United News – May 2020

May Edition

Thank you for your ongoing support. United, we are here for each other during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Paula S. Gilberto

President and CEO

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut

Your Donations at Work

Thank you to those who donated to United Way Neighbors in Need and/or the Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund. Your dollars are hard at work already supporting local children and families.

Neighbors in Need: Nearly 7,000 children, adults and families adversely affected by COVID-19 will be receiving food, shelter, rent and utilities assistance, and counseling through awards to 33 nonprofit organizations in its first two rounds of grants. Learn more about the awards, totaling $413,000, by visiting unitedwayinc.org/neighbors-in-need/.

Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund: We partnered with all United Ways in the state to provide direct financial assistance to those that have lost jobs, reduced work hours, or other financial hardships due to the coronavirus. Our United Way is working with town social service directors who are identifying residents most in need. As of May 29, more than 435 individuals and families have received the pre-loaded mobile wallet card to use for food and other household necessities. We will be reaching a total of 1,000 individuals through a second round to be made available shortly.

Featured Resources for You

As many of us face a new set of unique circumstances, we want to keep you up to date on resources that are available to help. Below are this week’s featured resources. Visit unitedwayinc.org/emergency-response to learn more about these and other opportunities.

United Way 2-1-1 Information Resources 

Stay connected to COVID-19 related information and access resources related to food, emotional and family support, healthcare, rent/utility assistance, unemployment and more. Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut or visit 211ct.org for information and referral services. This service, available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, is made possible through the support of United Ways in Connecticut.

Financial Coaching 

Connecticut United Ways have partnered with Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners, a nonprofit leader in financial coaching, to offer residents help in creating a COVID-19 financial checklist, money management, dealing with creditors and finding emergency resources. Known as TrustPlus, the program is available in English and Spanish. Schedule a session by texting “ALICESaves” to 646-349-5959.

Talk it Out Line 

We know that parents and caregivers are particularly stretched right now, balancing the demands of homeschooling, working from home and other new realities. The State Department of Children and Families, in partnership with United Way of Connecticut/2-1-1 and community providers, recently launched its When it Builds Up, Talk it Out campaign. Parents and caregivers who need someone to listen, to understand and to talk their feelings out with can connect with trained professionals by dialing 833-258-5011.

For more parent resources, including distance learning, visit unitedwayinc.org/emergency-response.

Thank You for Volunteering With United Way

United Way is mobilizing volunteers virtually and in-person with appropriate health precautions. I want to thank the nearly 50 volunteers who have participated in virtual read alouds and science experiments which were shared with students through school districts and nonprofits and those who have sent nearly 1,000 e-cards and messages to health care and other essential workers and the elderly experiencing social isolation.

Our United Way has worked closely with our community partners throughout the region to identify their needs for face masks. We are partnering with a local volunteer group, Sewing Face Masks – Farmington Valley CT and as of this week, 1,000 face masks have been distributed to nonprofit agencies in our region.