Tuesday, April 21, President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law. The quick passage and broad support for this legislation are testaments to the power of service to meet pressing national challenges and the wide spread recognition that service is a solution. President Obama called for passage of national service legislation in his joint address to Congress on February 25, and the House and Senate responded with remarkable speed, sending the bill to the President's desk a month later. The fast action on the bill resulted from years of work on a bipartisan basis in Congress, strong leadership from President Obama, and support from America's nonprofit and service sector.
This legislation comes at a moment of need and opportunity for our nation. The economic downturn is causing hardship for millions of Americans putting more people at risk for unemployment, foreclosure, abuse, addiction, and other challenges. National service helps by providing nonprofits with an infusion of people willing to serve to recruit volunteers and manage programs.
Seventy-five years to the day after President Roosevelt signed the Civilian Conservation Corps into law, the House sent President Obama this new sweeping expansion of national service that will engage millions of Americans in solving local problems through volunteering.
Courtesy of AARP Bulletin Today
To read more, click on any of the links below:
NY Times
CNN.com
April 23, 2009
April 14, 2009
CT Mission of Mercy Free Dental Services & The Importance of Oral Health
Oral Health Crisis
Maintaining good oral health is important for overall general health. In Connecticut, approximately 1 million people lack access to dental care, putting their oral health, and overall health, at risk. Nationally, for every adult without medical insurance, there are three without dental insurance. Unfortunately, for many individuals living on small incomes or without dental insurance, dental care is a luxury that they cannot afford.
Why Oral Health Matters
Children and adults with poor oral health not only face extreme pain, discomfort, and embarrassment, but are more likely to get sick and miss school or work. Periodontal disease is associated with increased risk of low-birth-weight, premature births, diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and stroke. The Surgeon General found that oral diseases and their treatment place a burden on society in the form of lost days and years of productive work.
Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic condition among children in the United States. More than one-quarter of US preschoolers (28%) have experienced visible cavities well before entering school.
Meeting the Need
As a way of addressing this significant health crisis, the Connecticut Mission of Mercy is opening a multi-day dental clinic to the public. Dental services will be provided to anyone (children, adults and the elderly) who is without dental insurance and in a low-income situation. Patients will be screened and treated based on their most urgent dental needs. Most importantly, all treatments and services are completely free. Services will be provided by volunteer dentists, UConn dental students, dental hygienists and dental assistants. All services will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Additional Information
You can learn more about the Mission of Mercy event as well as the importance of oral health by visiting the following links:
http://uwgnhnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/connecticut-mission-of-mercy-volunteer.html
http://www.courant.com/news/health/hc-mission-of-mercy-dental-0326.artmar26,0,3270131.story
http://www2.nidcr.nih.gov/sgr/execsumm.htm
http://www.cdhp.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/ORALHEALTH/publications/factsheets/adult.htm
Maintaining good oral health is important for overall general health. In Connecticut, approximately 1 million people lack access to dental care, putting their oral health, and overall health, at risk. Nationally, for every adult without medical insurance, there are three without dental insurance. Unfortunately, for many individuals living on small incomes or without dental insurance, dental care is a luxury that they cannot afford.
Why Oral Health Matters
Children and adults with poor oral health not only face extreme pain, discomfort, and embarrassment, but are more likely to get sick and miss school or work. Periodontal disease is associated with increased risk of low-birth-weight, premature births, diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and stroke. The Surgeon General found that oral diseases and their treatment place a burden on society in the form of lost days and years of productive work.
Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic condition among children in the United States. More than one-quarter of US preschoolers (28%) have experienced visible cavities well before entering school.
