Event Recap
January 2024
“Our ‘Cookies, Coats and Cocoa’ event is a great opportunity for our community to access some delicious treats while receiving free coats for their families to help relieve the burden of purchasing these costly winter items,” UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor said in a news release.
The event is being held in the West Ward, which, along with the city’s South Ward and East Ward, was deemed by the state Economic Development Authority in 2022 to be a “food desert” — a location where people face significant challenges finding food because of poverty and other conditions.
Cookies and hot cocoa for the event were donated by Entenmann’s and West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly; blankets and socks were donated by Peoples Investment Foundation, organizers said.
Pet food will also be available for attendees’ dogs and cats, according to the organizers, who said flu and coronavirus vaccinations will be available on site, administered by Saint James Health.
February 2024
In the heart of the communities UCC serves, the battle against violence is waged daily. However, amidst the challenges, there shines a beacon of hope in the form of the UCC’s Youth, Family and Senior Services' Community-based Violence Intervention program, which recently hosted a transformative "Cutting Through Violence" event. The event invited youth to not only be treated to fresh haircuts but also empowered them with essential tools to address and navigate through violence in their lives. As the buzz of clippers echoed through the room, conversations flowed freely, fostering a supportive environment where participants could openly discuss their experiences and concerns regarding violence.
At its core, "Cutting Through Violence" served as a platform for youth to gain valuable insights and strategies to tackle violence in their daily lives. Topics ranged from conflict resolution techniques to understanding the root causes of violence within communities. By allowing each attendee to share their stories of resilience and overcoming adversity, the event helped inspire hope and instill a sense of togetherness within the younger generation.
Furthermore, the event served as a catalyst for building a stronger sense of community and support networks. Beyond receiving haircuts and attending workshops, participants left with a renewed sense of belonging and a commitment to creating positive change within their communities.
UCC's CBVI program continues to be an exemplary model for proactive community engagement, demonstrating that by working together, we can create meaningful and sustainable change in the fight against violence.
March 2024
UCC, in partnership with Navicore and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, hosted a "Disaster Relief Resource Fair” this week, offering crucial support and services to residents affected by various crises. The event provided a one-stop spot for community members facing hardships, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or other emergencies.
Resource fairs are essential because they bring together a variety of organizations and agencies under one roof, making it easier for residents to access vital assistance efficiently. In times of crisis, navigating through the maze of available resources can be overwhelming for individuals and families already grappling with the effects of a disaster. By organizing such events, UCC, Navicore and the state DCA demonstrated their commitment to supporting the community by simplifying access to essential services, fostering resilience, and facilitating the recovery process.
April 2024
April 2024 Event Recap
UCC, PSE&G Help Empower Community at Energy Assistance Day Resource Fair
An Energy Assistance Day resource fair recently hosted by UCC, in partnership with PSE&G, helped make an impact in providing resources and assistance to more than 130 greater Newark households.
The event, which was held April 19 at the West Side Park Community Center in Newark, aimed to provide essential support to community members by offering a range of vital energy assistance resources and programs. From determining the right program for each client to guiding them through the application process, various agencies were on-site to ensure that every individual received the assistance they needed.
Oftentimes community members can encounter difficulties in navigating and choosing the proper assistance program to get the help they need. To combat this, the event provided greater accessibility to various assistance programs tailored to address the diverse needs of the community.
Read Full Article: www.uccnewark.org/psegresourcefair
UCC’s YouthBuild Students Kick It At ‘Sneaker Ball’ Prom
Students in UCC’s YouthBuild program celebrated a night of style and fun while highlighting the strides in their individual journeys at a recent “Sneaker Ball” prom.
Held on April 25 in partnership with Leaders for Life, the celebration not only showcased fashion-forward attire but also highlighted the journey of resilience and determination undertaken by the students. YouthBuild, a national initiative, provides education, job training, and leadership development opportunities to young adults who have faced barriers to traditional education and employment.
During the prom, which took place at the Costa del Sol venue in Union, students and program staff members alike traded in formal dress shoes and heels for stylish sneakers, which in many ways stand as a symbol of each person’s unique style and character. The fusion of formalwear and footwear created a visually striking atmosphere, reflecting the diversity and creativity within the YouthBuild program.
Read Full Article: www.uccnewark.org/ybsneakerball
United Community Corporation
"Moving people from dependency to self-sufficiency"