County of Union, New Jersey

Residents will be eligible to receive up to 6 months of rental assistance

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce a rent relief program for eligible residents adversely impacted by COVID-19. Residents can apply through one of three partner non-profit agencies for needed assistance beginning November 16. The Board approved funding for the program through the federal CARES Act on November 12.

A total of $1,350,000 will be available through federal funds for residents who have fallen behind in payments as a result of job loss or income reduction. The program will provide a minimum of three months of assistance. An additional three months of assistance will be provided to eligible County renters in need of further assistance.

“Many residents have been furloughed or laid off because of the COVID-19 outbreak, and are facing tough choices between food, housing, and other necessities,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder board is committed to doing all that we can to assist those in need, and the new rental assistance program is an important part of those efforts.”

Starting Monday November 16, 2020, interested residents can submit their application on one of the following non-profit websites:

• Family Promise Union County (org)
• Urban League of Union County (org)
• United Way of Greater Union County (org).

Eligibility requirements for applicants are as follows:

• Renters living in Union County;
• Household Income is at or below 80% of Median Family Income (MFI);
• Household income loss must be due to Covid-19;
• Applicants must be able to provide documentation of income received as a result of any governmental response program due to Covid-19 (such as unemployment compensation) as well as a current lease agreement.

Residents requiring information or assistance with the application process can call any of the three non-profit partners involved and schedule an appointment. Staff will inform applicants of the required documentation to bring to the appointment. Once staff has a complete application with all required documentation, the application will be reviewed for eligibility. Applicants will be provided with documented proof of their filed rental assistance application for their landlord. Once the application is approved, funds will be disbursed by mailed check directly to the landlord.

If you have any other questions please reach out to Brandon Givens, Director of Community Services at 908-527-4462 or via email bgivens@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that additional sessions of the Back to Nature series at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside have been added, due to popular demand.

The programs are open to families with children ages four and older and feature a different nature or science theme each week. The series is offered on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and continues through December 19.

Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/trailside. Please be advised that programs fill up quickly and are available on a first come, first served basis.

“Trailside’s Back to Nature series is a wonderful way for families to spend time together outdoors and explore our natural heritage in the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Back to Nature encourages nature discovery through hikes and outdoor activities. Participants can play a game of Nature Bingo, find out how different animals prepare for winter, discover where owls live and what they eat, and search for animal tracks on a winter walk.

The fee per class is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents. Programs are held rain or shine. Credits will be issued in the event of severe weather.

Masks are required to be worn by all participants. Programs will be held in small groups in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors.

For more information about upcoming programs and activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the general public until further notice. For more information and updates on permitted activities in Union County parks, visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Masks are required and social distance rules will be observed at all times

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board invites senior residents to participate in a series of free guided walks at the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Additional sessions have been added due to popular demand. The series takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays through December 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The series is held outdoors and is open to participants age 55 and older. Masks and social distance must be observed at all times. The walks will be held in small groups in order to facilitate social distancing.

Pre-registration is required through the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

“These guided walks offer an opportunity for senior residents to enjoy an outdoor activity while exploring nature and wildlife themes in the setting of the scenic Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic, including a Lake Surprise Headwaters Hike, Lenape Native American History, Backyard Wildlife Habitats and an Early Winter Walk.

In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the public until further notice.

For more information about the guided walks for seniors, online nature activities and other activities for families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Today is the first day of #TransAwarenessWeek and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Office of LGBTQ Affairs understand the importance lifting up and increasing visibility of transgender and gender diverse people and taking action on issues impacting the community.

This year for Transgender Awareness Week, the Freeholder Board and Office of LGBTQ Affairs join GLAAD in encouraging everyone to watch the documentary DISCLOSURE on Netflix. The feature from director Sam Feder and executive producer Laverne Cox explores the history of trans representation in TV and film in unprecedented form, revealing how Hollywood simultaneously reflects and manufactures people’s deepest anxieties about gender.

According to GLAAD, “Given that 80% Americans believe they have never personally met someone who is transgender, that means the majority of the public’s education and awareness about this community has been informed by more than a century’s worth of media which has overwhelmingly misrepresented and mischaracterized who trans people are–significantly influencing public perceptions, policy, and attitudes about the trans community.”
 
If you’re a member of the trans and gender diverse community and would like to know more about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, please feel free to contact Danni Newbury at DNewbury@ucnj.org.

November 19 will be final date for twice weekly distribution of boxed lunches for seniors

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Services regrets to announce the suspension of the “Grab and Go” Lunch Program for seniors.  The final two dates for distribution at 12 of the 13 participating sites will be Tuesday, November 17 and Thursday, November 19. Plainfield Senior Center, Plainfield, will not distribute any lunches on November 17 or November 19.

