Spring 2024 Newsletter

Centennial Kickoff

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is proudly celebrating its 100th year of service to our community this year. Throughout the last 100 years, United Way has been the go-to organization that responds to the community’s most pressing needs – from the Great Depression, periods of widespread food insecurity, health crises, catastrophic flooding, seasons of high unemployment and more. 

As our United Way approached our Centennial, we set out to better understand community conditions, resident priorities and opportunities to create the biggest impact across our region. We are pleased to introduce Onward860 – United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s strategic vision as we move into our next chapter.  

In this report, we summarize key issues and dive into the data that help inform the Onward860 vision for a brighter, more equitable future where everyone can succeed. As we embark on our Centennial year and next chapter, we hope you will join us in co-creating a bold future where everyone has the chance to succeed. Read more. 

You can also learn more about United Way’s strategic vision as well as opportunities to engage in our Centennial celebration and next chapter by listening to Metro Hartford Alliance’s April 10 radio show here.  

Photos from our Centennial Kickoff and Presentation of the 2023 Community Service Award on April 3 at The Society Room in Hartford can be found here.  

Volunteer Recognition 

April is recognized as National Volunteer Month and Global Month of Service. This April we especially wanted to recognize two of the volunteers who are leading our organization, United Way’s Board of Directors Chair, Pete Collins, and Vice Chair, Irene Bassock. Both Pete and Irene assumed their leadership positions on the board effective February 1, 2024. 

Pete has been an ardent supporter of United Way as a donor and volunteer for many years and can be seen at most events. His engagement with United Way includes, but is not limited to, participating on United Way’s Centennial Strategic Planning Committee, serving as a mentor for the ELS Case Competition, purchasing tables at Women United’s Power of the Purse, and supporting the Live United Golf Tournament. Pete joined United Way’s board in 2019. 

Irene is a Founding Member of United Way’s newest affinity group, Women of Tocqueville. Prior to becoming a Women of Tocqueville Founding Member, Irene was active with United Way’s Women United, and remains committed to the group today. Irene joined United Way’s board in 2022 and has been actively engaged in United Way’s advocacy work for systemic change. 

We are grateful for the time and expertise extended by all members of our Board of Directors. Click here for a full list of United Way’s Board of Directors and join us in thanking these servant leaders helping United Way achieve its mission and vision for our community.  

Pete Collins

Chair, United Way Board of Directors

Travelers

Irene Bassock

Vice Chair, United Way Board of Directors

Cohen & Buckmann PC

United Way’s Women United’s 13th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction Presented by KeyBank Key4Women 

Thursday, June 6 
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Connecticut Convention Center  

For more than 13 years, this annual event has raised critical financial resources to help women and families achieve financial security. As more people struggle to make ends meet due to the complex job market and new sets of challenges, your support matters now more than ever. By participating in this year’s event, you are helping ensure that people receive no-cost job training, financial education and savings opportunities.  

Enjoy a robust silent auction, lively entertainment, high-quality networking with 1,000+ of our area’s business and community leaders, and an inspirational program featuring keynote speaker Rita Moreno, best known as Anita from West Side Story, while making a difference in the lives of women and families struggling to make ends meet in our local community.