Union County residents have until Dec. 17 to nominate a neighbor, teacher, nonprofit or local business for the 2027 Unity Achievement Awards.
The Union County Human Relations Commission (UCHRC) runs the annual program, which honors people and organizations that have distinguished themselves in human relations, human rights and human dignity, according to Patch. The 2027 ceremony will mark the program's 24th year.
Nominees must live, work or go to school in Union County. Awards span 14 categories: corporate and business enterprises, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, individuals, law enforcement, public service, healthcare, veterans and military, media, clergy, faith-based organizations, students, educators and special recognition.
"We invite you to nominate your friend, neighbor, or co-worker who selflessly serves others without seeking recognition," UCHRC Co-Chair Flor Gonzalez said, according to Patch. Gonzalez also serves as president of the Latin American Coalition in Plainfield.
UCHRC Co-Chair Chanell Johnson, an assistant prosecutor for the Union County Prosecutor's Office, said the awards celebrate people who unite communities and strengthen the county.
The Prosecutor's Office created the UCHRC in 1991. Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniels said the stories tied to the awards each year show how much one person can do.
Summit-area winners in recent years
Several Summit-area honorees have been recognized. In 2026, the commission honored Rev. Jane McCready of Faith Lutheran Church in New Providence in the faith-based organization category and Patricia L. Hatzlhoffer on behalf of the Community Service Association in New Providence in the nonprofit category, according to the UCHRC website. Susan Hairston accepted a clergy award on behalf of Rev. Dr. Willie Francois of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit.
In 2025, Geoff and Ginger Worden, founders of Bridges Outreach in Summit, received the special achievement award. Sebastian Mercado, a student at New Providence High School, also won that year.
How to nominate
Nominations can be submitted online at ucnj.org/uchrc, by email to [email protected] with the subject line "UCHRC Nomination," or by mail to the UCHRC c/o Union County Prosecutor's Office, 32 Rahway Ave., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. The deadline is Dec. 17. If a nominee is not selected, the nomination automatically carries over for the following year, according to the commission's website.
Awards will be presented in May 2027.
