United Way Appoints Margo Amgott Interim President/CEO

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County is pleased to announce the appointment of Margo Amgott as its interim President and CEO. Amgott will lead the agency during the transition to a permanent replacement. She replaces Jeffrey Kimball in the position.

“I am called to United Way as an organization that truly matters to our communities, and whose work makes a difference in people’s lives, said Ms. Amgott.   “I look forward to working closely with the board and staff to determine our most critical priorities during this transitional time.”    

Margo Amgott brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in nonprofits, higher education, and state and local government. She currently provides transitional support and project management through her consulting company, Amgott Interim LLC.

Board of Directors chair Lucy Teixeira commented:  “Margo is well-suited to guide our vibrant organization through the transition.  Her impressive track record in fundraising, operations, and managing community relationships makes her an ideal fit for United Way.”

 Amgott’s goal is to run an effective organization while continuing to raise awareness of the complex issues confronting people in the 12 towns served by United Way.  She will also advise the board in its search for the next leader. 

“I am so impressed by the energy and commitment of the United Way’s professional team and volunteer board leadership,” said Amgott.  “I am inspired by their vision for the United Way of the future.” 

Noted Teixeira, “We’re confident that Margo will help us continue to advance our mission of building more equitable and resilient communities—where all our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive.”

Amgott assumes the reigns on May 16, replacing Jeffrey Kimball, who recently resigned.

Teixeira commented, “The Board is grateful to Jeff for his services during the turbulent Covid pandemic.”

The Board will launch a search for a permanent replacement shortly.

On The Horizon

Together, we are building a tomorrow that is better than today. I am excited to highlight:

• Two grant funding opportunities for local initiatives helping people to improve their lives, and 2 free tax prep programs that can help families access the refunds they’ve earned (but often leave unclaimed).

• Progress toward maternal and infant health being made by Bridgeport Prospers and partners—both locally and statewide (spoiler alert: it involves doulas).

• Corporate volunteerism by partners who recently stepped up to collect and donate supplies to local families in need.

Please read on to see what your partnership makes possible.

Gratefully,

Jeff

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New Impact Philanthropy Grants:  Committee Will Invest $300K to Address Local Problems

Now its second year, the Impact Philanthropy Committee is preparing to award community grants totaling over $300,000.  Grants of $15,000-30,000 each will be invested in initiatives working to address the most pressing problems in a local community, in one of the 3 United Way’s three focus areas:  

• Healthy & Wellness

• School Readiness & Success

• Financial Stability

All applications will be judged on their ability to promote gender and racial/ethnic equity, as well as community impact, innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.  The RFP will be released at the end of February, with applications due in mid-March.  Grants will be announced in late May.

The Committee consists of 15 members, including Community Members (4), United Way Directors (5), and Staff (6).

If you know of a worthy organization doing terrific work to improve lives, please pass along our RFP (coming soon!).  See the inspiring work of last year’s Spring 2021 grantees here.

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Free Tax Preparation:  VITA & My Free Taxes

United Way is committed to promoting the financial stability of every person in every one of our communities.  That’s why we’re proud to fund two free tax preparation programs for filers in our area:

1. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers income tax preparation assistance for low to moderate income households, including the elderly, disabled, and limited-English speakers in households earning less than $58,000.  In VITA, IRS-certified volunteers will prepare tax returns for free, with an eye toward helping filers claim important credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Last year, IRS-certified preparers in Fairfield County prepared helped 3,345 hard-working Bridgeport families claim $5.6 MM in refunds and save $1MM in tax prep fees.

VITA sites are located in a variety of local venues including libraries, senior centers, and community centers.  Find one near you at: http://www.211ct.org/ or on our resources page.

2. My Free Taxes is available to those with incomes above $58,000 who would like to file taxes by themselves. It’s the only free national online tax filing product offered by a non-profit.  To date, United Way has made this available to over 1.3 MM people in the US.  See MyFreeTaxes.com

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Toward Improving Maternal & Infant Health: Doula Care as part of the Healthcare System

The health and well-being of mothers, infants, and children has long been considered a key indication of community health and critical to a nation’s future well-being and prosperity. But consider this:

• US rates of maternal mortality are among the worst in the developed world.  And they’ve been growing, while declining in other countries.

• The prenatal-to-age three period is foundational to all future learning, behavior and health. At this time, babies’ brains develop faster than at any other time in life, with more that than one million new brain connections forming every second.

