Paterson , NJ -  United Way of Passaic County is proud to announce that Yvonne Zuidema has been honored as  a 2011 NewBridge Services’ “Helping People Move Forward” award winner. Zuidema will receive the award during NewBridge Service’s Celebrate The Magic of NewBridge, on March 29, 2012 at The Villa at Mountain Lakes .

Since her appointment as CEO/President of the United Way of Passaic County in 2001, Ms. Zuidema  has developed UWPC programs that meet community needs, responded quickly and effectively to community crisises, and has achieved successful, measurable outcomes for each program. Most recently, she has presented a groundbreaking report on hunger and food access in Passaic County; and established the Financial Empowerment Zone, which provides free financial literacy and tax services to Passaic County residents.

“Yvonne is committed to strengthening communities by providing leadership to build a strong community response to those most in need,’’ said Robert L. Parker, chief executive officer of NewBridge, a nonprofit community provider of behavioral health and educational programs and services. “She exemplifies the spirit of New Bridge in helping people find balance in their lives.’’

Other award winners include Laurie Becker of the Morris County Department of Human Services, and TD Bank. 

The NewBridge annual fundraiser includes hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a dessert buffet, and silent auction.  Admission is $135 per person.  For support opportunities or reservations, contact Nina McCormack, NewBridge’s chief development and marketing officer, at 973-839-2521 , ext. 2246, or visit www.newbridge.org.

In 2011, United Way in partnership with CUMAC, received a
Hunger-Free Community grant from the USDA to investigate
food insecurity and food access in Passaic County. The
Where’s the Food? report draws from information obtained
from community-based surveys, focus group meetings, GIS
mapping and reviews of federal, state and local reports.

Food insecurity (limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally
adequate and safe food) in Passaic County is
among the highest in New Jersey. Food affordability is the
leading concern, especially among disabled, the un/underemployed,
native American , and single-parent with child
households. Access to full-service grocery stores is a
concern in some Paterson neighborhoods. Knowledge of
nutrition and food preparation is lacking among certain
groups. Alternative food access is not being utilized to its
full potential (home gardening, CSA’s, co-ops, community
gardens).

All of these concerns result in access to less-nutritious food
choices as well as children and families with poor nutrition
knowledge and habits.

To read the entire Where’s the Food? Report click here

Assistance is still available for individuals affected by Hurricane Irene

As the Long-Term Recovery process continues in Passaic County help is still available for individuals who are struggling to regain normalcy. Families and Individuals affected by Hurricane Irene still in need of assistance should contact Catholic Family & Community Services at 973- 279-7100  to register for Disaster Case-Management Services. Through Disaster Case Management Services families & individuals will receive  assistance developing a Long-Term Recovery Plan, filing claim appeals to FEMA and insurance companies as well as applying for financial assistance to address unmet needs.

United Way of Passaic County has established a special Flood Relief & Recovery Fund to aid those most affected in Passaic County by  Hurricane Irene. Funding is being distributed to assist victims with long-term recovery efforts as part of an ongoing community effort to meet needs of affected individuals and families. To apply for support from the Flood Relief & Recovery Fund please contact Catholic Family & Community Services at 973- 279-7100. Individuals must be registered with disaster case-management services to be eligible to request financial assistance from the fund. All applications to the Flood Relief & Recovery Fund will be made by a disaster case-manager on behalf of clients. Affected individuals and families should not apply directly to the United Way of Passaic County.

If you are interested in supporting the United Way Flood Relief & Recovery Fund please click here , or send a check payable to United Way of Passaic County 2011 Flood Relief & Recovery Fund, 20 Mill Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.

United Way of Passaic County Announces
Availabitity of 2012 Vincent D. Pavese Scholarship Application


February 13, 2012 - Paterson, NJ:
United Way of Passaic County has announced that applications are now available for the 2012 Vincent D. Pavese Scholarship.  The scholarship is awarded annually to a Passaic County high school senior who has exhibited a commitment to community service and plans to pursue a career in public service.

The scholarship was established 19 years ago, as a memorial to Vincent D. Pavese, a former President and Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Passaic County.  Pavese held this office until his death in January 1993.  Each year, a special review panel reviews the applications to determine which student has most closely fulfilled the requirements of the scholarship. 

