UCC NJBUILD Shifts Focus on Future at Program Closeout Ceremony UCC’s Youth Education and Employment Services Department hosted a powerful close-out ceremony for its NJBUILD (New Jersey Builders Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity) program this month, marking a milestone for a cohort of skilled professionals who are now ready to take the next steps into their future career pathways. The NJBUILD program is a cornerstone of UCC’s workforce development initiatives, providing Newark […]
How UCC’s Family Engagement Program Is Blending Connection, Wellness and Opportunity What started as a smoothie-making workshop soon became something much more for a group of youth in UCC’s Family Engagement Program. As blenders hummed and fresh fruit was passed from hand to hand, barriers began to drop. Laughter replaced hesitation. Conversations sparked. Confidence grew. This was the impact […]
Friendsgiving 2025 UCC served free holiday meals to more than 270 people at its annual “Friendsgiving” distribution, providing critical food support for residents seeking stability and nourishment. UCC’s staff, volunteers and community partners distributed 120 turkeys, 126 chickens, and 18 hams, all donated by the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, to attendees on Nov. 13 at the West Side Park Community […]
Harvest Fest 2025 UCC celebrated the spirit of giving back this fall at its annual Harvest Fest, bringing free resources and seasonal support to more than 250 Greater Newark residents. The event, hosted Oct. 22 at the West Side Park Community Center in Newark, featured a distribution of free groceries, fall holiday costumes for children donated by Jersey Cares, winter […]
Staff Spotlight: Bryant Neal – CBVI Youth Life Skills Coach & Prevention Specialist For Bryant Neal, community work is more than a career. It’s a calling grounded in compassion, healing, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Bryant began his journey in community service as a High-Risk Interventionist with a nonprofit, where he worked directly with individuals engaged […]
UCC Staff Connect at Housing Conference UCC staff Cathy Booker, Senior Director of Emergency Services, and Yucleidis Melendez, Director of Medical Respite Center, attended the NJ Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development, which offered a comprehensive look into the current landscape and future direction of housing initiatives across the state. The two-day event featured a robust agenda of sessions and panel discussions focused […]
UCC Celebrates Success in the DASH Program, Helping Families Transition from Shelter to Housing UCC is proud to celebrate its vital role in the DASH Program (Doorway to Affordable, Sustainable Housing), in partnership with the City of Newark, Newark Housing Authority, and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Through this collaborative effort, UCC has helped move more than 200 families from shelters […]
UCC Brings Evening of Good Music and Fun During “A Night of Elegance” Prom for Local Seniors UCC brought joy, connection, and celebration to Greater Newark’s senior community with the second annual Senior Prom, held September 26 at the West Side Park Community Center. This year’s theme, “A Night of Elegance: A Black and White Affair,” transformed the evening into a […]