• Maternal and infant health vary widely by race and ethnicity:   Black women are more than twice as likely to die from childbirth complications as their white counterparts. Black infants are more than 3 times as likely to die, and Hispanic infants are more than 1.5 times as likely to die as babies born to non-Hispanic whites.    

Believing that we must do better for the health of parents and babies, Bridgeport Prospers is collaborating with local and state partners to incorporate Doula Care into the Connecticut healthcare system.  Data show that Doula Care reduces health disparities and improves outcomes for both birthing parents and their babies:

• For birthing parents:  shorter labor; fewer costly/risky  interventions (use of cesareans, medications, forceps); lower rates of postpartum depression and chronic health conditions

• For babies:  higher Apgar (health) scores, higher rates of breast feeding, lower rates of pre-term birth and low birthweight

Through Bridgeport Prospers’ partnerships, the United Way is now serving as grant fiduciary for two local efforts working to incorporate doula care into routine maternal healthcare:

• Doula Coalition, Grant from CT Health Foundation:  support for incorporating doula voice into the design of healthcare policy and delivery system (certification, payment, scope of practice)

• Earth’s Natural Touch:  Birth Care and Beyond, a City of Bridgeport American Rescue Plan Grant:  provides supports for those receiving maternal health services through OPTIMUS Health Care, including postpartum check-ins for moms and babies, and education and support groups for fathers, partners, and those who are breastfeeding.

When we invest in the first years of a child’s life, the returns for our communities are highest, and can reduce the need for more expensive interventions later.  In fact, economic studies show that early investments provide a 13% return on investment through better academic, health, social, and economic outcomes in later life.

If you’d like to support the national movement for pre-natal to three programs and policies that give babies the best start in life, you can sign on to their open letter today.

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Grant Funding Available:  Emergency Food and Shelter Program

Life can turn unexpectedly, and our neighbors may need emergency support with food, rent, utilities, and housing help to stabilize their economic situation.

That’s why our United Way serves as facilitator for the local Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).   We convene area funding committees to award federal funding to programs serving those at risk of hunger or homelessness in 2 local areas:  Mid-Fairfield County (Norwalk, Weston, Westport, Wilton) and Greater Bridgeport (Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, Shelton, Trumbull). 

Local non-profits and government agencies are encouraged to apply for funds currently totaling over $1.1MM.  Applications are due by 2/25.

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Corporate Partner Spotlight:  Volunteer Impact

Hearty salute and thanks to our corporate partners who recently made a direct impact on the lives of families through ad-hoc collections and donations to our community partners.   If your organization is passionate about a cause and wants to volunteer, let us know by emailing: fdouglass@unitedwaycfc.org.

Pictured from left to right: Hampford Research Inc. (coats and food for families lacking basic needs), MBI, Inc. (new hooded sweatshirts to uplift local families), Regency Centers (winter coats for families on a path to economic stability), Surgical Centers of Connecticut (school supplies and books for elementary students), Target Stores (holiday gifts and essentials for 2 young families in need), and Image First (not pictured) also provided comfort (coats and toys for families accessing support services)

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““Giving is not about making a donation. It’s about making a difference.””

— Kathy Calvin

Kickoff of Greater Bridgeport Free Tax Preparation Program, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness

Program aims to help Bridgeport households struggling to make ends meet file State and Federal Taxes for free 

WHAT: Kickoff of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program; Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day

WHEN: Friday, February 4th at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Housatonic Community College, Beacon Hall, 3rd Fl. Bridgeport CT

Please note, to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, this event is closed to the public but will be live-streamed here:  https://bit.ly/VITA_2022.

WHO: Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim; John Merz, CEO, Connecticut Association for Human Services; Ron Peruzzi, Senior Tax Consultant, Internal Revenue Service; Maura Healy, Taxpayer Advocate; United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, VITA Agency Sites, VITA Volunteers, and Community Members

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:

• VITA provides free tax preparation help for filers with low to moderate incomes, elderly, persons with disabilities, limited English-speakers 

• IRS-trained VITA volunteers helped 3,345 hard-working Bridgeport families claim $5.6 MM in refunds and save $1MM in tax prep fees last year

• EITC (Earned Income Tax credit) is regarded as the most-effective poverty-reduction program for working families; can help boost income, pay down debt, or save for the future.  (2020 filers secured $1.5 MM in EITC tax credits.)

