Jennifer Erdos, Coordinator
- E-mail jerdos@ucnj.org
- Phone 908-527-4216
- Fax 908-527-4875
- Address 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Second Floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey
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Mission
The Union County Office on Women (OoW), established by the Board of County Commissioners in 2016, is the first county-level office of its kind.
Dedicated to empowering women from all walks of life, the Office on Women connects women to essential programs and services that address their diverse needs, including leadership development, equality, and advancement in education, business, health, and community engagement.
Through analysis, research, and strategic partnerships, the OoW ensures that local resources provide meaningful support at every stage of life while celebrating the vital contributions women make to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Union County.
Empower & Protect – Self Defense Essentials for Women
Free specialized self-defense training classes for women aged 18 years and older. This activity involves pairing up, so we encourage you to invite a friend to register and join you. Please wear comfortable clothing; shoes are not permitted on the mats.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, invites women ages 18 and older to participate in two free Empower & Protect: Self-Defense Essentials for Women classes this October.
The classes will be held on October 21, 2026 and October 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
“Knowing how to recognize a potentially dangerous situation and respond with confidence can make a meaningful difference,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “These classes give women an opportunity to build practical skills in a supportive environment, and I encourage residents to take advantage of this free program.”
Led by trained and certified law enforcement officers, each hands-on class will cover practical self-defense maneuvers along with strategies for prevention, awareness, risk reduction and avoidance. The program is designed to help participants strengthen their confidence and develop skills that may be valuable in threatening or unsafe situations.
“The goal of this program is to give women practical tools they can understand, remember and use if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “Our officers will provide clear, hands-on instruction while helping participants become more aware of their surroundings and better prepared to protect themselves.”
Because the exercises involve paired practice, participants are encouraged to register with a friend or family member. Attendees should wear casual, comfortable clothing.
The classes are free, but space is limited and advance registration is required.
The Empower & Protect program is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners through the Department of Economic Development’s Office on Women, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Honoring the life of Joanne Hamilton Rajoppi
Honoring the life of Joanne Hamilton Rajoppi is both a privilege and an easy task. A true trailblazer, Joanne’s legacy will continue to inspire women for generations to come.
As Union County’s first woman County Clerk, and previously the first woman Mayor of Springfield and the first woman Chair of the (then) Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Joanne broke barriers at a time when women were seldom represented in elected leadership. Through her intelligence, determination, and unwavering commitment to public service, she proved that women not only deserve a seat at the table, they belong at the head of it.
At the Union County Office on Women, we recognize and celebrate women who create opportunities for others. Joanne’s extraordinary career opened doors, shattered glass ceilings, and helped pave the way for future generations of women to lead, serve, and make a lasting impact in their communities. Her life is a powerful reminder of why our mission to empower women and foster leadership continues to matter.
We extend our deepest condolences to Joanne’s family, friends, colleagues, and the countless people whose lives she touched through her decades of service. Thank you, Joanne, for your leadership, your courage, and your example. Your legacy will not be forgotten.