Founded in 1936 as a response to the Great Depression, Cranford Family Care's philosophy is one of neighbors helping neighbors. It provides short-term, emergency assistance to families living in Cranford. The most common form of assistance is help with rent, mortgage payments and utilities. Assistance can take the forms of monetary contribution or a donation of food from their pantry. Families seeking assistance from Cranford Family Care must prove residency in Cranford and fill out an application. Ninety-two cents of every dollar goes directly to helping people. Cranford Family Care helped 40 families in 2009.
In operation since the 1940s, the Cerebral Palsy League (CPL) is dedicated to combating cerebral palsy and helping those suffering from the disease. The League serves more than 300 families throughout Union, Essex and Middlesex counties, offering facilities in Cranford and Union. CPL's Cranford facility is a licensed Pediatric Medical Day Health Facility, with child development specialists on hand to give children with cerebral palsy the care they need. The facility also provides job training and health care services for adults with cerebral palsy. Visit the CPL Web site to find out more about the services offered.
This is the New Jersey chapter of the national Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which seeks to one day find a cure for these diseases, and, until then, support research programs and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Services include resources and support programs for patients, professional education programs, advocacy and more. The group always is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of activities in the community and always welcomes donations.
The UCC Foundation is Union County College's fundraising arm. Last year, the foundation provided almost $1 million worth of scholarships to more than 600 students. The UCC Foundation distributes both need-based and non-need-based scholarships. The foundation has been in existence since 1977, and in 2010 it will be hosting its 17th annual golf outing, its 16th annual gala, and its 16th annual Day at the Races at the Meadowlands Race Track. The Foundation relies on events like these as well as donors to raise money. The address is located between Dryers Farm and the college campus.
Fashion Republic specializes in processing used clothing and shipping it to people in need. Since 1999, the program has been helping New Jersey schools, churches, Boy Scouts and other organizations raise money by setting up clothing drives where people can donate usable and wearable clothing, shoes, household items and more. Fashion Republic then buys the merchandise from the organization behind the drive. The collected items are sorted and shipped to various countries, including Poland, Republic of Georgia, Ghana, Liberia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile, Haiti and India, and sold for a low cost at local markets and thrift store.
The Cranford Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Cranford Township. The society collects and restores historical artifacts, manages the Crane-Phillips House Living Museum, supports and promotes Cranford authors and offers educational tours. It also collects and preserves authentic clothing, photographs, furniture, tools and books. The society's collection even resides in an artifact: the preserved home of the late Cranfordian Dr. Hanson.
One of the most active posts in Union County, VFW Post 355 is open to any former member of the armed forces who served overseas during a war or conflict. This post has been in Cranford since 1920. Currently, there are 295 members for whom the VFW acts as a social club. There are two meetings per month and membership dues are $26/year. The hall is available for rental at $400 for four-hour blocks.
American Atheists seeks to influence public policy, promote the Atheist lifestyle, and advocate the total seperation of church and state. It's national headquarters and operation center has been located in Cranford since 1999. The Cranford headquarters boasts one of the largest Atheist libraries in the country, and is open to scholars, writers and the general public. The Cristiani St. location hosts monthly speakers and film showings.
The Cranford Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit volunteer group dedicated to attracting more businesses to the Cranford area and improving the communication between residents and businesses. The group hosts a variety of events throughout the year that feature services and products from area businesses. Businesses can seek membership with the chamber by paying a fee based on the number of employees and other factors. Members get a free listing in Cranford's annual business directory and on the Web site, as well as discounts on display tables at Cranford events.