Programs and Initiatives
How United Way Helps
2020 Funded Agency Programs and Descriptions
Information is from Grant Requests
Funding for JULY 1, 2020 to JUNE 30, 2021
Abilities Solutions
Ready, Set, Work!
Ready, Set, Work! provides a framework for our most vulnerable citizens to develop a work identity and make progress toward full participation in the workforce. This is done through testing to determine realistic career goals, situational assessments to explore strengths in a variety of occupational categories, internships, job readiness classes, job clubs, attending job fairs, job placement assistance, and coaching.
Acenda Integrated Health
Older Adult Services
Acenda will use the granted funds to continue the Older Adult Services (OAS) program in Gloucester County. In this program, individuals age 60+, along with any caregivers, can access in-home and office-based supportive counseling to address mental health needs associated with aging or caring for a loved one. This approach decreases barrier to care as some individuals face transportation and mobility issues which may prevent an office only approach. Services include screening, assessment, education, supportive counseling (individual and group), and linkage to other community-based supportive needs.
The Arc Gloucester
Camp Sun ‘N Fun
The Arc Gloucester manages multiple programs for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD), including respite programs. The Camp Sun ‘N Fun respite program is unique in its ability to provide a full, independent, outdoor camp experience within a safe and enjoyable environment. The program is designed to enhance the camper’s abilities and increase socialization skills which, in turn, increases their ability to be a productive contributor to their community, regardless of age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and/or ability level. The program also provides a much-needed respite for families and caregivers. The overwhelming response is that Camp Sun ‘N Fun is the only relief families receive from the non-stop, day-to-day, 24/7 care needed for an individual with I/DD.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region
Mentoring in Gloucester County
Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region (doing business as Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence; BBBSI) provides professionally supported one-to-one mentoring to children in Gloucester County using the BBBS model, designated as an “Evidence-Based Practice” for preventing substance abuse, adolescent crime, anti-social behavior, aggression, and delinquency among mentored youth. In Gloucester County, we offer “Community-Based” (CB) and “School-Based” (SB) mentoring. Mentoring matches sign up for at least a one-year relationship, with many relationships lasting far longer. In our SB mentoring program, students from Rowan University volunteer and are matched to Gloucester County children who attend Glassboro Child Development Center’s after school program. Matches meet weekly – College Bigs provide Littles with a nurturing relationship, friendship, and ongoing support for at least one school year. Throughout their involvement in the program, Bigs and Littles interact with and receive support from dedicated, trained professional staff.
Center for Family Services
Mother/Child Residential
Center for Family Services’ Mother/Child Residential Program (MCR) meets the basic needs of vulnerable women and children and empowers homeless women to achieve a better life for their families. Upon arrival, residents complete an intake to identify their unique needs and develop an intensive case management plan. MCR offers on-site counseling; educational classes focused on parenting, anger management, behavioral health, domestic violence, healthy relationships, sexual violence, financial empowerment/budgeting, cooking matters, and substance abuse.
Center for People in Transition
Steps to a Career
The Steps to a Career Program assists clients in achieving self-sufficiency after experiencing the stressful situation of separation, divorce, being widowed, or the total disability of their spouse. The program works with clients in overcoming the psychological and physical barriers due to the crisis they experienced, and helps in choosing career paths and employability. The program assists with resume recreation, conducting their job search, sharpening their interview skills, and keeping the job once they get it. Ultimately, by providing wrap-around services, the program increases the clients’ parental capabilities leading to resilient and emotionally stable children.
FamCare
Special Medical Services
The Special Medical Services Program (SMS) provides routine reproductive health care services, cancer screening and diagnostic testing to uninsured and under-insured clients who live in Gloucester County. Gynecologic exams provided include thin prep pap tests and HPV testing in age-appropriate women. Additional services include breast and pelvic exams for women, testicular exams for men, and referrals for various tests for both men and women. Complimentary services provided on-site are blood pressure screening, HIV and STD testing, and health education. Clients who are at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL) will be the beneficiaries of the funding United Way of Gloucester County provides to FamCare. FamCare’s ability to provide cost-effective preventative care improves health outcomes of Gloucester County residents. Funding for FamCare ensures that low-income, uninsured/under-insured women and men of Gloucester County will have seamless access to preventative and diagnostic services.
Food Bank of South Jersey
Gloucester County Children’s Health and Meal Program
FBSJ’s Children’s Health and Meal Program provides food services and education to at-risk youth living in Gloucester County which includes:
- School Pantry provides groceries for families through a mobile food pantry site conveniently located at participating Gloucester County schools. Families must register to participate. Once per month, food is distributed by volunteers, and families walk through to select foods they need.
- KidzPack provides a bag of food on Friday afternoons for children and their families who suffer from food insecurity to sustain them through the weekend. There are a variety of items like peanut butter or tuna fish, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense food placed into the bags by volunteers at the Food Bank. Those bags are then delivered to schools or summer sites, and volunteers then hand the bags to children to bring home to their families.
- Summer Feeding Program provides nutritious, locally-prepared breakfast, lunch, and snacks to children in need through summer camps and other activity programs. No child is turned away, no registration fees are charged, and (in most cases) pre-registrations are not required.
Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ
Leadership Experience
Girl Scouts is a legacy paving the way for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure in a safe, no-limits place designed for and by girls! The Girl Scout Leadership Experience unleashes the power of the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) TM preparing her through a one-of-a-kind leadership development program with proven results. In an inclusive, safe space, girls try new things, develop a range of skills, take on leadership roles, and just be themselves. She teams up with other girls, chooses exciting hands-on activities that interest her most, while learning relevant 21st century skills within four program pillars: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. The foundation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience provides girls access to a lifetime of leadership skills, as they thrive in key ways…developing a stronger sense of self, displaying positive values, seeking challenges and learning from setbacks, and forming healthy relationships…as they identify and solve problems within their communities and eventually, the world.
Glassboro Child Development Centers
School Age Care Program
Our Before and After School Program (School Age Care Program) are held year-round and serves three public schools at Dorothy L. Bullock School in Glassboro, NJ. This program operates before school from 6:30AM and after school until 6:00PM, every day school is in session, including delayed openings and early dismissals. During summers, our Camp Horizon Summer Learning Program is also held at Dorothy L. Bullock School for 8-10 weeks, Monday through Friday (mid-June through mid-August) from 6:30AM to 6:00PM. Our School Age Program provides childcare and enrichment for children in grades K-6 who are from low to moderate income families, during 240-250 service days per year. We use the NJ After 3 program model to provide safe, quality care and enrichment, with low staff to child ratios (1:10), college-educated and degreed staff, linking the school day with out of school time, encouraging parent engagement supporting kids’ social emotional development and academic success.
HollyDELL
Twenty-One Plus
Nursing services are an integral part of our daily program. The T.O.P. Program provides adult medical day services for adults who are over 21 years of age with a 1:3 ratio of staff to consumer. Activities that incorporate cognitive, medical and physical needs in a nurturing atmosphere are essential components of their day. Time in the community provides our adults with life experiences that are essential to their continued emotional growth, life-long learning and enhancements of friendships. The T.O.P. program allows individuals to reside at home with the benefits of community outings and on-site program activities. We are the only adult day program in Gloucester County that provides medical services on-site and in the community for all our clients. Our primary funding source, DDD, has switched to a “fee for service” or a Medicaid model, however there are many unresolved issues that all DDD providers in the state are experiencing. As mentioned in previous grant applications, nursing is not considered a reimbursable service and overall funding increases are not likely under the new Medicaid initiative. The positive news is that the Twenty-One Plus program is holding its own. Most of our clients have significant medical needs and nursing care is an essential service if they are to function outside their home.
Literacy New Jersey
Glo. Co. Programs
Literacy New Jersey will recruit, train, match and support volunteer tutors to work with adults who struggle with literacy skills. Tutors will provide free, one-to-one and small-group instruction throughout Gloucester County in basic literacy, preparation for the high school equivalency exam, English as a Second Language (ESL), and U.S. citizenship preparation. With support from the United Way of Gloucester County, we will offer the individualized instruction crucial for building skills and confidence. By focusing on the specific needs of each learner, Literacy New Jersey will remove barriers to employment in a competitive job market and improve the quality of life for students and families.
Maryville
Residential Substance Use and Co-occurring Mental Health Services
The program is a resource for low-income parents who are working or going to school full-time, where they can trust their children to be cared for in a nurturing and stimulating environment. Currently we serve children aged 6 weeks to 5 ½ years of age in an early childhood setting where they can develop physically, mentally & socially. We provide a play-based educational program that aligns with developmentally appropriate practice for early childhood education.
Repauno Pre School Day Care
Infant & Preschool Childcare and Early Education
The program is a resource for low-income parents who are working or going to school full-time, where they can trust their children to be cared for in a nurturing and stimulating environment. Currently we serve children aged 6 weeks to 5 ½ years of age in an early childhood setting where they can develop physically, mentally & socially. We provide a play-based educational program that aligns with developmentally appropriate practice for early childhood education.
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice
Center for Grief Support
In 2019, Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice’s Center for Grief Support marked its 20th anniversary of providing care to our community members at large, not just the loved ones of our patients. This is an ongoing community resource – available to the general community as well as patients and families of patients cared for by Samaritan – that relies exclusively on charitable support from foundations, corporations, and individuals. Samaritan offers grief counseling and specialized support groups for loved ones of our hospice patients, as well as individuals, couples, and families living in our community. These services are vital, yet not covered by insurance.
Volunteers of America
Eleanor Corbett House
UWGC funding will be used to continue operation of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) Supplemental Housing Program (SHP) at the agency’s Gloucester County emergency shelter for single women and families, the Eleanor Corbett House. The funds will provide ten (10) individuals/family members experiencing homelessness with up to 45 days of short-term emergency shelter and case management services during the 2021 fiscal year (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021). Households are eligible to participate in VOADV’s SHP if they are Gloucester County residents experiencing homelessness who have been denied emergency housing assistance or other benefits through the Gloucester County’s Board of Social Services (GCBSS) or Work First New Jersey (WFNJ). Participants of SHP are entitled to all the same services and supports as those admitted to Eleanor Corbett House through GCBSS, including: comprehensive assessment and case management services, individualized service planning, referrals to community-based resources, and support obtaining permanent housing. The program also provides 24-hour staffing, on-site laundry, transportation, and two hot meals a day
