United Way of Greater Waterbury

United Way fights for the Basic Needs, Education and Financial Stability of every person in the community. By mobilizing individuals, corporate partners and the non-profit community, United Way does what none of us can do alone – provide a pivotal hand-up to those in need. To create a stable and healthy community, it takes volunteer leadership, expertise, commitment, proven strategies and ambitious fundraising efforts. Everyone wins when a child enters school ready to learn, a parent can provide for their family and our neighbors have enough to eat, a roof over their heads and access to adequate healthcare. United Way of Greater Waterbury's ten-town service area includes Bethlehem, Cheshire, Middlebury, Prospect, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott and Woodbury. **Funding Youth Programs** United Way of Greater Waterbury funds nine youth programs focusing on the developmental assets of youth in the 10 town region. **Mission** The United Way of Greater Waterbury mission is to mobilize our ten-town region, amplify its resources, and invest in approaches that advance equity and measurable community outcomes. **United Way of Greater Waterbury Statements** **ANTI-RACISM AND ETHNIC DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT** *Approved By the Board of Directors, September 22, 2021* United Way is invested in the basic needs, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way of Greater Waterbury recognizes racism, ethnic discrimination and other forms of oppression have contributed to racial disparities that have existed in the past and persist in the present. We unequivocally denounce racism and ethnic discrimination in all forms, and we remain committed to building a future of greater opportunity and true equity for all people living in our communities. We act by tackling the barriers to equity from past and present systemic racism that have impeded the health, safety and wellbeing of traditionally marginalized people. United Way of Greater Waterbury will continue to work with residents across our 10-town community to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, supports, opportunities and networks they need to thrive. We commit to taking positive action to fight racism and ethnic discrimination by: eliminating barriers; holding ourselves and our community partners accountable; advocating for social justice; elevating community voices; engaging in further training to address biases; and, practicing the change we seek to realize with a vision of a more equitable future for all. At United Way of Greater Waterbury this means: Thoroughly evaluating programs, partnerships and initiatives for alignment and opportunities, actively soliciting demographic information from community partners on the populations they serve, recruitment of a volunteer diversity, equity and inclusion committee to review policies, procedures and human resources, investing in staff and board training to help recognize biases, recruiting those with limited representation to play an active role through involvement in United Way councils and committees, and incorporating this ongoing commitment throughout the United Way strategic plan. **Diversity Inclusion Statement** *Approved By the Board Of Directors, April 26, 2017* As a human service organization continuously seeking to deliver community impact and maintain high quality service to our donors and clients, the United Way of Greater Waterbury values diversity. We understand the uniqueness of the individual, the power of the collective good and the importance of communities. It is with this insight that the United Way of Greater Waterbury promotes a climate that welcomes and respects the diversity of our donors, staff, volunteers and community partners. The dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, cultural orientation, national origins, sexual orientation, gender association, veteran status, religious beliefs, sex and age. The United Way of Greater Waterbury is committed to incorporating practices that enhance diversity into all areas of activities, including the recruitment and retention of staff and volunteers. The United Way of Greater Waterbury is also committed to the funding of programs/initiatives that provide equal opportunity and access. In the implementation of this policy, the United Way of Greater Waterbury strives to invest in programs/initiatives that seek to advance the common good. The Board of Directors and senior management team will provide leadership and collaborate with community stakeholders to ensure an environment that values diversity.