County of Union, New Jersey

March 7, 2018
For immediate release
Contact: Sebastian D’Elia
Communications Director
908-527-4419
Union County Freeholders Announce New Office of Community Engagement and Diversity

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders have announced the establishment of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity. The new office is tasked with supporting and growing volunteer activities by identifying opportunities, coordinating events, building a volunteer network and strengthening relationships with the County’s diverse communities.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados announced the new office as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018 in his address during the county’s 162nd Annual Reorganization.

“As someone active in the volunteer community, I know that Union County residents are passionate, energized, and eager to lend their time and their skills to make a real difference,” said Chairman Granados. “This new office will help volunteers connect with new opportunities to engage, and help all of our volunteer stakeholders – including business, non-profit and academic – coordinate their efforts for maximum impact.”

Advocates from the non-profit community thanked Granados and the Freeholder Board as a whole for creating the office:

Donna Lowe Alexander, CEO & President of Urban League of Union County, Inc. and Crystal A. Orr, President of Urban League of Union County Young Professionals, stated:

“As the new presidents of the Urban League of Union County, Inc. and Urban League of Union County Young Professionals (ULUCYP), we are happy that the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity has been established. Our mission is to empower and seek equality for people who are disadvantaged and underrepresented in Housing, Education, Employment and Healthcare. By creating this office, Union County is taking a vested interest to learn and access the needs of the diverse groups of people that we serve. We are looking forward to partnering with Nathalie and her team to continue to enhance our communities and change lives.”

Dr. Norma Bowe the founder of Be The Change NJ, a community service and activist group stated:

“Be The Change NJ Kean University is excited to partner on a variety of community based projects with the Union County Office of Community Engagement & Diversity. This weekend, we will be working with the Office and several other organizations to provide 1,000 sandwiches to 10 locations throughout the State to celebrate our 10 years of Homelessness Relief.”

Janice Lilien, Chief Executive Office of the YWCA of Union County said:

“The YWCA Union County is so pleased to work with the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity. As a leading agency addressing the empowerment of women as well as the elimination of racism, we rely on our entire community to work in partnership to address these important societal issues. Union County has led the way in improving our community and we are proud to work alongside them.”

Darwin Roman, President of the Union County Latino American Chamber of Commerce said:

“As President of the Union County Latino American Chamber of Commerce we are proud to partner with the County of Union. Union County is rich in Multicultural diversity. We feel that our chamber is in alignment with the goals and initiatives of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity. The Latino community is poised for growth with our support in enhancing and advancing, both in education and economically. We look forward to reaching astronomical levels of success in 2018 and beyond!”

The Office operates under the Department of Economic Development, where it uses existing County staff and resources to carry out the following functions:

• Provide outreach to local community based groups and volunteer organizations to create a network and directory of same.

• Coordinate countywide community events and programs which foster and promote volunteerism in Union County.

• Reinforce strategies for building relationships with the County’s diverse communities to include culture, lifestyle, ethnicity, and race.

• Bring communities together on issues important to them and find creative & innovative solutions to ensure inclusion and collaboration on a multi-faceted vision for the County’s diverse communities.

During the past few months, the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity has completed the following projects:

 Donation Drives for Hurricane Harvey victims and YWCA Union County Domestic Violence Shelter in Elizabeth;

 Coordinated with the Urban League of Union County Young Professionals to collect business clothing for the Cinderella’s Closet at our Elizabeth & Plainfield One Stop Center;

 Coordinated with an Elizabeth resident and the Union County Department of Human Services to collect their donation of 20 cots for the County’s Code Blue Operations;

 Coordinated County Volunteer Days at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and at Kean University to participate in Be The Change NJ’s 10th Anniversary of Operation PB & J to feed the homeless;

The office is currently working on projects with Bernice’s Place, We Are One NJ, Union County Family Success Centers, Be The Change NJ, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson, & Union Counties.

Individuals who wish to connect with a volunteer organization or initiative in Union County can register online with the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, at ucnj.org/ office-of-community-engagement-diversity/volunteers.

“Part of the idea behind the registry is to provide our immigrant community with bilingual services and support, so I encourage individuals who speak a second language to sign up and participate,” said Granados.