Meeting the Need
As a way of addressing this significant health crisis, the Connecticut Mission of Mercy is opening a multi-day dental clinic to the public. Dental services will be provided to anyone (children, adults and the elderly) who is without dental insurance and in a low-income situation. Patients will be screened and treated based on their most urgent dental needs. Most importantly, all treatments and services are completely free. Services will be provided by volunteer dentists, UConn dental students, dental hygienists and dental assistants. All services will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Additional Information
You can learn more about the Mission of Mercy event as well as the importance of oral health by visiting the following links:
http://uwgnhnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/connecticut-mission-of-mercy-volunteer.html
http://www.courant.com/news/health/hc-mission-of-mercy-dental-0326.artmar26,0,3270131.story
http://www2.nidcr.nih.gov/sgr/execsumm.htm
http://www.cdhp.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/ORALHEALTH/publications/factsheets/adult.htm
Success By Six Advisory Council Urges Legislators to Protect Early Childhood Services
United Way of Greater New Haven would like to share a letter from Co-Chairs John Leventhal and Stephanie Redding on behalf of the Success By Six Advisory Council that was recently mailed to area state representatives and senators from the following towns UWGNH serves:
Bethany, Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange,West Haven, and Woodbridge
Connecticut State Senate
The State Capitol
Legislative Office Building
Dear Senator,
Not only are quality early childhood programs good for children, research shows that investing in such programs can generate government savings that more than repay their costs and produce returns to society that outpace most public and private investments. To that end, we urge you to at least maintain funding levels for Care4Kids, state funded child care centers, quality enhancement, school readiness and health services. In addition, your efforts to effectively advocate for early care and education federal funding opportunities around the Child Care and Development Block Grant, Head Start, IDEA and No Child Left Behind will enable area agencies to provide more families with quality early care and education services.
We also encourage you to support interagency coordination, partnerships and accountability so that the state can continue to build an early care and education system across government agencies system. Such a system would make it easier for families with young children to navigate the different programs with their different requirements and would ensure that the state’s resources are being well-used. The Early Childhood Education Cabinet was an important entity in promoting coordination and accountability, and we encourage you to keep this structure in place.
Respectfully,
Bethany, Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange,West Haven, and Woodbridge
April 8, 2009
Connecticut State Senate
The State Capitol
Legislative Office Building
Hartford, CT 06106-1591
Dear Senator,
As Co-Chairs of United Way of Greater New Haven’s Success By Six Advisory Council, we are writing to urge you to protect critical early childhood services from the Governor’s proposed budget cuts as well as act upon early care and education funding opportunities through the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It is our hope that as leaders who care about early education, you will continue to work with us toward our goal of ensuring that all children in our region are healthy, nurtured, supported and have the tools and skills they need to learn and succeed when they enter kindergarten by improving access to quality early childhood programs.
Not only are quality early childhood programs good for children, research shows that investing in such programs can generate government savings that more than repay their costs and produce returns to society that outpace most public and private investments. To that end, we urge you to at least maintain funding levels for Care4Kids, state funded child care centers, quality enhancement, school readiness and health services. In addition, your efforts to effectively advocate for early care and education federal funding opportunities around the Child Care and Development Block Grant, Head Start, IDEA and No Child Left Behind will enable area agencies to provide more families with quality early care and education services.
We also encourage you to support interagency coordination, partnerships and accountability so that the state can continue to build an early care and education system across government agencies system. Such a system would make it easier for families with young children to navigate the different programs with their different requirements and would ensure that the state’s resources are being well-used. The Early Childhood Education Cabinet was an important entity in promoting coordination and accountability, and we encourage you to keep this structure in place.
Similarly, the Governor’s recommended elimination of the Commission on Children as well as Children’s Trust Fund will take the state several steps back in its early care and education efforts. The recommendation that core grant programs for the prevention of child abuse and neglect be consolidated into the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is concerning because the success of the Children’s Trust Fund is the result of its singular focus on the prevention of abuse and neglect. In addition, a distrust of DCF by many families would create a barrier to important preventative services.
Thank you for working to meet the needs of our children now in order to avoid costly remedial strategies.
Respectfully,
Dr. John Leventhal
Medical Director, Child Abuse Programs
Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital
Success By Six Advisory Council Co-Chair
Professor of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine
Stephanie Redding
Assistant Chief of Police, City of New Haven
Professor of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine
Stephanie Redding
Assistant Chief of Police, City of New Haven
Success By Six Advisory Council Co-Chair
April 2, 2009
Chris Alexander United Way of America’s 2009 Community All-Star
United Way of America has named Chris Alexander, founder of the New Haven Book Bank, the national 2008 Community All Star. Through United Way’s partnership with the NFL, Chris and her husband Bruce, recipients of UWGNH 2008 Alexis de Tocqueville Society award, were invited to attend Super Bowl XLIII. "It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you!, said Alexander.To read the full story about Chris and the Community All Star Program click here
What Nonprofits Need to Know About The Federal Recovery Act
The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy invites staff and trustees of grantmaking organizations and their nonprofit grantees to:
What Nonprofits Need to Know About The Federal Recovery Act
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will bring close to $3 billion to Connecticut, and additional funds will be available on a competitive basis nationally. There will be opportunities for nonprofit organizations and groups of organizations to compete for this national money as well as money that will flow through the state and municipalities.