Scholarship applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or university upon graduation from high school. Eligible applicants must also qualify for financial aid and plan to pursue a career in public service (government, social work, education, recreation, public health and welfare, law enforcement, etc.)  Applications and criteria information are available on United Way of Passaic County’s website and at high school guidance offices.

Deadline for application submission is Monday May 21, 2012. This $1,500 scholarship will be presented at United Way of Passaic County’s 2012 Annual Meeting, which will be held at in June.

Questions regarding the application process including requests for applications should be directed to Caroline Schneider via email: carolines@unitedwaypassaic.org

United Way of Passaic County looks to work with companies to give back during the holiday through its Winter Wishes project.

This year there are three opportunities for businesses, groups and individuals to participate in:  Host a Winter Wishes Toy Drive, Help a Family or Individual or Sponsor Books for a Classroom.

WINTER WISHES TOY DRIVE

In an effort to streamline the process of spending days sorting through toys, we're asking that drives focus on collecting activity books, board games, books, coloring books/crayons, preschool items and puzzles.  Similar to the Whole & Healthy Food Drive you will be supplied with posters highlighting needed toys, and a toolkit to get started.
Click here to register your Winter Wishes Toy Drive.

HELP A FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL

A limited number of families and individuals are helped directly by United Way of Passaic County and it's partners. This year's families include flood victims from the recent hurricane from around the county.
Click here to register to sponsor an individual or family. (You will receive a wish book via email upon registration.)

SPONSOR BOOKS FOR A CLASSROOM

We are working with School #2 in Passaic again this year. Building on the success of our Backpacks for Kids! project we are working to provide each child with 2 books for the holidays. An average classroom is 28 children, grades k-2.

Click here to register to Sponsor a Classroom.

November 30, noon-2 pm
Passaic Community College CTC. 218 Memorial Drive, Paterson.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

What: This free seminar is targeted towards older employees who will soon retire and newly retired seniors.  A secure, comfortable retirement is every worker's dream. We're living longer, healthier lives.  We can expect to spend more time in retirement than our parents and grandparents did so achieving the dream of a secure, comfortable retirement.   Retirement is much easier when you plan your finances and make good Medicare choices.

Knowledgeable instructors will teach the ins and outs of Medicare and Social Security enrollment. Experts from the regional Social Security Administration office and Senior Medicare Patrol of New Jersey will present the timeline and choices for Social Security and Medicare enrollment. Various options when joining Medicare, what else is needed to insure you with proper medical coverage and details on Medicare and its various parts, Medicare supplement plans and Medicare Part D will be covered. Find out eligibility for Social Security benefits, the best age to start your benefits and taking earlier or delaying Social Security enrollments.
Even if you have health insurance through an employer, you should still check to see whether you need to sign up for Medicare. Some health insurance plans change automatically at age 65.

Where: Community Technology Center at Passaic County Community College – 218 Memorial Blvd, Paterson, NJ

When: Wednesday, November 30 at Noon till 2pm
 
Who: For older employees who will soon retire and newly retired seniors

How: For more information please contact FEZ Project Manager, Leslie Schlesinger at (973) 279-8900 Ext. 205 or via email. Seating is limited and registration is required.

 
For Immediate Release       
Sept 1, 2011

Contact             
Leslie Schlesinger | 201 214 3630 | leslies@unitedwaypassac.org
Yvonne Zuidema | 973 632 9557 | yvonnez@unitedwaypassaic.org

Paterson, NJ - Like so many who reside near the Passaic River, the United Way of Passaic County’s offices in Paterson were affected by Hurricane Irene and our staff is working remotely due to inaccessibility and road closures. 

UWPC, is co-chair of the Passaic County VOAD, the county-wide collaborative body of non-profit, for-profit, and government organizations facilitating communication, cooperation and coordination of member organizations. "Today we need to rally around those who have lost so much and do what we can to help," said United Way President/CEO Yvonne Zuidema.  
 
Most immediately, dial 2-1-1 for assistance with temporary shelter and any resources for food, clothing, and cleanup. Register as a flood victim through 2-1-1.


A special Flood Relief & Recovery Fund to aid those most affected in Passaic County by the recent disaster has been established by UWPC.  Funding will be distributed to assist victims with long-term recovery efforts as part of a coordinated community effort to meet needs of affected individuals and families. 

