UCC, Faith-based Leaders Host 'Community Day' For Newarkers

NEWARK – United Community Corporation (UCC), in partnership with Congregation Ahavas Sholom, Newark’s oldest functioning synagogue, hosted a “We Are Better Together” Community Day event in Newark this week, featuring essential resources and plenty of fun activities for residents.

The event was held Wednesday, July 31, at the Congregation Ahavas Sholom, located at 145 Broadway, Newark. UCC, working with local faith-based and community outreach organizations, aimed to bring the community together by offering various services and activities to engage families.

Attendees were treated to various offerings including a clothing distribution, access to UCC’s free mobile wash laundry trailer, groceries, hot food, and fun games for all ages. The event was made possible by partners Queen Hope NOCII, Mothers Against Senseless Killings and Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church.

"Community Day is a critical initiative that puts the importance of providing essential resources and outreach services to our community into focus," said UCC Director of Community Engagement Alena Minatee. "Our collaboration with Ahavas Sholom and our partners reflects a shared commitment to uplifting Newark residents. This event is more than just service provision; it is about creating unity and a sense of belonging among all community members.”

"This unique partnership between UCC and Ahavas Sholom, Newark's last remaining continuously operating synagogue, provided much-needed services and dignity to those living in Newark's shelters and other community members in need,” said Congregation Ahavas Sholom President Eric Freedman. “Both of our organizations are committed to improving the lives of local Newarkers and bringing the underserved much-needed services. Our partnership on 'Community Day' is about fairness. It is about fully embracing our neighbors, community wide. It is about social justice. It is about repairing the world a little bit at a time.”

In addition to the event’s offerings, attendees were able to access healthcare screenings, Medicaid and Medicare assistance, and more. The event embodied the partnering hosts' shared commitment to empowering and uplifting the Newark community.

Ebony Johnson from Mothers Against Senseless Killings shared, "We believe that compassionate community members working together with the community will create change. Many hands make light work; we all have special gifts and talents to share. Simply be the change we want to see."

While community members could access various resources and services outside the synagogue, inside, a clothing boutique was available to individuals through the efforts of Hope Parker of Queen Hope's NOCII. Parker organized a free clothing store for those in need, servicing attendees throughout the event.

"Queen Hope's NOCII Non-Profit creates fun experiences for people going through rough times in their life,” said Parker. “The goal is to provide goods and services with a touch of positive mental stimulation.”

Alongside the event’s community resources, guests were treated to live entertainment by artist J Read, who played hit songs on the violin, sang, and delighted the audience with a live vocal reading and performance of his book, “Chickadee.”

The “We Are Better Together” Community Day was supported by Wellpoint, the state Department of Community Affairs, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Trust for Public Land, Family Connections, NJ4S Essex, and United by Blue.

For more information, contact United Community Corporation at info@uccnewark.org or call 973-642-0181.