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Union County Taps May for Community Action Month

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Union County has officially recognized May as Community Action Month. The designation, approved by resolution on April 24, celebrates the 50-year anniversary of the national Community Action initiative and highlights the impact of Community Action Agencies on the quality of life in Union County and the nation.

“Community Action Agencies have a provide those in need with a helping hand to a more economically secure footing,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “By recognizing National Community Action Month we affirm the value of working to ensure improved health and safe living conditions for all Union County households.”

Participants in Community Action Month include Trinitas Hospital and Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, which will present information about their services from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday May 7, at the Gill Apartments in Cranford.

In addition, the following events have been coordinated to take place in Elizabeth on Friday May 16, which is recognized as National Community Action Day:

  • The Urban League of Union County will hold an Open House to present information about emergency assistance from 9:00 a.m.to 12:00 noon at 288 North Broad Street.
  • The Salvation Army will host an “Ice Cream for Lunch” to present information about emergency housing services, from 11:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. at 1018 East Grand Street.
  • The Gateway Family YMCA will host a Housing Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 135 Madison Avenue.

Community Action Agencies were established in 1964, as part of the federal Economic Opportunity Act signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Today, there are approximately 1,100 Community Action Agencies covering 99% of America’s counties in suburban, rural, and urban communities.

In partnership with other social services agencies, the Department of Human Services provides thousands of Union County residents with assistance in meeting vital needs including food, rent, mortgage, and utility service.

The Department of Human Services also provides assistance with emergency and disaster relief, financial literacy, emergency shelter at night, health care, employment, and counseling for mental health issues including substance abuse.

Within the department, the Division on Aging and the Office for the Disabled provide resources and referrals to Union County residents from all walks of life.

For more information about Community Action Month events and other services for low income individuals and families, contact Leslie Gutierrez, Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Planning, 908-527-4861.

For information about all other Human Services and Union County government services and programs, visit the Union County government website, ucnj.org.

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