TOWNSHIP OF HILLSIDE, N.J. - When you’re a new mother, checking off the baby gear list can feel overwhelming and the number of items can add up very quickly.
“Laura” was an expectant mother living in Hillside who didn’t know who to turn to for help.
She had been attending leadership workshops at the United Way of Greater Union County Hillside Family Success Center for months. She was close to the end of her pregnancy, but could not afford to purchase a car seat or other items necessary for a newborn baby.
She called the staff at the family success for help.
The staff quickly got to work. They had “Laura” fill out a Flex Fund application. The money from a Flex Fund account helps vulnerable, at-risk families with children who are facing a crisis.
With the flex funds, “Laura” was able to purchase a car seat. At the success center, she was able to get diapers, baby clothes, formula and so much more.
She delivered her baby that week with the peace of mind that she had everything she needed to bring her newborn home.
The Hillside Family Success Center is a community-based gathering place where residents can go for family support, information, and services. The resources focus on self-empowerment, compassion, and self-determination for individuals and families. The Hillside Family Success Center is jointly funded by United Way of Greater Union County and the Union County Board of Chosen Commissioners.
UWGUC has four family success centers and 40 nonprofit partners that support early education programs, after-school initiatives, emergency food and shelter for families in crisis, homeless intervention services, support services for adults with disabilities, workforce development services, and much more.