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Unico West Essex
About Unico West Essex
Based in Caldwell, NJ, Unico West Essex represents a chapter of UNICO National, an organization with roots tracing back to October 10, 1922, when 15 visionary men in Waterbury, Connecticut, established what would become a transformative Italian-American service organization. The name UNICO, meaning "unique" in Italian, reflects the founders' belief that this organization would be distinguished by placing community service above all else. Today, the West Essex chapter carries forward that original mission: to promote and enhance the image of Italian Americans, celebrate Italian heritage and culture, and motivate members toward greater civic engagement. The organization emerged from a historical context where Italian Americans faced prejudice and questioned loyalty, and the founders sought to demonstrate that Italian Americans were deeply committed to their adopted country while honoring their cultural traditions. What sets Unico West Essex apart is its unwavering focus on meaningful action rather than fraternity alone. Members understand that involvement requires personal sacrifice directed toward serving others rather than personal gain. The chapter actively supports charitable causes, educational advancement, and public welfare initiatives throughout the Caldwell community and beyond. By uniting Italian Americans around shared values of integrity, neighborliness, and opportunity, Unico West Essex continues the legacy of building stronger communities through dedicated service, cultural pride, and genuine commitment to improving the lives of those in need.