United News April 2020

April Edition

United Way Emergency Response Landing Page

Visit our United Way Emergency Response landing page for the latest COVID-19 information. If you’re unable to find a service, please dial 2-1-1 for help.

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Announces First Round of Grants from Its Neighbors in Need Fund

COVID-19 is top of mind for all of us. As the pandemic evolves so do our individual situations and the needs of our entire community. United Way has made 12 awards in its first round of grants from its COVID-19 response fund, Neighbors in Need. The grants, totaling $127,000 will support local nonprofits in delivering important services to those most impacted by the pandemic. The awards will ensure that local families receive assistance related to rent; utilities; food; and, telehealth.

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Hartford Launches Initiatives to Address Disparities in Coronavirus Outcomes

The City of Hartford, Trinity Health Of New England, Hartford HealthCare, and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut will be launching a coordinated public education campaign to continue the emphasis on social distancing, masks, and hand hygiene; educate residents about how to minimize the spread of coronavirus in multi-generational and large- or multi-family housing situations; and give guidance about when and how to access health services, including mental health services, among other key messages

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Emerging Leaders Society (ELS) Virtual Cooking Challenge Social Media Blitz – Now-May 11, 2020

Facebook @uwelsct

ELS launched its first Virtual Cooking Challenge to collect healthy, affordable recipes and raise emergency funds for our neighbors most affected by COVID-19. We’re grateful that we can come together, find innovative ways to leverage this time at home, and make a positive impact.

ELS is partnering with Chef Xavier Santiago, winner of “Chopped” and Executive Chef at Carbone’s Prime.

Vote for your favorite cooking tutorials by liking, commenting, and sharing. Votes must be made to individual posts on the ELS Facebook page. (We don’t track activity on individual pages.)

VIRTUAL Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Online | CT

While VITA sites across Connecticut suspended in-person support in compliance with COVID-19 distancing mandates, the VITA program now offers free tax help to low and moderate income filers through internet-based virtual appointments. Connecticut tax filers with 2019 incomes up to $56,000 who wish to make a free virtual VITA appointment with a VITA representative in their region may visit may visit uwc.211ct.org/taxhelp/ or call 2-1-1 and press 3 and then 6.

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VIRTUAL Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction – June 11, 2020

12:00-1:30 p.m. | More Information to Come

Thank you for your commitment to women and families through your participation in United Way Women United’s 2020 Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction presented by TD Bank. Your support is critical now more than ever, and we appreciate your continued generosity. After consulting with our vendors and reviewing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the State of Connecticut, we have decided to hold Power of the Purse VIRTUALLY on June 11. The funds raised through Power of the Purse are critical and will be needed as households recover from COVID-19.

Buy Tickets | Preview Auction Items | Sponsorship Packet

Volunteer Opportunities

April 19-25, we recognized volunteers throughout the year for National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Thank you to the thousands of individual and company volunteers who have taken the time this past year to support our local children and families. Here’s how you can continue that work:

• Connecticut Food Bank
• Create COVID-19 Masks
• Foodshare

VIRTUAL Volunteer Opportunities

• Beyond the Bell: At Home Edition
• Read Aloud: At Home Edition
• Thank an Essential Worker
• More Volunteer Opportunities