Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity
Welcome!
The Office of Community Engagement and Diversity serves as a bridge between Union County and its residents by fostering meaningful connections, encouraging volunteerism, and supporting diverse communities.
This office works to strengthen relationships with local community-based organizations and volunteer groups while coordinating countywide events and initiatives that encourage civic engagement.
Cultural & Community Engagement
Strengthens relationships across Union County by recognizing and embracing cultural, ethnic, and social identities.
This includes coordinating flag raisings and other cultural celebrations that honor the rich heritage and vibrant communities that make up the fabric of Union County.
Countywide Events & Volunteerism
Organizes programs and initiatives that promote civic participation and encourage volunteer efforts.
This includes the Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program (UC STEP), a summit that provides high school students with opportunities to engage in leadership, personal growth, and civic engagement activities.
Outreach & Partnerships
Engages with local organizations and volunteer groups to enhance community involvement and collaboration.
Get Involved – Answer your Community’s Call! Possibilities Turn Into Opportunities
Through volunteering, the potential to make a difference becomes real action that creates lasting impact. Volunteerism transforms ideas or aspirations (possibilities) into meaningful experiences (opportunities). By stepping up to serve, individuals turn what could be into what is—whether that’s personal growth, community improvement, or new skills and connections.
TO OUR YOUTH
“Volunteering in your community today can be the first step toward making your mark on the world and shaping your future.”
Start with something simple — like visiting a disabled military veteran with a card and a conversation. These moments help build empathy, leadership skills, and purpose.
TO OUR ADULTS & SENIORS
“Lead the way by sharing your wisdom and experience with others.”
Your life experience is a resource. Whether it’s mentoring, delivering meals, or helping a neighbor navigate local services — your time matters.
TO THE CORPORATE SECTOR
“Encourage team bonding beyond the workplace while strengthening your community connections.”
Looking for employee engagement that matters? Hosting a résumé-building session or job skills workshop helps develop talent and shows your company’s values in action.
TO OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CIVIC, PANHELLENIC & SOCIAL GROUPS
“Stay true to your cause — unite in the spirit of giving.”
Whether you’re planning a service day, organizing donations, or jumping into hands-on work, your group’s effort strengthens the whole community.
TO THE POWER OF YOU
“Volunteer opportunities are for everyone — no group, title, or affiliation required.”
All it takes is one person to make a difference — and that person is you. There are dozens of ways to get involved that fit your time, interests, and energy.
Volunteer Opportunities
Community Partners -Committed Volunteer Groups
Thank you to our committed volunteer groups! Your dedication and willingness to answer the call of your community does not go unnoticed.
List of Groups
Coming soon
Interested in becoming a community partner?
We’d love to connect!
Community Partner Registration Form
Coming soon
Moments that Mattered – 2025 Archive
Black History Month Flag Raising with County leadership and community partners. See events at ucnj.org/bhm.
Add under this: African Americans and Labor (page)
Irish Flag Raising with Commissioners, County officials, the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Haitian Heritage Month Flag Raising with County leadership, local Haitian community, and dignitaries. Special thanks to Rev. Moise “Mo” Paul and Edess Damis.
Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony (May 27, 4:30 p.m.) at the Courthouse, recognizing the contributions of the Portuguese-American community. Program includes remarks, anthems, and partners (PALCUS, P.I.S.C., etc.). Additional heritage events listed (Arraial, Portugal Day Parade, PACA events).
Juneteenth Flag Raising with Commissioners, County officials, and community leaders. Special thanks to Pastor Robinson, Ms. Adams, and Mrs. Collier (Ebenezer AME Church, Rahway).
2024
BHM – File 01/29/2024
Black History Month 2024 theme: African Americans and the Arts. Flag raising Feb 1 (1:00 p.m.); Lunch & Learn Feb 14 with Professor Shawn Smith; Jazz Night Feb 22 with the Bob DeVos Quartet featuring Lance Bryant (includes Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award). Info & tickets: ucnj.org/bhm
File – 02/24/2024
Free Zoom lecture by Professor Keith E. Walcott: African American Survival: from Jim Crow to Civil Rights and Beyond. Registration at ucnj.org/black-history-month. Press: link
Irish Flag Raising with County leadership and St. Patrick’s Day Committee.
First Haitian Flag Raising (May 6, 12:00 p.m.) at the Courthouse; remarks by community leaders and exhibit of Haitian artists at the Commissioners Gallery throughout May. Contact: Judith.Guest@ucnj.org
Portuguese Flag Raising (May 30, 5:30 p.m.), co-sponsored by PALCUS, with remarks, invocation, and national anthems. Additional Portugal Day festivities listed.
