Community Drop-In Centers

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 except the Hillside Public Library site, which runs from 3:00 - 6:00 pm.

The Hillside Community Drop-In Center has temporarily relocated to the Hillside Library due to renovations at the Hillside Recreation Center. This temporary location will remain in use until further notice.

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, Temporarily hosted at the Hillside Library)
- Hillside Public Library open from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- 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.org/workshops/