United Community Corporation (UCC) helped lift the spirits of greater Newark residents at its annual “Harvest Fest” this week, providing more than 300 people with fall holiday fun and vital resources. Residents who attended the event, held Oct. 23 at the West Side Park Community Center in Newark, were able to access an array of activities designed to spread joy while addressing their immediate needs in preparation for the holiday season. Families enjoyed trunk-or-treating, face painting, live music from DJ R.A. Alvarez and could learn about UCC’s lead abatement, utilities assistance, and weatherization services. A free coat distribution was an important offering as well, ensuring children and adults alike have warm clothing for the cold winter months ahead.
“This year’s Harvest Fest was both a celebration and a means of giving back to support our community,” said Alena Minatee, UCC Director of Community Engagement. “We wanted to ensure that every attendee left with happy memories and valuable resources. As the holiday season approaches, we understand that families are under added stress, and providing them with essential items like groceries, coats, and access to support programs is one way we can help alleviate some of that pressure.”
To help bridge the gap of rising costs and increased pressures for families to meet basic needs this time of year, UCC distributed fresh produce, eggs, yogurt, and other groceries to attendees, donated by the Newark Beth Israel Hospital Department of Social Impact and Community Investment, at no cost. In addition, the agency distributed over 100 fall holiday costumes, donated by Jersey Cares, giving children the chance to participate in the festivities with a sense of excitement and inclusion.
As the holidays approach, UCC remains committed to not only hosting festive gatherings for the community to rejoice and celebrate but also for ongoing support and resources. The agency aims to ensure no one is left behind during this important time of year. To help make events and programs like Harvest Fest possible, UCC thanks its partners and supporters who share in the agency’s mission to serve the greater Newark community.
"Peapack Private is committed to maintaining trusted relationships with each and every client. This commitment is central to our identity. As our clients’ financial needs change and evolve, we remain dedicated to acting in their best interests. Throughout our history, we have consistently invested time, talent and resources to foster vibrant communities, support housing needs, and help New Jersey residents build a brighter future, enhancing the quality of life in the places we call home,” a Peapack Private representative said.
"Wellpoint is proud to partner with UCC and the City of Newark to support community events like Harvest Fest, which provides valuable resources and fun and is open to all. Together, we are fostering a spirit of unity and celebration for everyone to enjoy,” said Anya Nawrocky, director of Member Experience and Growth at Wellpoint.
"I want to thank the sponsors and partners for their hard work in making Harvest Fest a reality every year. Their deep commitment to our residents strengthens and empowers our entire city. We are grateful to them for their energy and love of Newark,” said Newark Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Jacqueline Mercado-Quiles.
This year’s Harvest Fest was made possible through the generous support of Peapack-Gladstone Bank, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, Wellpoint, City of Newark Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Mercado-Quiles, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, the state Board of Public Utilities, PSE&G, the state Department of Community Affairs, Newark Centers of Hope, Liberty Middle School, UCC YouthBuild students, and the state Office of Faith Based Initiatives.
For more information on UCC upcoming events and/or to access resources, visit uccnewark.org/events.
United Community Corporation
"Moving people from dependency to self-sufficiency"