Author: corinnefiretto

Free Real Estate Licensing Program Creates Career Opportunities for Young Adults

Union County is partnering with community leaders and workforce development advocates to help connect young adults with a free opportunity to pursue careers in real estate through a new licensing program, designed to remove financial barriers and create pathways to professional success.

The initiative, led by The BLOC Foundation Founder Natasha Davis and Exodus Real Estate Academy Owner Samantha Lamptey, will provide eligible participants with free real estate pre-licensing education. The five-week virtual program is designed for young adults ages 18 to 21, including recent high school graduates, GED recipients, and college students interested in pursuing a career in real estate.

“This program is about creating access and opening doors,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “For many young people, the cost of professional training can be a significant obstacle. By connecting students with free educational opportunities and clear career pathways, we are helping them build skills, pursue meaningful careers, and invest in their future. Union County is proud to support initiatives that empower residents, strengthen our workforce, and create opportunities for the next generation.”

Participants must complete 75 hours of coursework to qualify for the New Jersey real estate licensing exam. While students are responsible for the state examination fee, the program covers the cost of the required coursework and training.

Classes will run from July 7 for five weeks and will be held virtually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Registration is open through June 26. The program is open to eligible participants throughout New Jersey and aims to provide young adults with valuable professional skills and an opportunity to earn a state-recognized credential.

“As someone who teaches students in the trades every day, I’ve seen firsthand how access to opportunity can change the trajectory of a life,” said Natasha Davis, Founder of the BLOC Foundation. “Sponsoring 300 young adults to become licensed real estate agents is about more than a career; it’s creating pathways to entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and economic mobility. When we invest in our young people, we invest in stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.”

“Exodus Real Estate Academy is committed to empowering and educating underserved and underprivileged individuals about real estate as a pathway to homeownership, entrepreneurship, career growth, and generational wealth,” said Samantha Lamptey, Founder of Exodus Real Estate Academy. “We believe that education and examples create opportunity and strengthen communities.”

To introduce the opportunity to prospective students and their families, an informational session will be held on June 22 at 6:00 p.m., in the Kean University STEM Building Auditorium, located at 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, licensing requirements, and career opportunities within the real estate industry.

“As a former Board of Education Commissioner, I met countless students who were talented, motivated, and ready to succeed but unsure of what came next after graduation,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron. “Not every young person follows a traditional path, and opportunities like this can make all the difference. Natasha Davis and The BLOC Foundation recognized that need and created a program that removes barriers and provides a clear pathway into a professional field. I am proud to help support this initiative because every young person deserves the chance to pursue a meaningful career, build financial independence, and realize their full potential.”

The BLOC Foundation works to revitalize urban communities through affordable housing development, workforce training, and economic mobility programs, creating pathways for women, minorities, young adults, and underserved populations to build long-term stability and success. Founder Natasha Davis is a Licensed General Contractor who has devoted her time to creating a 100 percent, minority-owned real estate construction and investment firm—and through her work, has made homeownership and real estate investment opportunities accessible to historically marginalized and under-resourced individuals.

Exodus Real Estate Academy is dedicated to thoroughly preparing each student for success in the New Jersey real estate license examination through interactive discussion and exposure to real-world scenarios, emphasizing practical learning and aiming to prepare future referral agents, salespersons and brokers to face the challenges of the real estate industry. Samantha Lamptey is the Founder of Exodus Real Estate and Exodus Real Estate Academy, and Co-Founder of Exodus Development, Exodus Construction and Exodus Architectural Woodwork, all based in Short Hills, NJ. Driven by a passion for design, innovation, and community impact, she built the Exodus family of companies with her husband, Selassie Lamptey, to create opportunities through real estate, architecture, construction, development and architectural woodwork. 

To register for the program, visit https://bit.ly/ucnjrealestateclass today. For additional information, please email Natasha Davis at natasha@theblocfoundation.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that a new collection of artworks, created by students from Inroads to Opportunities, is now on display at the Commissioners Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. Visitors can see the exhibit for free during gallery hours, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through July 31, 2026.

“Inroads to Opportunities students have done an amazing job in putting together for us a colorful and imaginative collection that art enthusiasts and visitors alike are sure to enjoy. Art knows no bounds or limitations, especially in our uniquely diverse county, and we are proud to showcase that through the lens of these talented artists,” Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “I encourage everyone to take the opportunity and visit the exhibit.”

This art program is made possible by a HEART Grant (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) from the Union County Board of County Commissioners. HEART grants serve as a way to strengthen Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars so they can provide innovative projects related to the arts, humanities, and history.

“Through the HEART grant, we are proud to continue supporting organizations like Inroads to Opportunities in developing quality programming that enables residents of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to reach their greatest potential and enjoy a fulfilling life – one with strong community roots and with access to creative outlets that allow them to build confidence, discover new talents, and make their mark in the history we are shaping together,” said Commissioner Rebecca L.Williams, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board.

