Earlier this year, local LGBTQIA+ organization Hudson Pride Center announced plans for its second location. The new location will be at 4428-30 Bergenline Avenue, Union City, and the organization recently announced that the grand opening will take place on Monday, December 16th. The Hoboken Girl caught up with Elizabeth Schedl, Executive Director of Hudson Pride, back in May to learn more about what to expect. Read on for more about Hudson Pride Center and its new Union City location.
^ Elizabeth Schedl (left) + Joseph Zapata (right). Photo Credit: Hudson Pride Center
About Hudson Pride
Hudson Pride Center was founded in the early 1990s and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing advocacy and social support services for the LGBTQIA+ community. Over the years, the group’s mission has expanded to now include mental and physical health services, support groups, community events, and online resources, among other things.
Read More: LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses to Support in Hudson County
Elizabeth told The Hoboken Girl that in addition to grants and corporate sponsors, the organization frequently hosts fundraising events.
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Hudson Pride’s current location is 3000 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 306 Jersey City. It is open Monday through Friday from 10AM to 6PM to the public and has evening groups that run from 6PM to 8PM three times a week.
Elizabeth said that the Jersey City location serves thousands of residents per year. “At our current Jersey City location on average about 1000 people visit our space per month. That is about 12,000 in-person visitors a year,” she said. “We also provide virtual services for those who can not come to our location. This is in addition to over 100 events a year throughout Hudson County.”
Union City Location
Opening a second location was an easy choice for Elizabeth. “We believe with this new storefront we will see a large influx of new clients and individuals located in north Hudson County,” she said. “It has always been a long-term goal to open a second location that northern Hudson residents can access more easily. We want to ensure we are reaching all of our LGBTQ+ community members. Having this second location, which is a ground floor storefront, in one of the highest foot traffic areas is going to make such a big difference not just in our visibility but in our connection to our community.”
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The Union City location will provide some of the same hallmark services that are available at the Jersey City location, Elizabeth said. “We will be offering all the current services we have at our Jersey City Office and are looking to expand into new services for the LGBTQ+ community. Some examples of these are a drop-in community center and space where folks can come and relax, grab some food, work on a computer, and just be themselves; and connection to safe and competent healthcare services.”
Photo Credit: Hudson Pride Center
Some other services will be health and wellness education and specific health services including free HIV testing and connection to care; PrEP Services; short-term consulting, as well as referrals and financial coverage to LGBTQ+ supportive providers that Hudson Pride partners with; gender-diverse community support services like letters of medical necessity; and hormone therapy readiness assessments. The facility and staff will host weekly social support groups for youth, seniors, parents, and the gender-diverse community.
See More: LGBTQ-Owned Businesses to Support in Essex County
Hudson Pride Center’s Union City location will host its grand opening on Monday, December 16th, 2024. Per an Instagram post from the organization, there will be an open house from 12PM-7PM, and a ribbon cutting at 1PM. See the full post below.
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Elizabeth shared that the best way to get involved is to volunteer. “We are always looking for volunteers! They can reach out to us at [email protected],” she said.
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Ken Pilates: Small Group + 1-on-1 Pilates Classes in Hoboken
This article is sponsored by Ken Pilates.
It’s that time of year again: You've set your resolutions, sworn off cookies, and promised yourself that this year, you’re going to prioritize wellness. A lot of times, these promises last a month or so. But if you’re serious about holding yourself accountable this year, Ken Pilates is a great place to start. With two locations in Hoboken — 706 Washington Street for group classes and 706 Grand Street for private sessions — this locally-owned, springboard-focused fitness studio is a workout we can’t get enough of. Plus, the team is hooking up Hoboken Girl readers with special deals and discounts. Keep reading to learn more about Ken Pilates, a springboard-based workout studio in Hoboken.
Why Choose Ken Pilates?
Ken Pilates is not a typical fitness studio. This locally-owned gem is on a mission to revolutionize the fitness industry and add a little bit of joy to your wellness routine. There are two Hoboken locations: one for group classes at 706 Washington Street and the other for private sessions at 706 Grand Street.
The studio is centered around the SpringSculpt ™ Method, a pilates-based, flow-style workout developed by a team of dance artists, athletes, yogis, and pilates practitioners that blends multidirectional movements with pilates. The result is a flow-based, challenging, and safe workout that adapts to every fitness level. It’s not just a pilates class — it’s a unique movement experience.
Sculpt Your Body, Your Way
Ken Pilates is all about community, inclusivity, and of course, results.
Group classes at 706 Washington Street are a vibrant, energized environment that truly feels like a community. While the Spring Sculpt™ Method classes are probably the most popular (and we love ‘em), the Zen Sculpt, Hot Spring, and Barre classes are just as challenging (and rewarding). There is something for everyone, no matter where they are on your fitness journey. Check out the full group schedule here.
If you prefer a solo workout, Ken’s location at 706 Grand Street is perfect for anyone looking for a tailored approach. The private one-on-one sessions tackle a host of personal fitness goals, from pre- and post-natal to strength training, injury recovery, and rehabilitation. Athletes of all backgrounds and skill levels are encouraged to try.
Ken Pilates is not a one-size-fits-all studio, so you’ll definitely get a dynamic and personalized experience in every class.
A Studio That Inspires, Uplifts, and Feels Like Home
Ken Pilates was founded by Hoboken-local Kennyth Montes de Oca, a dancer, Pilates instructor, and holistic well-being advocate. At the height of the pandemic, Ken began teaching Pilates classes from home. His classes helped locals rediscover the joy of movement one of the most difficult times.
“What started as a labor of love has grown into a vibrant community rooted in connection, transformation, and self-discovery,” Ken shared with The Hoboken Girl.
The studio was carefully and intentionally designed to reflect his love of travel to colorful, energetic places. Collaborating with local artists, he brought that vision to life, creating a studio infused with warmth, vibrancy, and the essence of spring and summer (an ode to his own experience with seasonal depression). The studio connects the mind and body, helping clients to find joy, balance, and self-discovery through movement.
“Seeing clients not only build strength and confidence but also discover the joy of movement is incredibly rewarding,” Ken shared. “We love what we do and pour that passion into every class, session, and interaction.” The sense of community that the studio has created in Hoboken is strong and those who are part of it feel connected as they grow together.
Don’t forget, first-time clients can get 3 classes for $30 or 50% off their first private session.
Ken Pilates has two locations in Hoboken — one for group classes at 706 Washington Street and the other for private sessions at 706 Grand Street.
For more info or to book a class, visit the site.
