United Way Counts on Spirit of Community to Support Social Service Programs

By Nanci G. Hutson

At the United Way of Western Connecticut's fundraising campaign kicks-off for the southern Litchfield region, council member Larry Neary called upon the example of the late legendary screen actor Paul Newman, who used his fame and fortune to do good for others. He encouraged the United Way's supporters to allow the non-profit organization to "be our brand.''

"No one in this room may have Paul Newman's power, but connected under our brand we are capable of great things,'' said Neary during breakfast at The Maxx youth center.

In these challenging financial times, the United Way of Western Connecticut that includes 15 towns in northern Fairfield County, southern Litchfield County and Stamford is still counting on individuals, small businesses and larger corporations to benefit social service agencies through volunteerism, advocacy and financial donations.

Though the United Way hopes to increase funding as demands increase annually, Marketing and Communications Director Kim Morgan said the hope is to at least hold steady.

She said this coming year the funding process for southern Litchfield will be extended to all non-profit agencies in the area, not just those who received financial assistance in prior years. With a larger pool of applicants, more money will be required to maintain similar levels of funding, Morgan said.

The United Way's 2009 financial goal for the southern Litchfield area is $150,000; that amount covering what was awarded to agencies last year. Organization wide, the campaign goal is $5 million.

New Milford Social Services Director Peg Molina commended the United Way's Day of Caring volunteers for assisting her agency with restocking its food bank. An infestation of meal worms required the pantry be cleared of most non-perishable goods, she said. With the United Way and other community assistance, Molina said the food bank is now plentiful enough to last until the expected annual holiday drives.

United Way Executive Director June Renzulli said she and her fellow leaders recognize these are challenging economic times that can make fundraising a daunting task. At the same time, though, she said it is "heartwarming'' to see what people are willing to do for others, despite their personal circumstances.

For this year's Back-to-School clothing drive, Morgan said the agency received a $10,000 anonymous donation when it appeared about 100 children might not be able to be served.

High school senior and youth leadership member Liza Maizel said the clothing drive was an eye-opener to the impact these volunteers can make in a child's life.

"Each person was more appreciative than the next,'' she said of watching children smile when they opened up boxes of new clothes, backpacks and school supplies their families could not afford. "It was a lot of work, but it was the most remarkable experience.

The United Way of Western Connecticut -- Southern Litchfield County agencies

Programs that promote financial stability

American Red Cross of Western Connecticut -- disaster services, services to the military and Wheels, a program that provides transportation for those who need rides to medical appointments.

Connecticut Legal Services -- legal aid

Interlude -- New Milford outreach to adults with mental illness

Literacy Volunteers on the Green -- literacy and English-as-a-second language training

Programs that promote education

Boy Scouts of America -- youth development

Danbury Regional Child Advocacy Center -- child protection teams, parent aide program

Family & Children's Aid -- Safe Home emergency shelter

Girl Scouts of Connecticut -- youth development

The Kent Children's Center -- youth programming

WeCAHR -- Advocacy for children and families with special-needs children

Women's Center of Greater Danbury -- Domestic violence services, resource services, sexual assault services.

Programs that promote Health

American Red Cross of Western Connecticut -- blood services, health services

Family & Children's Aid -- Child guidance center

MCCA -- outpatient office in New Milford

New Milford Hospital -- behavioral health services

New Milford Visiting Nurse Association -- hospice

Northwest Center for Family Services -- child guidance clinic

Contact Nanci Hutson at nhutson@newstimes.com or at (860) 354-2274.