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About URC
URC
is an innovative, community based, non-profit organization that has been
providing emergency housing, substance abuse counseling and treatment,
vocational education and training, and comprehensive social services in New
Jersey for more than a decade. Our mission is to help economically disadvantaged
citizens to move towards a self-sufficient life, free of public assistance.
Since 1994, along with Emergency Housing Services, URC has
been providing emergency housing for the homeless. URC has emerged as a leader
in providing emergency housing and comprehensive social services for the
homeless who have a mirage of social issues. In response to the increasing
numbers of homeless men and women entering our facility, in 1994 URC began to
offer case management, essential transportation, comprehensive supportive social
services and other supportive programs to all of its residents.
In 2001 URC acquired the "Training and Development Center",
a 50 thousand square foot facility located at 53 Hackensack Avenue Kearny, New
Jersey in order to accommodate the overwhelming need to expand our services.
Our programs are individualized to meet the special needs
of every client. To achieve this end, we offer small class sizes that are
culturally and linguistically diverse. The success of our programs depends on
maintaining a physical and psychological environment that is conducive to
learning.
Many of our clients have concomitant substance abuse/mental
health problems. Substance abusers are two to four times more likely to become
homeless. Substance abuse is an insidious affliction that over time can rob a
person of their health, dignity and family. When it comes to the difficult task
of reversing substance abuse, there is no substitute for training and
experience. We employ certified alcohol and drug counselors who provide the
education and therapy needed. Within our Mental Health Department our in-house
Psychiatrist and staff of psychologists, counselors and social workers, URC
meet's the needs of our clients with individual and group counseling using a
multi-disciplinary approach.
Educational services are readily available. Programs
consist of Adult Basic Education (ABE); also for many clients in need of a high
school diploma we offer GED classes. To survive in today’s competitive work
environment one must have a basic understanding of computers. Our computer
literacy program provides beginner to advanced classes as needed to compete in
today’s job market. Our vocational training programs include computer salvage,
repair and refurbishing, building maintenance, and facilities management. After
successfully completing the first phase of our vocational training, students can
qualify for our stipend program.
The Life Skills Program was developed as part of our
continuing commitment to support WorkFirst New Jersey and to meet the unique job
related needs of our clients. Our life skills specialists focus on the needs
and concerns of those who have been out of the labor force for an extended
time. They are given tasks and exercises intended to involve them in real life
day-to-day activities. The purpose of these classes is to provide the necessary
skills for a successful reentry into the workforce. Our classes include
banking, money management, basic nutrition, and training in how to obtain and
remain in permanent housing. We have been instrumental in supporting our
clients’ entrepreneurial efforts to transition from salesman of illegal
contraband to vendors of legal products.
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