2018 November/December Issue
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President & CEO Blog
DECEMBER 2018
James W. Horne, Jr.
Seasons Greetings from United Way of Greater Union County!

We hope that this time of year brings joy and reflection for all the blessings you've received in 2018. For us, we are grateful for friends, colleagues and donors who continue to inspire and support us in our efforts to make a difference in Union County. We are also grateful for United Way staff who work diligently to assist all those in our community. From those working in programs and operations, to resource and development, to finance and administration. Some, you may have encountered in the community through meetings, events and engagement efforts and, those who work behind the scenes in our office every day helping to ensure our organization runs smoothly.
As in years past, we are committed to helping families build a strong foundation for themselves. Nonprofits in our network are on the ground working to serve those struggling. We focus our efforts on funding programs and services founded on our pillars: income stability, health, education and family strengthening. These pillars guide us to addressing some of the most pressing issues facing Union County such as homelessness; families who find themselves in crisis; early childhood education that not only focus on academic success but also personal development; financial literacy; services for first-time mothers and much more.  With the recent expansion of the Youth Employment Pathways Program (YEPP), where we are helping to give struggling youth from the ages of 14-24 a fighting chance at career success, we are hopeful that we are helping to prepare them for the 21st-century workforce. All of this would not be possible without the resources and supports from government, individual donors and corporate partners who stand with us in supporting a better Union County.

Thank you for your time. Thank you for your energy. Thank you for your resources.

As 2019 approaches, we ask that you not only reaffirm your commitment to United Way of Greater Union County but to grow it as your impact remains vital to our community now more than ever. We need you to continue to be the voice for those that don't have a voice. With your support, your help ensures the success of children and families now, in the year ahead and for years to come.
Thank You Ernst & Young!
In October, employees from Ernst & Young came together to create and donate literacy kits to children in Union County as part of EY Connect Day.

The literacy kits contained books, pencils, crayons and activities designed to make reading fun.

We thank the employees for their donation of 500 literacy kits.
Roselle Savings Bank donates
Thank you to Roselle Savings Bank for their donation of non-perishable food for the Thanksgiving holiday. Recently, the bank also made a generous contribution to the Youth Employment Pathways Program. We are grateful to Janice Ritz and all the employees for their support of our efforts.
A time of thanks
Last month, Hillside residents attended the first Thanksgiving at the Hillside Family Success Center, hosted by the Hillside Family Success Center, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and United Way of Greater Union County. The drive served 50 families with nonperishable food for the holidays.
L to R: James Horne; Rev. Dr. Christopher Michael Jones; Dr. Antoine L. Gayles, Superintendent, Hillside Public Schools; Freeholder Angela Garretson ; Freeholder Chairman, Sergio Granados; Denise LaSpata
United Way attends Roselle Day Care Thanksgiving luncheon
United Way thanks Victoria Hidalogo, Executive Director and the staff and board members at the Roselle Day Care Center, a partner in our nonprofit network, for inviting us to their annual Thanksgiving luncheon.
BD campaign raises funds for United Way
In November, employees from Becton Dickinson too k part in a gift raffle where funds raised benefited programs and services funded by United Way of Greater Union County. Thank you to Linda Hrevnack, Dionne Frank and all the employees at BD for their generous contribution.
Comcast employees drive annual campaign goals
We also thank Rosa Quagliariello and all Comcast employees, from the Union call center, for their recent donation as part of their Employee Giving Campaign to strengthen neighborhoods where employees live and work.
A Very Merry Season of Caring
Santander's giving spirit
Recently, UW staffers stopped by the office of Santander Bank to thank Maria Gargiulo and the employees for their participation in our 2018 Season of Caring initiative. An annual giver of this initiative, employees donated gifts for 20 children who attend a school in Plainfield.
Lindabury brings joy to little hearts
Employees from Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper are also annual givers of Season of Caring and other initiatives as well. This year, the firm fulfilled the wishes of 65 children with more than 100 gifts collectively donated to a nonprofit agency located in Elizabeth. Thank you to Nicole Kobis, Eric Levine and all the employees for their continued support.
Happy holiday wishes from Gellert Global
We recently stopped by the office of first time Season of Caring sponsor, Gellert Global Group who took part in our holiday wishes drive. We thank Amy Gellert Lebovitz for her generosity in fulfilling the wishes of 25 children for a nonprofit agency that serves both Union and Hudson counties.
We thank all those who fulfilled the wishes of children in Union County in our 2018 Season of Caring! This year, you provided gifts to nearly 400 children.
More photos from this year's Season of Caring coming soon.
Learn More About Us
Our mission and focus is at the heart of our work.

Learn about all of our special event programs and how you can support us all year round.

This organization helps communities bring high-quality pre-k education to children in New Jersey, interests we strongly advocate for.
Seasons Greetings to All!

The  Community Impact Newsletter  is the official bi-monthly publication of United Way of Greater Union County. Click here to read previous newsletters and to sign up for regular updates.

Editor: Melanie McLaurin
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
Tel: 908.353.7171, ext. 104
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