Programs and Initiatives
How United Way Helps
2025 Funded Agency Programs and Descriptions
Information is from Grant Requests
Funding for JULY 1, 2025 to JUNE 30, 2026
Note: Funding amounts for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 can be found here.
The Arc Gloucester
Camp Sun ‘N Fun The Arc Gloucester’s Camp Sun ‘N Fun program provides respite for family and caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 8 through 70+, the opportunity to enjoy a true summer camp experience in a safe and supportive environment. For caregivers, it provides the gift of respite…time to rest, recharge, and care for themselves knowing their loved one is safe and thriving. For campers, it’s a place to explore independence, creativity, and friendships while participating in activities tailored to their needs. United Way funding helps make cape accessible to more families by supporting higher staff-to-camper ratios, adaptive equipment, program supplies, and tuition assistance for those in financial need, Each summer, more than 160 individuals benefit from camp, with nearly 200 expected in the coming season. Because of donors like you, Camp Sun ‘N Fun continues to provide joy, belonging, and independence for campers, while giving their families the time and support they desperately need.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence
Mentoring in Gloucester County Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (BBBSI) strengthens the lives of youth in Gloucester County by providing one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adult role models. Through their evidence-based approach, youth ages 8 to 18…many of whom face systemic challenges such as poverty, single-parent households, or parental incarceration…are paired with trained mentors who help them build confidence, improve school performance, and avoid risky behaviors. Mentors, called “Bigs”, commit to spending meaningful time with their “Littles” two to four times per month, fostering relationships that often last for years. For youth waiting to be matched, BBBSI keeps them engaged with community activities, family support events, and holiday programs to ensure no child feels left behind. United Way funding directly supports staff who carefully screen, train, and support volunteers and families through the life of each match. This professional oversight ensures child safety and strong, lasting relationships. With UWGC’s partnership, more than 30 Gloucester County youth will benefit from the program in the coming year. Because of donors like you, Gloucester County youth are building brighter futures with the support of mentors who believe in their potential.
Garden State Council, Boy Scouts of America
Scouting Programs in Gloucester County The Garden State Council of Boy Scouts of America provides youth in Gloucester County with opportunities to grow into confident, responsible, and community-minded leaders. Through Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing programs, boys and girls ages 5 to 20 develop essential life skills, learn the value of service, and gain hands-on experiences that prepare them for success in school, work and life. Scouting emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and character development through activities such as camping, merit badge achievements, and community service projects. In Gloucester County alone, more than 900 young people participate in local packs and troops, supported by over 400 trained volunteer leaders. United Way funding helps ensure that Scouting remains accessible to all families by offsetting costs for program materials, uniforms, and camperships, particularly for those with financial need. This support enables the Council to reach underserved communities and sustain outreach initiatives in schools and neighborhoods where youth may not otherwise have access to these life-changing opportunities. Because of donors like you, Scouting continues to inspire the next generation of leaders…instilling values of service, integrity, and perseverance in young people across Gloucester County.
Center for Family Services
Mother Child Program The Mother Child Program at Center for Family Services provides a safe and supportive home for homeless women and their children, many of whom are fleeing domestic violence or living in extreme poverty. The program offers short-term housing and 24/7 staff support, while helping mothers set goals, find employment, strengthen parenting skills, and move toward permanent housing and stability. During their stay, mothers participate in life skills workshops, counseling, and support groups that address parenting, financial empowerment, healthy relationships, and coping skills. Children benefit from a stable, caring environment where they can feel safe and thrive. United Way funding directly supports mothers and children by providing basic-needs baskets at critical times: Welcome Baskets (linens, hygiene items) upon arrival, Baby Baskets with essentials for newborns, Cleaning Supply Baskets to support healthy living, and New Home Baskets with kitchen, bath, and household items when families move into permanent housing. Because of donors like you, women and children in crisis can rebuild their lives with safety, stability, and the tools for long-term independence.
Center for People in Transition
Steps to a Career The Steps to a Career program at the Center for People in Transition (PIT) helps individuals who are displaced homemakers, single parents, or survivors of domestic violence rebuild their lives through education, career readiness, and job placement support. By offering personalized career counseling, job training, and skills workshops, the program empowers clients to overcome barriers and move toward financial independence. United Way funding ensures that clients receive the one-on-one support they need to develop resumes, practice interview skills, connect with job training, and secure employment that pays sustainable wages. Each year, PIT helps more than 150 Gloucester County residents increase their self-sufficiency through improved career skills and education pathways. Because of donors like you, families in Gloucester County are breaking cycles of hardship, finding meaningful work, and creating brighter futures.
FamCare
Special Medical Services Famcare’s Special Medical Services Program ensures that uninsured and underinsured residents of Gloucester County have access to life-saving reproductive health care and cancer screenings. The program provides comprehensive onsite services including gynecologic exams, ThinPrep Pap tests, breast and testicular exams, HIV and STD testing, health education, and referrals for diagnostic ultrasounds. United Way funding makes these essential services affordable and accessible for individuals at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Famcare also addresses barriers to care by offering telehealth appointments and Uber Health rides, expanding access for those without reliable transportation. In 2024 alone, more than 1,100 Gloucester County residents received care through this program. Because of donors like you, vulnerable individuals in Gloucester County are receiving preventive care, early diagnoses, and the resources they need to live healthier, safer lives.
