2025 Impact Report by uwhunterdon

2025 IMPACT REPORT

UNITED WAY Hunterdon County

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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WELCOME LETTER

PROGRAM IMPACT

WHO IS ALICE

VOLUNTEER IMPACT

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

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YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

COMMUNITY REILIENCY

FINANCIAL SECURITY

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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BIG 40 RECAP

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

LET’S CONTINUE TO BE THE GENERATION THAT INVESTS IN SOLUTIONS, CHAMPIONS EQUITY, AND BELIEVES IN THE POWER OF “WE.” - Jennifer Thompson, MSW, Chief Executive Officer

A Letter From CEO Jennifer Thompson and Boar chair, John Chieffo In 2025, United Way of Hunterdon County demonstrated what’s possible when a community leads with care. Because of your support, we were able to respond to real and urgent needs—advancing health, youth opportunity, financial security, and resilience through practical resources and strong, trusted partnerships. This report reflects the lived experiences of our neighbors and the local solutions we are building together. Thank you for believing in a Hunterdon County where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. With gratitude and anticipation, Jennifer Thompson, MSW, Chief Executive Officer John Chieffo, Board Chair board members

our team

John Chieffo, Board Chair Audrey Levine Blumberg, TAPinto Alexis Bush, Lyons & Associates, P.C. Joseph Gunnet William Hamilton, Secretary Christopher McDaniel, Chair of Facilities; First Bank Jesse McManus, ExxonMobil Kenneth O'Gorman, Treasurer John Rice, Chair of Governance; PX Consulting Ken Sanchez, Chair of Resource Development Amelia Weeder Michael Wellons, Chair of CRISP Jennifer Thompson, MSW, CEO - Ex-Officio

Jennifer Thompson, MSW, Chief Executive Officer Laura Hernandez, Manager, Youth Programs Helen French, Director of Advancement & Philanthropy Gabriela Bonnavent, Manager, Health Programs

supported by

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NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS FOR OVER 40 YEARS Our Impact: Building a Stronger, Healthier Hunterdon County The United Way of Hunterdon County mobilizes the community to promote health, youth opportunity, and financial security Healthy Community We collaborate with local organizations to enhance access to nutritious food and healthcare. We support older adults and individuals with disabilities through NJ Saves for essential expense savings. We create mental health initiatives, including free therapy via BetterHelp. We partner to bring mobile medical and dental services to the community, to ensure children receive necessary nutrition and screenings. Community Resiliency We strengthen community networks through partnerships, ensuring preparedness and support for all residents.

Youth Opportunity We connect youth with resources and supportive adults, helping them thrive. We build programs like Start School Strong that eliminate barriers to education and health. We equip the community with early learning tools through Born Learning. We distribute essential hygiene products with our Hygiene Connection Program, while United in Play promotes youth mental health through sports.

Financial Security We advance financial stability with VITA, offering free tax preparation for over 1,700 residents annually. We support financial empowerment initiatives for generational wealth and stable careers.

UNITED WAY

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Hunterdon County

ALICE IN HUNTERDON COUNTY Our Neighbors, Our Community

In Hunterdon County, 26% of households are ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE is us. They are our neighbors, friends, parents, and coworkers—hardworking individuals and families who make meaningful contributions to our community but struggle to make ends meet. From the county seat of Flemington to the most rural corners of Hunterdon, ALICE is woven into the fabric of daily life. They are childcare providers, healthcare workers, firefighters, farmers, bus drivers, and shopkeepers. They support our community’s infrastructure, often while balancing difficult financial trade-offs like which bills to pay or which prescriptions to fill.

WHY ALICE MATTERS ALICE is not invisible—they are the people who make our community thrive. They are the caregivers, educators, and essential workers who keep Hunterdon strong. Yet, despite working hard, ALICE families often fall short of covering basic needs. While safety net supports exist, gaps remain. That’s where United Way steps in—helping to bridge those gaps and ensure ALICE can thrive right here at home. The message is clear: ALICE is us.

And when ALICE succeeds, Hunterdon County succeeds.

ALICE OVER 65 A significant portion—44%—of Hunterdon’s ALICE population is over the age of 65. These are seniors aging in place, new retirees, and loved ones now living on fixed incomes. They are the parents and grandparents who built our community, yet they face tough financial realities in their later years.

