Family Promise Union County Welcomes New Executive Director

Peter Jacob was recently named the new executive director for Family Promise Union County, NJ, Family Promise’s founding location.    

A lifelong resident of Union County, Jacob is a licensed clinical social worker with a strong background in housing. With nearly two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, he most recently served as the director of housing at the Jewish Family Service of Central NJ, where he led initiatives focused on homelessness prevention, diversion, and housing services.  

“I’m thrilled to welcome Peter to Family Promise Union County,” says Geleen Donovan, who retired after 20 years with Family Promise Union County and served as interim executive director during the search for her successor. “His extensive background in homelessness services and deep community ties will ensure that Family Promise Union County continues to successfully guide families to sustainable independence.” 

Jacob will lead a team that served 1,073 individuals and 319 families last year, providing vital support to those in need.  

“Housing is a human right,” Jacob says. “I look forward to serving our community alongside the Family Promise Union County team to ensure all families have a safe and stable place to call home.”  

Jacob’s career began at the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, where he worked in advocacy, supported a transitional housing program, and coordinated a winter shelter initiative in collaboration with local congregations. Before joining the Jewish Family Service of Central NJ in 2019, Jacob was the Democratic Party nominee for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District in 2016 and ran again as a candidate in 2018.  

Jacob holds a B.A. degree in Sociology from Kean University and Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.