When I think of the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, the word community comes to mind.  It is only through their partnership and commitment to serving people most in need…especially the most marginalized in our community… that nonprofit organizations, like YWCA Hartford Region, are able to provide the critical programs and services vital for building and sustaining healthy communities.

United Way supports YWCA Hartford Region’s programs that focus on providing affordable early learning and childcare to working families; ensuring single mothers remain in college in order to graduate and obtain jobs with family sustaining wages; and ensuring Hartford residents experiencing homelessness have a safe place to call home.

We simply cannot make an impact without the generous support of the United Way and their donors.  Together, we can and will bring our vision to life and create unlimited opportunities for the women, girls and the families we serve.

Adrienne W. Cochrane, J.D.

Chief Executive Officer

YWCA Hartford Region

Fostering vibrant communities for future generations is of utmost importance to Henry M. Zachs, a long-time philanthropist in Greater Hartford.

“My life philosophy is about how I can give back,” reflects Henry.

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is an organization Henry feels personally aligned with as the organization “represents community” to him. That is why the Zachs Family Foundation has contributed annually as Tocqueville Society members to the United Way Community Campaign since 2007.

Philanthropy is synonymous with the Zachs family name. Henry grew up observing the significant charitable support his grandfather and parents demonstrated, and has made it a priority to carry this practice forward to his children and grandchildren – passing down the tradition of giving from generation to generation.

In 2008, Henry made a provision for United Way in his estate plans, earning him membership in the organization’s 1924 Legacy Society. His intention for this gift is to help grow United Way’s endowment to sustain its work in our community for decades to come.

“Nonprofits need to build participation in growing their endowment to provide a steady, reliable funding source for their ongoing impact work. United Way has a strong history of impact, and I am energized by the direction the organization is heading in,” emphasizes Henry.

Henry raised his family and built a robust career in the mobile/wireless sector in Greater Hartford. Henry served as a Trustee, Advisor and/or Board Member to numerous organizations, including United Way, throughout his professional tenure. In his retirement, he and his family operate the Zachs Family Foundation, which supports more than 100 nonprofit organizations annually; and, Endow Hartford 21, an endowment matching program, which helped 63 local nonprofits build endowments for the long-term health of their organizations.

You can join Henry M. Zachs in closing gaps and creating opportunities to end poverty in the 860 regions with a legacy gift to United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. Contact Samantha Goemans, Director of Individual Giving, at sgoemans@unitedwayinc.org for more information.