United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties form Merger

United Way of Monmouth County and United Way of Ocean County have merged to create United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The new organization has a combined 30-member Board of Directors and will maintain its two offices in Farmingdale and Toms River. It will jointly serve the residents of both Monmouth and Ocean Counties by partnering with local organizations to build initiatives that address common goals in the areas of education, income and health.

“Separate entities can’t make the same impact as a unified one,” says Jeremy Grunin, new Board Chair of United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Executive Director of The Jay & Linda Grunin Foundation and Vice President of Grunin Holdings. “Together, we’ll continue to make a difference for our communities through initiatives that create lasting change, but we’ll also extend our reach, build broader partnerships and deepen the impact of our efforts for the Jersey Shore.”

Prior to being appointed Board Chair of the combined organization, Grunin served on the board of United Way of Ocean County for the past three years, most recently as an Executive Board member.

“As a unified entity, we are poised to combine our individual strengths and best practices to better serve the residents of Monmouth and Ocean Counties,” adds Timothy C. Hearne, former President and CEO of United Way of Monmouth County and now President and CEO of the new organization. “There is great enthusiasm among our staff and Board members as we come together, and we’re excited to begin this new chapter in our organization’s history.”

Among the first joint initiatives will be the Stuff the Bus drive, which collects essential school supplies for students in needs throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Items will be collected at area stores in the two counties from July 30 through August 14; please visit uwmoc.org/upcoming-events for locations and details. In addition, United Way’s Financial Success Center is now open to Ocean County residents. Part of the Meridian Community Resource Center at the Freehold Raceway Mall, the Financial Success Center provides free resources to help area residents move from financial difficulty to economic well-being; visit uwfinancialsuccess.org for more information about services offered. United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties now also has a combined Volunteer Center, which links local agencies with members of the community who want to volunteer. Interested individuals and nonprofits can visit uwmoc.org/volunteer to register.

For more information about the newly formed United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, please call Timothy C. Hearne at 732.938.5988 ext. 2050 or visit uwmoc.org.

About United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties

United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties is dedicated to improving the lives of people in Monmouth and Ocean Counties by mobilizing the caring power of our community and advancing the common good in education, income and health. The organization partners with area nonprofits, businesses, governments, individuals and volunteers to build initiatives that create lasting change while encouraging others to give, advocate and volunteer for the benefit of our community. To learn more about United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, please visit uwmoc.org.