At this forum, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders will exchange information about three
key issues:
- What opportunities are there for nonprofits to access stimulus funding?
- How will state and local governments direct the funds from the Recovery Act?
- Are there areas where nonprofit organizations should advocate for policies and practices that would be needed for the stimulus package to succeed?
An overview of the Recovery Act will be followed by breakout sessions with experts focused on early childhood, education, transportation, housing, environment/energy, health, workforce/job training, and the arts.
Presenters:
Shelley Geballe, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Connecticut Voices for Children
Stewart J. Hudson, President, Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation
The forum will be offered on the following three dates in three locations. Register for the forum using the registration on the date you intend to participate.
***************************
Hosted by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy.
Monday, April 13, 20098:30 am – 12:00 pm (registration begins at 8:30 am; program promptly at 9:00 am)
Adanti Student Center, Southern Connecticut State University , New Haven, CT(Directions: http://www.southernct.edu/aboutscsu/map/ )
Register for the New Haven area forum: send an email to: events@cfgnh.org
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Hosted by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy.
Tuesday, April 14, 20098:30 am – 12:00 pm (registration begins at 8:30 am; program promptly at 9:00 am)
Bruyette Athenaeum, Saint Joseph College, West Hartford, CT(Directions: www.sjc.edu/content.cfm/pageid/264)
Register for the Hartford area forum at: http://www.hfpg.org/events/EventReg/default.asp code: ARRA414
******************************
Hosted by the Fairfield County Community Foundation and the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy.
Friday, April 17, 20091:00 – 4:30 pm (registration begins at 1:00 pm; program promptly at 1:30 pm)
PepsiCo Theater, Norwalk Community College, Norwalk, CT(Directions: http://www.ncc.commnet.edu/directions.asp)
Register for the Fairfield County forum at: http://www.fccfoundation.org/Join/WorkshopRegistration.php
Additional presenters and information will be available at www.ctphilanthropy.org
or by calling the Council at 860-525-5585.
Space is limited, and reservations are required.
The following foundations worked with the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy to design this program: Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Fairfield County Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut.
March 31, 2009
Orange Seniors Join N2N Effort
The members of the Orange Senior Center have been most enthusiastic about supporting the Neighbor to Neighbor Program of United Way of Greater New Haven and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. We have been collecting monetary donations throughout the month of March in our little houses built especially for this project and placed around the senior center. The members are impressed by the program because 100% of the donations go to help local organizations who serve the homeless and the poor. Our senior members, though affected themselves by the downward turn of our economy, are most generous when asked directly to give to a good cause. It has been our pleasure to help in this very small way to be Good Neighbors.”
Quote from Joanne Byrne, Town of Orange
March 19, 2009
United Way of Greater New Haven Sponsors Bill Harley Event in Madison
United Way of Greater New Haven is hosting a family concert with two-time Grammy Award Winner Bill Harley. The event will take place Sunday, April 5th at 2pm at the Polson Middle School in Madison, Ct. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Shoreline Arts Alliance and the Women and Family Life Center.
Bill Harley uses song and story to paint a vibrant picture of growing up, parenting and family life. Bill is also a regular commentator for NPR's All Things Considered and featured on PBS. Harley joined the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence in 2001 and recieved the Magic Penny award in 2008 from the Children's Music Network. Creator of "Monsters in the Bathroom", "You're in Trouble", "Dad Threw the TV Out the Window" and "50 Ways to fool Your Mother".
Bill is from Seekonk, Massachusetts , and tours nationwide as an author and performing artist.
Please join us for this special family event! Tickets may be purchased on line at http://www.shorelinearts.org/. For more information, call SAA at 453-3890 or WFLC at 458-6699.
Bill Harley uses song and story to paint a vibrant picture of growing up, parenting and family life. Bill is also a regular commentator for NPR's All Things Considered and featured on PBS. Harley joined the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence in 2001 and recieved the Magic Penny award in 2008 from the Children's Music Network. Creator of "Monsters in the Bathroom", "You're in Trouble", "Dad Threw the TV Out the Window" and "50 Ways to fool Your Mother".
Bill is from Seekonk, Massachusetts , and tours nationwide as an author and performing artist.
Please join us for this special family event! Tickets may be purchased on line at http://www.shorelinearts.org/. For more information, call SAA at 453-3890 or WFLC at 458-6699.