ALICE FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN These are the parents you see at school pickup and on playdates—young families planting roots in our towns, working hard to create stability for their children.

ALICE IS DIVERSE

ALICE reflects the full diversity of our county. They live on Main Street and in farming communities. They are of different races, backgrounds, and faiths, yet share the common challenge of making ends meet in a county with a high cost of living. UNITED WAY Hunterdon County

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WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS In 2025, volunteers powered programs across Hunterdon County, showing up consistently, serving with care, and strengthening the vital connections that keep our community strong. Our volunteers contributed over 7,911 volunteer hours and generated nearly $280,000 in community support value. Their time, energy, and compassion helped expand the reach of critical services and ensured neighbors in need felt supported and seen. We are deeply grateful to every volunteer who stepped forward this year— your dedication continues to make meaningful impact possible across Hunterdon County.

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UNITED WAY Hunterdon County

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT United Way of Hunterdon County is proud to recognize ExxonMobil for their continued commitment to strengthening our community.

A YEAR-ROUND PARTNER IN CREATING CHANGE As a year-round partner in creating change, ExxonMobil provides critical financial support that sustains our programs, a steadfast commitment to corporate philanthropy, and hands-on volunteerism that brings their employees into the heart of our work. Each year, ExxonMobil team members also show up in a big way during their Annual Week of Caring, dedicating their time and energy to spreading kindness throughout Hunterdon County. From supporting local initiatives to rolling up their sleeves where help is needed most, their employees embody what it means to give back. Whether it’s helping at community events, supporting emergency needs, or championing education, ExxonMobil is a partner we can count on.

UNITED WAY Hunterdon County

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HEALTHY COMMUNITIES U.S. News & World Report ranked Hunterdon County the 4th best community in the nation for health outcomes. Programs like ours help keep our community strong—by connecting families to care, coverage, and support.

Why This Matters Programs like ours help keep our community strong by connecting families to care, coverage, and support — especially during times when everyday essentials and mental health resources can feel out of reach. Through initiatives like Hygiene Connection, we ensure individuals and families have access to critical personal care items such as diapers, wipes, and basic toiletries so they can maintain health and dignity. And through our first in the nation partnership with BetterHelp, we are expanding access to mental health support, helping community members connect with professional counseling when and where they need it most. Together, these efforts address immediate needs while strengthening the overall health and stability of Hunterdon County families. Page 8

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“I want to say thank you again for the information, and also I got an email of 3 months of free therapy. I cried tears of joy… this is a blessing.”

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- UWHC client

UNITED WAY Hunterdon County

RESPONDING TO OUR COMMUNITIES OVER 1,000 PHONE CALLS AND REFERRALS IN 2025 Cover All Kids Throughout the year we helped Hunterdon County children enroll in health coverage through New Jersey’s Cover All Kids initiative, ensuring more families have access to the care they need. In partnership with Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield, this work continues to remove barriers and expand coverage for eligible children across Hunterdon County.

Mental health matters Technology can sometimes get a bad reputation, but it is also being used in powerful, transformative ways. At a workshop at Flemington DIY, local youth explored virtual reality tools designed to support positive mental health, selfexpression, and mindfulness. Participants practiced exercises such as box breathing and meditation, created and painted in VR, and experienced moments to relax and recenter. This initiative reflects our commitment to meeting kids where they are using engaging, relevant tools that resonate with today’s youth.

UNITED WAY Hunterdon County

“United Way of Hunterdon County plays a critical role in strengthening the community by addressing essential needs such as food security, financial stability, education, and access to resources. Horizon NJ Health is proud to partner in this work through community outreach, resource events, and health education efforts that expand access to care and supportive services.” - Elvin Santiago, Community Events Lead for Government Programs

“Peter* attended one of our enrollment clinics with his son, who had a severe neurological disease. We helped him apply to Cover All Kids and his son was able to have successful brain surgery. *name changed

Marie*, a ten-year old girl from Flemington, suffered from untreated asthma for years. It disrupted her school work, her home life and play time. Her mother was desperate for answers. By helping her enroll Marie with medical coverage her asthma was finally brought under control. The mother brought Marie to the Volunteer Center to say thank you. It was wonderful to see a smiling, happy little girl. *name changed