Juneteenth Flag Raising (June 19, 5:00 p.m.) plus unveiling concept for In Memoriam of The 1741 Project monument.
School Supply Drive (Aug 8–Sept 2). Collection sites listed; Amazon Wish List: bit.ly/unioncountyschooldrive24. Info: Judith.guest@ucnj.org
Free Jazz performance by The Bob DeVos Jazz Quartet featuring Lance Bryant (Feb 22, 7:00 p.m., UCPAC Hamilton Stage). Tickets: ucnj.org/bhm
2023
Commissioners recognized youth participants (ages 7–11) from the Hair-itage Workshop Series during BHM. Series covered history, art, the CROWN Act, and personal experiences; concluded with the Natural Crown & Creative Coif Walk. Thanks to contributing salons, shops, and partners (Rahway/Union/Linden Parks & Rec, Elizabeth Boys & Girls Club).
Juneteenth: Free movie night (The Woman King) at Cedar Brook Park and Juneteenth Flag Raising at the Courthouse with readings and performances. Contact: Judith.Guest@ucnj.org | 908-527-4388.
Columbus Day Flag Raising with Commissioners and Sheriff Corvelli; celebrating Union County’s Italian-American community.
2022
File – 01/28/2022
Black History Month 2022 series announcement (flag raising Feb 1; Lunch & Learn Feb 9; Fences live production Feb 18 with Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award; lecture Feb 24 by Prof. Keith E. Walcott). Info: ucnj.org/black-history-month | Press Release: link
Fences at UCPAC, part of BHM; Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award to Dr. Inez Phillips Durham. Guidelines: vaccine/test & masks. Details: press release
School Supply Drive pick-up at Roselle Library with Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams and Coordinator Judith Guest.
Plainfield Public Library (collection site) and Union County Admin Building (sorting/packaging) teams recognized for the School Supply Drive effort.
14th Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising with Commissioners and UNICO partners; keynote by Colleen Gialanella (AIT Principal).
2021
Portuguese Flag Raising at the Courthouse with Commissioners and dignitaries including the Consul General of Portugal in Newark, Dr. Pedro Monteiro. Co-sponsored by PALCUS.
Volunteer Microfarm Care with Groundwork Elizabeth. Register at ucnj.org/volunteer.
13th Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising at 1:00 p.m., Courthouse steps. Featured Speaker: Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. Video: Watch
Fostering Hope Together Fall Festival in Roselle with #TeamCASA and County Commissioners. Activities included popcorn, pony rides, and character performances.
2020
Freeholder Vice Chairman Angel G. Estrada, Freeholders Angela Garretson, Chris Hudak, Andrea Staten, Rebecca L. Williams, County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Clerk of the Board Jim Pellettiere, Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, and Elizabeth Councilwoman Patricia Perkins-Auguste at the Black History Month Flag Raising at the Courthouse.
Columbus Day Flag Raising (12th annual) with the Freeholder Board and UNICO partners in Elizabeth.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with Girl Connected — event cancelled due to covid-19
2019
County employees collected diapers and feminine hygiene donations for federal workers affected by the shutdown. Info and resources: ucnj.org/federal-shutdown. Donations coordinated by the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity (Contact: nahernandez@ucnj.org).
Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, and Freeholder Sergio Granados joined Human Services staff in Elizabeth gathering food, diapers, and hygiene products for federal employees and residents needing emergency assistance. Drop-off sites included Administration, Social Services (Elizabeth & Plainfield), Public Safety (Westfield), and Engineering & Public Works (Scotch Plains). Info: Office of Community Engagement & Diversity (nahernandez@ucnj.org).
UC Has Heart Community FoodBank Volunteer Day with Freeholders Angela R. Garretson, Christopher Hudak, Angel G. Estrada, Sergio Granados, Rebecca Williams, Deputy Manager Amy Wagner, Public Safety Director Andrew Moran, Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, and County employees. Organized by the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity. (Photos by Jim Lowney)
Free screening: Home is a Human Right: 6 Stories of Immigration at Kean University. Presented by the Board of Chosen Freeholders via the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity in partnership with the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism campaign.
