TAKE ACTION
Protect Head Start
The proposed federal rule reduces funding and service quality, mandates English-only instruction, weakens services for vulnerable children, and eliminates key standards for competitive Head Start wages and benefits, threatening workforce stability and making it harder to recruit and retain the educators and staff families rely on.
Learn More
- Sign up for Social Impact Partners’ Virtual Head Start Lunch and Learn, September 16th, 12 pm
- Read First Five Years’ State Of Play: The Head Start NPRMs (Rules and Regulation Changes)
Take Action
- Review NHSA Action Alert for easy guidance
- Urge federal leaders to protect strong, accessible Head Start programs. Submit your comments HERE by October 6.
EVENTS
CWESEO | Connecticut Economic Opportunity Summit
September 9, 10 AM | Legislative Office Building, Hartford
A gathering focused on advancing economic opportunity, exploring strategies to strengthen financial security, and bringing together leaders, advocates, and community partners working to create a more equitable Connecticut.
Learn from experts, connect with peers, and discuss solutions to expand opportunity across the state. Reserve a spot today.
ACTION: Complete the CWCSEO survey (English, Spanish) to share your experiences meeting basic household needs in Connecticut and help shape policies and programs that better support residents and families.
ALICE Launch Event
September 10, 9:30 AM | CT State Capitol, Room 310, Hartford
United Ways from across CT will unveil the latest ALICE Update and 2026 Policy Agenda, exploring innovative solutions to address the financial struggles facing hardworking Connecticut residents.
Together, we’ll discuss ways to strengthen the movement for ALICE and create a Connecticut where everyone can thrive. RSVP to the event.
FRAC Webinar: Protecting Access: Why School Meal Applications and Household Income Forms Matter
September 10, 3:00 PM
This FRAC webinar will explore how school meal applications, household income forms, and Summer EBT applications help connect families to nutrition benefits, protect school funding, and document student need. Learn about barriers to participation and strategies schools and community partners can use to increase completion. Register for the webinar.
United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut | 2026 Impact Breakfast
September 24, 2026, 8:00 AM | Housatonic Community College, Beacon Hall, Bridgeport
Join United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut for the 2026 Impact Breakfast, exploring “The Power of Us” and how connection, belonging, and collective action can build stronger, more resilient communities. We’ll also celebrate local impact and recognize our 2026 ALICE Champions. RSVP to the event.
NEWS AND RESOURCES
Listen to Rooted in Impact, a United Way Podcast
- Advocates — SNAP Benefit Losses Doubled Worst-Case Projection - Read the CT Voices for Children Report HERE
- Friction emerges as K-12 school funding commission weighs solutions
- In Danbury, some are hiding from ICE. Others are following them
- Lamont Issues Guidance To Residents In Wake Of Danbury ICE Activity
UPDATED HUSKY D Resources
- HUSKY D Work Rules Outreach and Education Guide: Practical guidance for using outreach materials, preparing staff and trusted messengers, engaging communities, and coordinating with partners.
- Updated HUSKY D Messaging Starter Kit: Ready-to-use outreach and messaging materials reflecting recent developments and HUSKY D coverage changes.
Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/advocate or contact Tida Infahsaeng at tida.infahsaeng@unitedwaycwc.org.