An intuitive new online tool gives Hunterdon County residents and those who assist them access to reliable, current community services. Made possible with support from Brightspeed.
Hunterdon Connect offers residents and their helpers a single, dependable local starting point—simplifying the search for assistance, enabling seamless referrals, and paving the way toward progress.”— Jennifer Thompson, CEO, United Way of Hunterdon CountyFLEMINGTON, NJ, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Hunterdon County Introduces Hunterdon Connect, a New Community Resource Database Focused on the Hyper-Local Level
Services. Possibilities. Community. Everything linked.
Supported by Brightspeed
FLEMINGTON, N.J. — September 16, 2026 — United Way of Hunterdon County has officially unveiled Hunterdon Connect, a fresh community resource database aimed at simplifying how Hunterdon County residents, households, nonprofit groups, and service agencies locate and engage with dependable local offerings.
With backing from Brightspeed, Hunterdon Connect consolidates details on local services, initiatives, and prospects into a single convenient platform—assisting individuals in finding nearby assistance and enabling community organizations to provide more effective, well-informed referrals.
This tool was developed to address a hurdle that is especially pronounced in rural and smaller areas: services frequently exist, yet identifying the appropriate agency—and determining where to begin—often proves challenging.
“In a place like Hunterdon County, individuals frequently come to an organization seeking help with a single concern, but their underlying needs are often far more complicated,” stated Jennifer Thompson, CEO of United Way of Hunterdon County. “They might require food support, transportation, mental health services, assistance with an energy bill, or simply someone who can point them in the right direction. Hunterdon Connect is about ensuring the response isn’t just, ‘Here’s a phone number.’ It’s about guiding people to the appropriate local service and enabling the possibility of a smooth, personal handoff.”
Hunterdon Connect serves both individuals looking for support and the professionals who aid them daily—including nonprofit staff, caseworkers, school employees, healthcare practitioners, municipal workers, faith-based groups, and other trusted local allies.
The platform will offer a centralized, continuously updated directory of local resources, enabling organizations to manage and refresh their listings so that referral sources have access to accurate, up-to-date program and service information.
Broader resource networks, such as 211, remain essential entry points for information and aid. Hunterdon Connect is designed to work alongside these systems by concentrating specifically on the organizations, programs, and relationships available within Hunterdon County.
“Large-scale resource systems are vital, but local guidance also plays a critical role,” Thompson remarked. “Often, the line between getting help and giving up is drawn by someone saying, ‘I know this group. Let me help you get in touch.’ Hunterdon Connect provides our community with an additional way to make those links easier, quicker, and more individualized.”
This localized strategy is particularly crucial in rural settings, where transportation challenges, limited provider options, and geographic distances can make obtaining assistance more arduous.
“At Brightspeed, we fundamentally understand that the internet is more than mere technology—it’s a link that connects people,” said Sabrina Anderson, Brightspeed local marketing manager. “By offering connectivity and backing local efforts like Hunterdon Connect, we aim to open doors and foster deeper ties within Hunterdon County. Brightspeed is honored to make the investments that strengthen the communities we serve.”
Hunterdon Connect is also meant to bolster the network of organizations serving Hunterdon County. Participating nonprofits and community partners can share details about their offerings and maintain current listings, resulting in a resource that grows more robust with each new participant.
“Every organization in our community encounters people who come to its door needing something it doesn’t offer,” Anderson added. “Having a single, reliable local hub where residents can quickly locate another option—and help facilitate that connection—will prove extremely valuable to their effectiveness. Hunterdon Connect enables all of us to support residents as a unified community, rather than as separate entities.”
United Way of Hunterdon County views the platform as more than just a listing service. It represents a component of a wider initiative to enhance community guidance, cooperation, and access to support countywide.
“We hope Hunterdon Connect becomes something the entire community can call its own,” Thompson added. “If you’re a resident needing help, it should be your first stop. If you’re a caseworker assisting a family, it should be a resource you rely on. And if you’re a nonprofit offering a service, it should be a venue where you can ensure the community knows how to find you. The objective is straightforward: no matter where someone enters our community network, we want them to find a way ahead.”
“Hunterdon Helpline is thrilled to collaborate with United Way of Hunterdon County to share resources, strengthen relationships, and broaden access to compassion, information, and support across our community,” said Amy Horton, Executive Director of Hunterdon Helpline
Community organizations throughout Hunterdon County are invited to join Hunterdon Connect and help keep their program and service details accurate and up to date.
To browse Hunterdon Connect, visit https://hunterdonconnect.org/
About United Way of Hunterdon County
United Way of Hunterdon County brings together people, resources, and partnerships to enhance the community and create opportunities for individuals and families to prosper. Collaborating with residents, nonprofits, businesses, schools, government, and community partners, United Way tackles local needs through programs, partnerships, volunteer efforts, and solutions driven by the community itself.
About Brightspeed
Based in Charlotte, N.C., with assets and related operations spanning 20 states, Brightspeed delivers broadband and telecommunications services via a network platform capable of reaching more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our 4,000 employees are dedicated to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected lifestyle, rolling out a cutting-edge fiber network and a customer experience that keeps connectivity as effortless as it ought to be. For additional details, please visit www.brightspeed.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Thompson, MSW
United Way of Hunterdon County
Jennifer@uwhunterdon.org
917.969.9765
www.uwhunterdon.org
Jennifer Thompson
United Way Of Hunterdon County
+1 917.969.9765
jennifer@uwhunterdon.org
