Since our start on Danbury’s West Street as the Community Chest of Danbury in 1942, our organization has officially reached 80 years’ worth of change, challenges, and growth. Our humble beginnings as a volunteer-based group that allocated local funding to war efforts and a handful of charities set a solid foundation for what would eventually become United Way of Western Connecticut.
Today, with offices on Main Street in Danbury, Summer Street in Stamford, and Bank Street in New Milford, our mission is clearer than ever – to improve the lives of hard-working households that we call ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
Over the last 80 years, we’ve mobilized the resources of local communities to create lasting change, expanded to serve more than 75,000 low-to-moderate income individuals in 15 towns, deepened partnerships across sectors, invested in over 30 non-profit partners this year alone, and developed innovative programs that directly support ALICE.
Our impact is tangible for people like 17-year-old Tiana, who started her education at a United Way partner child care center more than 14 years ago. As a result of United Way’s support, Tiana’s mother could afford to send her to a high-quality school. Today, Tiana is president of her class, excels in extracurricular activities, has top grades, and just got accepted into college. Her mother told us that she credits the center for helping her daughter build a positive self-image, self-confidence, and desire to succeed.
There are countless stories to be told—stories of impact, opportunity, and empowerment dating back to our origin in 1942—that are made possible because of our donors, volunteers, and partners. We would love to hear from you if you have been a volunteer with United Way. Please send us an email at news@uwwesternct.org and tell us a bit about yourself and your relationship with United Way.
As we look ahead another 80 years, we are confident that together we can continue to ensure that every person has access to healthy affordable food; every child has safe, quality care and education so they can learn, grow, and thrive; and every family can become financially stable and save for a brighter future.
Thank you to the entire Western Connecticut community for more than 80 years of support, collaboration, and impact. With your continued support, we can empower families to thrive for another 80 years.
With gratitude,
Isabel