NEWARK, NJ — United Community Corporation recently announced that it has entered an exclusive executive sponsorship with Amerigroup to provide virtual activities — such as book club and bingo, in-person health fairs, weekly phone check-ins, and monthly food and activity package deliveries — to seniors in the city of Newark and Essex County.
“Through the decades that this agency has been on the ground fighting against poverty and the systems that create it, UCC has always sought out community partners who share our common mission to strengthen an already strong community,” UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor said. “Amerigroup is a perfect partner for our agency and the city.”
Although the coronavirus pandemic prevented most of UCC’s senior services from taking place in person, staff members have thought outside of the box to keep local seniors engaged. Staff members have hand-delivered food, clothing and cleaning supplies to local seniors unable or afraid to leave their houses since the pandemic began in March 2020.
“We understand the immense physical, social and emotional strain that the pandemic has placed on many seniors and we’re proud to partner with UCC to help those in need get the services and care necessary,” said Raul Smith, president of Amerigroup Medicare in New Jersey. “Through this partnership, we’ll improve lives and local communities by making health care easier to access and providing the tools needed to live a happy, healthy life.”
UCC offers a wide umbrella of services, including an emergency shelter, food and clothing pantries, food distribution and delivery services, housing assistance, homelessness prevention, energy assistance, job training, youth development programs, and youth, family and senior services.
“I was once told that in order to win any fight you must have three things. The definition of ‘win,’ colleagues and allies who are aligned to that definition as a goal, and next you will need proper tools and resources,” Mainor said. “Amerigroup checks all of the boxes for what we are all trying to do in this city. They are mission-driven towards the ultimate goal of ending poverty in this city, they remain committed to being valued partners in this fight and, through their resources, we will be able to provide our staff with the proper tools to win. UCC is grateful for Amerigroup’s dedication to this community and its people.”
Seniors interested in joining the free program can contact UCC at 973-642-0181, ext. 5446, or info@uccnewark.org.
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