United News December 2019

December Edition

Happy Holidays from United Way

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One Number, Thousands of Opportunities

As a new year approaches, we often find ourselves filled with hope for 2020.

For some this answer is simple, enough food for their family, money to pay a utility bill or a roof over their head.

When times are challenging, United Way 2-1-1 is there to help. One, simple number is the key to a wide variety of services from utility assistance, food, housing, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more. Whether you want to give or get help, 2-1-1 is the confidential, free, 24-hour a day, and multilingual way to locate hundreds of human services in your area. In just the past year over 322,000 calls have been made to 2-1-1.

To learn more about United Way’s partnership with 2-1-1, listen to Paula Gilberto, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, and Jessica Cain, Vice President of Customer Operations, Eversource as they discuss our organizations are working to ensure that peoples’ basic needs are met when times are tough. Follow the Podcast or follow the link below to learn more about 2-1-1.

Learn More About 2-1-1

Year End Impact

As 2019 comes to a close, we want to thank you for the measurable difference you have made in the lives of children and families in our region. With your support last year, United Way and its community partners ensured that:

• Nearly 3,500 youth participated in school and
out-of-school time programs that supported their academic success;

• More than 400 people got quality jobs;

• Nearly 1,400 people participated in financial management programs that helped them to reduce debt and save for the future; and,

• Nearly 15,000 people were connected to emergency resources such as rent/utility assistance, medical equipment, clothing or transportation assistance to better make ends meet.

We thank you again for your support this year. Together, we will achieve more than any of us can do alone and that means that more local children, youth, adults and families will have opportunities to succeed

Season of Giving

We want to recognize the companies and individuals who participated in this year’s Season of Giving by collecting toys, winter coats, school supplies and gift cards to help more than 500 local children and families:

Thank You for the Many Ways You Volunteered This Season

We would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to all who made a difference for local children at our first Volunteer Friday event! Together, you made a total of 125 Books and Basicskits for children ages six to nine years old. That means that 125 local children that will receive a new book, a fun handmade prop that brings the story alive, and new winter gloves and hat!

Did you miss Volunteer Friday but still want to make a difference? Visit our Volunteer Page to get involved in 2020.

“Community Connections” – December 28, 2019

Red, White & Chocolate – January 29, 2020

6:00-9:00 p.m. | Town and County | Hartford, CT

Join United Way Women United at The Town and County Club as we host our 7th annual Red, White & Chocolate fundraiser! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres along with the wonderful wine, chocolate and cheese tastings that give this must-attend event its name.

Proceeds support programs and collaborations that help families get on the pathway to a financially secure future, connects individuals with skills and training for jobs in our region, as well as provides the financial services and supports to achieve their goals.

Don’t forget to invite your friends, family and colleagues!

RSVP

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) 
December 2019-April 2020

Various Times | Various Locations | CT

We’re excited to once again be a part of the VITA Campaign. VITA is a no-cost tax preparation program for working families who earn up to $56,000 annually.

Four out of 10 households struggle to make ends meet in central and northeastern Connecticut. As a VITA volunteer, you’ll be helping working families receive the tax credits and refunds they’ve earned. Get started now! No prior experience is required, and free training is provided.

Volunteer opportunities include:
Tax preparers: complete tax returns for filers
Savings and intake specialists: ensure that taxpayers are ready for their appointments, manage daily site calendars and speak with filers about opportunities to save their refunds
Translators: translate for English as a Second Language filers at tax sites, primarily Spanish-speakers

Register

United Way Readers – January 14-May 22, 2020

Various Times | Various Locations | CT

Reading at grade level by the start of fourth grade is a key indicator of future success for children. We are committed to increasing the number of children who reach this critical milestone. One way we do this is by matching volunteers with children, kindergarten through grade three, to strengthen their literacy skills and ensure they’re grade-level success.

We invite you to spend an hour one day per week with a student as part of the United Way Volunteer Readers program. United Way Readers are making a difference for children in East Hartford, Enfield, Hartford, New Britain, and Windham public schools.

Register