To support the United Way Flood Relief & Recovery Fund please click here , or send a check payable to United Way of Passaic County 2011 Flood Relief & Recovery Fund, 20 Mill Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.

Volunteer organizations are in Passaic County and are gearing up to help with home clean-outs. To request clean-out help, please call 2-1-1.  To volunteer to help cleanup contact Jackie@unitedwaypassaic.org.

The only items accepted at this time are non-perishable foods. We welcome donations including: soup, cans of tuna and salmon, rice, pasta and sauce, juices, and peanut butter & jelly.

Sundry items are also appreciated, notably: toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers. We cannot make use of donated clothing or household goods. Food donation accepted at CUMAC at 223 Ellison Street in Paterson (973) 742-5518 and Father English at 435 Main St in Paterson (973) 881-0280.

If you are a tenant, know your rights as a renter if your home was flooded! Click here. The State Attorney General warns consumers to watch out for scams related to flood clean-up. Click here for more information.

Download NJ 2-1-1's Flooding - Relief and Recovery Assistance Guide, click here.
 
United Way of Passaic County has been involved with organizing disaster relief services for flood victims along the Passaic River for years by mobilizing the caring power of the community and coordinating the county’s helping organizations via VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster). Irene’s magnitude and devastation is historic and UWPC is committed to providing resources for those most affected by the recent hurricane.

UNITED WAY’s BACKPACKS FOR KIDS! BEGINS

United Way sets ambitious goal to collect 1,800 backpacks for kids in need in Passaic County.

Paterson, NJ: United Way of Passaic County in partnership with North Jersey Media Group and Enterprise is kicking off Backpacks for Kids! United Way’s school supply program – the largest of its kind in Passaic County. Backpacks for Kids! is part of a larger United Way initiative to increase the academic success and high school graduation rates of children in Passaic County. The program is a combined effort between area businesses and employees to provide backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year. 

Last year over 1,800 Passaic County children in need received backpacks filled with school supplies! Backpacks for Kid! now in its 6th year has distributed over 10,000 backpacks to kids in need in Passaic County.

To date the following companies have committed to supplying backpacks to kids in need: Bayer, BP, Coca Cola, Enterprise, FSR, NJFCU, Roche and our Lady of Consolation.

United Way needs your help!
United Way is looking to collect 1,800 backpacks and they are off to a good start with support from Enterprise and Roche. But more backpacks are needed! It’s easy to get involved. You can either purchase school supplies/backpacks for the program; or, for $25 United Way supplies students with their own backpack filled with supplies.

If you are interested in holding a drive please let United Way know by visiting www.unitedwaypassaic.org or contacting their Engagement Manager, Jackie Park Albaum, at (973) 279-8900 Ext. 202 or at Jackie@unitedwaypassaic.org.

Who gets the backpacks?
United Way of Passaic County works with dozens of non-profits and schools throughout Passaic County to identify and distribute in high-need communities.

For More Information
Please contact our Engagement Manager, Jackie Park Albaum, at (973) 279-8900 Ext. 202 and/or at Jackie@unitedwaypassaic.org.

###

ABOUT US: United Way of Passaic County envisions a community where every child is ready to succeed in school, every person can meet their most basic needs and everyone can pursue productive and satisfying lives. The organization is committed to creating lasting change - from our Financial Empowerment Zone to our Hunger-Free Communities work. United Way of Passaic County is uniquely positioned to leverage its own health and human services expertise, a powerful base of donors and volunteers, public advocacy and outcome-driven funding to help identify and solve chronic community wide issues within our region. For more information go to the website, www.unitedwaypassaic.org.

Summer Financial Ed Series Concludes Aug. 9 with “Consumer Issues, Debt Collection and Bankruptcy” Workshop

Paterson, NJ— The United Way of Passaic County (UWPC), in collaboration with various nonprofit, government and financial institutions, is scheduling the last session in a series of free financial education and financial literacy classes for local residents. The Financial Empowerment Zone (FEZ) brings awareness and helps to empower the community to increase personal incomes, become financially stable and achieve long term economic independence by learning from experts.

The last class is scheduled for the evening of August 9 and will be given by Northeast New Jersey Legal Services attorneys at Passaic County Community College.  The workshop focuses on consumer issues including debt collection, credit, deceptive practices and bankruptcy. The attorney instructors have presented through the FEZ before and are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal services, as they seek to assure access to the civil justice system is not denied to individuals simply because they cannot afford a private attorney.

