United Way Announces Local Funding

The Middlesex United Way Board of Directors recently approved fund distributions in the amount of $964,304 for fiscal year 2011-12. This amount is $45,000 more than was allocated in 2010-11.

This funding includes support to 49 programs in Middlesex County, the installation of multiple Born Learning Trails on Day of Caring on Sept. 7, two future requests for proposal in Education and Housing, and $30,000 for new opportunities this fall that will help United Way reach its Five Year Goals for the Common Good.

The breakdown of fund distributions by focus area is: $148,156 for education; $141,350 for income; $498,080 for health; and $130,433 for housing. Visit http://www.middlesexunitedway.org/distributions for a complete list of distributions.

Programs in East Hampton and Portland supported by Middlesex United Way are:

• East Hampton Board of Education – Early Links. Receiving $8,550.
• Portland Youth Services – Healthy Communities Healthy Youth. Receiving $9,000.
• Portland Youth Services – School Readiness Initiative. Receiving $12,500.

One of United Way’s partners in the School Readiness initiative is East Hampton Board of Education Early Links program.

“Middlesex United Way plays a vital role in developing an environment that promotes and supports the social and emotional development of East Hampton’s youngest learners,” Lauren Kasperowski, Early Links Coordinator, said. “Thanks to United Way we are able to maximize an effective and strong partnership among the schools, child care providers and families creating the strongest foundation to a child’s education.”

In addition to these distributions and included in the overall amount, United Way 2-1-1 was allocated $16,285. 2-1-1 is a 24-hour information and referral helpline that is available free of charge to anyone in Connecticut. 2-1-1 is a partnership between Connecticut United Ways and the State of Connecticut.

Leading the program review and fund distribution each year are Community Impact volunteers who bring experience and expertise in health and human services. Four volunteer teams, based on the four focus areas meet regularly throughout the year, evaluate program performance and financial health, and analyze program results. United Way’s Community Impact Council then makes funding recommendations to the full board of directors for final approval.

“This hard work is done by dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to make important decisions," Kevin Wilhelm, Middlesex United Way Executive Director, said. "They have a passion for giving back and strengthening our community.”

If you are interested in becoming a Community Impact volunteer or would like to volunteer on Day of Caring on Sept. 7, please contact Middlesex United Way at (860) 346-8695 or visit www.middlesexunitedway.org and click on ‘Volunteer.’

Middlesex United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on education, income, health and housing – the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. You are invited to be part of the change by giving, advocating and volunteering.

Middlesex United Way serves the towns of Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.