March 17, 2009
Increasing Access to Quality Food for Children in New Haven
The Connecticut Food Bank and United Way of Greater New Haven are partnering to increase the number of children in New Haven receiving nutritious meals on weekends and during school holidays.
United Way of Greater New Haven worked with a group of community volunteers to discuss the needs in our community around emergency food and food insecurity and to identify possible strategies to address those needs. The Kids BackPack Program was selected for funding because it addresses food insecurity among low-income children in New Haven by working with schools to provide food to children who may not have enough to eat at home on the weekends. Bags are packed with nutritious food such as fresh or canned fruit, cereal bars, peanut butter, and juice.
As an increasing number of families are experiencing economic difficulties, more children face inadequate access to food on the weekends. This partnership has enabled the Connecticut Food Bank to respond to this need by expanding the Kids BackPack Program by 29% in New Haven from the previous year.
Since September, over 2,000 backpacks of food have been distributed to children attending the Wexler Grant School, Katherine Brennan School, Hill Central School, Troup Magnet Academy of Science and Vincent E. Mauro Elementary School in New Haven. In January, The Connecticut Food Bank also implemented this critical service in the West Haven Public School system.
United Way of Greater New Haven worked with a group of community volunteers to discuss the needs in our community around emergency food and food insecurity and to identify possible strategies to address those needs. The Kids BackPack Program was selected for funding because it addresses food insecurity among low-income children in New Haven by working with schools to provide food to children who may not have enough to eat at home on the weekends. Bags are packed with nutritious food such as fresh or canned fruit, cereal bars, peanut butter, and juice.
As an increasing number of families are experiencing economic difficulties, more children face inadequate access to food on the weekends. This partnership has enabled the Connecticut Food Bank to respond to this need by expanding the Kids BackPack Program by 29% in New Haven from the previous year.
Since September, over 2,000 backpacks of food have been distributed to children attending the Wexler Grant School, Katherine Brennan School, Hill Central School, Troup Magnet Academy of Science and Vincent E. Mauro Elementary School in New Haven. In January, The Connecticut Food Bank also implemented this critical service in the West Haven Public School system.
March 6, 2009
FedEx Office Free Resume Printing Day on March 10
WHAT:
FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko’s) is offering free resume printing on March
10, 2009, at the company’s 1,600+ FedEx Office Print and Ship Center locations
in the United States.
WHY:
FedEx Office understands the economy has affected many people in a very
profound way and wants to help by leveraging its printing services to assist job
seekers across the country.
OFFER DETAILS:
- Available at any U.S.-based FedEx Office Print and Ship Center
- Up to 25 black and white resume copies per customer
- Valid for orders placed in-store on March 10 during regular business hours
- Place orders by submitting resume in printed format or as a digital file
- Copies will be printed single-sided on resume-quality paper
- Completed orders must be picked up in-store
To find the nearest location and confirm operating hours, visit www.fedex.com or
call 1-800-Go-FedEx (1-800-463-3339).
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko’s) provides access points to printing and
shipping expertise with reliable service when and where you need it. The Dallasbased
company has a global network of more than 1,900 digitally-connected
locations. FedEx Office services include copying and digital printing,
professional finishing, document creation, direct mail, signs and graphics,
Internet access, computer rental, FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping,
and more. In addition, the company offers FedEx OfficeSM Print Online, an
online printing solution for business and personal printing, at home, at the office
or on the go. Products, services and hours vary by location. For more
information, please visit www.fedex.com.
FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko’s) is offering free resume printing on March
10, 2009, at the company’s 1,600+ FedEx Office Print and Ship Center locations
in the United States.
WHY:
FedEx Office understands the economy has affected many people in a very
profound way and wants to help by leveraging its printing services to assist job
seekers across the country.
- The nation’s unemployment rate rose to 7.6 percent and the number of unemployed persons increased to 11.6 million in January 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- On February 18, the Federal Reserve projected the country’s unemployment rate could rise to as high as 8.8 percent by the close of 2009.
OFFER DETAILS:
- Available at any U.S.-based FedEx Office Print and Ship Center
- Up to 25 black and white resume copies per customer
- Valid for orders placed in-store on March 10 during regular business hours
- Place orders by submitting resume in printed format or as a digital file
- Copies will be printed single-sided on resume-quality paper
- Completed orders must be picked up in-store
To find the nearest location and confirm operating hours, visit www.fedex.com or
call 1-800-Go-FedEx (1-800-463-3339).
