United Way of Greater New Haven Earns $1,500 in Facebook Challenge

Last week, United Way of Greater New Haven competed against other United Ways across the nation in a race to recruit the most new members to it's Facebook Causes page, which focused on raising awareness for the Success by 6 campaign. With over 900 new members recruited in only seven days, UWGNH took second overall and received a $1,500 prize. The winnings will be invested in the community to help area youth. Thanks to everyone who joined the cause, and if you haven't, you can still join by clicking here. (be sure that you click the “join” button)

Success By 6® (SB6) is United Way’s initiative to ensure that more children come to school ready to learn. The years between birth and six are a time of tremendous growth and development. The experiences children have in their earliest years determine the actual structure of their brain and lay the foundation for their ability to learn, as well as their emotional and behavioral well-being. Please, join then invite others who are interested in supporting the community, young children, and the United Way of Greater New Haven. Thanks!

Connecticut United Ways Unite for 2-1-1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2008

Media Contact: Michelle Wade
Work: 203.691.4202
Cell: 860.834.0128
mwade@uwgnh.org

How will you spend the longest day of the year? On Saturday, June 21st, United Ways across Connecticut are joining forces for a “Day of Action” to spread the word about one of our state’s most valuable resources – 2-1-1. There are people in Greater New Haven who need essential services, want to help others, or seek advice but they don’t know where to turn. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities.

In Greater New Haven, more than 51,638 local residents called 2-1-1 for information and referral last year. The most frequently requested services were for:
· Housing and shelter
· Information services
· Substance abuse services
· Utilities/heating assistance
· Outpatient mental health care

Callers to 2-1-1 reach knowledgeable, multi-lingual call specialists who are available 24 hours a day to find the answers needed. 2-1-1 can direct callers to summer youth programs, services for older adults, support groups, CPR training, volunteer opportunities, open child care slots, information about the HUSKY health care program, and much more. 2-1-1 also has a comprehensive service specifically for child development programs and concerns.

On June 21st, United Way of Greater New Haven is asking YOU to get involved and take action by getting informed about 2-1-1 and spreading the word:
· Go online to http://www.211ct.org/ to see what information is available;
· Tell 5 friends, neighbors or co-workers about this valuable service available free in Connecticut;
· Become an advocate by displaying 2-1-1 print materials at your office or with a civic organization.
· Set up a web link to 2-1-1 for your clients, customers, employees or friends to find help when they need it.

United Way 2-1-1 is a 24-hour, 7-day a week toll-free information and referral helpline, available anywhere in the state of Connecticut.

About United Way:
United Way brings together the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. Together with community partners, United Way identifies our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raises dollars and invest those dollars for results and connects people to their caring through volunteer opportunities.

More information about United Way of Greater New Haven's community leadership and how you can help can be found at http://www.uwgnh.org/.

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United Way Partners With New Soundview Family YMCA in Branford

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2008

Media Contact: Michelle Wade
Work: 203.691.4202
Cell: 860.834.0128
mwade@uwgnh.org

New Haven (June 12, 2008)- United Way of Greater New Haven (UWGNH) has joined in a partnership with the Soundview Family YMCA in Branford. Building on the new YMCA is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009. Key elements of the partnership include a total pledge of $100,000 from UWGNH over the next four years, a United Way office within the YMCA building, and an agreement to work together to create programs to support early childhood learning, including parenting programs, at the YMCA.

“After forty years of talking about creating a community center, purchasing the land made the YMCA a reality. Partnering with United Way truly validates the Soundview Family YMCA and makes me hopeful that this will make a difference in the lives of the people in the area,” said Doug Shaw, executive director of the Soundview Family YMCA.

The Soundview YMCA capital campaign will publicly kick off at the end of June. The financial goal is $10 million, with $6 million already collected from private donations. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall.

“This partnership is totally in line with United Way’s work to bring communities together, to bring families together, and provide resources to help them grow, learn, and be healthy,“ said Jack Healy, CEO of United Way of Greater New Haven.

The Soundview Family YMCA will serve the communities of Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Madison and North Branford. The new Soundview Family YMCA will offer a fitness and weight room, two swimming pools for competitive and recreational swimmers, aquatic classes, a teen center, sports courts, and a childcare center.

About United Way:
United Way brings together the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. Together with community partners, United Way identifies our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raises dollars and invest those dollars for results and connects people to their caring through volunteer opportunities.

More information about United Way of Greater New Haven's community leadership and how you can help can be found at http://www.uwgnh.org/.

About Shoreline YMCA:
The Soundview Family YMCA presently serves over 3000 members through our summer day camps, aquatic swim lessons, aquatic exercise classes, sailing lessons, sports, pre-school, youth and teen programs and so much more………..Imagine how many shoreline residents we will serve when our facility is built!

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