United Way of Coastal and Western CT Hosts Inaugural Impact Breakfast, Launches New Strategic Plan and The ALICE Fund
Norwalk, CT — September 19, 2024 — United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut (UWCWC) celebrated a pivotal moment at its first annual Impact Breakfast on September 17th, gathering over 155 local non-profit leaders, donors, and corporate partners. The event spotlighted the unveiling of UWCWC’s new strategic plan and the launch of The ALICE Fund, both designed to address the critical needs of the community.
State Treasurer Erick Russell delivered a compelling keynote address, focusing on the critical role of organizations like United Way in creating comprehensive, community-driven solutions. “United Way has a firsthand look into the ways people are struggling across Connecticut and the services and resources that can help the most," Russell stated. “It was a great joy to join this year’s Impact Breakfast to thank the United Way for its work and commit to working towards our shared goals together.”
UWCWC’s President and CEO Isabel Almeida introduced the organization’s new strategic plan, setting a course for building a brighter future. "As we unveil this plan, we begin a journey to create a stronger, more equitable community—one where hope is on the horizon, and with you all at our side leading the way together," said Almeida.
The strategic plan emphasizes long-term solutions for ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, providing not just immediate relief but sustainable pathways to financial security.
The breakfast also marked the official launch of The ALICE Fund, a new initiative aimed at offering rapid-response financial assistance to ALICE households facing emergencies. Almeida highlighted the importance of leveraging technology for impact: “With the Usio digital platform and streamlined processes, we’re able to deliver aid swiftly and efficiently to those in need.”
Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s New England Region, spoke on behalf of the event’s presenting sponsor.“Comcast is proud to support the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut to help improve economic mobility, spark interest in technology careers and advance digital equity in the communities we serve, including Stratford, Norwalk, and Wilton where we are expanding our Xfinity network in Fairfield County,” Hannan said.
The event underscored the importance of collective action and public-private partnerships in addressing the community’s most pressing issues.
United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut is committed to building a community where everyone is safe, healthy, and economically secure. To learn more about the new strategic plan, visit United Way 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.