United Way of Central Jersey Launches "Little Hands, Big Futures"

United Way of Central Jersey Launches a Program for Low-Income Parents with Young Children

The United Way of Central Jersey (UWCJ) launched the Middlesex County Alliance for Child and Family Success “Little Hands, Big Futures” initiative, a network of high-quality service providers offering complete, integrated care management for under-resourced families with young children ages 0-5, at a meeting this week.

Parents and caregivers who need services for their children ages 0-5 can call the UWCJ Community Resource Line, 732-724-5437 (KIDS) where a bilingual Care Manager will conduct a confidential assessment and provide a menu of services based on the family’s unique situation. From there, the Care Manager will make referrals and connect the caller to services, including child care, developmental screenings, housing resources, medical care, immigration/citizenship assistance, counseling, food assistance and much more. The Care Manager offers guidance, helps families navigate services and follows up to ensure that all of their needs are met.

Alliance member organizations are completely immersed in their communities, and experienced in serving those communities’ needs,” said Gloria Aftanski, President and Chief Professional Officer of UWCJ. ”We are truly working together achieve successful outcomes for families with the greatest need. And, parent voice is incorporated into all aspects of planning and service delivery.” Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex), who spoke at the meeting, noted that the Little Hands, Big Futures “family and child success plan … is continually monitored to ensure ultimate success … empowers parents and their children and ensures generational success.”

Parents and guardians of children ages 0-5 in need of services can call 732-724-5437 (KIDS) to connect with a UWCJ Care Manager for a confidential assessment. For more information, visit www.uwcj.org/lhbf.