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RESPONDING TO OUR COMMUNITIES OVER 1,000 PHONE CALLS AND REFERRALS IN 2025

BetterHelp

Referrals Program - First in the nation! Through our partnership with BetterHelp, community members were connected to free, professional counseling services — expanding access to timely, confidential mental health support when it is needed most. This collaboration helps remove common barriers to care, including cost, stigma, and long wait times, by providing flexible virtual access to licensed therapists. By meeting individuals where they are and offering discreet, convenient support, this partnership strengthens emotional well-being across our community and ensures more residents have a trusted pathway to the help they deserve.

Hygiene Connection Through our Hygiene Connection initiative — one of United Way of Hunterdon County’s most vital direct-impact programs — we distributed 47,067 essential hygiene items in 2025, representing $21,029 in critical support for local families. These everyday necessities, including diapers, wipes, and personal care products, are often not covered by traditional assistance programs but are fundamental to health, dignity, and stability. By helping families access these basic essentials, Hygiene Connection reduces financial strain, supports working households, and ensures children and caregivers alike can show up each day with confidence and care.

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UNITED WAY Hunterdon County

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES Helping kids start strong—and stay supported

Every child deserves the chance to learn, play, and grow in an environment that supports their full potential. Through our Youth Opportunities work, we walk alongside families to help remove barriers and open doors—so kids across Hunterdon County can build confidence, stay connected, and thrive both in and out of the classroom. From early learning moments to the power of play, our programs are designed to support the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. This includes the Born Learning Trail at our Volunteer Center, where everyday walks and playtime become meaningful opportunities for early learning and caregiver connection; Start School Strong, which helps children head into the school year prepared and confident; and United in Play, which brings youth mental wellness into sports and recreation spaces where kids feel safe to be themselves. Together, these efforts help ensure that every child has the support they need not just to start strong—but to keep going strong.

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COMMUNITY RESILIENCY

Building stronger organizations and stronger neighbors At United Way of Hunterdon County, community resiliency starts with strong leadership and well-supported organizations. By investing in the people who guide our local nonprofits, we help ensure that essential services remain stable, responsive, and ready to meet emerging needs. Our Nonprofit Board Training programs equip board members with the governance knowledge, financial oversight skills, and strategic perspective needed to lead with confidence. By empowering volunteer leaders to better understand their roles and responsibilities, we help organizations operate more effectively and sustainably— ultimately increasing their impact across the community. Through our CEO Roundtables, nonprofit executives come together in a trusted peer environment to share challenges, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions. These conversations foster connection, reduce leadership isolation, and spark innovative approaches to complex community issues. When leaders are supported, their organizations—and the neighbors they serve—are stronger. We also provide scholarships to ensure that cost is never a barrier to professional development. By expanding access to training and leadership opportunities, United Way is helping build a more equitable and resilient nonprofit sector—one that is prepared to adapt, grow, and continue serving Hunterdon County families for years to come. The Latino Coalition is a community-driven initiative led by United Way of Hunterdon County that brings together local leaders to strengthen access, opportunity, and belonging for Latino and immgrant families. By elevating community voices and coordinating cross-sector partnerships, the Latino Coalition fills critical gaps, reduces stigma, and ensures Latino families—many of whom are part of the ALICE population— have equitable pathways to stability and long-term success.

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FINANCIAL SECURITY

Creating a Stronger Financial Future For Every Generation Hunterdon County is home to tremendous opportunity—but also significant wealth disparity. United Way of Hunterdon County is committed to closing these gaps by helping neighbors access the refunds, benefits, and financial tools they have earned. By putting money back into household budgets and connecting residents to critical supports, our Financial Security work strengthens both families and the broader local economy. One of the most powerful ways we do this is through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). With the help of 70 IRS-trained volunteers, we served over 1,700 residents this year, securing an impressive $1.8 million in tax refunds. These refunds are more than numbers on a page—they represent groceries on the table, rent paid on time, and breathing room for families working hard to stay financially stable. Most importantly, this is money that stays right here in our community. We also expanded access to vital public benefits through NJSave, in partnership with the New Jersey Division of Aging Services. United Way supported 70 applications, helping low-income older adults and people with disabilities unlock meaningful savings on healthcare, prescriptions, and other essential expenses. Together, these efforts ensure more Hunterdon County residents have the financial foundation they need not just to get by—but to move forward with confidence and stability.

