Gateway Community Action Partnership is partnering with county and local governments, like-minded service organizations, agencies, schools, faith-based entities and the community at large to promote the importance of Census 2020.

  The nationwide census is set to begin in April 2020, but important preparation work will soon be underway to ensure communities are counted accurately.

  “The importance of an accurate Census 2020 cannot be understated. From a national perspective of determining the number of our representatives in Washington to the amount of funding locally for our schools, parks and community resources, it is what census figures show that determine our perceived needs,” Gateway President & CEO Albert B. Kelly, CCAP, said.

  We must be organized and fully engaged to ensure an accurate count so our needs are really met and not merely perceived,” Kelly, who also is mayor of the City of Bridgeton, added.

  Agencies, organizations, local governments, the faith based community and citizens at large have become organizing for Census 2020 with a heavy emphasis on grassroots involvement.

  Additionally, and as important regarding Census 2020 are the number of high-paying jobs associated with data collection and recording, Kelly noted. More than 700 jobs in the Southern New Jersey region will be created during the census tallying period.

  “These are real opportunities for our citizens to make good money while making a difference for our community,” Kelly said.

  There are job opportunities in more than a dozen positions associated with census work.

  For additional information on Census 2020 employment opportunities, go to 2020census.gov/jobs or usajobs.gov.

  For additional information on participating in Census 2020 from an organizational, civic, service, faith-based or community level, call Sharon Mollick at the Cumberland County Department of Planning (856-453-2175) or e-mail sharonmo@co.cumberland.nj.us.