Groups and organizations seeking to connect with volunteers can register at ucnj.org/office-of-community-engagement-diversity/groups.

For more information about the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity contact Nathalie Hernandez, the Office’s coordinator, at 908-527-4880 or nahernandez@ucnj.org.

Union County Freeholder Alexander Mirabella joined Mountainside Mayor Paul Mirabelli, Councilman Robert W. Messler, Councilwoman Deanna Andre, Councilwoman Wendy Fech Caccamo and Senior Citizen Coordinator Kim Moriak in cutting the ribbon officially opening the new Senior Lounge at the Mountainside Municipal Building.

The new Senior Lounge and other improvements to the borough’s Senior Center were made by possible with a $25,000 Union County Senior Focus Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen has been appointed as the Chairman of the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition (RVRC), a rail transit advocacy group representing towns and counties along the NJ TRANSIT Raritan Valley line.

“I congratulate Chairman Bergen, and I look forward to working hard with him on the Coalition,” Kowalski said. “With the welcome change of leadership and direction in the Governor’s Office, we look forward to making progress on both our long-term and short-term goals in improving rail service.”

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados congratulated Bergen on his appointment and added the Freeholder Board would work to strongly support his goals on the RVRC.

“Union County as a whole is a regional transit hub, and long-term improvements to its rail system are crucial to the economic well-being of our residents,” Granados said. “My colleagues and I look forward to working with Freeholder Bergen, who is leading the RVRC, and Freeholder Vice Chairman Kowalski in their efforts to lobby for crucially needed changes to the system.”

As a major part of his objectives, Bergen noted he would emphasize supporting Governor Phil Murphy’s goals of improving rail service and increasing funding, not just for the Raritan Valley Line, but for the crucially important Gateway Project, and other vital efforts at NJ Transit.

Bergen expressed the RVRC’s support for the Gateway Project, which includes the construction of an additional two-track tunnel to New York, adding that the existing network is on “life support,” and in dire need of repair and expansion. Construction of new tunnels under the Hudson River could provide sufficient capacity under the Hudson River to give the Raritan Valley Rail line a full schedule of one seat rides to New York Penn Station.

“The importance of the Gateway project to the travelling public and the regional economy cannot be understated.  While there are recent news reports of a setback in funding from the Trump administration, this is a project of utmost consequence and one that the RVRC has been vociferously advocating for. While some suggest shrinking the scope of the Gateway project is a solution to the funding problem, reality calls for full completion of the work.”

Bergen added he would also support a current NJ State legislative bill which includes $5 million in state funds for capacity improvements to the Raritan Valley Line.

To further improve the Raritan Valley Line, the RVRC supports a rail “flyover” that would alleviate switching problems between the Raritan Valley Line and Amtrak, which today causes train delays. It also supports the triple tracking of a section of the rail line and it urges further work on a same-platform transfer at Newark Penn Station.

The RVRC was created in 1998 to advocate for a one-seat ride on the Raritan Valley Line. At the time, Raritan Valley riders had to switch trains at Newark because diesel engines were not allowed into the tunnels under the Hudson River. 

In 2014, NJ Transit began using dual-mode locomotives that could switch from diesel to electric power, making it possible to have a direct ride into New York City. The first midday, off-peak weekday one-seat rides into New York started in March 2014, and evening service started in January 2015. However, rush-hour commuters still have to change trains in Newark.

The Raritan Valley Line is a commuter rail service operated by NJ Transit which serves passengers in municipalities in Union, Somerset, Middlesex and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey. Union County stops include: Union, Roselle Park, Cranford, Garwood, Westfield, Fanwood,  Netherwood and Plainfield.  From Union County, the trains travel westward to High Bridge with eleven additional stops.

The RVRC website is www.raritanvalleyrail.com

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados welcomed Trisha Yurochko, the head coach of the Children’s Specialized Hospital Paralympic Sports Club Children’s Lightning Wheels, to the Union County Roundtable meeting for the Special Needs Community at the Cranford Community Center.

They were joined by Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Union County Division of Outreach and Advocacy Director Maureen Segale-Glenn and Manuel Ramirez and Nicole DeAugustine of the Union County of Office for People with Special Needs.

The roundtable meeting was facilitated by Trisha Yurochko as more than 40 participants discussed and assessed current programs and services offered to individuals with special needs throughout Union County.

The creation of the state’s first-ever Office for People with Special Needs is part of Chairman’s “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives.

For more information about the Office for People with Special Needs, visit www.ucnj.org/departments/human-services/office-for-people-with-special-needs.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County)

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking information about services for senior adults age 60 and older can visit any of seven convenient Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) locations to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.

Experienced staff will be available at public libraries in Linden, Mountainside, Clark, Fanwood and Summit. ASK will also be available at a community center in Westfield.

“Our goal is to help residents connect with expert assistance and personal guidance, in a friendly, familiar environment close to home,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The ASK program has helped hundreds of County residents since it first began in 2012 and I encourage seniors, their families and caregivers to make use of this popular service.”

Through the ASK community outreach program, members of the staff travel throughout Union County providing information about services such as home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.

Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any ASK event. The March 2018 dates and locations are:

 

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection’s (ADRC) goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. It is one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act. The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

Check for the upcoming schedule of stops for an ASK kiosk coming near you as dates and locations are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, ucnj.org.

For further information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll free number: 1-888-280-8226, or 908-527-4870 or 4858 or visit the Union County government website at ucnj.org.

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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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Please note: This event is now at capacity and registration is closed. Please check back for our next event in May.

Union County, NJ – Women in Union County can sign up now to attend “International Women’s Day – The Time is Now,” a free yoga, meditation class and emotional wellness event on Friday, March 9, at Maskers Barn in the historic Deserted Village of Feltville, located at 9 Cataract Hollow Road in the Deserted Village.

The wellness event is the latest edition in a free series conducted through the Department of Human Services Division on Outreach and Advocacy’s Office on Women.

The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last until 9:00 p.m.

 “International Women’s Day – The Time is Now” will feature:

• A short talk and introduction with time to network.
• Yoga session by Nicole DeAugustine, certified yoga instructor.
• Guided meditation ceremony with Rosie Lazroe, RYT & YACEP.
• Fire ceremony.
• Light snacks provided by Whole Foods.

Attendees should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for yoga, and bring their own yoga mats.

The event is free but space is limited. Pre-registration is required and can be found at ucnj.org/women.

For additional information about the event, please contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at jerdos@ucnj.org.

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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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – On Tuesday, February 20, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, through the Office of LGBTQ Services, hosted a roundtable with over 20 leading LGBTQ advocacy and ally organizations that serve Union County and New Jersey. Facilitated by Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality, more than 40 participants met to discuss LGBTQ-related programs, services, issues and priorities for 2018.

The roundtable was organized by the new Union County Office of LGBTQ Services that was established by Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados as one of many progressive “Moving Union County Forward” special initiatives that he announced in January of this year.

Garden State Equality Executive Director Christian Fuscarino encouraged open and engaging conversations about many unique challenges of the LGBTQ community including: access to healthcare services; state policy recommendations; safe spaces to live, learn, work, play and pray; access to resources and information; and achieving safety, permanency and well-being for LGBTQ youth and families. Participants also offered strategic thinking toward building culturally-appropriate programs and partnerships that affirm the dignity and human worth of LGBTQ people and supporters.

“The Freeholder Board unwaveringly supports our LGBTQ residents and their families, and I am proud we are leading County governments in the State of New Jersey to protect progress and resist discrimination, hate and division,” Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados noted in his welcome address. “It is only by joining forces and working in partnership with LGBTQ advocacy and ally organizations that we will be able to make progress in effectively supporting LGBTQ individuals, families and allies. I make no reservation in my commitment as an elected official to back up my words with action – I will stand side-by-side with LGBTQ individuals, advocacy groups and supporters to fight for equality and security in our communities.”

This first organized meeting, as part of a series of outreach efforts, is to engage the LGBTQ and ally communities in a county-wide needs assessment. A priority of the Office of LGBTQ Services is to provide a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serve as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I applaud the organizations who participated in the roundtable for the work they are already doing to support LGBTQ people, families and friends in our communities, and for participating in the roundtable with the shared goal of discussing existing programs, and addressing barriers, strategies and gaps in services,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.

Several prominent New Jersey organizations that serve the LGBTQ community commend the networking and results-oriented effort of the roundtable.

“Leading by example to create a more inclusive community starts with the conversation. Union County’s LGBTQ roundtable is taking that lead and Hyacinth in proud to add our voice,” noted Hyacinth AIDS Foundation roundtable participants Danielle King and Allen Lockhart.

“WellCare of New Jersey is dedicated to building partnerships with organizations working to make a difference in our communities. The Union County LGBTQ roundtable is one such example. It was an honor to be included in this important discussion with individuals who are truly passionate about eliminating the barriers facing LGBTQ families and WellCare looks forward to joining them in this commitment,” said Clarissa Robles, Sr. Community Relations Specialist for WellCare of New Jersey.

“As facilitators of the first 2018 LGBTQ Roundtable, Garden State Equality was both honored and enthusiastic to share ideas with other incredible advocacy organizations and individuals. Events like this Roundtable are so important for addressing LGBTQ-related programs, services, and issues. We are so proud of the Union County Freeholders for establishing the Office of LGBTQ Services, the first county office in the state of NJ,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality.

Through assessment, research, analysis and strategic collaboration, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, provides essential support that impacts the quality of life for LGBTQ people and allies through community building and human services.

“HMI: NJ is excited to partner with Union County to provide any complimentary services, training and or technical assistance to support the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services. Union County has taken great strides in advancing services to its LGBTQ residents.  We are committed to supporting this initiative to ensure its success,” said Ashawnda Fleming, Ph.D., MS Executive Director, Hetrick-Martin Institute New Jersey.

For more information about the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org.

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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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Video Link: youtube.com/watch?v=WAOKPZ_dMKU

Photo Caption (welcoming remarks): Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, joined by Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Bruce Bergen, welcomed roundtable facilitator Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality and over 40 participants representing more than 20 LGBTQ advocacy and ally organizations that serve Union County and New Jersey to the 2018 LGBTQ Roundtable to discuss LGBTQ-related programs, services, issues and priorities for 2018.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the spring season of Sensory Friendly Theatre at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The popular series, sponsored by the Freeholder Board, showcases exciting live performances in an environment tailored to audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“The Freeholder Board is committed to helping every Union County resident connect with their friends, neighbors and the broader community, and enjoying live performances is an especially enriching community experience for all ages, especially children,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Sensory Friendly Theatre provides a way for all audiences to feel the joy and excitement of a live show in the beautiful Union County Performing Arts Center.”

Sensory Friendly Theatre kicks off this spring with the beloved story of Cinderella on Sunday, March 4, presented by the renowned New Jersey Ballet Company:

Since 1958, New Jersey Ballet has brought the joy and beauty of dance to the entire state, and had the distinct privilege to represent New Jersey in other parts of the country and world. The Ballet has an extensive repertory, which embraces the classics, as well as contemporary works. Making dance accessible to everyone requires affordable ticket prices. New Jersey Ballet is proud to be designated a Major Arts Institution by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

On Sunday April 29, Sensory Friendly Theatre brings TheatreWorks to the stage for an inventive retelling of the classic tale, Charlotte’s Web:

Theatreworks’ production of Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman — she will create a “miracle.” This treasured tale, featuring mad-cap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship.

The final show of the spring season is an exciting interactive experience with the self-explanatory name, Bubble Trouble:

A bubble volcano. Bubble roller coaster. A kid in a bubble? Jeff Boyer takes bubbles to the max in this one-man bubble extravaganza. It’s the craziest, most creative bubble show around. Jeff juggles bubbles, sculpts and builds with bubbles, makes fog-filled bubbles and more. Mixing comedy, music and a unique level of community participation, he engages and delights audiences of all ages.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series began in 2012 as an initiative of Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. It is designed according to guidelines that help reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity. It has been supported by the Freeholder Board every year since then.

For each of the Sensory Friendly performances, the environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at the performances. For more information on what to expect at Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

All tickets for are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

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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.

Connect with Union County on social media.