At United Way of Western Connecticut, we believe that every child deserves access to quality care, education, enrichment opportunities, healthy, fresh food, and stable housing. That’s why children are at the very heart of everything we do.
Through our work over the past year
- 2,700+ children received early care or afterschool care through United Way scholarships and grants
- 1,400+ children participated in enrichment activities like sports, music, robotics, and the arts through our ALICE Enrichment Fund
- 490+ children accessed quality, affordable childcare spots at more than 80 licensed home child care programs thanks to our Cora’s Kids program.
That isn’t all. We addressed the growing problem of food insecurity, helping to ensure that children had access to fresh fruits and vegetables each week—for free. And we helped families be a little more financially stable with budget coaching, free tax preparation, and savings incentives.
Right now, the need for funding to support children from ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households is greater than ever. Data from a recent report, ALICE in Focus: Children, reveals that 42% of Connecticut children are experiencing financial insecurity, with 29% living in ALICE households. These numbers reflect a pre-pandemic reality, making it likely that today, even more children are struggling. As we think about the challenges of the last few years—loss of employment, reduction in child care, increased rates of food insecurity, and interrupted learning—it’s easy to see that children in low-to-moderate-income households had a heavier load to bear both physically and emotionally. For our state’s Black and Hispanic children, the stakes are even higher—72% and 67% respectively—are living in households that cannot afford basic necessities.
When we focus our work on all children—those below the Federal Poverty Line and from ALICE households—we have a real opportunity to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive.
Our mission is fueled by the voices of those we serve. We have made great strides over the last 80 years, but there is more work to be done. Your ongoing generosity allows us to create change for children and families throughout Connecticut, making a difference in their day-to-day lives.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. To continue supporting out work, click here.