The UCFIC Family Navigator Program & Resources

 The Union County Fatherhood Initiative Coalition (UCFIC) is making significant strides in supporting young fathers through its Family Navigator Program, launched in collaboration with the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth, Plainfield Public Schools, and KEAN University. This initiative aims to collecte data to inform programs that will empower fathers by addressing their needs. Dads who have participated in the research program have expressed critical challenges such as securing living wages, finding affordable housing, and gaining essential parenting and relationship management skills. 

“The Family Navigator Program is not just about addressing immediate challenges; it’s about creating a lasting impact,” states Rev. Ron Thomas, Board Chairman for the UCFIC. “Our hope is to provide innovation to the way we deliver our services using a combination of workshops offered in multiple languages, case management services for families, and a fully functional digital resource guide that will become integral parts of the program, ensuring that fathers can easily access essential services.” 

To further advance this initiative, UCFIC is received a grant from The Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation, and several other sources. This funding is being used to assess of community needs and enable the program to provide critical resources, including case management for ten families and in-depth analysis of survey data. A new website and mobile application is also being developed to streamline access to community resources, expanding outreach efforts to communities such as Rahway, Hillside, Linden, and Roselle.

The project is spearheaded by Rev Thomas, who brings over 40 years of experience in corporate and non-profit sectors, and Principal Investigators Dr. Rebecca Vicente, a seasoned expert in community wellness and counseling, and Dr. Jennifer Vinces-Cua from Kean University. Together, they aim to publish a comprehensive resource guide for families in Elizabeth and Plainfield, fostering greater community participation and engagement.

Phase 1 of the initiative has made remarkable progress, with surveys completed in English, Spanish, and Creole. A total of 458 participants were surveyed across Plainfield and Elizabeth, providing insights into the challenges fathers face. Phase 2, currently in progress, involves in-depth focus group interviews with fathers to explore their experiences further. The programming will continue to evolve based on ongoing data collection and funding availability, ensuring that UCFIC remains dedicated to meeting the needs of fathers and their families in the community.

 As UCFIC embarks on this journey, it stands firm in its commitment to supporting young fathers.