FLEMINGTON, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — United Way of Hunterdon County has launched Hunterdon Connect, a new online database designed to help residents and community organizations find and connect with local resources and services.
The platform, powered by Brightspeed, brings information about Hunterdon County services, programs and other resources into one location. It is intended for residents seeking assistance as well as nonprofit staff, case managers, school personnel, health care providers, municipal employees, faith communities and other community partners.
“In a community like Hunterdon County, people often walk through the door of an organization looking for help with one issue, but what they really need may be much more complex,” said Jennifer Thompson, CEO of United Way of Hunterdon County. “They may need food assistance, transportation, mental health support, help paying a utility bill or simply someone who knows where to send them next. Hunterdon Connect is about making sure the answer isn’t just, ‘Here’s a phone number.’ It’s about helping people get connected to the right local resource and creating the opportunity for a warm handoff.”
United Way said the platform was developed in response to challenges people can face locating services in rural and smaller communities, where resources may be available but finding the appropriate organization can be difficult.
Hunterdon Connect will serve as an evolving directory of local resources, with participating organizations able to maintain and update information about their programs and services.
The database is intended to complement national and statewide resource systems such as 211 by focusing specifically on services and organizations available within Hunterdon County.
“Large resource systems are incredibly important, but local navigation matters too,” Thompson said. “Sometimes the difference between receiving help and giving up is having someone say, ‘I know this organization. Let me help connect you.’ Hunterdon Connect gives our community another tool to make those connections easier, faster and more personal.”
United Way said the local focus is particularly important in rural areas, where transportation barriers, geographic distances and fewer service providers can make accessing assistance more difficult.
“At Brightspeed’s core, we believe the internet is more than just technology— it’s a bridge that brings people closer together,” said Sabrina Anderson, Brightspeed local marketing manager. “By providing access and supporting local initiatives, such as Hunterdon Connect, we strive to unlock opportunities and build stronger connections within Hunterdon County. Brightspeed is proud to make the investments that empower the communities we serve.”
The platform is also designed to strengthen connections among nonprofits and other organizations serving the county by allowing them to share information and direct residents to other resources when needed.
“Every organization in our community has people arriving at its door who may need something it doesn’t provide,” said Anderson. “Having one trusted, local place where community members can quickly identify another resource — and help make that connection — will be invaluable to their success. Hunterdon Connect helps all of us serve residents as a coordinated community rather than as individual organizations.”
United Way said it views Hunterdon Connect as part of a broader effort to improve access to assistance and collaboration among organizations throughout Hunterdon County.
“We want Hunterdon Connect to become something that belongs to the entire community,” Thompson added. “If you’re a resident looking for help, it should be a place to start. If you’re a case manager helping a family, it should be a tool you trust. And if you’re a nonprofit providing a resource, it should be a place where you can make sure the community knows how to reach you. The goal is simple: wherever someone enters our community network, we want there to be a path forward.”
“Hunterdon Helpline is excited to be working with United Way of Hunterdon County to share resources, strengthen connections, and expand access to kindness, information, and support throughout our community,” said Amy Horton, Executive Director of Hunterdon Helpline.
Community organizations serving Hunterdon County are encouraged to participate and keep their program and service information current.
Hunterdon Connect is available at HunterdonConnect.org.
