Union County Community Drop-In Centers (UCCDIC)
The Union County Drop-In Centers are available to all Union County, NJ residents ages 10-16 (grades 6-12). To register, simply complete the registration form to attend workshops. Once you complete the general registration form you can attend any of the four sites below.
Program Description: UCCDIC will provide safe spaces for youth to receive tutoring, after-school activities, workshops, groups, and other services based on identified needs.
Weekly Activities: Youth will have access to fine arts (e.g. painting, sculpting, etc), Lego Spike, coding, robotics activities, and more. Case managers are on-site to provide one-on-one support to youth. Recreational activities are based on the sites; please see the case manager for the activities at the specific sites. Transportation is available to the site with the parent accompanying the minor on Lyft rides.
Additional Workshops: Additional gender-specific workshops will cover topics such as healthy relationships, self-esteem, mental health, and bullying prevention.
A Typical Day at a Site:
- Enrollment: Parents enroll their children in the program through referrals from counselors, principals, and county/local agencies.
- Arrival Options: Youth may walk, get a ride, or use the program's transportation option.
- Check-In: Upon arrival, youth receive snacks and an overview of the day's schedule.
- Enrichment: Tutors provide homework help while students engage in recreational activities.
- Educational Sessions: Group sessions cover various topics.
- Club Activities: Activities include arts, writing/music, STEM, etc.
- Breaks: Students have breaks for free play or extended activities. Healthy snacks are provided.
Site Locations and Schedule
Each site operates from 3:30 - 6:30 pm on these designated days.
Roselle Site (Mondays and 2nd Fridays of the month)
- Anthony Amalfe Community Center
- 1268 Shaffer Avenue, Roselle, NJ
Hillside Site (Tuesdays and 3rd Fridays of the month)
- Hillside Public Library
- 1409 Liberty Ave, Hillside, NJ
Rahway Site (Wednesdays and 1st Fridays of the month)
- Rahway Recreational Center
- 3 City Hall Plaza, Rahway, NJ
Plainfield Site (Thursdays and 4th Fridays of the month)
- Plainfield Performing Arts Center
- 724 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ
We are hosting workshops covering robotics, fine arts, etc. Check out some of our upcoming sessions: https://www.boxwoodnj.
Program Contact: Marie Thelusma-Chase
Email: info@boxwoodnj.org
Phone: 908-241-6862
Program Partners:
- Parent, Inc
- Project DNA
- Innogenius
- Young Ambitious Minds (YAMs)
These partnerships offer a wide range of support, from substance abuse training to career exploration and fine arts workshops, contributing to the holistic development of program participants.