CONTACT: Takima Robinson
Director of Asset Building Programs, Connecticut Association for Human Services
860-951-2212, ext. 229, 203-804-6583 (cell), or trobinson@cahs.org

About the Connecticut Association for Human Services

The Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, uniquely combines outreach into working poor communities at the neighborhood level with broad-based policy work at the state and federal level.  Founded in 1910, CAHS is focused on helping families and children build the skills and assets they need for lasting economic success, strengthening Connecticut’s economy, and improving its workforce.  In addition to advocacy and outreach, CAHS publishes consumer guides and policy briefs. In 2020, CAHS affiliated with Advancing Connecticut Together. For more about CAHS or the VITA Program, please visit: www.cahs.org/vita.html.

United For Kindness Initiative

Times are tough. Many of us feel overwhelmed, burned out, or in need of good vibes. So we’re reaching out across Fairfield County with acts of kindness and we are encouraging others to do the same in time for World Kindness Day (Nov. 13, 2021). Join us. For ideas on how, click HERE.

WHAT: For United Way’s #UnitedForKindness initiative, a (costumed) dinosaur will give hugs and gift cards to lift community spirits in time for World Kindness Day (Nov. 13).

WHEN & WHERE: Friday, November 12, 2021

• 10 am at Norwalk Community Health Center, 120 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT

• Noon at Open Doors, 4 Merritt St., Norwalk, CT

• 3 pm at The Depot - Darien Youth Center, 25 Heights Rd., Darien, CT

WHO: 

• Community partners from NCHC, Open Doors, and The Depot

• Local families and teens

WHY: At United Way, we believe passionately that when we work together, we can help improve lives. So let’s start by uniting for kindness, and inspire others to spread joy, too. To help local partners, click HERE.

Science shows that kindness benefits both the giver and receiver—physically and emotionally. It increases the feel-good chemicals in our brains (serotonin, dopamine), while decreasing blood pressure and stress hormones (cortisol). And it elevates mood and self-esteem. Most importantly, it has a ripple effect, and multiplies to create a positive impact far beyond ourselves.

CONTACT:

Gail Carroll
VP, Marketing & Communications
United Way of Coastal Fairfield County
Mobile: 203.526.6776 / Office: 203.339.6321
Email: gcarroll@unitedwaycfc.org

UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY INNOVATION GRANTS FOR 11 PARTNERS

Awards Aim to Increase Equity and Opportunity in Fairfield County 

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has announced investments in 11 community partners to increase equity and opportunity in three impact areas:  health, education, and financial stability.   Awards were made to organizations in the majority of towns in the United Way service area, and ranged from $10,000 to $25,000 each (list below).

“We are proud to leverage the power of partnerships to help improve people’s lives in innovative ways,” commented Jeff Kimball, United Way CEO. 

Investments were made though United Way’s Impact Philanthropy Fund, and recipients were selected by a diverse group of 12 community volunteers, staff, and United Way Board members.

According to Michele Litt, Director of Impact Philanthropy and leader of the granting process, “We are pleased that this round of grant funding reaches broadly into the communities we serve.  It represents a wide range of initiatives, from a youth baseball program in the East End of Bridgeport, to a support program for male students of color at Norwalk Community College, to a job development program for victims of sex and labor trafficking in all of our towns.”

Selection criteria included innovation, partner collaboration, and shared data collection on outcomes.   Recipients were selected from a pool of 60 applicants, with all finalists receiving interviews by committee members.

At the award presentation, grant recipients provided sharp insight into the impact and importance of their initiatives. 

From its STEM mentoring program for girls, Miriam James, President of National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s New Haven Chapter, shared the comment of one program participant:  “Before this program, I never thought I could be a nurse, a teacher, or a mathematician.  I never knew I could go to college.”  Black women account for only 2% of practicing scientists and engineers in today’s STEM workforce.

Regarding a Produce Prescription Program that aims to improve health outcomes by supporting access to healthy food, Anthony Cernera, Director of Philanthropy at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation reflected:  “In my nearby hometown, I can walk to get fresh food.  In Bridgeport, access to fresh food is a challenge.  That comes with real health consequences.”  Life expectancy in Bridgeport is 19 years lower than in many nearby towns.  One out of six Bridgeport adults lacks reliable access to fresh, nutritious food, which puts them at risk of chronic health problems like heart disease, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes.