Food Bank of South Jersey
Paulsboro Hope Mobile The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is committed to ending hunger by ensuring families have consistent access to nutritious food. Through the Paulsboro Hope Mobile, FBSJ delivers truckloads of fresh produce, proteins, dairy, and shelf-stable items directly into a community identified as a food desert. By meeting people where they live, the program eliminates barriers to healthy food access and ensures families, children, and seniors can prepare balanced meals at home. Each month, the Paulsboro Hope Mobile provides hundreds of residents with groceries that supplement tight household budgets, allowing families to stretch their income toward other essentials like housing, childcare, or medical care. In 2023, more than 3,400 Gloucester County residents were served through Hope Mobiles, including over 700 families at the Paulsboro site. United Way funding helps purchase food for these monthly distributions and supports the costs of transporting, storing, and delivering it to the community. Because of donors like you, children, adults, and seniors in Paulsboro have dependable access to healthy, nourishing food—building stronger families and a healthier community.
Glassboro Child Development Centers
School Age Horizon & Summer Learning Program Glassboro Child Development Centers (GCDC) has served Gloucester County children for over 55 years, providing safe, enriching before- and after-school care as well as summer programs. Their School Age Horizon & Summer Learning Program specifically supports children in PreK–2nd grade from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families—hardworking households that earn too much to qualify for state childcare subsidies but too little to afford market-rate care. United Way funding ensures that 30 children each year from ALICE families can attend full-day summer programs and before- and after-school care during the academic year at deeply reduced rates. This critical support allows parents to maintain steady employment while their children thrive in a safe, nurturing, and academically focused environment. Because of donors like you, parents can work with confidence knowing their children are safe and engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
HollyDELL
Adult Program Community Inclusion The HollyDELL Adult Program Community Inclusion Initiative enriches the lives of adults with moderate to severe disabilities, many of whom are medically fragile, by providing meaningful opportunities to actively participate in the community. Through guided outings to museums, parks, sporting events, cultural centers, and local businesses, participants gain independence, build social skills, and experience the joy of connecting with others outside of their day program setting. Each month, the program organizes approximately 30 outings, with participants engaging in at least two community activities that align with their personal goals. Skills such as communication, decision-making, and safety awareness are practiced in real-world environments, while families gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are not only cared for but also thriving. United Way funding helps cover transportation, admission fees, and related costs, ensuring that individuals who would otherwise face barriers can take part in these inclusive experiences. Without this support, many participants’ opportunities for community engagement would be very limited. Because of donors like you, 90 adults are living fuller, more inclusive lives, building confidence and joy with every outing.
Literacy New Jersey
Adult Literacy Education in Gloucester County Literacy New Jersey is transforming lives in Gloucester County by helping adults build the reading, writing, and English language skills they need to succeed at home, at work, and in the community. With the support of trained volunteer tutors, adults receive free, individualized instruction in basic literacy, GED preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL). On average, students meet with their tutors for three hours each week—time that builds confidence and opens doors to new opportunities. United Way funding makes it possible for 65 adults each year to participate in programs that empower them to thrive as parents, workers, and neighbors. The majority of participants are low-income, with many balancing multiple jobs and family responsibilities. For these learners, skills like reading a prescription, filling out a job application, or helping their child with homework represent life-changing progress. Because of donors like you, adults in Gloucester County are gaining the literacy skills they need to achieve their goals, support their families, and fully participate in the community.
Maryville Integrated Care
Alumni Services Program Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Maryville’s Alumni Services Program helps individuals in recovery from substance use disorders successfully transition back into daily life and maintain long-term sobriety. The program offers alumni and outpatient clients continued connection through peer support groups, check-ins, social events, and educational workshops. From bowling nights and holiday dinners to workshops on financial literacy, job readiness, and healthy living, the Alumni Services Program creates safe, substance-free opportunities for individuals to connect, heal, and grow. These experiences reduce isolation, build supportive peer networks, and provide practical skills for independent living. United Way funding helps cover the costs of workshops, social events, and staff coordination, ensuring that more than 200 individuals each year can continue building a foundation for recovery. Without this support, many of these opportunities would not exist…yet they are critical in reducing relapse risk and strengthening families. Because of donors like you, people in recovery are not walking this journey alone—they’re finding hope, purpose, and community that lasts well beyond treatment.
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice
Center for Grief Support Since 1999, Samaritan’s Center for Grief Support has provided compassionate counseling and support groups to help individuals and families cope with the loss of a loved one. Services are open not only to families of Samaritan hospice patients but also to the wider community…ensuring that anyone experiencing grief has a safe place to turn. Thanks to innovations born out of the pandemic, the Center continues to offer both in-person and virtual counseling, making it easier for people to connect with support wherever they are. In 2023, more than 7,000 people received care, including over 500 Gloucester County residents. United Way funding helps sustain the Center by supporting the salary of a grief counselor, ensuring that vital services remain available regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Since insurance does not cover bereavement support, this program relies heavily on donor generosity to exist. Because of donors like you, people in Gloucester County are finding comfort, connection, and hope during some of life’s most difficult moments.
YMCA of the Pines – Gloucester County YMCA
Before & After School Child Care The YMCA of the Pines – Gloucester County YMCA helps working families thrive by providing safe, affordable, and enriching before- and after-school care for children in grades K–5. Known as the School’s Out program, this initiative serves more than 200 families each year, offering children a place to learn, play, and grow right in their own schools. The program goes beyond supervision…it provides homework help, healthy snacks, structured play, and enrichment activities that build confidence and social skills. Thanks to United Way support, the Y is enhancing its program with two important new curriculum areas: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). These weekly lessons help children develop empathy, cultural awareness, emotional regulation, and stronger interpersonal skills…equipping them for success in school and life. Because of donors like you, children in Gloucester County have a safe and nurturing place to start and end their school day—while parents can work with peace of mind, knowing their kids are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.