UCC launches Community Needs Assessment to strengthen local services

NEWARK, N.J. – United Community Corporation (UCC) is calling on members of the Greater Newark community to make their voices heard by participating in the agency’s 2024 Community Needs Assessment. As a cornerstone of UCC’s goal to empower and uplift underserved individuals and families, the survey will help identify key community needs, service gaps and emerging opportunities for growth.

The 2024 Community Needs Assessment invites residents and community stakeholders to share their insights on the challenges facing the community. These challenges include access to housing, food security, youth programs, senior services and other vital resources.

By gathering input directly from the community, UCC aims to tailor its programs and partnerships to better address the immediate and long-term needs of the community.

“At UCC, we are dedicated to creating impactful and responsive programs that serve the needs of our community,” said UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor. “The feedback we receive from this assessment will play a crucial role in guiding our services and ensuring we continue to uplift and empower individuals and families across the Greater Newark area.”

The assessment falls in line with the goals of Community Action Agencies (CAA) like UCC to better serve the communities they provide resources and services to. A CAA agency is a nonprofit organization designated to combat poverty and support low-income individuals and families by providing essential services and resources. These agencies were established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.”

Community participation is essential to the success of the initiative. The survey is available online and can be completed in just a few minutes. All responses are confidential, and the data collected will directly influence UCC’s strategic planning and resource allocation for the coming years.

“We encourage everyone in the Greater Newark community to take a few moments to complete the survey,” Mainor said. “Your voice matters, and your insights will help us shape the future of our programs and services.”

To complete the 2024 Community Needs Assessment, visit: UCC 2024 Community Needs Assessment. UCC also asks individuals to share the survey link with other people in their network who live and/or work in the Greater Newark area.

For more information, contact UCC Director of Community Engagement Alena Minatee at alena.minatee@uccnewark.org or info@uccnewark.org.