"As we close another impactful year, I am honored to reflect on UCC’s progress in serving the Greater Newark communities. In 2024, we expanded vital programs, forged new partnerships, and strengthened our commitment to supporting individuals and families on their journey toward self-sufficiency.
As we reflect on 2024, UCC celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to the residents of Greater Newark. Since our founding in 1964, UCC has been a beacon of hope, dedicated to creating equitable access to resources and opportunities for every member of our community.
Established during a pivotal time of social change and civil rights movements, UCC was born as Newark’s Community Action Agency, tasked with implementing President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” Under the visionary leadership of our first executive director, Cyril deGrasse Tyson, our mission has always been to drive transformative change while empowering individuals and families throughout our communities.
Throughout 2024, UCC remained committed to grassroots organizing and community empowerment. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our board members, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, we addressed immediate needs such as food and shelter while also providing vital resources and wraparound services to support individuals on their journey toward self-sufficiency.
Department Success Stories
In the past two years, more than five guests were able to attain permanent housing, and some were provided housing vouchers/and or rental assistance. During this time, another guest attained employment at UCC and was also able to find permanent housing. Additionally, one guest was able to obtain senior housing and various resources.
One HPRP client came to UCC with a warrant of removal and was dealing with an abusive situation and was suicidal. This client had no income as she received her last unemployment check. Housing Assistance staff were able to provide case management and walk her through many goals after which she became gainfully employed after moving into her new apartment. She was phased out of the program as her income was above the guidelines. The client was referred to another DCA program; however, she decided she was not going to apply for it as she felt accomplished; she felt secure and happy to be in a better head space.
Making homes safer for residents has had a positive impact on our clients, including Linda Alemar. Linda was happy and thankful with everything that was done inside and outside her home, especially with Mr. Cifuentes and Joanna who went above and beyond helping her and her tenants applying for the lead program, especially since there were four children living in the residence. The contractor did a fantastic job, and now all three units in her home are free of lead.
Peapack Gladstone Sponsorship
Peapack-Gladstone Bank Sponsorship UCC extends its deepest gratitude to Peapack-Gladstone Bank for its generous $10,000 donation. This funding will go a long way in enhancing UCC’s outreach into the greater Newark community, enabling the agency to support critical initiatives and upcoming events. With this contribution, UCC can further […]
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Spring Into Action Series 2024
April 2024 Event Recap Youngsters across greater Newark got an opportunity this week to participate in prevention activities aimed at engaging youth and fostering positive community interactions during our CBVI program’s “Spring Into Action to Conquer Violence” spring break series. The events, which were hosted at the West […]
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UCC, Integrity House Team Up to Assist Hope Village II Guests
UCC, Integrity House Team Up to Assist Hope Village II Guests UCC recently teamed up with Integrity House, one of New Jersey’s largest nonprofit providers of substance use disorder treatment, to help better serve guests at the newly established Hope Village II site in Newark. Officially opened earlier […]
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YouthBuild Students Forge Ahead Into Obtaining Career Pathways Upon HSD Graduation
Four UCC YouthBuild Students Forge Ahead Into Obtaining Career Pathways Upon HSD Graduation The journey towards obtaining a fulfilling career pathway shines a little brighter for four UCC YouthBuild students after they successfully attained their High School Diploma (HSD) certificates. This remarkable achievement for YouthBuild students, Brandon Lee, Isaiah […]
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South 17th Street School Peace Walk
UCC Staff Members Participate in South 17th Street School ‘Peace Walk,’ Help Raise Anti-Violence Awareness in Newark Impassioned calls for anti-violence echoed throughout Newark’s West Ward neighborhood on Jan. 30 as students from South 17th Street Elementary School marched through the streets as part of a “Peace Walk” […]
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"Moving people from dependency to self-sufficiency"