2025-11-14T09:23:28-06:00 2024-12-31 231144520 Tait Weller & Baker LLP 50 South 16th Street Suite 2900 Philadelphia PA 19102 990 2024-01-01 221520408 UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL JERSEY INC UNIT 7322473727 32 FORD AVE MILLTOWN NJ 08850 Gloria Aftanski President, CPO 7322473727 2025-11-14 1 1 Harrison Pereira P00746867 2159798800 2025-11-12 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z Gloria Aftanski 32 FORD AVE MILLTOWN NJ 08850 6561276 0 X WWW.UWCJ.ORG X 1930 NJ Striving to ensure all young children in our communities attain a more successful future. 16 16 17 250 0 0 3042584 2929544 237740 151349 238978 185700 13237 14669 3532539 3281262 166070 252399 0 0 1032509 1157709 0 0 217412 2156304 2113427 3354883 3523535 177656 -242273 6801989 7092929 473940 693140 6328049 6399789 X United Way of Central Jersey's leadership brings together resources for local disadvantaged families to ensure that all young children in our community attain better educational outcomes and a healthier, brighter and more successful future. 1 0 1617896 1368491 Healthy CommunityNurse Family Partnership The evidence-based Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) program specifically serves low-income, first-time pregnant women, providing comprehensive parenting training and education, and additional supportive services, from the twelfth week of pregnancy through the child's second birthday. (Additional Information provided on Schedule O)Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) This evidence-based program targets first-time low-income pregnant women and provides intensive parent education, health and other resources and support services. NFP clients typically have a higher risk for poor birth outcomes since, on average they are more likely to be impacted by social and economic inequality and systemic racism than the general population of individuals pregnant with or parenting their first child.Our NFP program outcomes include reductions in pre-term births, low birth weight infants and subsequent pregnancies. Increases in breast feeding at birth, 6 and 12 months as well as increased workforce participation at 6, 12 and 24 months have also been documented.During 2024, our 8 bachelor-level nurse home visitors supported 225 families which included 205 children. 41 Mothers graduated from this program in August, culminating 1,000 continuous days in partnership with their nurse.Four exciting components of the program launched this year. 150 Mothers supported by UWCJ's contract with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families received financial assistance to purchase infant formula or breastfeeding supplies. 99 families received grocery gift cards funded by UWCJ's FEMA Award, stretching family resources for other basic needs such as rent, child care, transportation and more. UWCJ's grant from United Way Worldwide's Ride United Transportation Access program provided Lyft transportation for specific causes including grocery shopping, medical appointments, employment and other services. The Parent Leaders group continues to expand and assumed the lead in planning educational programs and social events for current and graduate NFP families. 1081105 242572 1097915 Financial SecurityUWCJ assists financially fragile households in multiple capacities, including our year-round IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, administration oversight of FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter funding in Middlesex County NJ, supporting the NJ211 information and referral service, UWCJ's Family Financial Opportunity Center (FFOC), and the Middlesex County Alliance for Child and Family Success program.(Additional Information provided on Schedule O)UWCJ has a multi-level focus to provide much-needed financial security for community residents. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)Individuals and families making $75,000 or less per year can have their federal and state income tax returns prepared and filed for free by IRS-certified volunteers in UWCJ's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance ('VITA') Program. The volunteer-driven program supports over 2,500 individuals in Middlesex County and returns an average of $2.5 million dollars in refunds, including Earned Income Tax Credits ('EITC'), and Child Care credits for taxpayers. Unlike other VITA programs, United Way of Central Jersey provides VITA services year-round to assist late filers, delinquent filers, filers responding to IRS and State tax notices, and preparation of ITIN applications and renewals. Low-income VITA tax clients also received FEMA-funded grocery gift cards. THE 2024 NUMBERS:145 volunteers 4,478 tax returns filed$2.5 million refunds & creditsFamily Financial Opportunity Center (FFOC)Our FFOC opened in May 2024 and provides the tools for our priority population of unemployed and underemployed parents of young children to thrive financially. Financial, employment and income support coaches provide resources and support to enable clients and their families to improve their financial well-being. During its initial 6- months of operation, the FFOC engaged 70 clients who were primarily female and Hispanic with monthly incomes under $2,000.FEMA Emergency Food & ShelterUWCJ provides administrative support for Middlesex County's Local FEMA Board, responsible for recommending Awards to local organizations providing emergency shelter; rent, mortgage and utility assistance and emergency food, diapers and infant formula. The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board informed New Jersey Local Boards of their Phase 42 Allocations in December 2023. Middlesex County's Award totaled $385,562. However, no further information has been received by the Local Board regarding next steps for the Phase 42 process.RIDE UNITEDLaunched in July, our Ride United Transportation Access initiative provided no-cost rides for individuals and families participating in our direct-service programs. Lyft transportation is available to our clients for the following purposes: health appointments, employment interviews, access to food and food-related benefits, education, legal issues, housing and economic stability needs.NJ211UWCJ supports United Ways of New Jersey's NJ 211 helpline, available 24/7/365 in multiple languages. During 2024, NJ 211 received 34,249 calls from Middlesex County residents and 12,167 web searches. Top live assistance needs were, in priority order: utilities assistance, at risk of homelessness and homeless housing programs, housing expense assistance, benefits screening and general information. Top web searches, in priority order were: housing expense assistance, residential housing options, utility assistance, emergency shelter and emergency food.Middlesex County Alliance for Child and Family SuccessThe Alliance is a community resource that residents can call for assistance with housing, childcare, benefits, immigration and other issues. In 2024, the Alliance handled 1,080 calls, including 138 callers with 183 young children. Alliance clients typically are women who have annual incomes below $29,000, about two-thirds of whom are Hispanic. Most clients were having trouble finding adequate housing and food. Jamesburg Healthy Food ProgramUWCJ operates a food pantry for families of students at JFK Elementary School, hosted at the Jamesburg Elks Lodge No. 2180. The pantry, which opened in September 2024, operates twice a month, and has provided over 80 households with over 200 children with culturally appropriate and nutritious food. The pantry is staffed by UWCJ and community volunteers. It obtains food from the Replenish Food Bank and is supported by a grant from the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners.SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)During the year 2024, UWCJ entered into a contract (effective January 2025) with the State Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development, to serve as SNAP Navigators - informing Middlesex and Somerset County residents about food benefits assistance and helping them enroll in the program. ImmigrationIn 2024, UWCJ continued its longstanding commitment to the network of community-based organizations providing direct service and opportunities to our community's new arrivals. UWCJ continued our support of D.I.R.E., an invaluable initiative of the Reformed Church of Highland Park. The Deportation and Immigration Response Equipo helpline and support services continued its expansion with regional service locations to facilitate access to immigrant families facing the challenges of assimilation into life in the United States: food and financial insecurity, housing, language as well as detention, deportation and other immigration related issues. The D.I.R.E. helpline is available 24/7/365; During 2024, the helpline received 580 calls. 443984 322250 Youth OpoortunityFocusing on academic and life success for Middlesex County Children ages 0-5, our primary initiatives are 1) a Placed-based Initiative at JFK Elementary School in Jamesburg NJ, 2) Summer STREAM Stars summer and school-year program at JFK, and 3) Abriendo Puertas parent-training. (Additional Information provided on Schedule O)UWCJ's three focused 'Early Education Youth Opportunity' initiatives are:Place-based Initiative at JFK Elementary School in Jamesburg NJUnited Way of Central Jersey leads John F. Kennedy Elementary School's Early Childhood Council's long-term strategy to address the early education and development needs of preschool students and their families. Our Family Advocate stationed at JFK has an active caseload of over 60 families with a wide range of education, child development, health, immigration, nutrition, and financial hurdles. The Family Advocate also facilitated parent workshops, ESL classes, and community events. UWCJ also supported an in-school food pantry and a holiday food distribution. Jamesburg JFK School families also received FEMA-funded grocery gift cards. Summer STREAM Stars at JFK ElementaryUWCJ received Community Project funding for a summer STREAM program for preschool and kindergarten students at JFK identified by their teachers in need of additional support to increase academic success. Students attended a half-day program of instruction in science, math, technology, engineering and the arts and reading.Students were eligible to take part in a summer afterschool program, and their parents participated in UWCJ-facilitated workshops. The learning continued at home with toolkits and home libraries that were shared with parents. The program continued into the school year with STREAM modules incorporated into an enhanced science curriculum. In 2024, 90 preschool and kindergarten students took part in the summer program. All participants received school-ready backpacks and take-home libraries.Abriendo Puertas/Opening DoorsAbriendo Puertas (Opening Doors) is a 10-session, evidence-based series, for Latino parents with children ages 0-5 that prepares parents to be effective advocates for their child when engaging with the educational, medical and social service systems. One workshop series was held in June with 8 graduates. 