United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC), Union County College (UCC), and the County of Union’s Department of Human Services (DHS) have partnered to launch Reconnections. The purpose of Reconnections is to assist formerly incarcerated individuals to gain access to services that will help develop meaningful, productive skills that they can use to make their lives better.

UWGUC, UCC, and DHS recognize that those returning from incarceration face tremendous obstacles to navigating complex, social service systems.  The joint venture along with its partnerships with key community-based, social service organizations will develop and expand systems coordination to become a protective factor. 

The program will leverage the existing network of Family Success Centers in Union County and bring their services to bear on this project.  The unique partnership between the County of Union  and UWGUC have also resulted in the successful start-up of a comprehensive, integrated local service system which builds upon the Union County Family Strengthening Network (UCFSN) to meet the needs of families in Union County and assist them in achieving family success.

“We believe that this initiative will leave a lasting positive impact on the lives of the individuals and families we will help,” said James W. Horne Jr., President & CEO of United Way of Greater Union County. “This program is a perfect opportunity for them to achieve sustainable success through new opportunities and to also engage with their families.”

Reconnections will operate out of the Elizabeth and Plainfield One Stop Centers. Social Services, Case Management, Education, Career Planning, and Mentoring Support Services will be provided to individuals that are participating in the program. The Reconnections staff will ulitize a supportive team approach as needed services are provided with goals of leading the client to self sufficiency and an overall reduction of the recidivism rate in Union County.

The program is funded, through United Way of Greater Union County, by a grant from the Nicholson Foundation and is currently functioning in both Elizabeth and Plainfield.

For more information please contact Cathy Waters, Project Manager, cathy.waters@uwguc.org, 908-353-7171 ext. 137.