Our Story
In the heart of Union County, a visionary group of fathers and leaders came together to address a critical gap in support for men and fathers in economically disadvantaged communities. This collaboration gave rise to the Union County Fatherhood Initiative Coalition (UCFIC) in 2013, a beacon of hope dedicated to providing comprehensive, gender-specific programs tailored to the unique needs of Black and Latino fathers and men in need.
Since its inception, UCFIC has touched the lives of over 5,000 fathers and men, addressing their distinct challenges and fostering positive change.
UCFIC stands as the only countywide organization offering targeted educational initiatives and workshops designed for fathers and men. By integrating nationally recognized fatherhood concepts into our custom Fatherhood Empowerment curricula, we deliver a holistic approach that includes the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, mentoring, and resources as vital components of self-improvement. Our programs are brought to life through local events, podcasting, training programs, interactive workshops, webinars, and annual conferences.
We are steadfast in our belief that fathers are the cornerstones of family and community, and our work thrives through strategic partnerships with community and faith-based organizations, sponsorships, and grants.
In 2021, UCFIC expanded its mission through a partnership with the Plainfield Public School District Pre-school Program. This partnership revealed a pressing need for greater paternal engagement in pre-school settings and insights from a survey of 729 families. These findings inspired the creation of the Family Navigator Program, aimed at educating, engaging, and empowering fathers and men aged 18-40 in Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, Rahway, Roselle, and Plainfield. This program encourages active involvement in children’s education, promotes healthy fatherhood and family dynamics, and enhances self-care and community support.
Launched in 2022, the Family Navigator Program collaborates with Kean University’s College of Health Professions and Human Services. We will survey and engage in programs to a targeted group of families to deepen our understanding of paternal engagement and address the challenges identified in earlier assessments. The program includes four phases: family surveys, independent research, focus group discussions, and personalized case management for five families in each town.
The focus groups will feature workshops in both English and Spanish, covering topics such as navigating government services and accessing local resources to address food insecurity, physical and mental health, employment, immigration, and housing. Engagement opportunities will be provided through community service fairs, while empowerment efforts will emphasize family strengthening through goal setting. Five families from each focus group will receive one-on-one case management, working closely with a case manager to identify priority needs, set goals, and track progress through monthly follow-ups over three months.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the launch of a new members-only website designed to offer continued support and resources for dads who have completed our on-site programs. This exclusive platform will feature a variety of valuable tools, including our podcasts and a UCFIC store showcasing branded merchandise.
We invite you to support this initiative through donations, which will be greatly appreciated and help us further our mission.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work to enhance our offerings and strengthen our community of fathers.
