UNITED WAY UNVEILS RESULTS OF COMMUNITY SURVEY
ESSEX AND HUDSON COUNTY NEEDS & ISSUES REVEALED

Over the past 24 months, the United Way of Essex and West Hudson conducted a Community Needs Assessment in partnership with the Human Services Advisory Council of Essex County. The purpose was to define, influence and measure results - vital to United Way of Essex and West Hudson's mission of improving lives.

The data collected was analyzed, revealing some startling facts. While situated in one of the wealthiest states in the country, Essex and Hudson Counties bear a disproportionate share of New Jersey's poorest, facing an array of challenges to maintain family stability and lead healthy and independent lives.

While the survey focused on five specific population groups considered by the NJ Children and Families at Risk; Mental Health; Developmentally Disabled; Low Department of Human Services as priority populations - Income and Homeless; and Physically Disabled - this news conference will unveil the initial recommendations about Children and Families at Risk and Low Income and Homeless. Other recommendations will be announced in the future.

# # #