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko’s) provides access points to printing and
shipping expertise with reliable service when and where you need it. The Dallasbased
company has a global network of more than 1,900 digitally-connected
locations. FedEx Office services include copying and digital printing,
professional finishing, document creation, direct mail, signs and graphics,
Internet access, computer rental, FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping,
and more. In addition, the company offers FedEx OfficeSM Print Online, an
online printing solution for business and personal printing, at home, at the office
or on the go. Products, services and hours vary by location. For more
information, please visit www.fedex.com.
March 2, 2009
Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Services
For many individuals living on small incomes or without dental insurance, dental care is a luxury that they cannot afford. Many go for years, sometimes even decades without seeing a dentist. In communities with a significant impoverished population, individuals (primarily the working poor, the elderly, the disabled, or the uninsured) are often left without any dental care, and face extreme pain, discomfort, and embarrassment.
Connecticut Mission of Mercy is a multi-day dental clinic open to the public. Dental services will be provided to anyone (children, adults and the elderly) who is without dental insurance and in a low-income situation. Patients will be screened and treated based on their most urgent dental needs. Most importantly, all treatments and services are completely free. Services will be provided by volunteer dentists, U Conn dental students dental hygienists and dental assistants. All services will be on a first come, first serve basis. No appointments.
Connecticut Mission of Mercy 2008 Slide Show!
Slide show courtesy of Connecticut State Dental Association
Services Provided:
Cleanings, Fillings, and Extractions.
WHEN: April 17th-18th, 2009 (Volunteer opportunities available April 16th-19th)
WHERE: New Haven Public Field House (James Hillhouse High School) 480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven, CT.
Read more in the Hartford Courant:
http://www.courant.com/news/health/hc-mission-of-mercy-dental-0326.artmar26,0,3270131.story
Volunteer Registration is now CLOSED.
For questions or additional information, please contact Cecily Jones, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at cjones@uwgnh.org, or call (203) 705-0627.
February 23, 2009
United Way in Challenging Times
The times continue to challenge us all and the United Way of Greater New Haven is not an exception. We have seen our modest reserves drop dramatically in value, we are concerned about our ability to collect on pledges and we have seen the continuing increase in demand for services throughout the entire region. These are the times that try our resolve and our patience---these are the times for leadership.
We have done much thinking and reflecting on how the United Way should respond to the challenges we now face and those we know we will face in the near future. We are hopeful and we believe we will arrive at a future that includes a vibrant and sustainable economy, broader participation in prosperity, a stronger sense of regional community and a dramatic increase in civic engagement. We also know that the current circumstances we have with economic and educational disparity do not support our achieving this vision. We have behaved our way into the conditions we find ourselves now experiencing and our only option is to behave our way out.
First, we need to provide some stability. Hundreds of citizens and dozens of leaders have made this stability their work. The leadership of Andy Eder and Boris Mizen with fundraising and the work of Kate McAvoy, Maria Mojica, Paula Crombie and volunteers from both United Way and The Jewish Federation in making wise and timely decisions on investments in emergency services have mobilized the whole region’s understanding of the crises many of our neighbors are experiencing.
Second, we must continue to work on the root causes of the region’s disparity. Early childhood education and development must remain an intense focus regardless of economic conditions because that is how we break the poverty cycle. Stable housing and skill development must be a commitment we keep because people need these in order to participate as fully engaged citizens.
We believe that now is the time for us all to live united. We will continue to provide opportunities for the citizens of Greater New Haven to give, to advocate and to volunteer. We believe these to be the behaviors that lead us to our vision of the future. We deeply appreciate your support.
Jack Healy
President and CEO
United Way of Greater New Haven
We have done much thinking and reflecting on how the United Way should respond to the challenges we now face and those we know we will face in the near future. We are hopeful and we believe we will arrive at a future that includes a vibrant and sustainable economy, broader participation in prosperity, a stronger sense of regional community and a dramatic increase in civic engagement. We also know that the current circumstances we have with economic and educational disparity do not support our achieving this vision. We have behaved our way into the conditions we find ourselves now experiencing and our only option is to behave our way out.
First, we need to provide some stability. Hundreds of citizens and dozens of leaders have made this stability their work. The leadership of Andy Eder and Boris Mizen with fundraising and the work of Kate McAvoy, Maria Mojica, Paula Crombie and volunteers from both United Way and The Jewish Federation in making wise and timely decisions on investments in emergency services have mobilized the whole region’s understanding of the crises many of our neighbors are experiencing.
Second, we must continue to work on the root causes of the region’s disparity. Early childhood education and development must remain an intense focus regardless of economic conditions because that is how we break the poverty cycle. Stable housing and skill development must be a commitment we keep because people need these in order to participate as fully engaged citizens.
We believe that now is the time for us all to live united. We will continue to provide opportunities for the citizens of Greater New Haven to give, to advocate and to volunteer. We believe these to be the behaviors that lead us to our vision of the future. We deeply appreciate your support.
Jack Healy
President and CEO
United Way of Greater New Haven
February 19, 2009
Please join us at Artspace for the Grand Opening Reception of the February Exhibitions and Artist Talks by Gail Biederman & Steven Millar.Featured artists include: Jeremy Bell , Geoffrey Detrani, Steven Millar, David Borawski, Kwadwo Adae, Gail Biederman, Mark Mulroney
WHEN: Thursday, February 19th, from 6–8PM (Artist Talks at 6:30)
WHERE: 50 Orange St., New Haven, CT 06510
United Way of Greater New Haven has been invited to speak about Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine, a collaboration between UWGNH and The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, to help the growing number of families and individuals who find themselves facing food and housing crisis in this economic downturn.
100% of the dollars raised will be distributed immediately by volunteers, through local programs providing emergency assistance for housing, food and other basic needs.
For more information about Artspace, call (203) 772-2709
For more information on Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine visit www.n2nlifeline.org
February 13, 2009
White Collar Homelessness
Every now and then I run into a blog post that perfectly captures an important idea that we should have a conversation about locally. Most recently I found an post entitled “The Coming Crisis: White Collar Homelessness”; a relevant subject when you consider just a few local facts.
- The number of homes lost to foreclosure in
- In
- In
- In
- Before the overflow shelter opened in November, Columbus House was turning away 8-10 men a night. They would be referred to Emergency Shelter Management Services (Immanuel Baptist), which is also operating at capacity.
From the Article:
“Last month, unemployment rates surged to a startling 7.6 percent. As the jobless population is becoming older, many are ending up with no job prospects, no health insurance, and - before long - no home. Homelessness blogger Shannon Moriarty is worried about what will happen next, as shelters and community safety nets are already buckling under shrinking budgets and increased demand.”
President and CEO
United Way of Greater
The Annual United Teen Connection and Centro San Jose Valentine Banquet
Dear Community Leaders,
The United Teen Connection and Centro San Jose, invite you to it’s ANNUAL VALENTINE DAY BANQUET, honoring teens making a difference, individuals working behind the scenes, and recognizing youth service programs.
Youth from all over the City will be Honored by Rosa DeLauro for their outstanding contribution in the mentioned areas. These youth have been nominated by Community Agencies and Youth Programs in which they attend and are active participants.
WHEN: Saturday February 14th from 1:00-3:30 p.m
WHERE: Centro San Jose (290 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT.)
SUGGESTED DONATION: $5
For more information or to volunteer, contact Mindy Centeno at (203) 777-6771 or Sharon Henninger at (203) 824-8336
We look forward to your support in this important event!
The United Teen Connection and Centro San Jose, invite you to it’s ANNUAL VALENTINE DAY BANQUET, honoring teens making a difference, individuals working behind the scenes, and recognizing youth service programs.
Youth from all over the City will be Honored by Rosa DeLauro for their outstanding contribution in the mentioned areas. These youth have been nominated by Community Agencies and Youth Programs in which they attend and are active participants.
WHEN: Saturday February 14th from 1:00-3:30 p.m
WHERE: Centro San Jose (290 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT.)
SUGGESTED DONATION: $5
For more information or to volunteer, contact Mindy Centeno at (203) 777-6771 or Sharon Henninger at (203) 824-8336
We look forward to your support in this important event!
February 9, 2009
TGWNN Happy Hour for n2n LifeLine
It started out as an idea to have a happy hour at Dolci, a new restaurant/lounge in New Haven. It seemed like the perfect location, and a good way to get out the word to those who hadn't yet been there. But what began as a purely social event took on much more meaning.
I became a member of The Group with No Name (TGWNN) when I moved to New Haven in 2006, while looking for ways to meet other local, young professionals. TGWNN describes itself as a way to turn residents into citizens through social, civic, and educational activities that increase their understanding of and commitment to city issues and city life. While my idea for a TGWNN happy hour initially was much less ambitious--I just wanted an excuse to gather together friends)--it ended up being a rewarding way to help the New Haven community.
