The Greater Essex Community Uplift Foundation, (The C.U.F.), was chartered November 2001 and has been an active force within the community, whose focus is to help to alleviate the societal ills that constrain the upward mobility of families and the enlightenment of young people.

The mission of the Foundation is to ensure greater independence and empowerment of our surrounding communities through a program of philanthropy.

SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE C.U.F. HAS PROVIDED OVER $300,000 IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS TO MORE THAN 250 DESERVING MINORITY STUDENTS. THE FOLLOWING IS A REPRESENTATION OF OTHER FOUNDATION INITIATIVES:

  • Provided Thanks giving turkeys and accompaniments to as many as 300 families.
  • Established the annual Ernest Everett Just Mentoring Program for 30 students in grades three through six at the Langston Hughes Elementary in East Orange, NJ
  • Established the Bridge Builders Leadership Program for 20 students in the 5th and 7th grades within the City of Orange Township
  • Established a partnership with Princeton University’s Blairstown Center to co-host overnight “Leadership Retreats” for the two aforementioned mentoring programs
  • Provided grant money to the Black United Fund for a Health Initiative
  • Provided grants and professional support to establish an Annual Health Fair in Montclair, NJ
  • Hosted a county wide Health Fair for young children
  • Donated books and educational materials to a Saturday Educational Program in East Orange, New Jersey
  • Hosted a county wide Talent Hunt for High School Students, providing an outlet for them to display their talents and provided travel expenses to the winner for their participation in the next level of competition
  • Provided gifts and services for Easter Egg Hunts held in Orange and East Orange
  • Provided grants to purchase gifts for needy children and families during the Holiday Season
  • Provided Calling Cards to Senior Citizens in Orange to make long distance call to love ones during the holiday season 
  • Established an After School Enrichment Programs for area youth