2025 ULEC GALA HONOREES
BREAKING BARRIERS, BUILDING FUTURES
Building Strong Families and Vibrant Communities in Essex County
Too many families in Newark continue to face deep and persistent barriers—poverty, food insecurity, housing instability, and a lack of access to opportunity. These challenges directly impact the health, well-being, and futures of our communities. At the Urban League, we believe that building strong communities starts with investing in the foundations of everyday life: safe and affordable housing, green spaces for families to thrive, community hubs that bring people together, and real pathways to jobs and economic mobility.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures is our bold response to the challenges our city faces. We’re launching a powerful initiative to transform neighborhoods by creating spaces and opportunities that support families and help entire communities flourish. Together, we can change the landscape of Essex County—literally and figuratively—by developing places where people can live, grow, and succeed.
Partners and Vendors:
- All White Tux Photography
- Green Glass Films
- Nanina’s in the Park
- Printing Delite
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE URBAN LEAGUE OF ESSEX COUNTY
Early Childhood Education
In 2023, we served 45 preschool students and 12 toddlers from September 2023 to February 2024. We increased language and literacy scores by 45% for preschoolers, and 33% for toddlers.
107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.
This is #WhyWeExist
Eviction Diversion
In 2023, we disbursed over $300,000 in emergency cash and rental assistance keeping families from becoming homeless or evicted.
107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.
This is #WhyWeExist
Emergency Supportive Services
In 2023, we screened more than 1,200 individuals for emergency supportive services, which included housing and utility, food, access to computers, bus transportations cards, and immediate shelter
107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.
This is #WhyWeExist
Food Pantry
In 2023, we provided over 17,500 lbs of food to over 225 families per week.
107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.
This is #WhyWeExist
ulec.org/food-pantry
Neighborhood Revitalization
In 2023, our Kaboom Park renovation progress continued in Fairmount and we secured funding to complete the park in 2024. We advocate for kids’ playspace. Thanks to the City of Newark and LISC.
107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.
This is #WhyWeExist
Pre-Apprenticeship Career Program (PACE)
In 2023, 65% of PACE graduates have gone on to work in the construction field and/or accepted into an apprenticeship program thanks to our Pre-Apprenticeship Career Program (PACE).
107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.
This is #WhyWeExist
Real Estate
In 2023, we continued development on two-family homes for our Phase II project. These homes will make home ownership affordable at prices ranging from $142,500 – $190,000.
107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.
This is #WhyWeExist
Urban Youth Reentry Program
Tech House
Since 2018, over 400 youth have participated in our Newark Kids Code program. We continue to make upgrades to the Tech House and launched a summer tech camp that taught computer building, 3D printing, and filmmaking.
The Tech House is located at 152 Littleton Avenue, Newark, NJ.
107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.
This is #WhyWeExist
Urban Seniors Jobs Program
In 2023, 174 seniors completed online training in Excel. Word, and PowerPoint, and they completed over 600 courses. 120 seniors received new or updated resumes and approximately 40% exiting the program were place in jobs.
107 years of serving Essex County, NJ and our work still continues.
This is #WhyWeExist
The Urban League of Essex County's Mission Statement
The mission of the Urban League of Essex County is to assist African Americans and disadvantaged residents in the achievement of social and economic self-sufficiency.
We deliver on our mission through quality programs and services in education, youth development, job readiness, employment assistance, financial education and coaching, housing counseling services, and community building.