Stories
Thanks to your gifts to United Way Community Investment, children receive a quality education and families have access to the tools to be financially secure. These tell the stories of individuals and communities made stronger by your generosity.
Help After Hurricane Harvey
TOGETHER, WE'RE FINDING THE BEST WAY. Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts continue in Texas and Louisiana as preparations are underway in Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Irma. Our co…
Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck
Reflecting on the $9,000 of debt she’s paid off, United Way Volunteer Budget Coaching participant Summer Spellman (above with her coach, Steve DeKeyser) says, “I feel so happy, jus…
Transforming Doubt Into Possibilities
As a quality assurance inspector for Mallory Industries—a Farmington-based manufacturer nationally recognized for its investment in young adult workers—Nastassia Scott loves her wo…
Partnership with a Punch
Photographed above is Jayden Willis, a student at Jefferson Elementary School in New Britain, working on his math and reading skills with a New Britain Summer Enrichment Experience instructor,…
A Challenge Close to My Heart
Photographed above is Yamil, a student at Burns Latino Studies Academy in Hartford, reading with his volunteer United Way Reader, Brenda Pabon from Aetna. Reading on grade level by the start…
The Young Man He's Become
To see Kyle Young today is to watch a young man do what it seems he was always meant to do. A professional music producer and a film instructor at Hartford’s R. J. Kinsella Magnet School…
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
As an experienced certified professional accountant and volunteer, John helps United Way and its partners help local families get ahead by providing fast and free tax-preparation services. Joh…
Job Training Helps Umar's Family Get Ahead
Five days a week, Umar is behind the wheel of his city bus. Reveling in the relative freedom of the road while helping strangers navigate Hartford’s streets. Umar, a father of three, is…
Out-of-School-Time Programs
Additional help on homework, increased socialization time, and experiential learning activities help Nayeli improve the skills she needs to succeed in school and in life.Instead of hopping on…
After School Program Helps Jorge Succeed
At 18 eighteen years old, Jorge is exactly where every parent wants his or her child to be. Not only is the Hartford senior an honors student preparing to attend college in the fall, but, as a…
Success at Home and in School for Omar's Family
It takes more than quality teaching and turning in homework for students to achieve academic success. It also takes support outside of traditional class hours and parent involvement. Omar und…
A Summer Like No Other for Jordan
It wasn’t a typical summer at all for Jordan, a third-grade student in New Britain. For three weeks, Jordan spent afternoons with his peers performing heel turns, pirouetting and keeping…
Getting Back on Track
The passing of a loved one is undoubtedly a difficult time. For 28 year-old elementary school teacher, Ian, it was more than he ever could have imagined. Last year, Ian lost his father unexpec…
Profile of Success: Solutions for a More Skilled Workforce
In her earlier years, when Gail Moran first attempted college, she declared biology as her major. However, like many women, after meeting her husband and having children, Gail put aside her as…
Profile of Success: Family Financial Center
Financial Confidence Starts with a Plan Ms. Rosa came to the Family Financial Center interested in learning how to budget her money to improve her financial situation. She wanted to participat…
Profile of Success: Robert Stair
"It’s only right that I should help others."
Robert Stair has always believed that everything happens for a reason. And in January of 2002, that belief was profoundly tested.
O…
Profile of Success: Kathy Luria
"I am so grateful that I can return the favor." "I am here as a living, breathing reminder of how programs supported by United Way Community Investment can transform lives. You see, 26 years a…
Profile of Success: Caring Enough to Get the Job Done
“It was great working with a group of incredibly diverse individuals who care about the community and get things done.”
Photographed: Kel Ndu, third in on the left.
Profile of Success: Women's League Child Development Center
It’s never too early to be a “bookworm” Something amazing is happening in the hallways of the Women’s League Child Development Center in Hartford. Every time a book is…
Profile of Success: Summer Enrichment Experience
When she speaks and smiles, the hair on my arms stands up"
Statistics show that children from lower-wage earning families can lose as much as three months of reading comprehension skills…