The FEZ seminars have run through the summer months and were a success with over 150 local residents signing up and attending one of the 5 classes given so far.  Students have learned about diverse topics including getting out of debt, how to complete IRS tax forms, becoming a first time homeowner, the foreclosure process and keeping their home, avoiding becoming a victim of Medicare fraud and a workshop for teen job seekers focused on getting that first job. Instructors and speakers have included nationally known experts, such as Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, the Money Coach, the IRS, certified CPAs, Old Navy store managers and financial institutions.

All are welcome and encouraged to sign up through the FEZ website www.earn-save-do.org or by calling UWPC at 973 279 8900 x205.

“The United Way is still soliciting ideas for future classes so please call if you or your group has a specific need” said Leslie Schlesinger program manager, “we already are working on a class on retirement and Medicare enrollment for folks that are thinking about retiring and a workshop on saving and budgeting in Spanish for a church group.”

Top of Form

• August 2 Credit in Spanish by New Jersey Citizen Action
• August 8 Consumer Issues, Debt Collection and Bankruptcy provided by Northeast NJ Legal Services.

President of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Paterson Receives Community Cornerstone Award

Award to be presented on June 23 at the 75^th Anniversary Celebration!

Paterson, NJ: Joseph T. Duffy, President of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Paterson, has been named United Way of Passaic County’s (UWPC) 2009 Community Cornerstone. The award, UWPC’s highest honor, will be presented at United Way’s 75^th Anniversary Celebration! on June 23, 10 a.m. at Hamilton & Ward Steakhouse in Paterson.

The Community Cornerstone Award is presented each year to an individual who exemplifies a lifetime of service and dedication to the community. Prior recipients include Rev. Patricia Bruger (CUMAC/ECHO), Georgette Hauser (Memorial Day Nursery); Maureen Peterson (Children’s Day Nursery & Family Center); Dolores Colucci-Healy (Boys & Girls Club of Clifton); Abraham Davis (Jewish Family and Children’s Services); Ken Wessel (Home Care Options); Peter Thornton (Boys & Girls Club of Paterson); James Seath (The ARC of Bergen/Passaic); and Carey Jenkins (Operation Link-Up).

“Joe Duffy is a relentless advocate for individuals whom our society would otherwise leave behind,” said Yvonne Zuidema, United Way of Passaic County’s President. “His focus on solving root causes of poverty and moving people toward self-sufficiency exemplifies what it means to Live United.”

As the President of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Paterson, which serves all of Morris, Passaic and Sussex Counties, Joseph T. Duffy is a committed social servant focused on providing targeted services that address the needs of families, individuals and groups, especially the poor. Mr. Duffy serves as President of the Boards of Trustees of the six Catholic Charities Agencies in the Diocese that includes Catholic Family and Community Services, the Father English Community Center, Hispanic Information Center of Passaic, Hope House, Department for Persons with Disabilities and Straight & Narrow.  As well, he is responsible for the Diocese’s Parish Nursing and Migrant Ministry programs.  Catholic Charities serves over 80,000 people annually and administers a budget of $57 million with a paid staff of over 1,000 and as many volunteers.

Prior to returning to Catholic Charities from which he left in 1975 Duffy worked 21 years at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson where he served as Vice President for Ambulatory and Long-Term Care.

Other items on United Way’s June 23 event program include award presentations to Community Leaders Rita Kelly (Catholic Family + Community Service) and Donna Nelson Ivy (City of Paterson); 2011 Health Champion Representative Bill Pascrell; 2011 Income Champion Wells Fargo and 2011 Education Champion PSEG Foundation.

The proceeds from this year’s event will support United Way of Passaic County’s Community Impact Fund that focuses on Health, Education, and Income related programs.

Tickets and Sponsorships are available for purchase online by visiting http://75thanniversary.eventbrite.com/ or by calling Jackie Park Albaum at (973) 279-8900 Ext. 202.

###

ABOUT US: United Way of Passaic County envisions a community where every child is ready to succeed in school, every person can meet their most basic needs and everyone can pursue productive and satisfying lives. The organization is committed to creating lasting change - from our Financial Empowerment Zone to our Hunger-Free Communities work. United Way of Passaic County is uniquely positioned to leverage its own health and human services expertise, a powerful base of donors and volunteers, public advocacy and outcome-driven funding to help identify and solve chronic community wide issues within our region. For more information go to the website, www.unitedwaypassaic.org.