“With COVID-19 numbers rising throughout the County and State, we must reconcile the ability to provide resources to our residents with the responsibility of mitigating the spread of the virus by reducing points of contact,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It saddens us to have to stop the ‘Grab and Go’ meal distribution but we hope to be able to resume this service for our seniors in the future when it is safe to do so.”

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Services remains open and available to help with support to seniors, including referrals for emergency food assistance and information on food distribution events.  The Division on Aging can be reached at 888-280-8226, 908-527-4870, or 908-527-4872.  For Spanish speaking, please call 908-527-4863.

To Union County Division on Aging and Disability thanks the seniors who have been participating in the “Grab and Go” lunch program, for their support. 

The 13 “Grab and Go Lunch Program” locations were:

• Gregorio Recreation Center—330 Helen St., Linden
• Hillside Senior Center—265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside
• Kenilworth Senior Center—526 Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Liberty Square Senior Center—204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
• O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center—622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth
• Peterstown Community Center—418-34 Palmer St., Elizabeth
• Plainfield Senior Center—400 E. Front St., Plainfield
• Rahway Senior Center— 1306 Esterbrook Ave., Rahway
• Roselle Community Center—1268 Shaffer Ave., Roselle
• Stephen Sampson Center—800 Anna St., Elizabeth
• Union Senior Center—968 Bonnel Ct., Union
• Westfield Community Center—558 W. Broad St., Westfield
• Winfield Community Center—25 Roosevelt Dr., Winfield

For more information about other programs from the Union County Division on Aging, please call (908) 527-4870 or (908) 527-4877.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Union County, NJ — In honor of Veterans Day, the Union County Freeholder Board announced that nine County facilities will now offer designated parking spaces for military veterans. The parking spaces will feature signage noting their veteran designation, and may be used by any veteran with a car displaying a special placard provided by the Office of the Union County Prosecutor.

To apply for a placard, veterans can contact Union County Office of Veterans Services coordinator Janna Williams at 908-527-4918, or Kenneth Glick at 908-527-4719, beginning on Monday, November 16.

“We hope this demonstration of appreciation helps raise awareness of the many contributions that military veterans and their families make to the Union County community, and of their dedication to serve our nation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“It is estimated that 15,000 veterans call Union County home, including many members of the Prosecutor’s Office’s staff and in our police agencies across the county. We are proud to honor each and every one of them on the occasion of Veterans Day,” Acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo said. “This gesture on the part of Chairman Mirabella, the members of the Board, and the Office of Veterans Services, is reflective of our recognition and appreciation of the service and sacrifice made by veterans and their families to a grateful nation.”

The designated veterans parking spaces will be located at the following Union County facilities:

Union County Administration Building – 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth

Colleen Frasier Building – 300 North Avenue East, Westfield

Rahway River Park (Memorial Grove Area) – St. Georges Avenue, Rahway

Ash Brook Golf Course – 1210 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains

Galloping Hill Golf Course – 3 Golf Drive, Kenilworth

Warinanco Sports Center – 1 Park Drive, Roselle

Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park – 136 Oak Ridge Road, Clark

Trailside Nature and Science Center – 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside

Echo Lake (9/11 Memorial) – 1028 Springfield Ave., Mountainside

For more information about Union County veterans services visit the Office of Veterans Services at  ucnj.org/uc-hero.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Distribution is a joint effort with Village Supermarket. Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency Thanksgiving walk-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, November 14^th, beginning at 1 p.m. at Gerald B. Green Plaza, located at 200 W. 2^nd Street in Plainfield.

The event is open to all Union County residents. The first 500 people will receive a special holiday food box. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union and Village Super Market.

“The generous donations of food have provided a lifeline to those who are struggling with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, we are working hard to assist to as many residents as possible in Union County.”

“This walk-up distribution will help residents affected by the pandemic who may not have access to a vehicle. We strive to provide all residents with the necessary resources and especially now that the weather is getting colder and the holidays are approaching,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Village Super Market and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

This even is walk-up only and residents wishing to pick up food should bring one proof of New Jersey residency.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. Masks are required.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Distribution is a joint effort with Village Supermarket. Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency Thanksgiving drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, November 14^th, beginning at 9 a.m. at Union County Vocational Technical High School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is open to all Union County residents. The first 1,500 vehicles will receive a special holiday food box. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union and Village Super Market.

“The generous donations of food have provided a lifeline to those who are struggling with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, we are working hard to assist to as many residents as possible in Union County.”

“This drive-through distribution is just one way that we continue to offer assistance. We strive to provide our residents with the necessary resources and especially now that the weather is getting colder and the holidays are approaching,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Village Super Market and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food must arrive in a vehicle and bring one proof of New Jersey residency. Walk-ups will not be accommodated.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Connect with Union County on social media.