ABOut us » From the CEO

Message from John Franklin

Welcome!

United Way of Northern New Jersey is committed to changing people's lives and making a difference in each of the individual communities throughout the northern New Jersey region. Our purpose is to address local problems to improve conditions and make this a better place to live, work, and play for all of our residents.

As a nation, we are facing some very difficult challenges today that seem greater than anything we've seen in our lifetime.  

United Way is more focused than ever on helping the victims of circumstance, the disadvantaged, and the poor — those people who face insurmountable barriers to independence, access to the American dream, good health, a solid education, and a safe environment.  

But our work does not stop there. United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) study shows that nearly one-quarter of households in this region earn more than the poverty rate, but not enough to be self-sufficient. These hard-working members of our community are often forced to choose between keeping a roof over their family’s head and putting food on the table.

Why do you need ALICE in your community? Without ALICE, there is no one to care for your infant or your ailing parent while you go to work. Without ALICE, there is no one to fix your car and your local supermarket has no one to check out your groceries.

Bottom line is that an inclusive, well-rounded community is an economically vibrant community. We also know that the fate of us all is inextricably caught up in the fate of our friends and neighbors who struggle to earn enough to support their family, to provide quality education for their children, and to maintain good health.  We are all connected, interdependent, and united. When we take the time to reach out a hand to help one, we have the opportunity to positively influence the condition of all.

On these Web pages, you will find lots of good information about our work to address critical issues in each of the communities throughout our region. Our focus is on EDUCATION, INCOME, and HEALTH, building blocks for a good life for all our neighbors.

United Way focuses our resources to address the most important needs. One way we do this is by funding stellar programs administered through our partner agencies. Another way is by bringing people together to solve problems creatively and efficiently. United Way's strength is in the ability to build collaborations which allow us to bring more resources to bear on the critical issues of our Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren communities.

With all the great resources at hand in this region — world-class corporations, outstanding public schools, an unparalleled amount of wealth — we have the potential to set an example for the rest of the country. We can lead the way.

Our organization is a place where you can connect and get something done. Check us out, call us up, and come on in to any one of our regional offices. We're ready for you. And we're ready to help you lead the way to change for the better.

When we all work together, when we truly LIVE UNITED, there's nothing we can't accomplish.