As a social worker in a New Haven school, I have been witnessing how problems with the economy are affecting local families, especially those that rely on social service agencies for their basic needs. Many of the families I work with have received some kind of assistance--whether it be food from local pantries or housing in shelters. These families are often dealing with multiple other stressors; they should not also have to worry about where they will be living or where their next meal is coming from. It's frustrating for me to see how these families are being affected yet not be able to do anything concrete to reduce their stress. I feel good knowing that, through the efforts of the United Way and the Jewish Federation, there will continue to be funding for these basic, immediate needs.
Did you know that:
* In New Haven there has been an increase of almost 13% in the number of homeless single women. Women are also losing their children to foster care once they are no longer able to provide shelter.
* In New Haven there has been a 5% increase in homeless individuals and in Connecticut a 13% increase in families this year, compared to last year.
But there are ways that we can help. Host a fundraising party, happy hour, or similar event with friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. It really was effortless to organize, and made me feel more connected to my community. The economic crisis is affecting everyone; we have an obligation to help our neighbors, but it's also possible to have fun while raising awareness.
Submitted by
Su-Lin Carbonelli
I became a member of The Group with No Name (TGWNN) when I moved to New Haven in 2006, while looking for ways to meet other local, young professionals. TGWNN describes itself as a way to turn residents into citizens through social, civic, and educational activities that increase their understanding of and commitment to city issues and city life. While my idea for a TGWNN happy hour initially was much less ambitious--I just wanted an excuse to gather together friends)--it ended up being a rewarding way to help the New Haven community.
As a social worker in a New Haven school, I have been witnessing how problems with the economy are affecting local families, especially those that rely on social service agencies for their basic needs. Many of the families I work with have received some kind of assistance--whether it be food from local pantries or housing in shelters. These families are often dealing with multiple other stressors; they should not also have to worry about where they will be living or where their next meal is coming from. It's frustrating for me to see how these families are being affected yet not be able to do anything concrete to reduce their stress. I feel good knowing that, through the efforts of the United Way and the Jewish Federation, there will continue to be funding for these basic, immediate needs.
Did you know that:
* In New Haven there has been an increase of almost 13% in the number of homeless single women. Women are also losing their children to foster care once they are no longer able to provide shelter.
* In New Haven there has been a 5% increase in homeless individuals and in Connecticut a 13% increase in families this year, compared to last year.
But there are ways that we can help. Host a fundraising party, happy hour, or similar event with friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. It really was effortless to organize, and made me feel more connected to my community. The economic crisis is affecting everyone; we have an obligation to help our neighbors, but it's also possible to have fun while raising awareness.
Submitted by
Su-Lin Carbonelli
January 16, 2009
Healthcare4every1 UPDATE
On January 13, an estimated 1,000 people packed the room at Union Station in Hartford to hear about the new heatlth care plan and come together to call for action.Healthcare4every1 officially released thier new proposal, called SustiNet, to provide quality, affordable health care to everyone in Connecticut. The creators say SustiNet is groundbreaking because it controls skyrocketing costs and provides quality care that puts a premium on preventing illness and coordinating care.
Their next step is to deliver this proposal to Connecticut's legislators and Governor.
Their next step is to deliver this proposal to Connecticut's legislators and Governor.
To join the campaign and to receive updates, click here. Regular phone calls and emails to your representative and senator will make sure bold action on health care remains a top priority.
For more information please visit healthcare4every1.org.
For more information please visit healthcare4every1.org.
To read more about Connecticut and health care reform, please visit the following sites.
January 14, 2009
MLK Day of Service
During the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. Initiated by Congress in 1994, King Day of Service builds on that that legacy by transforming the federal holiday honoring Dr. King into a national day of community service grounded in his teachings of nonviolence and social justice. The aim is to make the holiday a day ON, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned. With thousands of projects planned across the country, the 2009 King Day of Service on January 19 promises to be the biggest and best ever!This year’s King Holiday is one day before the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. The President-elect will participate in community service on King Day and is asking Americans to serve on the holiday and make an ongoing commitment to service. Organizers hope the President-elect’s call to service will lead to millions of Americans honoring Dr. King through community service.
Courtesy of MLKday.gov
United Way has partnered with Epsilon Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Greater New Haven NAACP, to bring you MLK Conference 2009, Building the Beloved Community: The Time is Now. There will be workshops for community members of all ages, speakers, and performances that are all focused on mobilizing community members and strengthening the community as a whole.For more information, or to volunteer, click here.
