Resources
United Way Resources
🎧 Rooted in Impact
On Episode 8 of Rooted in Impact, Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Damika Richardson, Associate Group Practice Manager at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Captain in the Air National Guard, to talk about what it truly means to live a life of service. From supporting veterans through federal healthcare operations to mentoring the next generation and volunteering in her community, Damika shares how leadership, commitment, and purpose show up both professionally and personally.🎧 Tune in here.
Community Resources
Financial Help for Healthcare With Access Health CT
Access Health CT is offering a Special Enrollment Period for 2026 Temporary Premium Assistance. There is additional financial help to replace some or all of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credits for eligible Connecticut residents enrolled in health coverage through Access Health CT in 2026.
This Temporary Premium Assistance is currently in place for one year. The enrollment period does not currently have an end date, but anyone interested in qualifying should call at their earliest convenience. Call Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325 to enroll. Scan the QR code or visit help.accesshealthct.com/premium-assistance to learn more about who qualifies.
News You Can Use
Candid recently posted an article showcasing how nonprofits are used by most Americans without them often realizing it. Read more by checking out their “Changing the Narrative: Who Benefits from Nonprofits?” article.
CT State Community College: Free Job Training Programs
CT State Community College offers no‑cost training programs in Information Technology and Manufacturing to eligible students. View the Spring 2026 schedule and full program list at ctstate.edu/workforce-development.
A new Artificial Intelligence Certificate Program is available free through the Equitable IT Pathways Initiative. For details, email CA-ITPathways@CTState.edu.
Scholarships & Grants Available
- CHESLA Scholarship – For healthcare programs; reopens July 1. https://chesla.org/certificate-scholarship/
- Equitable IT Pathways Funding – Supports IT certificate programs. Email CA-ITPathways@CTState.edu.
- SNAP E&T Scholarship – Covers approved certificates. Email ca-snap@ctstate.edu.
- WIOA Scholarship – Processed through American Job Centers. www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wia/WhatIsWIoA.htm
Additional grants/scholarships may also be available.
For more information: Email CA-WDCE@CTState.edu or call 860‑906‑5130.
Community Resources - Greater Stamford
Heart of Gold – Scholarship Application Now Open!
Applications are open for the Roberta K. Eichler Heart of Gold Scholarship, awarding a $5,000 scholarship to a Stamford high school senior who demonstrates a strong commitment to volunteerism and community impact.
We encourage community partners to share this opportunity with eligible students in Stamford.
Application deadline: April 2, 2026
Learn more and apply: Heart of Gold Scholarship
Heart of Gold Scholarship – Review Committee Opportunity
United Way is seeking volunteers to serve on the Roberta K. Eichler Heart of Gold Scholarship Review Committee, helping select Stamford students who demonstrate outstanding volunteerism and community impact. Committee members will review applications and participate in the selection process for a $5,000 scholarship.
Time Commitment: Approximately 25 hours from April 6 to May 22, 2026
If you’re interested in supporting the next generation of community leaders, complete the interest form by March 26, 2026.
Learn more and sign up: Heart of Gold Committee Interest Form
CT Youth Employment Summer Program
The 2026 CT Youth Employment Summer Programs offers up to 6 weeks of paid work experience and workforce training – so you can earn money AND grow your resume. Youth ages 14-24 living in Southwestern CT are eligible to apply.
Spots are limited – don't wait. Apply Here
Community Resources - Greater Norwalk
Say Yes to a Prom Dress & Suit
See Flyer for Upcoming Dates | 2:00 – 6:00 PM at the Family Center, 1 Park St.
The NPS Family Center is hosting Say Yes to a Prom Dress and Suit, helping juniors and seniors find the perfect look for their special night, at no cost to families.
Donations are also accepted for new or gently worn dress wear beginning Monday, February 23rd.
For more information, contact Ydamys Simo at 203-854-4097 or email simoy@norwalkps.org.
NorWALK for Mental Health
Saturday, May 2nd | 10:00 - 1:30 PM at Norwalk Town Green
Save the Date! The Norwalk Partnership is hosting the 5th Annual NorWALK for Mental Health. Join neighbors, partners, and advocates as we come together to raise awareness and support mental wellness across our community.
Community Resources - Greater Bridgeport
Community Resilience Model Training
4th Monday of Every Month | 9:00 – 12:00 PM at LifeBridge Community Services
LifeBridge Community Services offers free monthly Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Training designed to help participants understand and manage stress through body-based wellness techniques. Open to all community members. Register Here
Public Allies AmeriCorps Member Recruitment
Join the movement for a more just and equitable society! Public Allies Connecticut is now recruiting for the 2026–27 cohort. Serve with a local nonprofit, develop your leadership skills, and make an impact in communities across Greater Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Waterbury.
For more information call Public Allies AmeriCiros at 475 – 282 – 5017.
Community Resources - Greater Danbury
Live Well Workshop for Chronic Health Conditions
Fridays - March 13, 20 & 27th & April 10,17 & 24 | 10am – 12pm via Zoom
Join us for a 6-week series of workshops geared toward adults age 60+ with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or depression and those who care for them.
To register, contact Abbey Ellner at aellner@wcaaa.org or at 203 – 757 – 5449.
Free Energy Savings Workshop
Tuesday, April 28th | 5:30 – 6:30 PM at Danbury Public Library
Hear from Eversource and weatherization contractor representatives about how to understand your energy bill, programs available to help, ways to save money and energy, and how to live more sustainably.
Community Resources - Greater New Milford
New Milford Senior Center: Evening Edition
4th Monday of the month beginning March 23rd | 8:00 – 6:00 PM at New Milford Senior Center
The New Milford Senior Center is launching a new pilot program – Evening Edition! Starting Monday, March 23, they’ll offer extended hours once a month to better serve adults 60+ who are still working, caring for loved ones, or unable to visit us during our regular hours of 8:00 – 4:00 PM.
Appointments will be available to meet with municipal agents Janette Ireland and RJ Yarrish.Municipal agents will help older adults' access local, state, and federal benefits and services – from Medicare and energy assistance to transportation and other community resources.
To schedule an appointment, please call 860 – 355 – 6075.
Buddy Up: Homework Help
Join the New Milford Youth Agency’s Buddy Up program for FREE homework support for students in grades 3-8. Hosted at the John Pettibone Community Center, bus transportation is available. Interested in signing up? Contact Maria Leo at mleo@newmilfordct.gov for an application.
Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/grant-opportunities or contact Archeline Youte at archeline.youte@unitedwaycwc.org.