Public & Non-Profit in Bloomfield, NJ

Founded in 1955, Bloomfield UNICO has spent nearly seven decades fulfilling Dr. Vastola's vision of celebrating Italian American culture while serving the residents of Bloomfield, NJ with unwavering dedication. What began with 23 charter members meeting in the upstairs room of Willie's Diner has evolved into a vibrant community organization that touches the lives of hundreds of residents annually through scholarships, youth programs, and charitable initiatives. At its heart, Bloomfield UNICO is built on genuine relationships and a commitment to lifting up neighbors. The organization's memorial scholarships—including the Paul Attard, Henry Sant Ambrogio, Nicholas Martini, and Phyllis Ferrara Music scholarships—honor local figures while empowering the next generation of Bloomfield's youth. The chapter's partnership with the Circle of Friends demonstrates a deep compassion for individuals with special needs, providing inclusive social and recreational experiences. For over 40 years, the Brian Piccolo Awards have recognized Italian American student athletes, celebrating both athletic achievement and cultural pride. The spirit of Bloomfield UNICO is reflected in its members' hands-on involvement—from supporting local Little League and Board of Recreation programs to sponsoring community-wide essay contests that engage teachers, principals, and families. The organization's Ladies Auxiliary laid the foundation for decades of success through countless fundraising efforts, and today, with women admitted as full members, the chapter continues to grow stronger. Two Bloomfield UNICO members have served as National Presidents, bringing recognition and influence back to their hometown. This is an organization where Italian American heritage, community service, and personal relationships intertwine to create lasting positive change.

Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition represents a unique grassroots movement serving the Bloomfield, New Jersey community and extending nationwide to defend Italian American heritage and civil rights. Founded on the principle of acting as one united voice against defamation and discrimination, the organization brings together a coalition of member organizations and individual defenders committed to protecting Italian American culture and representation. What sets the Coalition apart from other Italian American organizations is its singular focus on combating bias in mass media and stereotyping—a mission pursued through education, activism, and the application of intellect, wisdom, and due process of law to address inequities. The organization has created the first-ever nationwide rapid response network of freedom writers and defenders who mobilize quickly when instances of bias, discrimination, or negative stereotyping emerge. By recruiting proud members ready to engage through phone calls, emails, letters, and social media, the Coalition empowers individuals to take direct action in defending their heritage. The organization's commitment extends to challenging authoritarian policies affecting Italian American civil rights and monuments while celebrating Columbus Day as a proud symbol of immigrant inclusion in American society. Through its respected Alfano Digest newsletter and member organization partnerships, the Coalition maintains ongoing dialogue about Italian American issues and cultural pride. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition provides structured pathways for community engagement, offering membership opportunities and volunteer defender positions for those genuinely committed to safeguarding Italian American heritage and ensuring equal representation across America.