For the second year in a row, United Way of Western Connecticut and its network of Cora’s Kids child care providers hosted one of seven #MorningWithoutChildCare rallies across the state. Elected officials, child care providers, and supporters gathered outside of the Danbury Public Library on March 8th in support of the movement led by Child Care for Connecticut’s Future, which is working to shine a light on the importance of affordable, quality child care.

Senator Osten, Representative Walker, Senator Berthel, Representative Nuccio, and esteemed Connecticut General Assembly members of the Appropriations Committee,  

Senator Osten, Representative Walker, and Members of the Appropriations Committee, 

Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of House Bill No. 6659, specifically with regards to long-term funding for Family Child Care Incubators as developed in Public Act No. 21-171. 

The legislative committee schedule is jampacked over the next few weeks. It's time to share our stories! Our items are advancing, and it's time to tell our stories why they matter! To learn more about our legislative priorities, visit https://uwwesternct.org/advocate. 

1. Thursday, February 23 at 4pm: No Cost School Meals at Appropriations Committe on Primary/Secondary Education  

Yesterday, at the Governor’s recommendation, the Connecticut Legislature voted to provide students with universal no-cost meals for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year. This is a tremendous victory and will ensure that no child goes hungry during the school day. This win is a result of the advocacy and outreach of so many of our United Way friends and supporters. Without your calls and emails, we would not be celebrating this critically important step for our youth and families.  

This Valentine’s Day we’re working with the New Milford Rotary Club to collect donations for the New Milford community! Give back through the donation of hygiene products for women, men, and children.  

The Hearts for Hygiene drive-up & drop-off will take place on Saturday, February 25th from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. at the Pettibone Community Center. You can also bring donations to United Way of Western Connecticut located at 24 Bank Street in New Milford or the Mayor’s Office at 10 Main Street. 

In July we announced a grant cycle with Mayor Dean Esposito of the City of Danbury for social service agencies to receive funding through the Danbury Social Service Grant program. Agencies whose work is focused on education, child care, financial stability, housing, health, and mental health were invited to apply. This year, $204,000 will be distributed among 18 local nonprofits. 

Community messengers are trained advocates who share important information within their neighborhoods. 

As a community messenger, you can:

• Develop your skills
• Advocate for your community
• Empower yourself and those around you

Classes are held from 7-8:30 PM and each session covers a different topic led by experts.

United Way of Western Connecticut is pleased to announce this month’s Hometown Hero! Meet Maribel Sandalo, a local leader from Stamford, Connecticut who has been nominated for her work with LiveGirl.    

Maribel was nominated for the positive influence she’s made in the lives of Stamford youth over the last two years. As a mentor, she’s served as a role model to over 50 young girls working to build their self-esteem and social-emotional intelligence.  

The Connecticut Legislature has called a special session beginning Monday, November 28th. United Way of Western Connecticut, alongside End Hunger CT!, are asking that our State Representatives and Senators take up the issue of free school meals. Funding for free school meals ends on December 31, 2022, if not earlier, for districts across the state.