9827 9827 UWCJ is committed to ensuring that families with children ages 0-5 living within our community receive resources and support enabling all to thrive: financially, educationally, and in good health; which impacts the life trajectory of the children. We offer programs and services supplementing our 13 core programs as follows: Back-to-School Supplies - In 2024, UWCJ provided 420 backpacks filled with grade-targeted school supplies to Middlesex County schools that requested supplies for students living in income-challenged households. Supplies were donated by generous area corporations and businesses and stuffed by UWCJ and corporate volunteers. Gifts of the Season - This program provides end of the year holiday gifts to families participating in UWCJ direct services as well as clients enrolled with our non-profit community partners' programs. Gifts are purchased by 23 of our generous corporate partners as well as members of the general public based upon the wish list of the children, provided by their parents. In 2024, this program provided gifts to 608 children. UWCJ Women United A volunteer-driven organization, UWCJ Women United, hosted their annual nonpartisan 'Legislative Breakfast' in 2024, at which local and state government officials presented information to 100+ participants from local community nonprofit agencies. Facilities and Other Services to local Non-profit Organizations In addition to offering free meeting space to local community-partner nonprofit organizations, UWCJ continues to provide technical assistance and other in-kind services to local nonprofit organizations. 9827 9827 3152812 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 17 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 16 16 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 NJ X X UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL JERSEY 7322473727 32 FORD AVE MILLTOWN NJ 08850 AINSWORTH KIFFIN TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 CARMEN F MAIETTA TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 CHARKO PATTERSON TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 CHRIS VAN DER STAD TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 GARY KARLIN TREASURER 3.00 X X 0 0 0 LAUREN GOKHALE TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 LAWRENCE P O'CONNELL CHIEF VOLUNTEER OFFICER 3.00 X X 0 0 0 LEE F LIVINGSTON FIRST VICE CHAIR 3.00 X X 0 0 0 MAURICE WILLIAMS TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 MURIEL GRIMMETT TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 REV DR MICHAEL WILKERSON LEACH TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 SHARLETTA EVERETT TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 SOL HECKELMAN VICE CHAIR, COMMUNITY INVESTMENT 3.00 X X 0 0 0 STU SCHWARTZ TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 THOMAS S McDONOUGH TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 GISELLE MUDGE TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 ELIZABETH E HANCE VP OF FINANCE (CFO) 45.00 X 104198 0 10656 GLORIA AFTANSKI PRESIDENT, CPO 45.00 X 168000 0 22018 272198 0 32674 2 0 1 0 VNA Health Group 3600 NJ-66 Neptune NJ 07753 Contract services under UWCJ-funded and 1246991 1 2929544 104341 2929544 COMMUNITY PROGRAM INCOME 624200 151349 151349 151349 186714 186714 3279000 3280014 -1014 -1014 -1014 MISCELLANEOUS 900099 14669 14669 14669 3281262 166018 0 185700 106249 106249 146150 146150 303770 255611 24465 23694 678710 572189 53583 52938 24108 20003 2225 1880 72906 60491 6728 5687 78215 64897 7217 6101 82 42 1 39 27999 14274 260 13465 2124 2124 169583 86452 1577 81554 7019 605 75 6339 77606 69807 5191 2608 45177 35412 7315 2450 22278 18811 1535 1932 8048 6488 1526 34 28597 24307 2860 1430 79900 59147 10621 10132 39205 33865 3560 1780 COMMUNITY PROGRAM EXPEN 1536551 1518879 17672 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE 46646 43212 365 3069 22612 15921 4411 2280 3523535 3152812 153311 217412 159544 58238 3485188 2342165 91860 445351 50278 61321 2439589 1711985 807504 727604 1914530 2945354 293085 512896 6801989 7092929 170320 302745 266109 108044 37511 282351 473940 693140 X 4694868 5043342 1633181 1356447 6328049 6399789 6801989 7092929 -242273 314013 0 X X 0 1 X 1 1 1 X 1835859 1679239 2632562 3042584 2929544 12119788 1835859 1679239 2632562 3042584 2929544 12119788 4335774 7784014 41365 41082 52734 187481 186714 509376 35166 30033 25383 13237 14670 118489 12747653 2940872 0.61060 0.51560 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 40000 40000 2227218 1541991 685227 172371 169994 2377 727604 Investments - Beneficial Interest in Perpetual Trust 289199 accrued interest 10635 Right-of-use asset 204225 Security Deposits 8837 512896 Allocations Payable 31936 Designations Payable 12894 Refundable advances 19252 Operating lease liability 218269 282351 X 3601122 314013 17798 331811 3269311 2124 9827 11951 3281262 3529382 17798 17798 3511584 2124 9827 11951 3523535 Part X, Line 2: MANAGEMENT HAS REVIEWED THE TAX POSITIONS FOR EACH OF THE OPEN TAX YEARS (2021-2023) OR EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN IN UNITED WAY'S 2024 TAX RETURN AND HAS CONCLUDED THAT THERE ARE NO SIGNIFICANT UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS THAT WOULD REQUIRE RECOGNITION IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Part XI, Line 4b - Other Adjustments: Donor Designated Contributions 9,827. Part XII, Line 4b - Other Adjustments: Donor Designated Contributions 9,827. 1 NJ 2-1-1 Partnership 16 Wing Drive Cedar knolls NJ 07927 371446108 501(C)(3) 31122 0 24/7/365 Information & Referral Hotline. CLASSIS OF NEW BRUNSWICK CDCDIRE 100 College Avene New Brunswick NJ 08901 452053473 501(C)(3) 65000 0 D.I.R.E. Program/Immigrant services. 