TAKE ACTION
Two in Five CT Families Are Struggling, Here’s How We Can Make a Difference
In Connecticut, 40% of households—over 580,000 ALICE families—are working hard but still struggle to afford essentials like housing, child care, food, and health care. In UWCWC’s region, covering Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties, 42% of households—nearly 129,000 families—are considered ALICE. With rising costs and stagnant wages, these families feel the strain first and most severely.
We have the power to change this. By strengthening Connecticut’s 211 system and creating a state Child Tax Credit, we can provide stability, dignity, and real opportunity for families across our state.
Your voice matters. Take a moment today to email your legislator and help build a stronger foundation for every Connecticut family.
Connecticut Child Care Survey
Thanks to your support, Connecticut is making historic investments in early care and education! In the coming years, families and providers will have access to free or reduced-cost care, funding to improve child care facilities and workforce supports—like salary boosts and health subsidies.
Now, the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and UConn School of Social Work are inviting caregivers of children ages 0–5 to take part in an important 10–20 minute survey. Participants can enter to win a $100 gift card, and feedback will help improve child care programs and policies across the state.
How you can help: Please share the survey with your community to help more families have their voices heard!
🔍 Dig deeper into OEC’s resources HERE.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CWCSEO Hunger Action Month Event: “A Conversation on Food and Nutrition Education for Family Wellbeing”
October 1st, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Legislative Office Building, Hartford
Join the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity (CWCSEO) to explore the importance of food and nutrition education, its availability in CT, barriers to access, and how to overcome them. 📝 RSVP today.
United Way’s 30|30 Experience: An Eye-Opening Journey into the Realities of Economic Hardship
October 7th, 3:00-4:30 pm (Zoom)
The 30|30 Experience is a 90-minute online, interactive simulation that puts you directly in ALICE's shoes and makes the data in the 2025 ALICE Report come alive. You'll face the same tough choices ALICE families navigate each month: rent or the electric bill? Car repair or groceries? 📝 SIGN UP to experience firsthand how financial hardship looks and feels for families in our state.
New Date and Location! UWCWC "Creating Real Change, Together 2025 Impact Breakfast
October 8th, 8:00-10:00 am, Housatonic Community College
Join United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut for our "Creating Real Change, Together: 2025 Impact Breakfast”. This special event marks not just a celebration, but the beginning of what’s possible when we come together—with advocates, partners, leaders, and neighbors—to honor the progress we’ve made and embrace the work ahead. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community, and every voice and action adds to the momentum.
Tickets are $40/pp, which will help us cover the cost of food for attendees.📝 RSVP Today.
Livestream: CT Mirror Presents In The Room with Sen. Richard Blumenthal
October 9th, 7:00 pm
Host John Dankosky will chat with U.S. Senator Blumenthal about his role in the U.S. Senate, the impact of Trump Administration policies here in Connecticut, and how the Democrats are responding. 📝 Register HERE.
RESOURCES
Read 📰
- Several New Laws Take Effect Oct. 1 In Connecticut
- USDA cancels survey tracking how many Americans struggle to get enough food
- A Government Shutdown Could Start Wednesday. Here’s How It Could Affect Your Life
- CT community health centers see demand surge amid federal Medicaid rollbacks
- Will CT use surplus funds to fill gaps caused by big beautiful bill?
Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/advocate or contact Tida Infahsaeng at tida.infahsaeng@unitedwaycwc.org.