Three United Ways Merge

Following a national movement toward consolidation within the United Way system, The United Way of Northern Fairfield County, United Way of Stamford, and Housatonic/Shepaug United Way have combined their operations to become United Way of Western Connecticut. 

Who we serve: A total of 15 towns will benefit from the merger: Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, Newtown, New Milford, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Sherman, Stamford, Warren and Washington. 

Governance: The new organization, overseen by a Governing Board comprised of members from each community provides expertise and perspective on a regional level, while three Community Councils, representing each of the locales, will continue to focus on local priorities, identifying community needs, building long-term funding sources and allocating resources to local service human service programs. 

Issues we will address: June Renzulli, currently the President of United Way of Northern Fairfield County, is the CEO of United Way of Western Connecticut.  “We are thrilled about this move,” said Renzulli. “We will engage leaders at the regional level – addressing critical issues such as Early Childhood Support and Affordable Housing – while maintaining the community funding and initiatives that are so important on a local level.”  

Where your gift goes to make a difference: Under the new organization, dollars raised locally will continue to be spent to address the needs important to that community.  The local Community Councils will make funding recommendations to the Governance Board, and all donor restricted grants or gifts will remain subject to donor restrictions.

This new consolidated model is not unique. Just as corporations continue to refine efficiencies through consolidations, the entire United Way system is being transformed with a focus on impact, reputation and growth.  Using the United Way of America (UWA) community impact business model, integrated efforts will offer donors and stakeholders regional strategies to solve local community problems.