cbriody's blog

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Most of us can name several teachers from pre-K through high school who have left lasting positive impressions on us. I know I could name half a dozen at least who shaped who I am in various ways. There was my fourth-grade teacher who read us books with strong female protagonists and gave us real feedback on our work (“You’re a better writer than this. Find a more creative way to say what you mean”). There was my sixth-grade science teacher who ran an afterschool club focused on community service and taught us about protecting the environment.

The former mayor of Groton, Marian sets an example as a leader in community engagement. She took time to talk to us about her volunteer experiences and how United Way’s initiatives have impacted people in her community.

Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been involved with United Way?

My name is Marian Galbraith. Although I have given to the United Way for a long time, I really became involved with United Way when I was mayor of the City of Groton.

When I caught up with Lee-Ann, she had just returned from helping a client manage a bedbug infestation. Still poised and without missing a beat, she sat down with me to discuss her work on the United Way Board of Directors and why it’s so important to address community needs collectively.

Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been involved with United Way?

Ken is the Treasurer on our Board of Directors and the Finance Committee Chair. We caught up with him to find out how and why he chooses to Live United.

Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been involved with United Way?

Hi, my name’s Ken Ewell, and I started volunteering with United Way on a regular basis after I retired in 2013, so it’s been five years.

How did you first get involved here at United Way of Southeastern Connecticut?

Ray Stanley has been volunteering with United Way for 20 years. He spoke to us about the allocations process and how he dedicates his time to serving the community.

Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been involved with United Way?

My name is Ray Stanley, and I’ve been involved with United Way of Southeastern Connecticut for 20 years.

How did you first get involved here at United Way of Southeastern Connecticut?

Lauren is a regular volunteer at the Food Center and a firm believer in the importance of giving back. We asked her about what motivates her to spend time serving others.

Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been volunteering with United Way?

My name is Lauren, and I have been volunteering since before Thanksgiving.

How did you get started volunteering here at the Food Center?

Ken is co-chairman of the Food Committee and an Executive Board Member on the Connecticut AFL-CIO Metal Trades Council. He spoke to us about his experiences serving others and what makes United Way special.

Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How are you involved here at United Way of Southeastern Connecticut?

A regular volunteer at the Food Center, Jerry balances a sense of humor with a sense of responsibility for the community.

Hi! Tell us about yourself. How did you become involved with the Food Center?

Nancy, Janet, Maria and Kathy spend Wednesdays volunteering at the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center. We interrupted their shift to ask some questions and share a few laughs.

How did you get started volunteering here at the Food Center?

A hard worker and dedicated volunteer, Bill brings an empathetic perspective to his work at the Food Center. He took a few minutes to talk with us about why volunteering with United Way is important for the community and for him personally.

Hi! Tell us a little about yourself and your volunteer work here at United Way.