Hometown Heroes

Nomination Forms!

The United Way of Central Jersey invites you to nominate a local individual, family, student or adult group who, in your opinion, has made a positive impact on the quality of life in Middlesex County and/or in Franklin Township in Somerset County.

An Awards Presentation hosted by the United Way of Central Jersey will be held in May to recognize and honor those Hometown Heroes who most exemplify the true meaning and spirit of volunteerism.

We are once again soliciting nominations of an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to a "lifetime" of volunteer service.

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, March 25, 2011

Get your nomination form here Or call Stuart Grant at 732 247-3727

Mary's Story

Most of us will never know hunger or homelessness, but Mary and her children do. The mother of four children, she had struggled for many years to make ends meet. When her marriage ended after years of domestic violence, she and her children became homeless.

Mary connected with United Way's network of services and received assistance with food, housing, clothing and even a few small, holiday gifts donated by caring groups in local businesses. Program staff provided her with information, referrals and case management that enabled her to access existing assistance programs. By helping Mary to stabilize her situation, she was able to find work and a place to live.

Mary joined the Section 8 home ownership program a few years ago and now has her own home. Her oldest daughter is in college and her oldest son just left for a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Thanks to the people who give to support the United Way, this network of critical services exists to help those of us who fall into difficult circumstances. Thank you.

UWCJ Prepares Taxes   

Inessa Zaltsberg - Volunteer tax Preparer

 

Over $100 million in refunds are left unclaimed by low-income tax-payers in NJ, based on IRS estimates. 

That is why the IRS contacted UWCJ to help find these low-income workers 

who can use these refunds to meet basic needs and help stimulate the local economy. 

UWCJ completed almost 100 returns in 2010 and is on track to double that number in 2011. Volunteers from the community were trained and have passed the IRS certification. They are travelling out into the community to reach taxpayers in local senior centers as well as completing returns at UWCJ's location at 32 Ford Avenue in Milltown.

"It's heart warming to do something for people who are going through such great difficulties," said Imthiaz Azeez who is directing the project. If you know anyone who needs tax preparation help, with earned income under $60,000, please suggest they contact 2-1-1 to find a tax preparation site near them.

American Conference on Diversity

United Way of Central Jersey will be presented the Community Service Award on March 31st at the Annual Central Jersey Chapter Award Reception.

Lawrence P. O'Connell , Chair and Chief Volunteer Officer, will be accepting the award on behalf of the United Way.

Thank you to the Community Investors 

... who have enabled UWCJ to help achieve the following:

3,114 family members and individuals received services to avoid homelessness, including legal services, assistance in avoiding foreclosure and financial literacy training.

33,810 transitional shelter bed nights provided.

123,402 meals served

474 children and youth received quality day care and after-school services, including tutoring and homework assistance.

191 adults representing 16 pre-school communities received training in child assault prevention, including how to identify abuse.

Health care ranging from medical and developmental screenings to preventive care and treatment were provided to 7,041 individuals including children.

714 adults, children and youth received mental health care.

1,221 victims of domestic violence received services like legal representation, shelter and counseling.

7,805 students, educators and parents participated in workshops designed to teach teens how to avoid abusive relationships as well as ways to leave an abusive relationship.

Annual Meeting

 March 29th

celebrates those in our community who LIVE UNITED by helping to create opportunities for a better life in Central Jersey.

Conference on Diabetes for Asians

Taking responsibility for one's health through attitude and behavior change was the goal of the UWCJ conference aimed at building awareness of the risks of Diabetes and other diseases related to diet and lack of exercise.  

Dr. Meena Murthy, endocrinologist and Dr. Dinesh Singal from the St. Peters University Hospital reported on this growing chronic health problem that is expected to result in vastly increased costs for our community.

An additional conference is planned for later in 2011 to continue the awareness building effort.

Contact Jagdish Vasudev 732 247-3727 for information.