Throughout Black History Month we shared weekly reading lists across our social media. These lists were compiled from recommendations submitted by our colleagues, highlighting their favorite books from Black authors. Here are our top picks throughout the month of February. 

United Way of Western Connecticut Launches Regional Grant Opportunity

Nonprofits serving Western Connecticut can seek funding related to education and financial stability beginning February 16

DANBURY, CT (February 15, 2022) — United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) is once again launching a regional grant opportunity for nonprofits beginning February 16, 2022.  

United Way of Western Connecticut is once again launching our regional grant opportunity for nonprofits. Beginning February 16, nonprofits serving Western Connecticut can seek funding related to education and financial stability.

UWWC will provide funding for nonprofits that operate programs in the following three areas: 

1) Early Childhood Education (serving children ages 0-5); 
2) After-school programming (serving children ages 5-18); and
3) Financial stability.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a critical, and often underutilized, tax credit for low- to moderate-income households. Each year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to help raise awareness for families and individuals to claim their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 

Many children succumb to a phenomenon called "Summer Slide." They lose ground in reading over the summer months when they are not in school. 

To combat Summer Slide, Stamford Cradle to Career has conducted the Stamford Summer Literacy Initiative for the past two summers. 

The program is two-pronged: 

Stamford Cradle to Career Partners with Schools on Summer School Program 

Refrigeration Units Allow Families In Need To Access Fresh, Perishable Food 

More than 3,400 individuals and families in the greater Danbury community have benefited from a drive-thru food distribution that takes place on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm at Danbury High School. More than 128,000 pounds of food have been distributed on Saturdays in August, September, and October 2021. 

Digital Platform Called Prosperi-Key Provides Access to Services 24/7 

While addressing the needs of paycheck-to-paycheck households, United Way of Western Connecticut realized that most struggling people don't have time to track down the services and supports that could make their lives easier. They need access 24/7, outside of working hours.