2 0 ARP/Covid Gift Cards for FORMULA purchases, FEMA Gift Cards for FOOD 462 146150 Part I, Line 2: At a minimum, agencies provide semi-annual detailed financial and program reports; more frequent reports may be required when indicated. Site visits occur on a selected basis. X X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 GLORIA AFTANSKI PRESIDENT, CPO 168000 0 0 0 0 0 8400 0 13618 0 190018 0 0 0 X Clothing/Toys - Holiday Gifts 0 89605 FMV X School supplies 0 14737 FMV 0 0 0 Form 990, Part III, line 2 In April 2024, United Way of Central Jersey established a 'Family Financial Opportunity Center' (FFOC). The FFOC, located in Perth Amboy NJ, helps Middlesex County NJ residents with employment counseling, income support, and financial coaching. Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 6 The members of the Corporation shall be agency, individual and honorary. Agency Membership: Any non-profit agency given tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Codes that has a written membership agreement with the Corporation shall be an agency member of the Corporation. Individual Membership: Any contributor to the United Way and person residing or employed in the area served by the Corporation giving voluntary service through the Corporation shall be an individual member for the year which such contribution is made or such voluntary service is rendered. Honorary and Ex-Officio Membership: Honorary membership in the Corporation may be conferred upon any person or persons by the Board of Trustees in recognition of outstanding and unselfish service to the public welfare. Ex-Officio voting membership shall be extended for life to all of the Board of Trustees' previous Chief Volunteer Officers, including those previously titled as President. The General Assembly shall consist of members of the Corporation as defined herein. The powers and duties of the General Assembly shall be: a) To elect annually the members of the Board of Trustees and Officers of the Corporation, b) To receive reports at its meetings and have the right to require special reports from the Board of Trustees and any division, department or committee of the Corporation, c)To delegate to the Board of Trustees such duties as it deems advisable, consistent with the Corporation's By-Laws and d) To enact, amend, modify, change or alter the By-Laws and/or Certificate of Incorporation pursuant to law at any regular meeting or at any special meeting call for that purpose. Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 7a Trustees and Officers of the Corporation are elected by the Members at the Annual Meeting. Form 990, Part VI, Section A, line 7b Trustees and Officers of the Corporation are elected by the Members at the Annual Meeting. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 11b Form 990 is reviewed by the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees prior to filing with the IRS. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 12c United Way of Central Jersey adheres to United Way Worldwide's 'CODE OF ETHICS' for Staff and Volunteers. The Policy includes provisions for full and fair disclosure. Board and Staff members annually confirm their review and compliance with the Code-of-Ethics Policy. UWCJ practice requires Board and professional staff to disclose potential conflicts and/or the potential appearance of conflict, and recuse themselves from discussion and vote on any such matters. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, line 15 Each member of the United Way of Central Jersey staff receives an annual performance review prepared by Supervisory Staff, approved by the President/CPO, and provided to the Officers of the Board who constitute the Personnel Committee. The President/CPO prepares salary adjustment recommendations which are shared with the CVO for guidance and input prior to submission of such recommendations to the Personnel Committee. The President's Performance Review is conducted by the Board Chair/CVO, and reviewed by the Personnel Committee. The President/CPO and other Officers and Key Employee's compensation, including benefits,are reviewed and approved by the Personnel Committee. Such review includes reliance on appropriate comparability data in regards to the compensation amount(s). Documentation pertaining to the annual salary review is retained on file. Form 990, Part VI, Section C, line 18 United Way of Central Jersey provides copies of the Form 990 report upon written request. The public version of the most current Form 990 report is available via the United Way of Central Jersey's website, WWW.UWCJ.ORG. Form 990, Part VI, Section C, line 19 United Way of Central Jersey makes these documents available to the public upon written request. Links to the United Way of Central Jersey's public documents are available on the Website, WWW.UWCJ.ORG. PART XI, LINE 2C United Way of Central Jersey's Finance Committee selects, and provides oversight over, the independent accounting firm that conducts the annual independent audit. Between audits, the Finance Committee receives and reviews monthly financial reports. At the conclusion of the annual independent audit, the Finance Committee meets with representatives of the independent accounting firm to review the audit results and management comments (if any). The Finance Committee presents the Audited financials to the full Board for review and acceptance. Schedule A, Part I Schedule A, Part I, REASON FOR PUBLIC CHARITY STATUS: Based on 'Accountability and Membership Standards' guidance received from United Way Worldwide, the leadership and support organization for the network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways, the United Way of Central Jersey concludes its' Reason for Public Charity Status' is that of a 'Public Charity as defined by IRS code Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) and 509(a)(1)'.