Storytelling in books takes young readers to amazing places and helps grow their imagination and sense of wonder. One beloved example is Charlotte’s Web by American author E.B. White who mastered the art of storytelling with his story about a friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a barn spider named Charlotte, a classic children’s book beloved by all.
The magic of storytelling gives people the space to find the implicit meaning of what’s being said, enabling them to learn, discover and own what they need to do for themselves or for others. Stories spark emotions. Written stories powerfully connect us to our readers. When we share the stories of others, our audiences feel they get to know them as authentic people – people who have struggled with problems and are figuring out how to overcome them.
In this annual report, we wanted to let our supporters understand the critical and effective work we do through the impactful stories we tell. We hope that these compelling stories demonstrate the power of caring communities and activate purpose.
Many of the stories shared on subsequent pages also have the commonality of interconnectedness, hence why you’ll see a repeating pattern of hexagons in the report’s design, representing a series of interconnected ideas. Interconnectedness at United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) describes how many facets of our work in education, income and health come together to ensure a good quality of life. You’ll read about:
- Jane whose family received support during our annual back to school program enabling her children to feel confident and focus at school while alleviating financial stress at home
- Aaron whose family could thrive with access to fresh vegetables following a job loss and an uncertain financial future
- Kendra who learned critical financial budgeting skills which meant she wouldn’t lose the home she’d worked so hard for in trying to provide a better life for her daughter
- Rebecca who struggles to afford healthy food and witnesses the consequences of poor nutrition in her young son who was warned by his pediatrician that he’s on the path toward childhood obesity and its related health conditions
Our community efforts in early childhood literacy, financial stability and health are all interconnected. For example, we provide support for children who often come to school on an empty stomach, making it difficult to learn during their preschool and elementary school years. We assist families on their path toward financial stability and limit the times they have to make difficult choices like paying rent or putting food on their tables. We broaden access to healthy foods and support efforts to improve community health.
Last year, UWWC, along with other United Ways in Connecticut, released a ground-breaking study of financial hardship in our state. It uncovered an often over-looked population we call ALICE which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – people like Jane, Aaron, Kendra, and Rebecca. Most recently, we’ve conducted community conversations across our region and listened to more than 500 residents to help identify the greatest needs in our communities and to determine the most effective way to influence change. Going forward, our work will focus on targeted outcomes to improve the lives of our ALICE population in Western CT.
UWWC is working to create an environment where individuals are self-sufficient, needing to rely less on government or social services to maintain a stable home and satisfying life. Increasing those households with a livable wage and providing more affordable and readily available services helps to ensure all residents can be self-reliant and achieve financial independence. With nearly 35,000 households in western Connecticut struggling to pay for basic necessities, despite working hard every day, the need in our communities is great.
UWWC brings together resources - both funds and people - to help solve community problems that no one organization can solve alone. We thank each and every one of our supporters for your contributions this year. We want to offer special thanks and recognition to Jim Schmotter as our outgoing Board Chair. Jim served on our UWWC Board for seven years and has been Chairman of the Board since 2012. Jim was also a long-time member of our Northern Fairfield County Community Council. After only a week of being appointed Chairman in 2012, Jim’s leadership was immediately called upon to help steer UWWC’s response to the tragedy in Newtown. He has led the organization through a transformative time with the full integration of volunteer center services and a more focused approach on community funding.
UWWC is counting on your ongoing support because so many ALICE households are counting on us. Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the power of caring communities to create lasting change. UWWC is committed to ensuring that every child enters school ready to learn, every family is financially stable and every community we serve is healthy and strong.
EVERY PERSON. EVERY HOME. HEALTHY AND STRONG.
Kim Morgan
CEO
United Way of Western Connecticut
Cynthia Merkle
Chair, Board of Directors
United Way of Western Connecticut