United Way invests $100,000 in local supportive housing programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

United Way of Greater New Haven has awarded a total of $100,000 to two new projects that will help increase access to affordable, supportive housing for families and individuals with special needs and disabilities. Both projects are collaborative efforts and involve a total of four local nonprofit organizations. United Way’s focus on supportive housing is a key component in their effort to create economically vibrant communities in the region. These investments support strategies from Mayor DeStefano’s 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. Supportive housing is defined in the 10-Year Plan as “affordable permanent housing that offers residents a range of services to enable individuals with a variety of challenges, such as mental illness, drug addiction, or low literacy levels, to remain stably housed.” That includes additional services, such as counseling or case management, to help ensure that people can live successfully on their own. United Way is the first local funder to strategically align its funding with the plan.

The nonprofit organizations who received grants are ALSO-Cornerstone, Inc. and Community Mediation; and Fellowship Place, Inc. and Columbus House.
The ALSO-Cornerstone/Community Mediation Project will hire a Supportive Housing Development Specialist to: help clients secure affordable housing; develop resources for case managers so they know more about housing resources for their clients; and form relationships with landlords to promote affordable supportive housing. As part of the project, Community Mediation will provide training in mediation and conflict resolution to staff so that they can help diffuse disagreements among tenants and landlords.

Fellowship Place and Columbus House will create the Supportive Home Ownership Program (SHOP), which will provide case management and educational programming to prepare mentally ill individuals for home ownership. The costs of their mortgage or long-term lease will be supported by Section 8 certificates. When individuals move from the Fellowship units to their own permanent housing, the door will open for more homeless, mentally ill individuals to secure housing at Fellowship.
Cont.
Funding decisions were made by a committee of volunteers from area organizations such as Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis, New Haven Family Alliance, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Empower New Haven, and Liberty Community Services.

About United Way:
United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. To do this we: help identify our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raise dollars and invest those dollars for results; connect 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 www.uwgnh.org.

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GoodSearch.com Offers a Way for Anyone to Support United Way of Greater New Haven Every Time They Search the Internet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2008

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

Goodsearch.com, a new search engine powered by Yahoo!, donates 50% of its revenue (approximately one cent per search) to charities and schools designated by the users. United Way of Greater New Haven hopes to take advantage of this free and easy to use fundraising tool.

Because all money is generated by advertisers, this great opportunity is free of cost for United Way. If 1,000 United Way supporters used GoodSearch.com twice a day, the organization would receive approximately $7,300 per year. Since it is powered by Yahoo!, it works like a normal search engine with one exception: upon the first visit each user must designate the organization they are supporting. After designating once, GoodSearch will remember the organization of choice each time the site is utilized by that user. Users are also able to download a GoodSearch tool bar in which they are able to search the web using GoodSearch without having to log on to the actual website.

GoodSearch has recently been featured in NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Oprah Magazine, Fortune Small Business, and ABC News, as well as many other publications.

About United Way:
United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. To do this we: help identify our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raise dollars and invest those dollars for results; connect 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 www.uwgnh.org.

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Portion of New Haven County Cutters Game to Benefit United Way of Greater New Haven

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2008

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

Friday, August 11th United Way of Greater New Haven will be teaming up with the New Haven County Cutters baseball team to host a United Way Night at the Ballpark. Fifty percent of each ticket purchased through United Way will benefit the local non-profit organization

Tickets can be purchased by calling United Way at 203-772-2010, and can be picked up at the United Way office on 71 Orange Street, New Haven or at “will call” on the night of the game. Tickets are $10 for box seats and $8 for general admission.

The Cutters will be competing against the Quebec Les Capitales, and attendees will enjoy games, contests and prizes, as well as a meet and greet with players shortly before the start of the game at 7:05 p.m. The stadium is located at Yale Field on 252 Derby Avenue in West Haven.

About United Way:
United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. To do this we: help identify our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raise dollars and invest those dollars for results; connect 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 www.uwgnh.org.

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United Way of Greater New Haven Names New COO and Vice President for Community Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

Heather Calabrese, Senior Vice President of United Way of Greater New Haven, will become Chief Operating Officer on July 1. In addition, Jennifer McGrady Heath has joined the organization as Vice President for Community Leadership. The changes are part of United Way’s ongoing effort to improve lives in our community and to focus on successful children and youth, economically vibrant communities and community wellness.

Calabrese joined United Way of Greater New Haven in September 2000 as Director of Marketing and Communications. Prior to joining United Way she served as Director of Corporate Development for the International Festival of Arts and Ideas and Vice President of Community Affairs at the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Calabrese is active in the local community. Her volunteer activity includes work for Read to Grow, with School Volunteers for New Haven, the New Haven Free Public Library, St. Rita School and Habitat for Humanity.