For more opportunities and events, visit www.USAservice.org, or click here.
Local Non-Profit Leader Receives National Honor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan 14, 2009
Media Contact: Michelle Wade
Work: 203.691.4202
Cell: 860.834.0128
mwade@uwgnh.org
Jan 14, 2009
Media Contact: Michelle Wade
Work: 203.691.4202
Cell: 860.834.0128
mwade@uwgnh.org
Local Non-Profit Leader Receives National Honor
New Haven (January 14, 2009)- Christine Alexander, Executive Director of New Haven Reads has been recognized as The Home Depot and United Way 2008 Community All-Star. This award recognizes one individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in community service and who has devoted their time and efforts to make long-lasting contributions to their local community.
Alexander is the founder and volunteer Executive Director of New Haven Reads, which provides adults and children access to free books as well as tutoring opportunities in order to improve literacy skills and success in the region. In 2006, New Haven Reads distributed over 135,000 books to children and adults and offers a free tutoring program which has 280 students enrolled and 100 on a waiting list.
Alexander knows that literacy is the largest barrier between poor and rich children, and that literacy rates directly affect a person’s quality of life.
“Reading and having access to books is a start to solving this problem our community faces,” said Alexander.
Through United Way’s partnership with the NFL, as this year’s Community All-Star, Alexander was invited to attend Super Bowl XLIII taking place on February 1, 2009 in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Along with this national honor, Alexander and her husband, Bruce Alexander, were recently honored with the 2008 United Way of Greater New Haven Alexis de Tocqueville award for their sprit of giving and volunteerism in this community.
About United Way:
United Way brings together the caring power of people to create change in our region and to improve lives. We strive to be a catalyst for identifying community needs and opportunities for change; to focus on specific community priority areas and initiatives through which we have the best opportunities to improve lives and change conditions; and to engage donors, organizations and community leaders to improve the social and civic health of our region.
More information about United Way’s work to improve lives and communities can be found at http://www.uwgnh.org/.
Along with this national honor, Alexander and her husband, Bruce Alexander, were recently honored with the 2008 United Way of Greater New Haven Alexis de Tocqueville award for their sprit of giving and volunteerism in this community.
About United Way:
United Way brings together the caring power of people to create change in our region and to improve lives. We strive to be a catalyst for identifying community needs and opportunities for change; to focus on specific community priority areas and initiatives through which we have the best opportunities to improve lives and change conditions; and to engage donors, organizations and community leaders to improve the social and civic health of our region.
More information about United Way’s work to improve lives and communities can be found at http://www.uwgnh.org/.
About New Haven Reads:
The overall goal of New Haven Reads is to provide an environment where children and adults have access to free books and tutoring to increase their literacy skills and academic performance. During the past six years, New Haven Reads has grown from a powerful idea to a thriving center of literacy located in the Dixwell neighborhood of New Haven. With each of our four locations, we have nearly doubled our physical size and the number of students and groups we serve.
January 5, 2009
Third Annual Point in Time Homeless Count
Join other concerned community members and service providers in New Haven for a Point-in-Time Count of the Homeless. Teams of 2-3 volunteers and an experienced leader will canvass the New Haven area conducting surveys of homeless individuals. The more we know about our homeless population, the more we can help them and better coordinate our services. This Point-in-Time Count is not only a chance to learn how many people are homeless and where they are located, but also information about how they became homeless and what services they need to help them. The numbers from this count are also important for homeless assistance grants funded by HUD, State of Connecticut, and City of New Haven.
When:
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 from 6 pm to 11 pm
Where:
Volunteers will meet in the parking lot at Presbyterian Church in the Owens Community Building (704 Whitney Avenue, New Haven.)
Register to sign up at or call (203)495-1773 x 4040, leave name and contact information
For information about the Statewide Count: Contact Sarah Zucker, Project Assistant, CT Counts 2009, at 860-721-7876 xt 111 or szucker@cceh.org
When:
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 from 6 pm to 11 pm
Where:
Volunteers will meet in the parking lot at Presbyterian Church in the Owens Community Building (704 Whitney Avenue, New Haven.)
Register to sign up at or call (203)495-1773 x 4040, leave name and contact information
For information about the Statewide Count: Contact Sarah Zucker, Project Assistant, CT Counts 2009, at 860-721-7876 xt 111 or szucker@cceh.org
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