Resources
United Way Resources
🎧 Rooted in Impact
Senior Vice President of Collective Action at United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut, Lauren Scopaz-Daunais joins host Ashley Gaudiano to discuss how communities across Connecticut are aligning efforts to improve outcomes for children and families from early childhood through career. Drawing on her work with the Connecticut Cradle to Career Coalition, she explores how cross-sector collaboration, shared data, and community voice are shaping statewide solutions that advance economic mobility and create lasting opportunity.🎧 Tune in here.
Community Resources
Free State and Federal Tax Filing Resource
SimplifyCT is a free, online tax filing tool designed to help Connecticut taxpayers file their state income taxes online or in-person. In partnership with VITA, an IRS certified program connecting individuals to volunteer tax preparers, SimplifyCT guides filers step by step through the return process, helping to claim any credits or deductions taxpayers qualify for. Learn more by visiting simplifyct.org/vita-services/. Or find your nearest VITA office with this locator.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge. You can also choose to prepare your tax return yourself, with coaching from IRS-certified tax counselors or receive access to free self-preparation tax software. This software is available for individuals with an Adjusted Gross Income of $89,000 or less. You don't need to be an AARP member to use the service. Visit: aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations/ to find a location near you.
UConn Cook and Chat
March 25th – April 8th | Wednesday’s at 6:00 PM (Virtual)
If you are looking for healthy recipe inspiration or want to be more organized in the kitchen, sign-up for UConn’s virtual Cook and Chat series! This program is free for families experiencing food insecurity. UConn’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) hosts a virtual cooking course with live demonstrations in English and Spanish. The class takes place every Wednesday evening at 6:00PM from March 25 to April 8. Participants can earn kitchen supplies like a waffle maker, family toolbox, kitchen organizer, or an immersion blender by attending a certain number of classes.
This spring, the course will cover cooking with kids, creating calm in your kitchen, and family fitness. Recipes include:
- Skillet Granola
- Apple Donuts
- One-pot skillet lasagna
If you have any questions, reach out to Heather Pease at heather.pease@uconn.edu or Brenda Sanchez at brenda.sanchez@uconn.edu. Register Here
Community Resources - Greater Stamford
Reduced Fare Transit Card Event
March 26th | 1:30 – 4:00 PM | Optimus Health Care
After a successful launch in Bridgeport...we’re coming to Stamford! Join us for a Reduced Fare Transit Card Event designed to support individuals who may qualify for reduced fare transit, including seniors and those with qualifying disabilities. Attendees will have the chance to complete the process on-site and gain access to more affordable transportation options.
Questions? Email irose@opthc.org.
Community Resources - Greater Norwalk
City of Norwalk – Green Workforce Training Program
April – June 2026
Youth in the City of Norwalk are encouraged to apply for a hands-on internship opportunity with the City of Norwalk’s Green Workforce Training Program. Are you interested in a paid opportunity to develop your leadership skills? Apply today!
YWCA Darien/Norwalk Economic Empowerment Program
April 20th – May 11th | Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM at HAVYN Coworking, Darien
Join us for YWCA’s Economic Empowerment Program beginning this April. YWCA will host monthly workshops and a 4-week Foundations series, all designed to support women in building careers and working toward financial security. Topics include financial literacy, job readiness, digital skills, and workplace success. Register Here
Community Resources - Greater Bridgeport
City of Bridgeport Utility Relief Program
March 10th – June 30th
The City of Bridgeport is offering a Utility Relief Program to help residents keep their lights on and homes warm. The program runs from March 10, 2026 through June 30, 2026 and provides electric or gas utility bill payment assistance for eligible households.
For more information or to apply, contact the City of Bridgeport Social Services Department at 203‑576‑8088 or visit 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT.
Community Health Summit
April 1st | 1:00 – 7:00 PM | CT State Housatonic
Join us for the Community Health Summit on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the CT State Naugatuck Valley – Beacon Hall Event Center in Bridgeport. This event brings together students, community members, and health partners for an afternoon focused on topics such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, breast health, men’s health, and behavioral health.
Student Lunch & Learn sessions run from 1:00–3:00 PM, with resource engagement from 3:15–3:30 PM. Doors open to the public at 4:00 PM, featuring dinner, raffles, and giveaways.
Questions? Email alexandros.valiantis@ctstate.edu. Register Here
Community Resources - Greater Danbury
Early Childhood & Community Resource Fair 2026
March 28th | 10:00 – 1:00 PM | Rogers Park Middle School Cafeteria
Danbury area families are invited to the Early Childhood & Community Resource Fair on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rogers Park Middle School Cafeteria. This free event brings together local organizations offering information on childcare centers, home daycares, health services, summer camps, family support programs, kindergarten registration, and more.
Enjoy raffles, face painting, arts & crafts, and activities for all ages.
For more information, contact Mini Santosh at 203‑743‑3785 or mini.santosh@caawc.org.
Immigration Pathways: Understanding Policy, Benefits, and Community Impact
April 2nd | 1:00 – 4:00 PM at WCSU Midtown Student Center
Join us on April 2 at Western Connecticut State University! The Danbury Collective, the New American Dream Foundation, the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, and United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut are co-hosting an Immigration Pathways Convening on Thursday, April 2 at 1:00-4:00pm. This event is open to all nonprofit, education, healthcare, and municipal professionals and community advocates in greater Danbury. Please share this invitation with your staff and partners. This convening is the third session in our series on immigration pathways, and will be a deep dive on immigration and service coordination. It will include a collaborative panel and several breakout sessions. Register here.
Community Resources - Greater New Milford
Lawyers in Libraries
March 26th | 5:30 – 7:30 PM | New Milford Public Library
The New Milford Public Library is hosting the next Lawyers in Libraries session, brought to you by the Connecticut Bar Association. Meet one – on – one with a volunteer attorney for a free 20 – minute consultation. English and Spanish speaking volunteers are available.
Topic covered include: Landlord/Tenant, Immigration, Employment, Consumer Rights, Family Law, Personal Injury & more! Call 860-355-1191 ext. 4208 or email kdeliktas@newmilfordlibrary.org to schedule your appointment.
Get Vaccinated
April 23rd | 11:00 – 1:00 PM at the New Milford Senior Center
It’s never too late to get protected from respiratory viruses. HVHD and Beacon Prescriptions Pharmacy are partnering up to provide out community members with respiratory illness vaccines. NO need to sign up, just bring photo identification and an insurance card.
Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/grant-opportunities or contact Archeline Youte at archeline.youte@unitedwaycwc.org.