ALICE Advocate - October 14, 2025 Edition

 

United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut’s 2025 Impact Breakfast  

Thank you for joining us at the Creating Real Change Together: 2025 Impact Breakfast! Your presence and partnership helped us take another step toward stronger, more resilient communities across Coastal and Western Connecticut. 

We celebrated the power of collaboration and highlighted how investing in critical needs—from food and child care to housing and health—creates real change for ALICE families. Congratulations to our 2025 ALICE Champions: Senator Julie Kushner, Representative Corey Paris, and Representative Antonio Felipe, recognized for their leadership in advancing policies that support ALICE households in Connecticut. 

View highlights and photos from the event here: Event Highlights & Photo Gallery

Full Service Community Schools in Action  

Rep. Jim Himes and Mayor Caroline Simmons visited Rippowam Middle School to see the Full Service Community Schools strategy in action. Students, parents, and partners shared how it boosts engagement, strengthens families, and improves school climate. Rep. Himes left inspired, committed to advocating for continued federal funding to sustain this important work. 📺 Watch the News12 story HERE.

TAKE ACTION

Financial Hardship is Everywhere  

Financial hardship is not just confined to our cities; it’s rising fastest in suburban and rural towns. State leaders must act now to make Connecticut affordable for the people who keep it running across every zip code. In UWCWC’s 27-town footprint across Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties, 42% or more than 332,000 households, face impossible choices between buying food or medicine, paying rent or for child care. Together, we can change that. 

Your input counts! 🖊️ Take a moment to email your legislator and help create a stronger Connecticut for everyone.  

📚 Learn more about ALICE in your community HERE.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Congressman Himes Shutdown Telephone Town Hall 

October 14th, 5-6pm (audio only)

As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, Congressman Jim Himes will share updates on its impact on essential social services and hear directly from Fourth District constituents.
📝 Registration required (Fourth District residents only). Dial-in details provided upon RSVP.  

CT CGA Appropriations Committee Information Forum on SNAP Benefits 

October 16th, 11:00 am, Legislative Office Building, Room 2C and YouTube Live 

Child Care for CT Child Care Victory Bash  

October 19th, 3:00-6:00 pm, Barcade, 56 Orange Street, New Haven 

Celebrate our collective wins at the Child Care Victory Bash — honoring the parents, providers, advocates, and volunteers who made it happen! Enjoy food from Barcade and Somos Arepas, a DJ, face painting, arcade games, and more. Hosted by CT’s 17th State Troubadour Nekita Waller, with special guests and elected officials. All ages welcome. 📝 RSVP Today. 

Danbury Collective Fall Community Convening

November 6th, 5:30-7:30 pm, 80 West Street, Danbury 

All parents, youth, community members, and organizations are welcome! Hear from the CT Treasurer’s Office about the Baby Bonds Program, learn about our shared work, and connect with others committed to improving outcomes for Danbury’s children. Dinner, childcare, and translation provided. 📝 Register today by clicking this link!  

The Constitution and Democracy Today

November 6th, 7:00 pm (doors at 6:30), The Klein Theater, 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport 

Join Senator Richard Blumenthal, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, Dan Barrett (ACLU of CT), Paul Skaff (CT Democracy Center), and moderator Bobbi Brown (NAACP Greater Bridgeport) for a conversation on the Constitution and democracy today, hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Bridgeport Area. 📝 Register today to secure your seat.   

 

RESOURCES

Read 📰: 

Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/advocate or contact Tida Infahsaeng at tida.infahsaeng@unitedwaycwc.org.