Free screening of Home is a Human Right at Kean University with YWCA of Union County and co-sponsors (Community Access Unlimited, Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council, Family Promise, Elizabeth Coalition, St. Joseph Social Service Center). Attendees included Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Sergio Granados. (Photos by Jim Lowney)
Freeholder Sergio Granados attended the Foster Parent & Adoption Recruitment Info Session (Warinanco Sports Center), hosted by Office of LGBTQ Affairs (Danni Newbury), Office of Community Engagement & Diversity (Nathalie Hernandez), and NJ DCF (Kimberly Geller).
Operation Warm Heart Distribution Day. Division of Social Services and the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity hosted a winter accessories drive and distributed items to 100+ families. Thank you to County employees, organizations/businesses, and residents who contributed.
2018
Urban League of Union County Young Professionals (ULUCYP) for a donation of business clothing for men & women to the County of Union, New Jersey One Stop Center. They were joined by Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity.
These donations were coordinated through the County’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, which was announced as part of my “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for County government in 2018.
The office promotes volunteerism and outreach, and works with other agencies to identify volunteer opportunities, coordinate events, and create a network of volunteer organizations to build relationships with the County’s different communities.
Office of Community Engagement and Diversity & Jennifer Erdos from the Office on Women delivered items to the YWCA Union County Emergency Shelter to benefit women and children that were donated by County of Union, New Jersey employees and residents.
Special thanks to the YWCA staff including CEO Jan Lilien & Dir. of Development Jennifer Vriens for all the tremendous work you do in helping those in need.
Presented a resolution to Linden Girl Scouts Service Unit 42 thanking them for participating in the Union County Adopt-A-Park program as they help clean Wheeler Park in Linden. They were joined by Union County Office of Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez.
The Adopt-A-Park cleanup was organized and coordinated by the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity.
Start of the Bernice’s Place Class Book. The Office of Community Engagement & Diversity coordinated a writing project for the children from the Bernice’s Place program (Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless) and Be The Change NJ volunteers. Theme: “We are the Future.” Each child created an illustration and text; the book would be published and, with approval, added to the Elizabeth Public Library Children’s section.
Union County Has Heart team at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside helped package items for distribution to food pantries and shelters across Union County.
Volunteer opportunity invitation to join Union County Has Heart for an evening of giving back through care of a local MicroFarm with Groundwork Elizabeth on June 22. RSVP: nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880. #movingunioncountyforward #Freeholder #UnionCounty
Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Rebecca Williams joined Someone’s Daughter, a women’s empowerment organization based in Elizabeth, for a county-sponsored Adopt-A-Park event at Warinanco Park. The group cleaned a small tributary of Thompson’s Brook, clearing invasive plants (including mugwort) and litter. Coordinated by the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity.
Freeholder Rebecca Williams attended the ribbon cutting of a new food pantry at the JoAnne Hollis Gardens Complex run by the Housing Authority for Plainfield. The new pantry is expected to be well utilized. This event was coordinated by the Union County Office of Community Engagement & Diversity.
Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Angela Garretson visited students and teachers at the F.L.E.E.K (Future Leaders Excelling in Entrepreneurship and Knowledge) Summer Youth Enrichment Program at The Patrick School in Hillside. The Office of Community Engagement & Diversity provided support. Part of the 2018 Chairman’s Initiative, Moving Union County Forward.
September – October 2018 – Hispanic Heritage Month
Union County Superior Court Judge James Hely swore in new CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers, including county staff and community members. Notes: CASA volunteers support judges by reporting on the well-being and needs of foster youth. Fall trainings began Sept. 17 (evening) and Oct. 12 (daytime). Contact: Courtney at 908-293-8136 or cgreen@casaofunioncounty.org, or visit www.casaofunioncounty.org.
Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella, Rebecca Williams, and Bruce Bergen were joined by Bill Castner (Gun Safety Advisor to Gov. Phil Murphy) and Shannon Watts (founder of Moms Demand Action) for a screening of Making a Killing at the KEAN University STEM building in Union.
Celebration of the children of Bernice’s Place publishing We Are The Future. The Office of Community Engagement & Diversity developed the project with volunteers from Be The Change NJ; books funded by County employees and added to the Elizabeth Public Library’s Children’s section. Attendees included Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, and staff.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados joined Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Nathalie Hernandez, and Union County employees volunteering at the Rahway Food for Friends Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. Coordinated by the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity. (Photos by Jim Lowney)
Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen joined Moms Demand Action for a candlelight vigil at Echo Lake Park to honor the memory of the Sandy Hook victims. Coordinated in partnership with Moms Demand Action by the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity.