County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – Union County will once again participate in the national Point-in-Time Count and Survey of the Homeless. This national census of homeless persons takes place each January. In Union County, it will be conducted countywide on the streets in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 24, from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The number of people staying at homeless shelters in Union County will also be recorded.

“While the Union County economy is strong, it is important to recognize that any person or family can fall upon hard times. As a community we strive to lend a helping hand to those in need, and the annual Point in Time Count provides valuable insights into the issue of homelessness in our neighborhoods, throughout New Jersey and across the nation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The annual Point-in-Time Count is mandated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and is intended to guide efforts to end homelessness.

In New Jersey, the NJCounts 2018 survey will focus on homeless families, youth and veterans. It includes both persons staying in shelters and those without shelter, in all 21 counties.

The Point-in-Time Count in Union County is coordinated by the Union County Department of Human Services with volunteers from the public and additional assistance from the Union County Sheriff.

As needed, the Union County Police Division and the Plainfield Police Department will provide rides for those requesting shelter.

“Many factors contribute to homelessness. New Jersey faces a number of challenges, including a shortage of rental housing, the loss of living-wage jobs, and the failure of Congress to increase funding for the federal Housing Choice Voucher program,” said Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “Even under current levels, the wait for a Section 8 voucher ranges from five to 10 years in Union County.”

In order to help homeless persons connect with resources in Union County, two outreach events have also been scheduled for January 24.

The Salvation Army at 615 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield will host an event from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. including free winter coats, clothing and toiletries, and free HIV testing among many other services.

The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless at 118 Division Street in Elizabeth will also host an event from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on January 24, offering free haircuts, food, clothing, legal aid, veteran’s services and more.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 165,800 people in 70,000 New Jersey households use a voucher to afford decent, privately owned housing. In 2018, New Jersey could lose 5,500 vouchers if Congress does not increase renewal funding sufficiently to cover rising rents and other costs.

The 2017 Point-in-Time Count recorded a total of 291 households in Union County, totaling 475 persons. A total of 43 persons in 43 households were identified as chronically homeless. Fifty households totaling 55 persons were unsheltered on the night of the count.

“The fact is that any homeless person is one too many,” said Freeholder Granados. “When people lose their homes, the impact ripples out to their families and communities. Solving the problem of homelessness requires a renewed commitment on all levels – state, federal and local.”

Union County Granados’s Chairman’s initiatives for 2018 include UC HEART, a series of measures that deploy existing County resources to focus on community well-being and inclusiveness. This includes the creation of the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, the first county-based LGBTQ Office in New Jersey, and the first People with Special Needs Office in New Jersey, along with continuation of the UC-HERO program for veteran’s services.

The Point-in-Time survey is coordinated statewide in New Jersey by the nonprofit housing organization Monarch Housing Associates. For more information visit Monarch Housing online at monarchhousing.org.

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Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

 

 

Chairman Granados announces office as part of initiatives for 2018

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has established the state’s first Office for People with Special Needs, which will promote inclusion, conduct outreach, and provide recreational, educational and social opportunities for residents living with special needs.

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. The office uses existing manpower and resources, at no additional expense.

“This Freeholder Board is dedicated to promoting equal opportunities and inclusion for all residents, and especially for those living with special needs,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Having volunteered my time extensively within these communities over the years, I am excited by the creation of this office, and I pledge to continue to keep working to ensure that no resident is left behind or unable to pursue their dreams or an opportunity because of a disability or special need.”

The Office will operate under the new Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services.

The creation of the Office for People with Special Needs was immediately hailed by advocates and administrators in the Special Needs community:

“It is tremendous news to hear that Chairman Granados created this office as part of his initiatives and that the Union County Freeholder board is deepening its commitment to serving individuals with disabilities,” said Kaylee McGuire, CTRS, Community Recreation Coordinator, for the Recreational Therapy/Child Life unit at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside. “We are happy to see the great work that the county does for individuals with disabilities continue, as it provides incredibly meaningful activities, services, and resources. These programs are vital to the health and well-being of our citizens, and provide opportunities for children and adults to be active and engaged members of the community. The County of Union has been a true partner and friend to us at Children’s Specialized Hospital in serving the community, and we are excited about more opportunities to come. ”

Karen Lewicki, Special Olympics Area 5 Director, noted her organization has enjoyed a “strong” relationship with the County and its Parks Department for years and was excited to learn about the creation of the new division.

