TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER FROM CEO
As we reflect on the past few weeks, my heart is full of gratitude. In October, we gathered with longtime supporters, community partners, volunteers, and new friends to celebrate a remarkable milestone United Way of Hunterdon County’s 40th Anniversary.
It was a night to remember. Together, we honored four decades of impact, celebrated the individuals and organizations who have walked alongside us, and looked ahead to the future we’re building together. From our incredible sponsors to the volunteers who helped bring the event to life, we are deeply thankful for the role each of you plays in strengthening our community.
But our work doesn’t end with a celebration. As we enter the season of giving, your involvement matters more than ever. Every volunteer shift, every donation, and every shared story helps fuel programs that support thousands of local families.
There are many ways to get involved this season:
Volunteer for our annual Holiday Hands program, helping make the holidays brighter for neighbors in need. Give a gift to support essential programs year-round. Spread the word by sharing our mission with friends, family, and colleagues.
This community has accomplished so much in 40 years—and together, we can do even more in the next 40. Thank you for standing with us, for giving your time, talent, and resources, and for believing in a stronger Hunterdon County for all.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Thompson Chief Executive Officer United Way of Hunterdon County
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT
Our 40th Anniversary Celebration on October 8th was a night filled with joy, gratitude, and community spirit. We were honored to celebrate this milestone alongside so many friends, partners, and supporters who make our work possible. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors for helping us create such a memorable evening and for standing with us as we look ahead to the next 40 years of impact.
BUILDING CONNECTION
This year, United Way of Hunterdon County took our St level transforming it from a back-to-school backpack p movement supporting the whole child and family. What began as providing much needed school supplies expanded into community fairs where families connected directly with local partners offering health screenings, financial resources, and wellness supports. Together, we helped ensure that every child walked into the new school year not just with supplies but with confidence, connection, and care.
YOUTH IMPACT
In 2025, United Way of Hunterdon County made history—training the very first coaches in our county in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Through our United in Play initiative, we’re equipping local coaches with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health needs in young athletes. Thanks to support from DICK’S Sporting Goods, Walden University and QuickChek, this work is setting the standard for what youth sports can and should be: places that build resilience, community, and connection. What started here in Hunterdon is now shaping a national model for how we care for the whole child mind and body.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
This year, we are thrilled to recognize Audrey Zudick as our Volunteer of the Year. Audrey has been a cornerstone of United Way of Hunterdon County for years, dedicating countless hours to nearly every program we offer from Holiday Hands and Start School Strong to the VITA free tax preparation program. Her unwavering commitment, kindness, and can-do spirit reflect the very best of what it means to live united.
Audrey shows up where she’s needed most whether that means organizing donations, greeting families with a smile, or mentoring new volunteers. Her quiet leadership and deep compassion have touched hundreds of lives and strengthened the very fabric of our community. Audrey reminds us that one person’s steady dedication can spark lasting change and we couldn’t be prouder to honor her this year.
MEET OUR CHANGEMAKERS
In 2025, United Way of Hunterdon County celebrated a new wave of changemakers who are strengthening our community from every angle. From Ed Mahn, our Community Cornerstone Honoree, and Averie Hason, our Community Catalyst, to George Mercado, Legacy of Youth Honoree, and Sweet Valley Farms and the Del Val Jr. Terriers, our Game Changers for Good each embodies what it means to live united. These new faces and partnerships remind us that when neighbors, businesses, and youth leaders come together, we don’t just build programs we build community.
HELPHUNTERDONCOUNTY NEIGHBORSCELEBRATEWITH DIGNITY,JOY,ANDHOPE.
As the holidays approach, we’re proud to launch Holiday Hands a cherished United Way of Hunterdon County program that helps thousands of adults, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities celebrate the season. Each year, more than 1,700 local families receive support so our neighbors most in need can feel the true spirit of giving.
BE THE REASON THE SEASON SHINES:
VOLUNTEER
Holiday Hands depends on volunteers of all ages and backgrounds—students, retirees, families, youth groups, and company teams to make the magic happen. Shifts are available in October, November, and December.
Volunteer roles include:
Greeting clients and assisting with applications
Processing forms and data entry
Scheduling appointments and translating applications
Shopping registries and organizing our Holiday Hands store
Guiding clients during gift pick-up
Decorating the store at the Volunteer Center
How to sign up: Scan the QR code or visit our website to choose your shift. Bring a friend, a colleague, or your whole team!
GIVEWHATMATTERS: DONATE
Your generosity fuels Holiday Hands from start to finish.
Make a gift: Monetary donations stretch the farthest, ensuring every family’s needs are met.
Grocery Gift cards: We aim to give every family a grocery card to offset the cost of food over the holidays.
In-kind support: New, unwrapped items most requested by families (details on our website).
Every dollar and every donated item turns into dignity, joy, and relief for a neighbor right here in Hunterdon County.
AMPLIFY YOUR IMPACT:
SPONSOR
Organizations can make an outsized difference while engaging their teams in meaningful service.
