County of Union, New JerseyDefault category for all normal press releases
Monday, March 11, 2024 from 6:30pm-8:30pm:
Training Expectations to Share with Participants:
The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite seniors and their caregivers to the upcoming ASK community events in January. At these events, attendees can meet face-to-face with skilled professionals who offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources, as well as assistance with form completion. Additionally, bilingual staff will be on hand at several events to provide support in Spanish.
“Our Division of Aging is strongly committed to supporting our elderly community and their caregivers through the ASK program, providing invaluable information, resources, and in-person assistance through these live events,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We are aware that our seniors and caregivers have questions and may be hesitant to ask for support, or unaware of the existing programs and services available to them. I encourage all Union County seniors and their caregivers to attend one of our ASK events this January.”
ASK, short for Aging Services Kiosk, is a program within the Union County Department of Human Services, specifically operated by the Division on Aging and Disability Resources. It offers seniors aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue for Union County residents to discover valuable programs and services. This program brings Division on Aging professionals to local public libraries and community centers.
Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in January:
Wednesday, January 10th
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue, Garwood
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, January 17th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, January 24th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Elizabeth Public Library– Main
11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Friday, January 26th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Union Public Library
1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, January 30th
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“The ASK program is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable professionals that are eager to assist our seniors, their families and caregivers in a variety of ways,” said Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “My fellow Commissioners and I are proud to support a program that is tremendously essential to the well-being of our esteemed elderly community.”
For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded has been selected as Chairwoman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners and announced a series of initiatives for 2024, titled “Growing Together in Union County,” with a few key focuses on enhancing connectivity, inclusivity, supporting seniors, mental health, women’s initiatives, and fostering family connections.
“Union County has always been made up of diverse lives, stories, and aspirations; and the strength of our community comes from the connections between its county government and its residents,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “As Chairwoman, while we start the journey of “Growing Together in Union County,” I will be dedicated to breaking down barriers, opening doors, and building a stronger community that promises a brighter future for all residents. Let us continue to work together for an even better Union County, where the bonds of community grow stronger and the seeds of progress are sown for generations to come.”
A lifelong resident of Union County, Palmieri-Mouded was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, and now lives in Westfield with her husband George and their five children: Matthew, Christopher, Nicholas, Ryan and Adeline. The Chairwoman announced her initiatives at the 167th annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on Thursday.
Chairwoman Palmieri-Mouded’s vision includes launching a new app and updating the county’s website for residents’ easy access and senior enrichment programs that focus on social activities, swim lessons, and a Seniors Against Scams program. Addressing mental health, the Chairwoman introduced the Train the Trainer Mental Health Program and she emphasized her support for women, relaunching the Union County Commission on the Status of Women. Her family connections involve a reading and tutoring program, expanded youth programs, a mobile sensory unit, and the purchase of aquatic wheelchairs. Lastly, a motivating literacy initiative, inspired by a young resident, Ben Steinberg, who was present at the reorganization meeting, that will introduce inclusive books in 116 Union County public elementary school libraries.
Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli was sworn in for his second term, alongside Union County Commissioners Lourdes Leon, Joseph Bodek, and newly elected Michèle Delisfort, who were sworn in for their terms. Commissioner Bodek, appointed in December 2022, transitions into his first elected term, while Commissioner Leon assumes the role of Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman. The Commissioners also voted on various County advisory board positions and approved the Board’s 2024 schedule and procedural rules.
Residents can find a transcript of this speech on the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.
To view a video about the Financial Opportunity Center, please click here.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce the full roll-out of the new Financial Opportunity Center, in partnership with the Urban League of Union County. As part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2023 Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County,” under his “Pathways to Opportunities” initiative, this official ribbon cutting ceremony took place this morning at its location of 921 Elizabeth Avenue in Elizabeth.
“By minimizing barriers to employment goals and offering clear career pathways, we are dedicated to creating a conducive environment for personal and professional growth,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This initiative emphasizes the County’s commitment to equipping individuals with the tools they need to achieve financial success and build fulfilling careers. By combining our resources and expertise, with the Urban League of Union County, we are confident that we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.”