As COO, Calabrese will be responsible for the daily operations of United Way including the areas of finance, marketing and communications, community leadership and investment and resource development. She is a graduate of Wheelock College and lives in Hamden with her husband, Victor, and her son, Andrew.

Jennifer McGrady Heath joins United Way after four years as a Senior Associate at Holt, Wexler and Farnam, LLP, a planning and management consulting firm in New Haven where her clients included United Way, the William Casper Graustein Memorial Fund, the City of New Haven and the City of Hartford. Heath has also worked as a consultant to United Way’s Success by 6® initiative to improve school readiness and Community Compass which identifies the assets and needs of the region and opportunities for action.

As Vice President for Community Leadership, Heath is responsible for United Way community investments, nonprofit relations, civic engagement and public policy leadership. This new position will enable the United Way to create positive change in three priority areas: Successful Children and Youth; Economically Vibrant Communities; and Community Wellness.
Heath graduated from Davidson College and has a Master in Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. She and her husband, Ken, live in Hamden where she serves as an elected member of the Board of Education.

About United Way:
United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. To do this we: help identify our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raise dollars and invest those dollars for results; connect people to their caring through volunteer opportunities.

For more information about United Way of Greater New Haven’s community leadership and how you can help please visit www.uwgnh.org.


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YOUTH PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM TO AWARD GRANTS TO LOCAL YOUTH PROGRAMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
Cell – 860.834.0128
mwade@uwgnh.org

MTV/ UNITED WAY OF AMERICA STORM CORPS MEMBER, ELIZABETH WHITE,
TO SPEAK AT EVENT

United Way of Greater New Haven’s Youth Philanthropy Project (YPP) will announce and celebrate three grant recipients at its second annual award ceremony on Thursday, May 25, 2006. A total of $11,000 will be awarded to AIDS Project New Haven, The New Haven Ecology Project, Inc. and West Haven Community House Association.

The Youth Philanthropy Project (YPP) is an innovative, youth grant-making and leadership development program for high school students in the Greater New Haven area. This group is made up of fifteen local youth, ages 13-18, from ten different high schools, who dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to develop civic and social awareness in their regional community through leadership and academics. Through YPP organized events, the group raises money, which is then matched by local community organizations, to be awarded to local youth programs. This youth serving youth format is a key ingredient in the program’s success.

This will be the group’s second year of fundraising and grant making. After a second successful NFL Players Youth Clinic in March, the group sent out a request for proposals to area non-profits who provide youth related services. The group of fifteen YPP youth then reviewed each grant application and decided which programs they would fund and how much each would receive.

Additionally, a “Service before Self” award will be presented to Elizabeth White, a New Haven resident and Fordham University student, who spent her spring break as a Storm Corp volunteer in Biloxi, Mississippi helping hurricane Katrina cleanup efforts. Storm Corps is a joint venture between United Way of America and MTV to provide college students the opportunity to become involved in rebuilding the Gulf Coast.

About United Way:
United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. To do this we: help identify our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raise dollars and invest those dollars for results; connect people to their caring through volunteer opportunities.

More information about United Way’s Youth Philanthropy Project (YPP) can be found at www.uwgnh.org.

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United Way Raises Over $100,000 at NFL Players Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

Funds to Benefit the Greater New Haven Community

Over 25 NFL players helped raise more than $100,000 while building the community at the 13th annual NFL Players Weekend hosted by the United Way of Greater New Haven.

United Way partnered with J.L. Sports to organize the most successful weekend in event history on March 10 and 11. Money raised will benefit United Way of Greater New Haven and its work improving lives in the area. Together, with partners like Joe Linta at J.L. Sports, United Way continues to support the shaping and strengthening of the community.

Players from 15 NFL teams participated in a weekend of community service activities including a youth health and fitness clinic, visits to the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven, and a lunch honoring the New Haven Police and Fire Departments. Players also took part in fund-raising at a Celebrity Bartending event and an NFL Celebrity Auction.

“The weekend was a great experience,” said volunteer Robert Gagliardi, a SCSU student. “The kids really enjoyed it and loved the interaction with the players.”

Among the NFL players in attendance was former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi who was honored as United Way’s Player of the Year. Other players included Chukky Okobi and Russell Stuvaints from this year’s Super Bowl Champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots’ Brandon Gorin, Dan Koppen and Russ Hochstein.

NFL Players Weekend facilitated fund-raising while giving players an opportunity to impact the community.

“Events like this help United Way to achieve its ultimate goal of improving the lives of those in the community.” said UWGNH CEO-elect Jack Healy.

About United Way:
United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. To do this we: help identify our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raise dollars and invest those dollars for results; connect people to their caring through volunteer opportunities.

For more information about United Way of Greater New Haven’s community leadership and how you can help please visit www.uwgnh.org.