Jamie Manirakiza, Executive Director of Global People to End Human Trafficking, spoke of the importance of stable housing and the agency’s social enterprise program, which offers vocational skills for trafficking survivors:  “Through this program, we build a foundation for a future free from exploitation.”  People with low incomes and in unstable housing are highly vulnerable to traffickers.

One grant recipient offered a personal story of the impact of her initiative that empowers undocumented students in Norwalk:  "My name is Angy Idrovo, and I can now say to you proudly that I am undocumented. I am at this award ceremony today because I attended Connecticut Students for a Dream while in high school.”  The organization promotes leadership skills, advocacy skills, and college access for undocumented youth, who face many social, legal and financial barriers to success.

Addressing the new grant recipients, Kimball noted, “We are honored to be in the trenches with you.  Together, we can create communities where all our neighbors can reach their potential.”

United Way will launch the second round of Innovation Grants in the fall.

Receiving our spring of 2021 Community Innovation grants were:

Health

• Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program, Black Men in Trauma peer support program

• Newfield Park Youth Baseball, mentoring program for underserved youth through the vehicle of baseball

• St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation, Produce Prescription Program

Education

• CT Students for a Dream, Undocupower Program to promote leadership skills, advocacy skills, and college access for underserved youth

• Green Village Initiative, School Garden education program

• National Coalition of 100 Black Women (New Haven Chapter), STEM Education and mentoring program

• Norwalk Community College Foundation, Uplift Program to increase success rates in post-secondary education for men of color by providing support, education, and mentorship 

Financial Stability

• Global Partnership to End Human Trafficking, Social Enterprise to empower victims of trafficking with job training and skills to earn a livable wage

• Hang Time/Her Time/CHAMP Mentoring, "The Trifecta," programs to heal children and families impacted by incarceration though peer support, resources, and mentoring

• Open Door Shelter, Financial Opportunity Center, to prevent homelessness through employment coaching, financial coaching, and income support with available benefits

• Youth Business Initiative, Youth Business Initiative Program to provide workforce development training and mentorship for high-risk, underserved youth

For more information on grant recipients or our Impact Philanthropy granting process, please contact:

Michele Litt
Director of Impact Philanthropy
Office: 203-339-6309
Cell: 203-803-9043
mlitt@unitedwaycfc.org

Town of Easton Receives Support from United Way of Coastal Fairfield County

Grant to Help Residents Affected by Covid Pandemic Fallout

Left to Right: Sarah Lehberger (Easton resident and United Way Content Marketing Manager) and Jeff Kimball (United Way CEO) present Alison Witherbee (Director of Human Services) with a Covid Relief Grant.

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has awarded the Town of Easton a grant to support residents impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Presentation was made to Alison Witherbee, Director of Human Services.

The Covid Relief Grant provides emergency assistance for food, rent, utilities and critical bills to help keep families in stable homes. This is the second round of grants from United Way to aid those affected by the pandemic in Fairfield County.

“We are grateful for this grant to support Easton residents, especially young families who have lost employment income during the crisis,” said Witherbee. “Primarily, the funding will help those struggling with utility bills to stay warm during these cold months. It will also provide grocery store gift cards so that school-aged children get the nourishment they need.”

The grant of $4,000 was presented by United Way CEO Jeff Kimball and Easton resident Sarah Lehberger, Content Marketing Manager for the local non-profit. It follows support provided to the Town of Easton last spring in the form of electronic gift cards to meet immediate family needs.

Kimball noted, “Our neighbors need our help, and many of them are seeking help for the first time in their lives. We’re honored to work with the Town of Easton to bring help and hope to those who are suffering.”

Before the pandemic, more than one out of five Easton families struggled to make ends meet. Now families are challenged by increased household expenses, and by the loss of income due to reduced working hours or shuttered businesses. In the past year, Easton residents’ requests for help to United Way’s 2-1-1 Infoline have nearly doubled.

To meet the demand in the months ahead, Witherbee is hoping to expand the town’s food pantry. United Way is helping to facilitate donations through its website, and encourages contributions to the pantry project by visiting: https://unitedwaycfc.org/town-of-easton.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County (UWCFC) has made investments in every one of the 12 towns in its service area, offering:

• Grants for Basic Needs: Approximately $150,000 in grants to support towns and community partners providing for basic needs like food, rent, and utilities.

