Guide for Union County, NJ*
updated 11/23/20


*This is a living, breathing set of resources, not a definitive list. We will update and add to our alternatives guides as our project grows and services in the area change. 

Union County Rape Crisis Center

(908) 233-7273

Both emergency and non-emergency number. Provides support for victims in the form of counseling, accompaniments to healthcare facilities or police stations (upon the survivor’s discretion), and virtual counseling. Legal and medical advocacy services are offered remotely. Prevention education offered for organizations, as well. The UCRCC are mandatory reporters of child abuse. 24 Hour Hotline.

YWCA Union County

(908) 355-4357

Both emergency and non-emergency number. Provides 30-day emergency shelter, legal services for domestic violence survivors, counseling for children ages 6 to 17, and offers a STEP (Skills Training and Empowerment Program) for survivors re-entering the workforce. Counselors work with survivors and families free of charge for short and long term periods. Case management, counseling and residential services are provided in both English and Spanish. The YWCA are mandatory reporters of child and elder abuse. 24 Hour Hotline.


Homefirst Interfaith Housing and Family Services

(908) 753-4001

Non-emergency number. Non-profit, 501(C)3 organization offering family support, homeless services, disability services, life resources through direct financial assistance, free counseling, and other transitional services. Homefirst offers rental assistance, as well. Emergency transitional assistance includes housing for up to 24 months, direct aid, and free case management. No hotline available. Multiple extensions needed to dial for assistance. Hours of operation: 9am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.


Elizabeth Salvation Army

(908) 352-7057

Non-emergency number. Offering a variety of services including food, shelter, and rental assistance. Food pantry and soup kitchen hours vary from lunch served 12 to 2pm, Monday through Friday during the last two weeks of every month. Offering employment services and case management, as well. Emergency shelter is open 24/7. No hotline available.


Sexual/Domestic Violence Resources:


Organization explicitly seeks to avoid engaging police where possible and/or call respondents are trained to actively seek alternatives to engaging police



Organization has explicit guidance & protocols for engaging the police on behalf of callers and/or demonstrates a willingness to engage police outside of clear & immediate danger scenarios



There is less of a regular protocol for engaging the police & organization clearly articulates concerns about engaging police on behalf of callers



Cop Cooperation Assessments

Through our outreach efforts, volunteers have contacted these organizations and have assigned them “cop cooperation assessments”. We want to make sure that everyone using this guide is aware of the resources' relationships with law enforcement. These ratings were made using our best judgement. No matter how much a resource avoids cooperation with police, all organizations are beholden to laws which require the involvement of law enforcement, especially if child abuse or neglect is suspected.

Housing/Food Insecurity:
Mental Health Services:
See Urban League Union County under Youth Services

Trinitas Emergency Psychiatric Services

(908) 994-7131

Emergency number. Provides mental healthcare services including, but not limited to: mobile crisis units, emergency and crisis guidance, screening centers, inpatient and outpatient services, and partial hospitalization for severe cases. Police involvement typically on a case-by-case basis. This mobile unit is also trained in behavioral crisis response in the event of a disaster. Works with police when sending personnel to a crisis scene. Mandatory reporters of child abuse. 24 Hour Hotline.



GenPsych Psychiatric Services

(855) 436-7792

Non-emergency number. Mental health and psychiatric services include, but are not limited to: over-the-phone evaluations, outpatient services, in-patient services, partial hospitalization, eating disorder specific programs, and enhanced tracks following hospitalization. Intakes are scheduled following over-the-phone evaluations. Adults and adolescents are serviced through different programs within the organization. Online appointment booking is available through their website. Front desk hours operate 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. No hotline available.



Immigration/Legal Services:

El Centro

(908) 753-8730

Non-emergency number. Immigration legal services, mostly through appointments. Services are provided on site and over the phone. The organization does not work closely with the state, and typically does not involve the police unless clients request police involvement. El Centro works mostly with the federal government, providing services for clients to file for status. Nominal fees after consultations in certain complex cases. Consultations are free. In most cases if the client cannot pay, all services are provided free of any charges. Services are available in English and Spanish. Hours of operation are 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. No hotline available.




American Friends

(973) 643-1924

Non-emergency number. Statewide services provided every Tuesday from 2 to 4pm. Provides free consultations regarding Immigrants' Rights. Does not typically engage with police or other law enforcement agencies. Exclusively legal services. No hotline available.





Youth Services:

Urban League of Union County

(908) 351-7200

Non-emergency number. Non-profit, 501(C)3 community-based organization offering a variety of resources including, but not limited to: case management services, alternatives to incarceration services for juveniles, unemployment assistance, housing and rental assistance. Reintegration and re-entry programs available to formerly incarcerated Union County residents 18 and older. Offering workshops for employment and educational opportunities. Offers faith-based mentorship for both adolescents and adult residents of Union County. Hours of operation are 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. No hotline available.







NJ Children’s System of Care

(877) 652-7624

Emergency and non-emergency number. Organization that provides family services, mobile response, and disability services. Works to service adolescents 21 years and under for up to 8 weeks (afterwards applying for behavioral health and disability services is required). In-home services, case management, and long/short term treatment and therapeutic services are also provided. Provides emergency and non-emergency developmental disability services for youth. Police involvement on a case-by-case basis. Mandatory reporters of child abuse and suicidal ideation. 24 Hour Hotline.






Substance Use Disorder Services:

Trinitas Substance Abuse Services

(908) 994-7090

Non-emergency and emergency number. Provides intake services, partial hospitalization, outpatient services, inpatient services, referrals, group therapy, and recommendations for support groups. Will also provide other healthcare services, depending on case severity. Does not typically engage with police or other law enforcement agencies. Hours of operation are 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. No emergency hotline available.




Animal Control Services:

Associated Humane Societies - Newark Branch

(973) 824-7080

Non-emergency number. This organization is a private nonprofit, 501(C)3 contracted to the towns of Belleville, Hillside, Fairfield, Plainfield, Clark, Westfield Park, Roselle, Lyndon, Carteret, Rahway, and any park in Essex County or Union County. Handles domestic animal problems and small wildlife animal problems, but not bears or deer. Occasionally will work with police departments if there is an animal involved in a domestic dispute. Hours of operation are 12 to 4pm. No emergency hotline available.