This collaboration aims to provide enhanced professional services to customers certified through the American Job Center. The Financial Opportunity Center, developed in conjunction with the Urban League of Union County, represents a significant milestone in our commitment to empowering individuals on their journey towards financial stability. As a HUD Certified Counseling Agency, the Urban League brings a wealth of experience in licensed financial counseling, further augmenting the support available to our valued customers.
Key features of the Financial Opportunity Center include comprehensive financial literacy programs, tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals engaged in training, job-seeking services, and other career development activities.
To be eligible for the services offered at the Financial Opportunity Center, customers must be registered in UC Works and enrolled in a training program, career service, or post-training activity. This strategic partnership ensures that individuals not only receive valuable financial counseling but also benefit from a holistic approach to career development.
For more information about the Financial Opportunity Center, please call 908-558-8000 or visit www.ucnj.org/ajc.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and County Manager Ed Oatman are proud to announce a partnership with Trinitas Regional Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, with support from Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy (RSCP) to enhance access to essential medications for residents facing financial difficulties. This new program, which falls under Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Equity & Inclusion” initiative, will offer certain medications free-of-charge to those living within 300 percent of the federal poverty level, which represents over 54,000 residents in the county.
“In a world where individuals often find themselves forced to make difficult choices, such as paying for rent, putting food on the table, or acquiring life-saving medications they need, it is their health that frequently takes a backseat,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The collaborative effort between Union County and these stakeholders are set to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of numerous residents and their families in need. It reflects our shared dedication to improving access to healthcare services and promoting a healthier, happier community.”
Each participant must obtain their prescriptions from Trinitas Regional Medical Center’s Early Intervention Program and the County will use its clinical staff to facilitate distribution of prescriptions to participants of the program through their Immunization Center. Clients of this program will be carefully screened for eligibility.
Residents who wish to make an appointment can visit:
The mission of the Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy (RSCP) is to increase access to medications, immunizations, health education, and pharmacy services for uninsured and underserved patients, to reduce clinical and social health inequities in the community and the County thanks RSCP for their support in their initiative.
For more information about this program, please call 908-965-3756 or email RSCPUC@ucnj.org.
On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners and our Union County family, we are saddened to hear about the passing of former Commissioner (then Freeholder), Vernell Wright.
Today, we remember the extraordinary legacy of a dedicated public servant who served two terms as a Commissioner and held a strong commitment to Union County.
In her first term on the Commissioner Board, she chaired the Policy and Administrative Code Committee and served on various committees, including Homeland Security, Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Her extensive community involvement included affiliations with organizations such as the NAACP, First Baptist Church of Vauxhall, and the Vauxhall Historical Society.
Commissioner Wright’s dedication extended beyond politics, impacting the lives of countless students and community members.
Her profound influence will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family during this difficult time.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly unveils a state-of-the-art LED lighting system, which will illuminate the Union County Courthouse. As part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2023 theme of “Building a Stronger Union County,” this new “Union County Shines” initiative, will dynamically change the lights to mark significant occasions, holidays, organization themes, and showcasing our community accomplishments.
“I am excited to end the year with this stunning new addition our historic County Courthouse, which will not only serve as a source of community pride but also enhance the overall ambiance of the area, creating a sense of togetherness among residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The installation of this state-of-the-art LED lighting system signifies our commitment to modernity and community engagement. The County Courthouse, was the perfect location for the lights, as is serves as the County seat and hosts numerous flag raisings and cultural events throughout the year. It stands as a symbol of celebration and with the new lights, I believe it will continue to shine on the diverse and vibrant spirit of Union County.”
The first set of colors to kick off the system will be red and green in light of the upcoming Christmas holiday. The Courthouse will be able to illuminate for different occasions, for example a vibrant, rainbow of colors during Pride Month, a calming blue for World Autism Awareness Month, cultural celebrations or the victorious colors of a local winning sports team. There is a number of things that the courthouse will be a canvas upon which it paints the stories and celebrations that make Union County unique.
The newly installed LED lighting system is a testament to Union County’s commitment to bringing a sense of unity and celebration among its residents. The system, managed entirely through a user-friendly mobile app, allows for the customization of lighting colors, transitions, and effects. This app-based control ensures flexibility and adaptability, making it easy to synchronize the Courthouse’s appearance with various events and causes.
For more information about Union County or to learn about other initiatives, please visit our website atwww.ucnj.org.