• Direct Help to Families: Over $89,000 in electronic gift cards to families in need, distributed by towns and local social service agencies.

• Protective Equipment: Tens of thousands of protective masks, gloves, and face shields to help neighbors ranging from frontline health workers to teachers and families, thanks to corporate donors and healthcare partners and like Bank of America and Yale New Haven Health.

• Virtual Learning Support: For remote learners in Kindergarten to 12th grade, UWCFC has provided a virtual tutoring program, a STEM enrichment workshop, and camps in robotics and engineering. These innovative offerings were made by the Greater Bridgeport STEM Learning Ecosystem, an initiative of the United Way’s flagship collective impact movement, Bridgeport Prospers.

• Freshly Made Lunches: Over 3,000 lunches delivered to hungry neighbors in 3 towns, through a partnership with Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin Company.

• Connections to Resources: Through the 2-1-1 Infoline, United Way has fielded over 86,0000 service requests from Fairfield County residents in the past twelve months.

These supports were made possible through grants, partnerships, local fundraising, and state-wide relief efforts.

Noted Kimball, “Throughout the pandemic, our United Way has worked innovatively and tirelessly to ease the burden shouldered by our neighbors. Together with our partners, we will overcome this crisis and keep building more equitable and resilient communities — where all our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive.”

Town of Fairfield Receives Support from United Way of Coastal Fairfield County

Grant to Help Fairfielders Affected by Covid Pandemic Fallout

Left to Right: Christina Bodine Aysseh and Giles Payne (United Way Board Members & Fairfield residents), Julie DeMarco (Director of Human and Social Services), Jeff Kimball (United Way CEO), First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, Brenda Steele (Director of Bigelow Senior Center), Laura Incerto (Chair of the Human Services Commission). Not pictured are local UW board members Anne McCrory, Bob Trefry, and Mark Barnhart.

Today, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County awarded the Town of Fairfield a grant to support residents impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Presentation was made to First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, Director of Human and Social Services Julie DeMarco, and Chair of the Human Services Commission Laura Incerto.

On hand from the local United Way were CEO Jeff Kimball and Fairfield residents who also serve on the non-profit’s Board of Directors, Giles Payne and Christina Bodine Aysseh.

“On behalf of the entire Town, I am deeply grateful to United Way for giving our Social Services Department this generous grant that will help struggling Fairfield families who have been financially burdened by COVID’s impact,” commented First Selectwoman Kupchick. “I appreciate all of United Way’s good work and its support for our community.”

The Covid Relief Grant provides emergency assistance for food, rent, utilities and critical bills to help keep families in stable homes. This is the second round of grants awarded by United Way to support those impacted by the pandemic.

CEO Jeff Kimball commented: “Our neighbors need our help, and many of them are seeking help for the first time in their lives. We’re honored to work with the Town of Fairfield to bring help and hope to those who are suffering.”

Before the pandemic, more than one out of four Fairfield families struggled to make ends meet. Now families are challenged by increased household expenses with school children at home, and by the loss of income due to reduced hours or shuttered businesses. In the past year, Fairfelders’ requests for help to United Way’s 2-1-1 Infoline increased by over 50%.

This grant of $4,000 follows previous supports provided to both the Town of Fairfield and Operation Hope last spring.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County (UWCFC) has made investments in every one of the 12 towns in its service area, offering:

• Grants for Basic Needs: Approximately $150,000 in grants to support towns and community partners providing for basic needs like food, rent, and utilities.

• Direct Help to Families: Over $89,000 in electronic gift cards to families in need, distributed by towns and local social service agencies.

• Protective Equipment: Tens of thousands of protective masks, gloves, and face shields to help neighbors ranging from frontline health workers to teachers and families, thanks to corporate donors and healthcare partners and like Bank of America and Yale New Haven Health.

• Virtual Learning Support: For remote learners in Kindergarten to 12th grade, UWCFC has provided a virtual tutoring program, a STEM enrichment workshop, and camps in robotics and engineering. These innovative offerings were made by the Greater Bridgeport STEM Learning Ecosystem, an initiative of the United Way’s flagship collective impact movement, Bridgeport Prospers.

• Freshly Made Lunches: Over 3,000 lunches delivered to hungry neighbors in 3 towns, through a partnership with Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin Company.

• Connections to Resources: Through the 2-1-1 Infoline, United Way has fielded over 86,0000 service requests from Fairfield County residents in the past twelve months.

