Author: Web Site Administrator

In a heartfelt celebration of love and family, the Union County Surrogate’s Court hosted a special ceremony to honor three new “forever families” on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the historic Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. The event was held in anticipation of National Adoption Day, which will be celebrated nationwide on Saturday, November 22^nd.

“Adoption Day stands as one of the most significant and rewarding occasions observed by the Surrogate’s Court,”said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “It is a profound privilege to witness the formation of new families and the beginning of new chapters built on love, stability, and hope. I extend my deepest gratitude to the adoptive parents, our dedicated court staff, and our partner agencies whose collective efforts make these life-changing moments possible.”

This year’s ceremony included three families who finalized adoptions prior to the event. The families then celebrated their new beginnings alongside their loved ones, government officials, community partners, and families who adopted earlier this year. All adoptions completed on November 13th were facilitated in partnership with the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P).

“The joy and happiness that filled the courtroom transformed the courthouse into a hopeful place. It was an honor to witness the beginning of a new life for these families,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Adoption represents a chance at a better life for children within the foster care system. The extraordinary individuals we celebrated exemplify what every child in America deserves: a loving family, a warm home, and a stable and supportive environment. You serve as an inspiration to us all. I would also like to thank Surrogate Hudak, his dedicated team, and our partners for their tireless efforts in facilitating the formation of these ‘forever families’.”

National Adoption Day was established in 2000 by a coalition that includes the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, the Alliance for Children’s Rights, the Children’s Action Network, and the Freddie Mac Foundation to raise national awareness about the needs of foster children and encourage communities to work with court officials in efforts to find them a “forever home.”

This year marks the 17th Annual Adoption Day celebration in Union County. So far in 2025, the Union County Surrogate has successfully finalized 62 adoptions.

The Surrogate’s Court partnered with CASA of Passaic and Union Counties, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection & Permanency, The Superior Court of NJ, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office to commemorate the day. Special contributions of decorative artwork from Elizabeth Public Schools, and a musical performance by Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy Choir, as well as various donations from David Brearly Middle High School’s “Bears That Care” program in Kenilworth will add a heartfelt and vibrant touch to the celebration.

For information on adopting in New Jersey, contact the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency. An application can be filled out through Foster and Adoptive Family Services on the DCP&P website, by calling 1-800-222-0047 or emailing askdcf@dcf.state.nj.us. Please contact the Union County Surrogate’s Office at 908-527-4280 to inquire about court filing requirements.

New Jersey issued full November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to eligible households on the morning of Friday, November 7, following a federal court ruling.

SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their Families First EBT cards at NJFamiliesFirst.com or by calling (800) 997-3333 to confirm their balances and use their benefits as needed.

SNAP benefits loaded on your Families First EBT card prior to Oct. 31 remain available for use as well.

New Jersey continues to monitor developments and will continue to provide updates at NJSNAP.gov as needed. Additional assistance for SNAP households during the ongoing federal shutdown is available at NJ.gov/SNAPshutdown.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, along with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, invite all county residents to ring in the holiday season on the ice rink with Santa Claus at “Celebrate the Season,” Union County’s annual celebration at Warinanco Sports Center on Sunday, December 7th.

“Celebrate the Season is a winter staple in Union County, and it continues to bring holiday cheer to our residents year after year,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “No December is complete without a day filled with ice skating, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. Traditions like these keep Union County filled with holiday magic for all ages.”

This year’s Celebrate the Season will be taking place in three sessions within the hours of 11:00am to 6:30pm:

Session 1
11:00am – 1:00 pm

Session 2
1:45 pm – 3:45 pm

Session 3
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Admission is $8.00 per person and includes entry for a two–hour session, one (1) skate rental, along with hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.warinancopark.com and will not be available at the door. Everyone entering the building must have a ticket, whether or not they skate. Children under 2 years of age are free. Space is limited to 275 people.

The Warinanco Sports Center is located in Warinanco Park, 1 Park Drive in Roselle, off St. Georges Avenue. For more information about this event, please visit warinancopark.com or call 908-298-7850.

To learn more about the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation and its programs, please visit www.ucnj.org/parks-recreation. To stay informed about County events, services, and offerings, download the free Explore Union County mobile app.