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PROGRAMS

BORN LEARNING

sponsored by: Learning is taking its first steps in Hunterdon with the launch of Born Learning, made possible through the generous support of ExxonMobil. United Way of Hunterdon County was proud to welcome our partners from ExxonMobil, Flemington Councilman Tony Parker, and local families to celebrate the opening of the Born Learning trail at our Volunteer Center. This interactive experience empowers caregivers to turn everyday outings—walks, errands, and playtime—into meaningful opportunities for early learning and connection.

START SCHOOL STRONG Our 2025 Program served 300+ families across Hunterdon County Through community resource fairs in Milford, Clinton, Lambertville, and Flemington, families received filled backpacks and support applying for free/reduced lunch—helping kids start the school year ready. “Thanks to the efforts of United Way of Hunterdon County and the Start School Strong events, students were able to start the school year on the right foot. We saw an increase in free and reduced lunch applications before the school year began, meaning more families were already approved when school started. This helped prevent families from forgetting to apply, reduced the risk of lunch debt.” -Matti Picchio

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UNITED WAY Hunterdon County

PROGRAMS

VITA VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE

Free Tax Preparation with VITA At United Way of Hunterdon County, we believe financial stability is the foundation for strong families and communities. That’s why we proudly offer free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program—a service available year-round to Hunterdon County residents. Staffed entirely by IRS-trained volunteers, VITA ensures that every neighbor, regardless of income, has access to accurate, trustworthy tax preparation. Each year, this program brings over $1.8 million back into the pockets of local families, strengthening both household budgets and our community’s economy. 2025 VITA Season Highlights This year’s tax season was one of our most impactful yet, with 1,721 tax returns filed. Our dedicated team helped a wide range of clients, including: 70 IRS-trained volunteers 1,700 residents served $1.8 million in tax refunds There were VITA sites in Milford, Clinton, Lambertville, Veteran’s Haven and Frenchtown Mary suffers from anxiety, especially around tax-time where there is the potential to owe the IRS money. This year she came to us to have her taxes filed and left with a $7,000 refund. “You are so patient and thorough and you helped me so much. Thank you.”

The Success VITA is made possible by the incredible commitment of our volunteers. This season, 70 volunteers served as preparers, facilitators, and interpreters— contributing more than 5,433 hours of their time. From training before tax season to long hours during peak filing months, their dedication ensures that families across Hunterdon County can access the resources they need to thrive. UNITED WAY Hunterdon County

Interested in Volunteering? Learn more at: www.uwhunterdon.org/financial-programs

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Pillars of Play Eliminating Financial Barriers Too many families in our ALICE community face obstacles to play due to the cost of registration and equipment. United in Play partners with local recreational programs to eliminate fees and provide gear—ensuring every child has the opportunity to join in.

UNITED IN PLAY LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD FOR LOCAL YOUTH

Supporting Mental Health on & off the Field Coaches are more than just leaders in the game—they are critical to kids’ wellbeing. We train and equip coaches to operate with a trauma-informed lens and give them tools to recognize and respond to mental health challenges.

Mental Health Counseling

At United Way of Hunterdon County, we believe every child deserves the chance to play, grow, and thrive. Sports and play aren’t just fun—they have a proven positive impact on youth mental health. Through United in Play, we’re breaking down barriers to participation and equipping coaches and families with the resources they need to support young people both on and off the field.

With 1 in 5 youth experiencing mental health challenges, accessible therapy is vital. United in Play offers free counseling services for children aged 12+ and their parents, addressing the youth mental health crisis identified by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

United in Play in the news

Evergreen Digital Content

United in Play has been featured in AP News, NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox affiliates across the country. From Los Angeles to Dallas to Miami to Indianapolis, our Hunterdon county-grown program is making national news.

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Learning never stops. We are creating digital content for parents, coaches, and youth focused on nutrition, stretching, distress awareness, and coping skills.