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Keith Kountz, News Channel 8 Anchor, Named Honorary Event Chair of United Way NFL Players Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2008

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

March 10-11, 2006 - New Haven

Keith Kountz, well known news anchor on News Channel 8 and UPN 9, has been named honorary event Chair of the 13th annual United Way NFL Players Weekend to take place March 10th – 11th in New Haven.

NFL players from 15 teams will arrive in New Haven on March 10th for a weekend of events and community service projects. United Way of Greater New Haven, in conjunction with J.L. Sports, will host the 13th Annual NFL Players Weekend, where 25 NFL Players from 15 teams are expected to attend.

Players will participate in weekend long community service activities including honoring the New Haven Police and Fire Departments, visits to Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of New Haven as well as facilitating a youth health and fitness clinic at Yale.

There will also be some events that are available to the public including a Celebrity Bartending Happy Hour Friday evening from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., at Hula Hank’s Island Bar at 216 Crown Street in New Haven. Or join the players later that evening for dinner, dancing and bidding at the annual Celebrity Auction to be held in the Omni New Haven Hotel ballroom. Items such as signed sports memorabilia, an African Safari Vacation package, Romantic getaways, Gourmet packages and more will be available for bidding at this gala event. Tickets for the NFL Celebrity Auction are still available and can be purchased for $50 in advance and at the door. Please call Kathleen Norwood at United Way of Greater New Haven at 772-2010 ext. 213, or log onto http://www.uwgnh.org/.

Finally, on Saturday night you and three friends can “Bowl with the Pros” at AMF Lanes in Hamden, where NFL players will be available to autograph their photos from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. and then bowling until 10 p.m. Companies or group can “bowl with a pro” by sponsoring a lane. For more information please call Kathleen Norwood at United Way of Greater New Haven at 772-2010 ext. 213, or log onto http://www.uwgnh.org/.

All proceeds from the weekend benefit United Way of Greater New Haven and the work they do in Greater New Haven.

Among NFL Players expected to attend are former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi, who now plays for the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots’ Brandon Gorin, Dan Koppen and Russ Hochstein as well as Chukky Okobi and Russell Stuvaints from this year’s Super Bowl Champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Visit www.uwgnh.org/nfl.cfm for a full weekend schedule and up to the minute player and auction news.

Event sponsors include The New Haven Register, Clear Channel, News Channel 8 and UPN 9, Stop and Shop and UHY.

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JOE ANDRUZZI OF THE CLEVELAND BROWNS NAMED UNITED WAYPLAYER OF THE YEAR AT NFL PLAYERS WEEKEND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

13TH Annual United Way NFL Players Weekend Draws over 25 Pro Celebrities

United Way of Greater New Haven will honor former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi as Player of the Year at this weekend’s Celebrity Auction, sponsored by Stop & Shop. Andruzzi, a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and member of three New England Patriots Super Bowl Championship teams (2001, 2003, 2004), has participated in almost every Players Weekend and has helped draw other NFL players to the event. As a thank you for his dedication both on and off the field, United Way will recognize him during the auction taking place on Friday, March 10th from 6:00pm – 10:00pm at the Omni Hotel at 155 Temple Street in New Haven. Tickets are available at the door for $50. This includes registration for live and silent auction, buffet, dancing and open bar.

With just days to go before one of the Northeast’s largest NFL player supported weekend kicks off, more than 25 players from teams across the country have confirmed their participation. Players with local ties, in addition to Joe Andruzzi, include Jacques Cesaire, former Southern Connecticut All American and current San Diego Charger as well as Hamden’s Chukky Okobi of the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Also participating this weekend will be Patriots’ Russ Hochstein, New York Jets’ Cory Lamkin and Jim Miller, Quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings.

The players will spend the weekend in the area to raise funds and build community with United Way of Greater New Haven. During the weekend players will visit Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven, conduct a Celebrity Bartending fundraiser at New Haven’s Hula Hanks, host and attend the NFL Celebrity Auction at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, wait tables for area police and firefighters at the Fireside Restaurant in New Haven, and participate in a Bowl with the Pros bowling tournament at AMF Lanes in Hamden and host the 2nd annual United Way/NFL Players Youth Clinic at Yale.

Tickets for The NFL Celebrity Auction on Friday, March 10th are still available. The auction is presented by Stop & Shop and will feature a silent and live auction, light buffet and cash bar. Tickets for the event are $50 in advance or at the door. Please call United Way of Greater New Haven for more information at (2030 772-2010 or log on to www.uwgnh.org.
Cont.
Visit www.uwghn.org/nfl.cfm for a full weekend schedule and up to the minute player and auction news.

About United Way:
United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. To do this we: help identify our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raise dollars and invest those dollars for results; connect 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 www.uwgnh.org.

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