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Abriendo PuertasWhen a single father sought to gain custody of his 1-year-old son, the Greenway Family Success Center referred him to our UWCJ Abriendo Puertas program. Through our support, he gained essential knowledge and built confidence in his role as his son’s primary caregiver. He crafted a solid plan for his son's future and, thanks to our workshops, successfully secured custody. Our program provided the education, encouragement, and resources he needed to ultimately be awarded sole custody, marking a new chapter in both their lives. |
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Jamesburg Place-Based InitiativeNot long ago, a worried mom came to us, concerned that her inability to speak English was hindering her from finding a job. With only her husband working, their family was struggling, and her self-esteem was low. A former student of the Latino Literacy Family Program referred her to the Jamesburg Place-Based Initiative, where she and her family received two $50 Walmart gifts card, provided by UWCJ and was given food from the food pantry. She was also registered for the summer Latino Literacy Family Program class. When asked about the program, she said “I’m thankful to you, UWCJ and JFK for helping my family”. She also mentioned feeling more confident and being forever grateful not only for the food and gift cards but also for finding a place where she could learn and make new friends. |
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Middlesex County Alliance For Child and Family SuccessA single mother battling cancer at the Cancer Institute of NJ recently reached out for help. She was a month behind on rent, struggling to feed her two children, and facing significant mental health challenges. When it became apparent that she was at risk of homelessness and experiencing food insecurity, her hospital’s family case manager connected her with the Middlesex County Alliance for Child and Family Success (Alliance). Alliance provided FEMA cards for food assistance and referred her to local food pantries for immediate support. Additionally, she was referred to the PRAHD rental assistance program, which assessed her situation. Thanks to Alliance’s case management and budgeting assistance, she can now focus on her recovery with peace of mind, knowing that her children’s needs are being met. She shared, “I have peace of mind now” and “I can concentrate on healing.” |
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VITAA mother in her early 30s was recently referred to us by the IRS due to unfiled taxes over the past five years and concerns about outstanding liabilities. In 2023, despite working three jobs, she earned less than $17,000. Determined to improve her situation for herself and her son, she signed up for a $12,000 online para-professional course. Unaware of the available tax credits for working parents with dependents, she had given her son to her mother, who claimed him on her taxes and received the credit. We informed her that had she filed her 2019 and 2020 tax returns, she would have received $4,245 in refunds (3-year statute of limitation), even without the benefit of her son. Our VITA volunteers completed her overdue tax returns, bringing her into compliance and she was relieved to discover that she only owed a balance for one tax year. The refunds from the past two years helped to offset this balance, including the resulting late filing penalty and interest. We also introduced her to Middlesex College's free “Community College Opportunity” program, which covers tuition and fees for families with an adjusted gross income under $65,000, as a cost-effective alternative to her expensive online course. By utilizing the VITA Program, she was able to save $1,000 and avoided paid preparer filing fees. The tax client is now on a positive path and expressed gratitude, stating, “I am now enrolled at Middlesex College, thank you for telling me about that program.”
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Family Financial Opportunity Center (FFOC)Not too long ago, a family came to us. They were struggling to make ends meet each month, discouraged by their dwindling funds and facing mounting financial anxiety. They had to borrow money from relatives just to get by. A Healthy Families representative, after hearing their struggles, referred them to the Family Financial Opportunity Center (FFOC), where one of our financial coaches conducted financial wellbeing and budget assessments, and provided income and expenses tracking sheets for client to fill up for the following month. With the coach’s support, the family committed to recording every expense diligently. Their efforts quickly paid off, allowing them to save $300 each week by cutting out unnecessary spending. Now, they’re planning to use their savings to buy a car for their daughter, who’s about to start college. Reflecting on the program, the wife and mother said, “We are now aware of how we spend money and focus only on what is necessary. My husband is very happy and encourages me to keep attending my appointments at United Way’s FFOC to continue improving.” |