75 Years of Serving Passaic County.

PATERSON, NJ – United Way of Passaic County will celebrate 75 years of bringing caring people together to give, volunteer and take action to help those in need on Thursday, June 23^rd at Hamilton & Ward in Paterson. The Annual Celebration Brunch brings together supporters and United Way partners to honor the works of people and organizations that have had a positive impact on the community.

The following awards will be given given to the individuals and organizations that truly embody what it means to LIVE UNITED in Passaic County:

Community Cornerstone Award

United Way is proud to announce this year’s Community Cornerstone Awardee Joseph F. Duffy, President of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Paterson. This award, United Way of Passaic County’s highest honor, is given to an individual who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to community service. Past recipients have included Robert Parker (New Bridge Services), Rev Patricia Bruger (CUMAC-ECHO), Carey Jenkins (Operation Link-Up) and James Seath (ARC Bergen-Passaic County).

2011 Financial Stability Partnership Champion

This award celebrates an organization or individual that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to increasing the financial stability of the community it serves.  The 2011 Income Champion award will be presented to Wells Fargo Bank in recognition of their outstanding commitment to United Way’s Financial Empowerment Zone.

2011 Education Champion

This award celebrates an organization or individual that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to increasing educational opportunities in Passaic County. The 2011 Education Champion Award will be presented to PSEG Foundation in recognition of their continuous support of United Way Building Young Tomorrow’s project that provides meaningful after-school engagement opportunities for school age children.

2011 Health Champion

This award celebrates an organization or individual that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to increasing the community’s opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle.

The 2011 award recipient will be presented to U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. With his ongoing support United Way of Passaic County was able to secure the prestigious Hunger-Free Community grant from the USDA.

Community Leader

These individuals have given their time, talent and resources to make a difference in the lives of others. Their good works will have a lasting impact in community and have contributed greatly to advancing the common good for all. The 2011 award recipients are Rita Kelly, Catholic Family + Community Services and Donna Nelson Ivy, City of Paterson.

Philanthropic Champions

This award is given to individuals and companies in Passaic County that exhibit an extraordinary commitment to helping Passaic County and its residents.  The 2011 Philanthropic Champions are ADP, BAE Systems, Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Boys & Girls Club of Paterson/Passaic, Children’s Day Nursery & Family Center, Costco, City of Paterson, Enterprise, Greater Paterson OIC, Homecare Options, Johnson & Johnson, JP Morgan Chase, Roche, State Farm, Target Stores, TD Bank and UPS.

The proceeds from this year’s event will support United Way of Passaic County’s Community Impact Fund that focuses on Health, Education, and Income related programs.

Tickets and Sponsorships are available for purchase online by visiting http://75thanniversary.eventbrite.com/ or by calling Jackie Park Albaum at (973) 279-8900 Ext. 202.

CONTACT: 
Jackie Park Albaum, Engagement Manager
United Way of Passaic County
Phone: (973) 353-7171 Ext. 202
Jackie@unitedwaypassaic.org

UWPC Urges Flood Victims to Take Advantage of Free Help
And Beware of Scams

Paterson, NJ— United Way of Passaic County (UWPC) reminds flood victims that free services, such as mud/debris clean-up, mold remediation and light tear down of wall board are now available. Elderly and disabled victims have priority for all services.
 
“We know that hundreds of Passaic County residents had to flee their homes because of the recent storm. These folks along with anyone who sustained damages must call NJ211 to take full advantage of the free help provided. Free assistance is available if you are not able to do your own clean-up or do not have insurance,” said Yvonne Zuidema, CEO of UWPC.  
 
Anyone in need of assistance must call NJ211 by either dialing 2-1-1 or calling 877-652-1148. Volunteer Organizations are in the area and ready to help clean out flooded homes or basements.
NJ211 urges the residents and businesses affected by storm waters to carefully and thoroughly cleanup because sewage and other impurities can mix with the flooded waters. Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed and wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup. Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected and clean all hard surfaces with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.  Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers. Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.

