Yesterday, at the Governor’s recommendation, the Connecticut Legislature voted to provide students with universal no-cost meals for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year. This is a tremendous victory and will ensure that no child goes hungry during the school day. This win is a result of the advocacy and outreach of so many of our United Way friends and supporters. Without your calls and emails, we would not be celebrating this critically important step for our youth and families.  

This Valentine’s Day we’re working with the New Milford Rotary Club to collect donations for the New Milford community! Give back through the donation of hygiene products for women, men, and children.  

The Hearts for Hygiene drive-up & drop-off will take place on Saturday, February 25th from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. at the Pettibone Community Center. You can also bring donations to United Way of Western Connecticut located at 24 Bank Street in New Milford or the Mayor’s Office at 10 Main Street. 

In July we announced a grant cycle with Mayor Dean Esposito of the City of Danbury for social service agencies to receive funding through the Danbury Social Service Grant program. Agencies whose work is focused on education, child care, financial stability, housing, health, and mental health were invited to apply. This year, $204,000 will be distributed among 18 local nonprofits. 

Community messengers are trained advocates who share important information within their neighborhoods. 

As a community messenger, you can:

• Develop your skills
• Advocate for your community
• Empower yourself and those around you

Classes are held from 7-8:30 PM and each session covers a different topic led by experts.

United Way of Western Connecticut is pleased to announce this month’s Hometown Hero! Meet Maribel Sandalo, a local leader from Stamford, Connecticut who has been nominated for her work with LiveGirl.    

Maribel was nominated for the positive influence she’s made in the lives of Stamford youth over the last two years. As a mentor, she’s served as a role model to over 50 young girls working to build their self-esteem and social-emotional intelligence.  

The Connecticut Legislature has called a special session beginning Monday, November 28th. United Way of Western Connecticut, alongside End Hunger CT!, are asking that our State Representatives and Senators take up the issue of free school meals. Funding for free school meals ends on December 31, 2022, if not earlier, for districts across the state.

United Way of Western Connecticut is pleased to announce this month’s Hometown Hero! Meet Tiffani Valentin, a local leader from Stamford, Connecticut who has been nominated for her work with LiveGirl.    

Tiffani is being recognized for her passion and commitment. During her time as a volunteer and mentor, she has gone above and beyond while building connections that make a positive impact on the lives of young women. 

At United Way of Western Connecticut, we believe that every child deserves access to quality care, education, enrichment opportunities, healthy, fresh food, and stable housing. That’s why children are at the very heart of everything we do. 

Through our work over the past year

In 2019, there were more than 146,000 military veterans living in Connecticut. According to data collected by United for ALICE, roughly 26,000 were part of households that earned above the Federal Poverty Line but not enough to afford the basics in the communities where they lived.