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The United Way of Western Connecticut serves a total of 15 towns, including Danbury, Redding, Ridgefied and Stamford.
In 2014, the United Ways in Connecticut, in partnership with Rutgers University, produced a report that unveiled a group of households living pay check to pay check throughout the state. These homes are above the federal poverty level but below a basic cost-of-living threshold, according to the report.
About a third of the households served by the agency were living this way, the report said.
“United Way is working to create opportunities for families to be self-sufficient without having to make weekly difficult choices between things such as food, health care or utility bills, and rely less on government or social services to maintain a stable home and satisfying life,” said Kim Morgan, CEO of United Way of Western Connecticut. “We are excited to engage in this important work.”
The United Way hopes to improve the lives of these homes, according to a press release, by increasing their financial stability by focusing on three core areas -- early childhood education, financial stability for households and childhood obesity.
Volunteers will be involved in all decision-making for funding, as well as play an important role in delivering services throughout the region, both through corporate volunteerism and individual efforts.
The agency is seeking individuals who work hard and live pay check to pay check to share their experiences and recommendations for assistance, including in the areas of child care sponsorships, transportation assistance to work, job training, policy changes and more.
To participate, contact Karen Mello at karen.mello@uwwesternct.org.
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