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New Date Confirmed for Special Presentation on Lenape History in Union County

Flyer listing the new date and location for Special Presentation on Lenape History in Union County

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs announce that the previously scheduled speaking event, “The Lenape: Native Americans, New Jersey, and American History,” has been moved to Tuesday, March 31st, at 6:00 p.m. Led by Seton Hall University history professor, Dr. Sean P. Harvey, the speaking engagement will explore the rich history of the Lenape people who resided in New Jersey during the time of European colonization. The event is part of Union County’s year-long series of events in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. The talk will be held in the Auditorium of the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. To reserve your seat, please pre-register at ucnj.org/250.

“Engaging in history seminars, such as our Lenape speaking event, allows us to gain valuable insights into our ancestors and what their day-to-day experience was. This exploration fosters a deeper appreciation for the rights and freedoms we enjoy alongside our fellow Americans today,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Join us in learning together about the rich history of our land as we continue celebrating our 250th anniversary all throughout the year. I hope to see you all there.”

“Engaging in history seminars, such as our Lenape speaking event, allows us to gain valuable insights into our ancestors and what their day-to-day experience was. This exploration fosters a deeper appreciation for the rights and freedoms we enjoy alongside our fellow Americans today,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Join us in learning together about the rich history of our land as we continue celebrating our 250th anniversary all throughout the year. I hope to see you all there.”

Presenter Dr. Sean P. Harvey teaches courses on Colonial America, Revolutionary America, Democracy, Slavery, and Manifest Destiny, as well as Native American History before Removal. He also conducts surveys of American history and departmental seminars. He is the author of Native Tongues: Colonialism and Race from Encounter to the Reservation and serves on the Editorial Board of Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Council at the McNeil Center for Early American Studies and the Revolution NJ Scholarly and Public Programs Working Group, and co-edited Reviews for Journal of the Early Republic from 2014 to 2017.

A countywide event calendar was created earlier this year, allowing municipalities and authorized organizations to submit their commemorative programs for approval and inclusion. Residents can explore upcoming activities and learn more by visiting www.ucnj.org/250.

“We’re excited to continue adding events to this calendar throughout the year, giving our residents and guests plenty of opportunities to celebrate this significant moment in our history together,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Chair to the Union County 250th Committee. “I encourage any historical organizations and local community groups to submit their 250th Anniversary events to our email for review.”

Residents, historical organizations, and community groups are encouraged to submit their 250th Anniversary-related events through the official Union County 250th Anniversary Event Calendar, available at www.ucnj.org/250.

For more details and updates on the celebration, visit ucnj.org/250 and follow Union County on social media.

This event is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs.

For more information about this event and other programs highlighting the arts and the history of Union County, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. You can reach us by telephone at (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users should dial 711, or you can send an email to culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

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Union County Department of Human Services Partners with TipCo to Launch AI Technology for Streamlined Human Services Access  

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Human Services (DHS) are proud to announce a new partnership with TipCo Automated Systems (TipCo) to modernize and enhance accessibility to critical human services and resources by integrating artificial intelligence (AI).

As part of this innovative collaboration, DHS has launched EVA—a powerful AI assistant designed to support the DHS Action Line in handling high volumes of client inquiries across a broad range of services. These include SNAP, General Assistance (GA), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, Paratransit, Housing Resources, Aging Services, and Special Needs Programs.

“We have a responsibility to embrace innovation that makes government more accessible, responsive, and centered on people’s real needs,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “With this new partnership, we’re using smart tools like EVA to connect with residents more efficiently and ensure they get the support they need, when they need it.”

Since its implementation, EVA has already answered nearly 6,000 calls from Union County residents in need, ensuring timely access to information, reducing wait times, and freeing up staff resources to focus on complex casework and direct service delivery.

“This partnership with TipCo reflects our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our residents through a unique approach to service delivery,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director Union County DHS. “By leveraging artificial intelligence, we’re enhancing how we connect clients with critical resources, improving efficiency, and maintaining our focus on full-service, person-centered support.”

Union County remains committed to adopting forward-thinking technology while maintaining full-service, client-centered operations. The successful integration of EVA marks just the beginning of a broader strategy to expand AI capabilities within human services, and DHS is actively working with TipCo to explore additional innovations to support this mission.

For more information about the Union County Department of Human Services and available programs, please visit www.ucnj.org/dhs. 

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Union County Offers Free Webinar on Active Listening In Recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month This September

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services have collaborated with Caring Contact to offer residents an informative webinar this September titled “Hear to Help: Active Listening for Emotional Support.” The free webinar will delve into the significance of active and effective listening, the impact of empathy, and numerous other strategies to provide meaningful support to a loved one experiencing emotional distress. The workshop will be presented by Caring Contact’s Crisis Line Director, Michelle Habayeb, on Monday, September 30th, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm via Zoom and Facebook live. 

“Our free webinar aims to keep the conversation about mental health ongoing, increasing awareness, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Most significantly, they emphasize the role a supportive and well-informed community plays in an individual’s healing and recovery,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “You never know when you may find yourself in a position to help a friend or loved one, and how these listening techniques can have a significant impact on someone’s life. I strongly encourage all residents to take advantage of this free resource and register.”

In the most recent data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it is reported that 1 in 4 U.S. adults experience a mental illness episode each year. Experiencing one or multiple stressful life-changing events such as illness, divorce, or the loss of a loved one has been linked to making some people more susceptible to this condition.

“An empathetic listener creates a safe space for someone grappling with mental health issues to open up and share their struggles, serving as the first step toward finding the support needed to emerge from hardship and move towards hope,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “If you or anyone you know is experiencing an emotional crisis – you do not have to face this alone. Our residents should know that our Department of Human Resources is here to provide the support and resources needed during any challenging time.”

This webinar is presented by the Union County Department of Human Services in partnership with Caring Contact. Caring Contact (formerly Contact We Care) is an award-winning, volunteer-staffed crisis hotline that provides a safe space and empathetic ear to all callers.

The ZOOM link for this webinar can be accessed by registering online at ucnj.org/spmzoom.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts and need assistance, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for free and confidential support 24/7 at 988 via text or phone.  This lifeline is answered by trained crisis counselors and is available in multiple languages.

For more information on all Union County Human Services programs and activities, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/ or call the DHS Action line at 908-677-5405.