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
February 23, 2009
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.
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