If you’re familiar with UWSECT, you’ll notice that much of our work focuses on ALICE- Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed- families. After hearing this acronym and seeing on our publications, I decided to do a little digging into what that really means. Luckily, a brief overview is already provided on our website, which gives some useful statistics.
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is pleased to announce that two grants have been approved for programs that help individuals and/or families living in New London County improve their financial stability. As part of United Way's partnership with the selected programs, funding will be provided for one year to pursue and accomplish the goals indentified by United Way.
As of October 4, the United Way Network has raised more than $59.35 million for mid- and long-term recovery efforts related to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma/Maria and the earthquake in Mexico. This includes money donated to the national funds and to funds set up by local United Ways. Almost $49.03 million has been raised for Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. More than $9.38 million has been raised for Hurricane Irma/Maria recovery efforts. Almost $648,000 has been raised for Mexico Earthquake recovery efforts. Almost $296,000 has been designated for where the money is most needed.
The following column is written by our President & CEO Virginia L. Mason.
On October 19, United Way will have its annual fall reading day in support of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record. Volunteers will flood into schools, libraries, and community centers across the country to make kids’ days by reading aloud from the same book. But the point of this event is not just to enjoy a book together (although this year’s book looks adorable, check it out here). It’s also to bring attention to the importance of early childhood literacy and quality education.
At a recent event of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, President and CEO Virginia L. Mason asked everyone in the audience to inspire kindness and “pay it forward.” As added encouragement, she provided each person with a $5 bill and asked them to pass it onto someone in need. Several individuals shared their heartwarming stories back to United Way.
Registration for this event is now closed! We apologize for any inconvenience.
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is partnering with local schools across New London County as part of the annual Read for the Record event. Join us as a volunteer reader on October 19, 2017 to be a part of the world’s largest shared reading experience.
Last week was suicide prevention week, and I didn’t realize until it was almost over. I’m used to being at school and seeing the awareness events put on by Active Minds, but this year there was nothing to remind me until I saw a tweet from Connecticut 2-1-1. There’s a decent amount of conversation around mental health resources on college campuses, but out in the “real world” it’s something that’s easy to forget. This is a shame, because suicide rates are actually highest among middle-aged people.
Something you should know about me: I’m a geek. I love statistics, and I think a little extra research can make a difference in just about anything. So when I was invited to visit the Groton Mobile Food Pantry yesterday, I did some brief homework on food insecurity first. Here’s what I learned:
A 2014 survey of food pantry and soup kitchen clients in Connecticut found that in the past 12 months,
- 73% of them were forced to choose between food and utilities
- 68% had to choose between food and medical care, and
