United Way Awards $3 Million to Assist Children, Adults and Families in Recovering from the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hartford, Conn. (July 8, 2021) — United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut has awarded $3 million to local community organizations that are addressing the long-term health, economic and educational impact of COVID-19 on children, adults and families. 

 “As several people return to pre-pandemic activities, we know that for many children, adults and families the impact of the pandemic will be longer-lasting,” said Paula S. Gilberto, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “Our United Way is working with Community Partners to assess potential gaps in resources and to ensure a more comprehensive approach in helping people recover from the long-term effects of the pandemic.” 

The awards, which were approved by United Way’s Board of Directors at its June meeting, focus on: 

• Youth Success: Summer learning and enrichment programs for children who experienced a challenging school year, and quality early childhood education and early literacy programs aimed at students reading proficiently by the start of fourth grade.  
• Economic Mobility: Employment programs that help people get good jobs with opportunities for career advancement along with financial education and opportunities to build savings.
• Basic Needs: Rent, utility and food assistance, and a connection to important income supports, such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), that help families struggling to make ends meet stretch their monthly budgets. 

Of the $3 million awarded, $213,000 will support programs running this summer for local children to help prevent learning loss and keep students on-track for academic success. 

“We are so grateful to the generous donors and workplaces in our region who have come together to support local children and families this year,” said Gilberto. “When you give to United Way, you are supporting a network of partners who are working together to meet the complex needs of people in our region, efficiently and effectively. United, we will recover from the long-term effects of COVID-19.” 

About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut  

United Way brings people and resources together to address immediate needs and finds long-term solutions for the wellbeing of children and families. For more information about United Way and ways to partner visit: https://unitedwayinc.org/get-involved/for-companies/.