The NJ Division of Consumer Affairs is warning residents from affected communities of the dangers of fraudulent home improvement contractors. “We will remind citizens to use caution and obtain important information before hiring a home improvement contractor. And we’re reminding any unscrupulous contractors that the State will come after them if they attempt to cheat homeowners who are already in a difficult situation,” said Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Also remember that the Internal Revenue Service requires thorough documentation of loss if a casualty deduction is taken for flood damage on next year’s tax return.

CONTACT: 
Jackie Park Albaum, Engagement Manager
United Way of Passaic County
Phone: (973) 353-7171 Ext. 202
Jackie@unitedwaypassaic.org

PATERSON, NJ Beginning in April 2011, United Way’s Hunger-Free Seniors project will partner with Home Care Options to serve low-income seniors who have health issues and are living alone. The project will screen each participant’s health and nutrition, deliver a bag of non-perishable groceries each month and determine food stamp eligibility and help with enrollment.

Food insecurity and hunger among seniors is expected to increase for the next 15 years.

WHY? While food costs are going up, many seniors are typically living on a fixed income, with limited mobility and have unique -sometimes expensive- dietary needs.  Financial and physical limitations make it especially difficult for seniors to purchase enough food and nutritious food.

“We know that certain groups, including seniors, people with disabilities, and residents of low-income communities, are at great risk for missing meals, not being able to afford food and going hungry,” says Yvonne Zuidema, President of United Way of Passaic County.  “This project provides an opportunity for us to dive into the issue of hunger and address the unique concerns of a specific group of people.”

Hunger-Free Seniors is part of a larger United Way of Passaic County effort to address hunger in the county. In February 2011 United Way of Passaic County was awarded a prestigious USDA Hunger-Free Communities grant. The $100,000 award will be used to study the causes of hunger in Passaic County and to develop a plan to achieve a hunger free community.

Get Involved! Businesses, community groups, schools and individuals are invited to sponsor a senior, hold a food drive and/or volunteer to support the program. Learn more about Hunger-Free Communities and the Hunger-Free Seniors project. Please visit www.unitedwaypassaic.org/hungerfree or contact Jackie Park Albaum (973) 279-8900 Ext. 202 or jackie@unitedaypassaic.org.

ABOUT US: United Way of Passaic County envisions a community where every child is ready to succeed in school, every person can meet their most basic needs and everyone can pursue productive and satisfying lives. The organization is committed to creating lasting change - from our Financial Empowerment Zone to our Hunger-Free Communities work. United Way of Passaic County is uniquely positioned to leverage its own health and human services expertise, a powerful base of donors and volunteers, public advocacy and outcome-based funding to help identify and solve chronic community wide issues within our region. For more information go to the Web site, www.unitedwaypassaic.org.

CONTACT:
Representative Pascrell 
Paul Brubaker
973-523-5152 (Office)
201-704-6981 (Cell)

United Way of Passaic County
Yvonne Zuidema
973-279-8900 Ext. 206

REP. PASCRELL ANNOUNCES $100,000 FEDERAL GRANT TO THE
UNITED WAY OF PASSAIC COUNTY

United Way will use funds to develop a plan to eradicate hunger in Passaic County.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8) today announced a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study the causes of hunger in Passaic County and to develop a plan to achieve a hunger-free community.  "People often ask the question of how hunger can exist in a nation that has been as blessed as the United States. Now, Passaic County has the chance to gets some answers to that question, at least in our own neighborhoods," said Rep. Pascrell, a House Ways and Means Committee member who advocated for the funding. "More importantly, the United Way of Passaic County will develop a plan to help make sure that nobody in Passaic County is forced to go hungry.  I congratulate the United Way of Passaic County and look forward to the good work they will be doing on this project.

"We know that certain groups, including poor children, seniors, people with disabilities, and residents of low-income communities, are at great risk for missing meals, not being able to afford food and going hungry," says Yvonne Zuidema, President of United Way of Passaic County.  "This grant is a huge opportunity for us to dive into the issue of hunger and create plans that address the unique concerns of specific groups of people."

In addition to studying the causes of hunger and creating a Hunger-Free Community Plan, United Way will become eligible to apply for future grants from the USDA that fund the work of alleviating hunger.

To learn more about the other organizations receiving this grant please click here.

To learn more about United Way's work to create  Hunger-Free Community please click here after March 15.