United News January 2020

January Edition

Quality Jobs, Better Business Outcomes

Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford (Workforce Solutions) an initiative managed by United Way in partnership with local and national funders, has been awarded funding by the National Fund for Workforce Solutions to expand its job quality work with small to mid-sized manufacturers.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded the National Fund for Workforce Solutions an 18-month, $2.1 million grant to work with five of its partners, including Workforce Solutions, to identify the main factors that influence employers to design better jobs that improve workers’ income and also deliver business benefits. Locally, Workforce Solutions will work with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAT) to implement the project. CCAT serves as the intermediary for the Advanced Manufacturing Employer Partnership.

Workforce Solutions is a funders’ collaborative committed to developing an educated, economically self-sufficient workforce that meets employer needs. Using sector-based employer-driven strategies, participants improve work-readiness and secure industry-recognized credentials that are portable and stackable. Members include American Savings Foundation, Bank of America, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Liberty Bank Foundation, Middlesex United Way, National Fund for Workforce Solutions, Prudential Foundation, State of Connecticut Department of Labor, and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

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Your Home or No-Freeze Shelter: Where Would You Want to Spend Tonight?

Warming centers and shelters are over capacity in the Hartford and Windham regions. United Way is partnering with municipalities and community partners to prevent adults and families from slipping into homelessness and to assist those who are in securing stable housing. United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut recently awarded $20,000 for Hartford’s efforts; its Windham Region United Way Advisory Board awarded up to $10,000 for Windham area residents.

Volunteer Recognition: Carrie and Mike Stockman

For years Carrie and Mike Stockman have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving local children and families. They are United Way Readers, working one-on-one with six to 10-year-olds helping them to develop their literacy skills. They are volunteer tax preparers through United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), helping families increase their household income by claiming the refunds and credits they’ve earned. Additionally, they are Impact Team members, working with our United Way and their funded partners to review and address community conditions. Thank you, Carrie and Mike: your volunteerism is making a positive difference in the lives of children and families.

Want to be like Carrie and Mike?

Visit our website at unitedwayinc.org or email Phil Blonski, Senior Manager, Community Engagement at pblonski@unitedwayinc.org.

Thank You Pratt & Whitney

Nearly 300 volunteers from Pratt & Whitney have contributed to developing literacy skills in children, providing food to families, and necessary toiletries to those in homeless shelters through United Way Kit Projects. Thanks to their collective efforts, 590 children, adults and families will receive one of the kits.

If your family, friends or co-workers would like to participate in a United Way Kit Project, please email Annie Sommers Fazzino, Community Engagement and Marketing Manager, at asommers@unitedwayinc.org.

Read Across America Day
March 2 and March 3, 2020

Read Across America Day is a national movement where volunteers read to classrooms of students.

We will be celebrating this special day (and the day after!) with volunteers reading “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kauffman to Kindergarten or 1st Grade students.

Register: March 2nd – Hartford | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Register: March 3rd – East Hartford/New Britain | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

If you’re interested in learning more email Annie Sommers Fazzino, Community Engagement and Marketing Manager, at asommers@unitedwayinc.org.

SAVE THE DATE: United Way’s 95th Annual Meeting
April 2, 2020

5:30-8:30 p.m. | Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum | East Hartford, CT

Join us as we celebrate 95 years of Living United! This year we are recognizing Bob Leduc with our highest honor, the Community Service Award, given in memory of Dr. Frederick G. Adams for his service to our community.

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 Women United Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction 
June 11, 2020

11:00 a.m–1:30 p.m | Connecticut Convention Center| Hartford, CT

Join United Way Women United at The Connecticut Convention Center as we host our 9th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction, presented by TD Bank. As Women United’s signature event, this fundraiser attracts more than 1,200 guests from businesses and community organizations. It’s a great opportunity to network with others while bidding on auction items and hearing from inspiring women.

Event proceeds support United Way-funded economic mobility services that include financial education, budgeting, establishing credit, savings and employment programs. These services make a measurable difference in the lives of local women and families who are on the path to financial stability.

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

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