These supports were made possible through grants, partnerships, local fundraising, and state-wide relief efforts.

Noted Kimball, “Throughout the pandemic, our United Way has worked innovatively and tirelessly to ease the burden shouldered by our neighbors. Together with our partners, we will overcome this crisis and keep building more equitable and resilient communities — where all our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive.”

United Way Names U.S.A. Board Chair, Neeraj Mehta, as Interim President and CEO

United Way Worldwide (UWW) today announced that its Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Neeraj Mehta, Chair of the U.S.A. Board, as interim President and CEO of the organization, effective March 1. In this role, Mehta will focus on engaging the global United Way Network, and guiding UWW’s organizational transition and strategic initiatives as it works to serve communities facing unprecedented economic, health and social crises.

Mehta has served as an at-large member of the United Way Board since 2016 and has led the U.S.A. Board since 2020. In December 2020, Mehta announced that he would leave his current position as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Payment Solutions and Chief Commercial Officer of Synchrony. Prior to joining Synchrony, Mehta held numerous executive roles at GE Capital, including President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance.

Bridgeport Prospers Receives $140,000 Award from StriveTogether for an Equitable Recovery

Systemic racial inequities exposed by COVID-19 heighten the need for systems transformation

Bridgeport, CT— StriveTogether, a national network working to bring communities together around data to make decisions and improve results for kids, today announced Bridgeport Prospers as an awardee of the Challenge Fund. An initiative of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, Bridgeport Prospers received $140,000 in support.

Bridgeport Prospers joins fifty other communities across 26 states to deliver more equitable outcomes for children and families. These communities are part of the Cradle to Career Network, a national movement led by StriveTogether to ensure every child has every opportunity to succeed.

“Our goal is to ensure success for all children, from cradle to career,” commented Allison Logan, Executive Director of Bridgeport Prospers. “To do that, we take a holistic view, focusing on external initiatives and systems to promote the equitable health and development of families and their children. At the same time, we are focusing internally to ensure that our internal structure and practices advance racial and ethnic equity and justice.”

ADVANCING EQUITY and JUSTICE

Bridgeport Prospers, an initiative of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, will use the funding to advance equity and justice on three fronts:

• Expanding equitable access to supports for mothers, families and young children. Called The Baby Bundle, these supports include: universal home visiting, supports for moms (doula support and MOMS Partnership), positive parenting practices (Bridgeport Basics), screening tools for child development (Sparkler mobile app), early literacy programs delivered in healthcare settings (Read to Grow, Reach Out and Read), and licensed family care for infants and toddlers (All Our Kin).

  These caregiver supports aim to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in access to care, and to improve maternal health and child school readiness. Currently, many Bridgeport moms don’t receive early pre-natal care, and as many as 70% of entering kindergarteners lack skills needed for success.

• Examining and revising internal and external structures, policies, and practices to promote racial equity and inclusion. The work will be led by Dr. Vanessa Liles--a member of StriveTogether’s 2020 Race & Ethnic Equity Action Team--and will include organization analysis, educational workshops for staff and board members, and elevating community members to positions of leadership and decision-making.

• Engaging community members in identifying needs and in co-designing solutions to meet those needs. This will involve engaging Public Allies and expanding the force and scope of the long-standing Community Messenger program. The Messengers—who share resources with and give voice to community—will grow to reflect community more broadly (e.g., by including youth and senior members). Also, Messengers will be empowered and funded to uplift lived experiences, identify community-led solutions, and join leadership and decision-making tables.

“When the pandemic hit in early 2020, we made the strategic decision to shift cost savings from cancelled events and travel to expand grants we award to our network members,” said Jennifer Blatz, president and CEO, StriveTogether. “With the support of our board of directors, we pivoted and accelerated payment of previously awarded multi-year grants and extended new grants focused on COVID-19 recovery and resilience. The work underway in these communities is vital to the future of our children. We’re supporting the efforts of communities to transform systems so that they produce more equitable outcomes.”

CHANGING SYSTEMS

Beyond just providing immediate supports to families, Bridgeport Prospers is vigorously collaborating with cross-sector partners to change long-term the systems that support families.

Recent efforts to support local Bridgeport partners and their clients impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted long-standing systemic inequities. As a result, the organization has identified numerable policies within existing systems--healthcare, education, employment, criminal justice, housing—that have unfairly devastated and destabilized countless children, families, and communities of color.