“They (County) have been more than generous donating facilities for league play and competitions, hosted several events such as Saturday morning Golf Program and offered to run our track meet at Warinanco Park in Roselle,” said Lewicki. “We value our partnership, and believe they provide a much needed service to the special needs community and we hope to continue our relationship as it becomes a more ‘disabilities’ focused organization moving forward.”

The County has provided a strong platform for engagement for special needs residents, especially during the past few years, having broken ground on a Sensory Friendly Trail in the Watchung Reservation that will open later this year, the creation of a new inclusive playground at Mattano Park in 2016, and Granados’ announcement of the Level the Playing Field grant program, as Union County will become the first County in the state to have every municipality build an inclusive playground for children of all abilities. The County also continues to fund “Sensory Friendly” theatre performances at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

The mission of the Office for People with Special Needs is as follows:

• To provide recreational and social opportunities for residents living with special needs including physical, cognitive and developmental challenges;
• To provide outreach to community groups and organizations to identify needs and interests of persons and families living with special needs as an opportunity to design effective programs;
• To develop additional resources to fund programs targeting engagement of persons living with special needs;
• To identify and implement an effective means of communication to educate community residents on programs and social events available such as yoga, ceramics, zumba, cooking, golf, swimming, sensory friendly theatre shows, a carnival and a barn dance.

The Office for People with Special Needs has already established partnerships with the following agencies/organizations to create programming:

• Special Olympics of New Jersey Area 5 (Union County)
• Children Specialized Hospital (Mountainside)
• New Jersey Devils
• Community Access Unlimited (Elizabeth)
• Kean University (Union)
• Prevention Links (E-Port Community Center)
• Linden Spectrum All-stars
• High Expectations Inc. (Clark)
• Union County Educational Services Commission (Westfield)
• Elizabeth Public Schools
• Elizabeth Parent Support Group
• Inroads to Opportunity (Roselle)
• Jardine Academy/Cerebral Palsy League (Cranford)
• Ashrams for Autism (Yoga national company)
• Summit TryCan
• Elks Eastern Central District (Union County)
• Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club

For more information or to be on the distribution list please email the office at snrec@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4781. Manuel Ramirez is the Coordinator for the office, and Nicole DeAugustine is the Assistant Coordinator.

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski joined with Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity to thank Elizabeth residents Sima Farid and Alex Mendoza for their donation of 20 cots for the County’s Code Blue operations, which works to get the homeless to shelter during freezing weather.

The donations were coordinated through the County’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, which was announced by Chairman Granados during the recent County reorganization as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for County government in 2018. The office promotes volunteerism and outreach, and works with other agencies to identify volunteer opportunities, coordinate events, and create a network of volunteer organizations to build relationships with the County’s different communities.  For more information on the office, please email Ms. Hernandez at Nahernandez@ucnj.org

(left to right) Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator for the Office of Community Engagement,  Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados,  Sima Farid, Human Services Department Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Alex Mendoza.

Union County, NJ – The Sensory Friendly Theatre series is hosting a special performance of the world class illusionists, Champions of Magic this Sunday, January 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street in Rahway. The series is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre offers a welcoming, non-judgmental space for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The series helps to bring first class, enriching experiences to children, in an environment where their families and caregivers can also relax and enjoy.”

Made possible by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in association with DCA Productions, Champions of Magic will appear at the Union County Performing Arts Center direct from a hit season in London’s West End.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre has helped hundreds of children and their families connect with the Union County community through the power of live performances, and we are looking forward to another successful season,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. The series launched as an initiative of Freeholder Mirabella when he served as Chairman in 2012.

The world-class illusionists who make up the Champions of Magic team return for a spectacular night of mystery that keeps audiences guessing. With over 20 million online views between them, and sold-out shows on their 2014, 2015 and 2016 tours, the cast includes international award winning magicians presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions.

Champions of Magic have been seen around the world as well as on TV in the UK. Witness the impossible, including disappearances, levitation, teleportation and a heart stopping finale, all presented with lighting and special effects to rival the biggest theatrical spectacles.

For each of the performances in Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series, 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 performance. 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.

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