Inroads to Opportunities, a not-for-profit organization, provides an environment where individuals with disabilities can develop and become productive and employable. Making works of art provides a therapeutic and creative outlet for the participants. The artists share their inner talents using a wide range of media, such as acrylic, watercolor, crayon, pastel, pen, and pencil. The center started this art program in 2003 and continues to achieve great success.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Commissioners Gallery. For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, please contact the Office by telephone at 908-558-2550 (NJ relay users dial 711), email at culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or in person at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County’s 4-H Master Tree Stewards recently celebrated a successful season of environmental education, reaching more than 2,750 fourth-grade students across Union County during the winter and spring of 2026.

The Master Tree Steward program is made up of dedicated volunteers who receive specialized training through Rutgers Cooperative Extension and then bring their knowledge directly into local classrooms. Throughout the school year, Tree Stewards presented engaging, one-hour lessons designed to teach students about the importance of trees, environmental stewardship, and the role trees play in maintaining healthy communities.

“The commitment of our Master Tree Stewards helps inspire the next generation to appreciate and care for the environment around them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “By bringing these lessons into classrooms throughout Union County, our volunteers are helping students develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of protecting it.”

The program provides fourth-grade students with hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom education with real-world environmental issues, encouraging curiosity and fostering a greater appreciation for local natural resources.

Individuals interested in becoming a Master Tree Steward are encouraged to apply for the next training program, which begins in September. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by educating young people throughout Union County.

For more information about the Master Tree Steward Program or volunteer opportunities, contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has approved a contract with River North Transit, LLC (Via), a leading provider of public mobility solutions, to launch a new on-demand micro-transit pilot program designed to expand transportation access and connectivity for Union County residents.

The one-year pilot program, beginning in Summer 2026, will introduce a flexible, technology-based public transportation service operating within a defined service zone centered around the intersection of State Route 28 and South Avenue (County Route 610). The service area will cover approximately a 1.5-mile radius and serve more than 35,000 residents.

“Union County continues to look for innovative ways to improve mobility, accessibility, and quality of life for our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “This pilot program will help us better understand how modern, on-demand transportation options can complement existing transit services while expanding access to jobs, healthcare, and other essential destinations for residents throughout the community.”

Micro-transit is an on-demand shared transportation service that uses technology and dynamic routing to connect riders to destinations more efficiently. Riders will be able to request trips through a mobile app, web portal, or telephone service, with the system assigning nearby virtual pickup and drop-off locations to help reduce wait times, minimize detours, and optimize routes.

The program is intended to help address transportation barriers related to employment, healthcare access, shopping, and first- and last-mile connections to existing public transportation services.

“I’m pleased to partner with the County to bring micro-transit services to Westfield,” said Westfield Mayor Jeremy Berman. “As we continue to pursue meaningful approaches to reducing traffic and bringing last-mile transit solutions to the community, I’m optimistic that this innovative pilot program will help make transportation more efficient for our residents.”

The County selected River North Transit (Via) through a competitive contracting process. Via currently operates micro-transit programs across New Jersey and recently completed its three millionth micro-transit trip statewide. The company partners with municipalities and transit agencies nationwide to provide technology-enabled public mobility services.

Under the agreement, Via will provide a turnkey transportation solution that includes vehicles, drivers, scheduling technology, customer service, maintenance, community engagement, and performance reporting. The service will operate at minimum Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will be accessible to riders with disabilities in compliance with ADA requirements.

County officials noted the pilot program will also allow Union County to evaluate future transportation opportunities and identify additional ways to improve local transit connectivity and accessibility.

More information regarding the program, including launch details, service hours, and rider information, will be announced prior to the official rollout later this summer.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites arts organizations and other nonprofits to attend a free professional development workshop, Strengthen Your Organization through Advocacy and Civic Collaborations, on Tuesday, June 16 at 3:30 pm. The session is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, and will be conducted via Zoom.

“Arts organizations play an important role in strengthening our communities, enriching cultural life, and bringing people together,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This workshop gives nonprofit leaders valuable tools to build partnerships, engage with local government, and advocate for the resources they need to continue serving residents. We are proud to support opportunities that help our arts and cultural organizations grow and thrive throughout Union County.”

The 75-minute workshop is presented by staff from ArtPride New Jersey, which advances, promotes, and advocates for the arts and for arts organizations — including work to increase arts funding at local, state and national levels. Attendees will learn valuable, actionable steps for leveraging civic engagement, developing beneficial cross-sector collaborations, and connecting with local officials and local agencies, to fortify their own arts organizations over the long haul. The presenters will involve participants in ArtPride’s initiative to increase communication and share information with municipal leaders about the many ways arts and culture improve community life.

Vincent Hall, Director of Advocacy Operations at ArtPride, leads advocacy and governmental affairs on the federal level. He will present the workshop with Vanessa Ramalho, Director of External Relations, who supports ArtPride’s advocacy and government affairs work, leading efforts to move forward legislative priorities that support the arts in New Jersey.

Organizations interested in attending this free workshop can register at ucnj.org/artpride.

Organizations that receive funding through Union County’s Local Arts Grant (LAP), History Grant, and HEART (History Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant are encouraged to attend. Other non-profit organizations based in New Jersey are also welcome.

This workshop is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, an office of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550.