Internally, Bridgeport Prospers has engaged in deep work as an organization—listening, learning, unlearning, and planning—in order to enter with integrity into public conversations, as they partner with cross-sector organizations and community lived-experience experts to make progress in changing these systems to promote healing, resilience, and equitable outcomes.

In a recent example of system change, Bridgeport Prospers worked in a collective process to align all of the city’s home visiting services to reduce barriers to access. Under the new system, equitable access will be provided through a single referral system connected to the state’s existing 2-1-1 system. And to reduce stigma, the proposed plan will engage families prenatally with trusted “Wellness Navigators” who reflect the city’s racial and ethnic diversity (currently, about 70% of Bridgeport’s population is African American or Latinx).

Another example is the Bridgeport Prospers work to advance doula services for moms, a proven means of improving maternal health equity. To that end, they are partnering with OB providers in the city and advocating for Medicaid financing of doula care, first by working with legislators to define scope and training for doulas in the state.

Many are optimistic that efforts like these can help close what’s known as the “Opportunity Gap”--the inequitable lack of access to resources needed for health, school success, and economic mobility.

“StriveTogether’s unyielding commitment to helping us close the largest Opportunity Gap in the United States and improve the lives of so many children is deeply appreciated, not just by our organization, but by those we serve as well,” said Jeff Kimball, CEO of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, home of the Bridgeport Prospers initiative. “During this time when so many organizations are struggling under the weight of the Covid crisis, StriveTogether is stepping up to make sure we are equipped to help.”

STRIVETOGETHER INVESTMENTS

Altogether, StriveTogether has provided $20 million in grants since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and will award another $12 million by the end of 2021. Multi-year commitments from several long-time investors in StriveTogether helped make this possible.

“Our network members are helping their communities change the systems that fail so many families of color and families experiencing poverty. There is tremendous need and opportunity to redefine what’s possible,” Blatz added. “We’re creating a new normal where race, ethnicity and poverty do not determine opportunity or outcome.”

These investments reflect StriveTogether’s ongoing commitment to support its network of cross-sector partnerships as they work to put children and families on a path toward economic mobility. Communities across the country are changing systems like education, housing, health care and more with a goal of eliminating disparities for millions of young people and their families.

GRANT RECIPIENTS

Priority was given to network members serving significant populations of children and families of color who are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The following have received funding:

• Achieve Brown County, Green Bay, WI

• Achieve Escambia, Pensacola, FL

• Alamance Achieves, Burlington, NC

• Aligned Impact Muscatine County, Muscatine, IA

• All Hands Raised, Portland, OR

• Baltimore's Promise, Baltimore, MD

• Better Together Central Oregon, Redmond, OR

• Boston Opportunity Agenda, Boston, MA

• Bridgeport Prospers, Bridgeport, CT

• Building Our Future, Kenosha, WI

• The Commit Partnership, Dallas, TX

• Cradle to Career, Rochester, MN

• Cradle to Career Alliance, Columbia, MO

• Cradle to Career Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

• Cradle to Career Fresno County, Fresno, CA

• Cradle to Career Partnership, Tucson, AZ

• E3 Alliance, Austin, TX

• Eastside Pathways, Bellevue, WA

• The Forsyth Promise, Winston-Salem, NC

• Generation Next, Minneapolis, MN

• Graduate Strong, Bremerton, WA

• Graduate Tacoma/Foundation for Tacoma Students, Tacoma, WA

• Harlem Renaissance Education Pipeline, New York, NY

• Higher Expectations for Racine County, Racine, WI

• imPACT East Idaho, Pocatello, ID

• ImpactTulsa, Tulsa, OK

• Learn4Life, Atlanta, GA

• Learn to Earn Dayton, Dayton, OH

• Marin Promise Partnership, San Rafael, CA

• Milwaukee Succeeds, Milwaukee, WI

• Mission Promise Neighborhood, San Francisco, CA

• Northfield Promise, Northfield, MN

• Norwalk ACTS, Norwalk, CT

• OnTrack, Hagerstown, MD

• Partners for Education, Berea, KY

• Promise Partnership of Salt Lake, Salt Lake City, UT

• Raise DC, Washington, DC

• RISE: Treasure Valley’s Education Partnership, Boise, ID

• The Road Map Project, Seattle, WA

• ROC the Future, Rochester, NY

• Rocky Mountain Partnership, Thornton, CO

• Seeding Success, Memphis, TN

• South Bronx Rising Together, New York, NY

• Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM), Spartanburg, SC

• Stamford Cradle to Career, Stamford, CT

• Stanislaus Cradle to Career Partnership, Modesto, CA

• Summit Education Initiative, Akron, OH

• Thrive Chicago, Chicago, IL

• Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative, Charleston, SC

• UP Partnership, San Antonio, TX

• Waterbury Bridge to Success Community Partnership, Waterbury, CT

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About Bridgeport Prospers

Bridgeport Prospers’ mission is to work collectively as a community of stakeholders to have a positive, measurable, and sustainable impact on outcomes for all children and families, from cradle to career. We focus on a set of seven common outcomes, from healthy and ready at three and kindergarten readiness, to high school graduation and career readiness. The initiative receives backbone support from the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. Find out more at http://www.unitedwaycfc.org/bridgeportprospers.

About United Way of Coastal Fairfield County

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County’s mission is: “Together, we mobilize our communities to improve people’s lives.” Our vision is that all children in Coastal Fairfield County are successful in school and prepared for success in life. UWCFC serves the towns of Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. Find out more at http://www.unitedwaycfc.org.

About StriveTogether

StriveTogether partners with nearly 70 communities across the country to advance equity so local success stories can become the reality for every child, everywhere. They work to transform failing systems using collaborative improvement and a proven framework for change. The StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network is closing disparity gaps in education, housing and so much more. Together, they impacted the lives of more than 12 million youth — more than half are children of color — across 30 states and Washington, D.C. Learn more at StriveTogether.org.

Our Statement of Position on Harassment

You may have read a media report on Huffington Post that United Way Worldwide (UWW) has been accused of retaliation against women employees who spoke out about reports of sexual harassment.  These are serious charges which are now being independently investigated (see below).

We are a local United Way serving 12 towns in Fairfield County. We feel it is important to clarify the values, policies, and mission of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, as well as our relationship to UWW.

Values: 

Our company is built on a foundation of respect, trust, and transparency.  We strive to create a culture where employees feel safe and valued, and where they feel empowered to come forward and report any departure from those values.

Policy: 

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has a Zero Tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. Our sexual harassment guidelines are based on rules and procedures established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and will be used to determine whether sexual harassment has occurred.

Training:

We require extensive periodic sexual harassment training for all employees that meets Connecticut state and EEOC requirements.

Reporting: 

An allegation of harassment of an employee by anyone, including co-workers, volunteers or visitors, must be reported to a manager, the President or a member of the Board of Directors. The affected employee or another person can make the allegation or complaint. All allegations will be promptly and impartially investigated. Allegations reported by concerned individuals will be kept strictly confidential and their privacy will be respected, except as necessary to investigate the complaint. UWCFC conducts a bi-annual anonymous review of employees to ensure we are proper safeguards of a harassment-free workplace.   

Broader Harassment Policy: 

Our policy on sexual harassment is part of a broader policy against harassment.  We prohibit all forms of harassment based on an individual's race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, pregnancy or maternity, medical condition, physical or mental disability, and any additional status protected by law.

Mission of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County: 

Our mission is “Together, we mobilize our communities to improve people’s lives.”  We do so by focusing on the health, education, financial stability, and equitable treatment of every one in each of the 12 towns we serve.

Relationship to United Way Worldwide: 

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County is one of nearly 1,100 locally-run member organizations of United Way Worldwide (UWW). 

We are a separate and autonomous organization that is governed by a local board of volunteer directors, who have ultimate authority and oversight over our United Way.

United Way Worldwide Response to Allegations:

Suzanne McCormick, President, United Way Worldwide, sent the following statement to local United Way Presidents this morning (Monday, 11/23/20). We intend to share any future UWW responses in full transparency once we receive them: 

“United Way Worldwide (UWW) takes all workplace issues and reports of misconduct very seriously. Any type of misconduct is met with zero tolerance and UWW has strong policies and procedures in place to report and address this type of behavior; including protections for those who lodge complaints about misconduct.

We have engaged the law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP to independently investigate allegations of misconduct and review our policies and procedures to ensure that they continue to support an inclusive, respectful and safe work environment. Due to the ongoing investigation and the confidential nature of the claims referenced, we cannot discuss the allegations further.”

For more information, please contact our CEO, Jeff Kimball, at jkimball@unitedwaycfc.org.