Sponsorship benefits include:
Curated volunteer opportunities and preferred time slots
Logo placement on our website as a key supporter
Acknowledgment on social media, in our weekly enewsletter, and annual impact report
Press release recognition
Spotlight features highlighting your team’s volunteer contributions
Interested? We’ll tailor a sponsorship that aligns with your company’s community goals. Together, we make the holidays brighter—for everyone.
Join us as a volunteer, donor, or sponsor.
Volunteer Contact: Laura Hernandez at laura@uwhunterdon org
Donor/Sponsor Contact: Helen French at helen@uwhunterdon.org
PARTNER SPOTL
We’re proud to highlight Financial Resources Federal Credit Union as this month’s Partner Spotlight! Their generous support helps United Way of Hunterdon County continue empowering local families and strengthening our community. As President & CEO Frank Almeida shared, “We are proud to support the important work and lasting impact of the United Way of Hunterdon County. At a time when resources are increasingly limited and community needs continue to grow, organizations like United Way play a vital role in strengthening the fabric of our communities. We value our partnership and share in their commitment to helping our neighbors build brighter, more resilient lives.”
THEVISION
At United Way of Hunterdon County, our vision is simple but powerful: create lasting change by working together. Transformational work happens when organizations, companies, and neighbors align around a shared purpose helping families live better, healthier, more stable lives. Our partnerships aren’t transactional; they’re transformational. Every collaboration— whether expanding mental-health access, supporting ALICE households, or creating youth opportunity moves Hunterdon from good to game-changing.
Here’s the bottom line: no one can do it all, but when each of us does a little, we accomplish a lot. Every volunteer hour, sponsorship, and act of generosity compounds into real outcomes. Ready to partner in change? Contact Helen French at helen@uwhunterdon.org.
EMPOWERINGOURCOMMUNITY ONETAXRETURNATATIME
Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is making a powerful impact right here in Hunterdon County!
In 2025, 70 dedicated volunteers helped file 1,695 tax returns, bringing back over $1.8 million in refunds to local residents Across our regional United Way affiliates, volunteers prepared more than 10,000 tax returns, securing $12 5 million in refunds for hardworking neighbors many of whom are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households
These refunds often cover critical expenses like rent, utilities, food, transportation, and child care making a direct difference in the stability and well-being of local families
Volunteers are the heart of VITA Their dedication ensures our neighbors receive every dollar they deserve, while navigating the often complicated tax filing process with dignity and support
We’re now recruiting volunteers for the 2026 tax season!
Whether you have tax experience or simply a willingness to learn, we’ll provide training and support so you can make a tangible impact.
VITA VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE
CHILD
For many families in Hunterdon County, the joy of youth sports is out of reach not because of interest or ability, but because of cost.
United in Play breaks down those financial barriers, making youth sports more accessible and inclusive for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. Through partnerships with trusted local leagues, we cover registration fees, equipment costs, and more—ensuring every child has the chance to get in the game.
But we go beyond the field. United in Play also equips coaches with tools to support kids’ mental health needs, creating a positive, inclusive environment where every child can grow —not just as an athlete, but as a whole person.
YOURGIFTGETSKIDSINTHEGAME
It can cost up to $800 to get a child on the field. For ALICE families, that often means sports are simply not an option. Your donation changes that. Every dollar helps cover the costs of participation, gear, and mental health supports —so no child is left on the sidelines.
SHOP FOR GOOD THIS NOVEMBER AT STOP & SHOP
We’re excited to share that United Way of Hunterdon County has been selected as a nonprofit partner in the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program for November 2025!
Throughout the entire month, when you purchase a $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop located at 334 State Route 31 in Flemington, $1 will be donated directly to United Way of Hunterdon County.
This simple act of shopping with purpose helps us continue our mission to support families, strengthen our community, and create lasting change here in Hunterdon County. By choosing a reusable Community Bag, you’re not only helping the environment you’re also making a meaningful impact right here at home.
Program Dates: November 1–30, 2025
Participating Store: Stop & Shop, 334 State Route 31, Flemington, NJ
Your everyday purchases can make a real difference. Pick up a Community Bag during your next grocery run and join us in supporting a stronger, more sustainable community for all.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nonprofit CEO Roundtable
November 18th | 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Advocacy in Action
November 21st | 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Coffee & Chat with the CEO
November 25th | 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
VITA Volunteer Orientation
December 3rd | 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
VITA Volunteer Orientation
December 3rd | 5:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
HBA Community Gives Back
December 5th | 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Alternative Treatment - Medical Cannabis and its Benefits
December 9th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
To register visit: uwhunterdon.org/events
MAKE SPIRITS BRIGHT WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Advertise With Us
Place an ad on our website, newsletter, or social media and showcase your business while supporting community impact.
Donate / Give Monthly
Your generosity helps United Way bridge the gaps for ALICE families right here in Hunterdon.
Volunteer Opportunities
Give your time and talents to projects that make a real difference in our neighborhoods.
Corporate Sponsorships & Group Projects
Engage your company or team in meaningful service opportunities that strengthen community ties.
Giving Tuesday
Participate in Giving Tuesday, the global generosity movement. Check our social media or watch for an email about how to get involved
Advocate
Spread awareness about ALICE, United in Play, and other initiatives making change across Hunterdon County.
