Program serves families facing mental health issues

NEW BRUNSWICK — Catholic Charities’ Unity Square held an open house event: “Martin Luther King Jr. and Paul Robeson: Continuing Their Legacy” at its Community Center.

One hundred and twenty people attended the event, which was presented by Rutgers Collaborative Center for Community-Based Research and Service, The City of New Brunswick and Catholic Charities’ Unity Square.  

The day was filled with food, community service, social justice and conversation for all ages.

Unique learning activities included special interactive exhibits in English and Spanish that were accessible with QR codes.  

Community members and students could be seen visiting a journal-making station as well as an area for attendees to write letters directly addressed to detained immigrants and asylum seekers.

Other highlights included participants adding to a community mural and enjoying a step show performance provided by the Lota Phi Theta Fraternity.

“Through events like this, we hope to raise awareness in the community about civil and human rights issues,” said Julio Coto, Catholic Charities’ acting executive director. “It’s important to us to continue to honor Martin Luther King and Paul Robeson’s legacies in the work we do here at Unity Square, not just today, but every day.”

Unity Square is a community organizing and social concerns initiative of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, that works to empower community members and catalyze change in the poorest residential neighborhood of New Brunswick. In so doing, Unity Square addresses a diverse set of issues, including economic development, employment, civic participation, crime and safety, immigrants’ rights, and tenants’ rights.

Unity Square operates out of a renovated Community Center at 81 Remsen Ave. Once an active fire house, the Community Center hosts Unity Square staff offices, as well as space for community meetings and programs.

To learn more about Catholic Charities’ programs and services, visit www.ccdom.org or call (732) 324-8200.