Celebrating 55 years of service, the United Way of Greater Union County settled into its newest facility this week, with support from the City of Rahway and Wells Fargo.

A grand opening ceremony Sept. 18 celebrated the start to UWGUC’s tenure at the former Elizabethtown Gas Co. Building, which will house administrative offices for the organization as well as a new Success Center powered by Wells Fargo.

A $500,000 philanthropic investment by “Building Hope in Our Community” capital campaign lead sponsor Wells Fargo helped facilitate the move. So too did a unique arrangement with the city, according to the financial institution, under which Rahway offered the facility to UWGUC for $1 a month for the next 20 years.

Community leaders, partners, supporters and volunteers came out Sept. 18 to celebrate UWGUC’s past — and its future. With a capital campaign goal of $1.5 million, the new Success Center has the potential to double the organization’s reach and services, according to UWGUC chair of the board of trustees, Martin Melilli.

Over its history, UWGUC has remained committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good.

Pitching in

In Rahway, the organization’s new location at 219 Central Ave. has also undergone improvements.

Vacant since 2018, REDCOM, Hyde and Watson Foundation, Grassman, Union Foundation, Stilo Disposal, Novo LLC Commercial Flooring, Leebro Plumbing and other sponsors offered support to revive the Elizabethtown Gas building.

“It is truly a feather in downtown Rahway’s cap to attract a premier non-profit brand to downtown Rahway,” Rahway Mayor Raymond Giacobbe Jr. said during the event. “This move increases the availability of services for our residents and will further increase the vibrance and vitality of the northern end of town.”

The onsite Success Center will serve as a community-based resource center that provides a variety of support services aimed at workforce development, health, education and family empowerment for individuals and families of greater Union County, according to Wells Fargo.

“Wells Fargo’s grant is another example of our continued partnership and shared goal to provide resources for thousands of New Jersey families in need,” commented Krissy Moore, senior vice president, Community Relations, Northeast Region. “We are thrilled to be part of the Grand Opening to celebrate this significant milestone in the history of the organization.”

UWGUC President and CEO Julienne Cherry described the event as a “major milestone.”

Over the past 55 years, we have seen the tremendous impact we can achieve when we unite in our mission to create lasting change in our community,” Cherry said.

According to the city, UWGUC’s $1-per-month lease terms are extendable for three additional 10-year terms. Rahway described the agreement as “reciprocal,” enabling the nonprofit to expand services in workforce development, health, education and family empowerment. “Together we will work to continue the revitalization of downtown Rahway and ensure essential resources are accessible to all our residents,” the city said in a statement.

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