live.”

Union County HEART Grants Awarded 2026:

Individuals

• Adelle Molina, New Providence, $500.00
• Bridget Briant, Garwood, $600.00
• Candace Waller, Fanwood, $800.00
• Christina Izmirlian, Westfield, $600.00
• Dario Scholis, Elizabeth, $800.00
• Hao Feng, Summit, $800.00
• Kiyanna Lawrence, Westfield, $500.00
• Lowell Schantz, Westfield, $800.00
• Maria Daniel, Scotch Plains, $600.00
• Robin Chang, Westfield, $600.00
• Tylie Shider, Plainfield, $500.00
• Valerie Porter, Roselle, $500.00

Organizations

• Borough of Fanwood, Fanwood, $1,500.00
• Borough of Mountainside, Mountainside, $1,200.00
• Borough of Roselle Park, Roselle Park, $800.00
• Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Union, $1,750.00
• City of Plainfield, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• City of Summit, Summit, $800.00
• Connecticut Farms First Presbyterian Cemetery, Union, $1,500.00
• Cranford Housing Board, Cranford, $800.00
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Westfield, Westfield, $800.00
• Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Dreamhouse Theater Company, Plainfield, $1,200.00
• Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• Elizabeth Public Library, Elizabeth, $1,000.00
• Elizabeth Renaissance Foundation, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• Emerson Community School, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Frazee House Inc., Fanwood, $1,500.00
• Forgotten Victory Trail, Summit, $1,500.00
• Garwood Partnership for Arts and Culture, Garwood, $700.00
• Girls on a Mission with Ambition, Roselle Park, $1,500.00
• Green Thumb Garden Club of Cranford, Cranford, $700.00
• Groundwork Elizabeth, Elizabeth, $1,450.00
• Haitian Flag Day Planning Committee of New Jersey, Elizabeth, $1,450.00
• Hanson Park Conservancy, Cranford, $1,000.00
• Historical Society Elizabeth NJ, Elizabeth, $800.00
• Historical Society of Plainfield, Plainfield, $1,750.00
• Institute of Music for Children, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• JCC of Central NJ, Scotch Plains, $1,450.00
• Jefferson Park Ministries, Elizabeth, $1,500.00
• Jersey Central Theatre Company, Fanwood, $1,450.00
• Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, Elizabeth, $1,200.00
• Josephine’s Place, Elizabeth, $1,650.00
• Kenilworth Historical Society Incorporated, Kenilworth, $1,200.00
• Liberty Hall Museum, Union, $1,500.00
• Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway, $1,500.00
• Music For All Seasons, Scotch Plains, $1,500.00
• New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Westfield, $1,500.00
• New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, Summit, $1,500.00
• Occupational Center of Union County, Roselle, $1,750.00
• Peruvians for Progress, Rahway, $1,450.00
• Premiere Stages at Kean University, Union, $1,500.00
• Preserve the Shady Rest Committee, Scotch Plains, $1,650.00
• Roselle Board of Education, Roselle, $1,500.00
• Roselle Park Loves Arts, Inc., Roselle Park, $1,500.00
• SAGE Eldercare, Summit, $1,500.00
• Second Street Youth Center, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Social Justice Matters, Inc., Scotch Plains, $1,500.00
• Stony Hill Players, Summit, $1,500.00
• Summit Community Players – Central Presbyterian Church, Summit, $1,500.00
• The Connection for Women and Families, Summit, $1,200.00
• The H.U.S.H. House Foundation, Plainfield, $1,200.00
• The Musical Club of Westfield, Inc., Westfield, $1,500.00
• Township of Cranford, Cranford, $600.00
• Township of Scotch Plains, Scotch Plains, $1,500.00
• Township of Union School District, Union, $1,500.00
• Union County Historical Society, Cranford, $800.00
• Union Township Historical Society, Union, $800.00
• Visions and Pathways, Plainfield, $1,500.00
• Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, Summit, $1,500.00
• Vivid Stage, Summit, $1,500.00
• Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route NJ, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Westfield Arts Collective, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Westfield Coalition for the Arts, Westfield, $1,200.00
• Westfield Community Center, Westfield, $1,000.00
• Westfield Historical Society, Westfield, $800.00
• Westfield Neighborhood Council, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Westfield Public Arts Commission, Westfield, $1,500.00
• Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, Berkeley Heights, $1,500.00
• YM-YWHA of Union County, Union, $1,500.00
• YMCA Association of Eastern Union County, Elizabeth, $1,300.00

For information about next year’s HEART Grant Program, artists, educators, civic groups and historical non-profit organizations can contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 558-2550 or by email at culturalinfo@ucjnj.org. NJ Relay users can dial 711.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the June 2, 2026 Primary Election are now available at the Union County Clerk’s Elizabeth and Westfield offices during regular business hours.

“Vote-by-mail gives residents more flexibility and helps make participating in our democracy more accessible,” said Joanne Rajoppi. “Our goal is to ensure voting remains both convenient and secure.”

Sample ballots are also available on the Union County elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, as well as through the County’s free mobile app.

“Sample ballots offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot,” Rajoppi added. “I urge residents to exercise their right to preview and prepare for the upcoming election. Please visit our website or free mobile app to get informed, get ready, and let your voice be heard.”

Voters may download a vote-by-mail application before visiting a Clerk’s office and bring the completed form with them, or they may apply by mail.

Voters are also advised of a recent update from the United States Postal Service. Postmarks now reflect when mail is processed—not when it is dropped off—meaning ballots mailed close to Election Day could receive a later postmark. In New Jersey, vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day to be counted. Voters are encouraged to mail ballots early or use secure drop boxes to ensure timely receipt. If the postmark reflects a date after Election Day, the ballot will not be valid. For a list of secure ballot drop boxes, visit: https://ucnj.org/boe/ballot-drop-box-locations/.

Westfield Office

Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Elizabeth Office

Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113
Monday through Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm

For more information, visit unioncountyvotes.com, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.