Community Impact in Southern Litchfield County

Every year residents in Southern Litchfield County were confronted with youth being killed or injured in alcohol-related accidents.

A serious problem like this could only be addressed if the whole community worked together. The New Milford Community Action Network was formed as the local substance prevention council for the area and in 2005 they drafted a plan to reduce minors’ access to alcohol.

Together, United Way, local youth, state and town officials, the police department, and concerned parents succeeded in passing a town ordinance in New Milford to prohibit underage drinking on private property.

But they didn’t stop there. Statistics showed that when a town passes this legislation, the underage parties move to the next town. So United Way and the Community Action Network assisted Sherman and Kent in passing similar ordinances in 2006.

United Way worked to create lasting change in the community. We started by listening to people’s ideas about what matters, then partnered with individuals like the CT State Attorney General to begin addressing the issues.

"Social host laws provide support and reinforcement to responsible parents and young people to do the right thing, against social and peer pressure” stated Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. “They also provide police a measure that helps prevent tragedy."

When you give to United Way, it’s an investment in your community . . . because we all win when our children are safe and successful.

Our goal is long lasting change that prevents problems from happening in the first place.

Here in Southern Litchfield County, we’re focused on critical issues like:

Helping Children and Families Succeed

• Expanding youth involvement in community service and leadership

• Enhancing the quality of child care services

• Improving parent and caregiver skills and making homes safe for all children

Improving People’s Health

• Connecting families to lowor no-cost health services

• Increasing senior citizens’ access to medical care

• Helping families access local mental health and substance abuse services

Promoting Self Sufficiency

• Equipping low and moderate income individuals who are struggling financially with tools to gain vocational skills, increase income, and gain financial independence

• Increasing literacy and education

• Increasing access to legal services and advocacy for low income families