There have been multiple instances in my life when I’ve gotten unwelcome news. Times when things felt overwhelming. Situations in which the very thing I did not want to happen did, in fact, happen.
And while those instances have varied—from medical test results, to job outcomes, to national events—what has helped me every time has been community and connection. Being with friends and loved ones. The space to share my fears and worries and talk about the way forward. The opportunity to be of service to others and make a difference.
One of United Way’s founding principles is the importance of community. Community is why we do our work, and how we do our work: for our community and by and with our community. In fact, that principle is right there in our name. We know that when we work in a “united way,” we can do so much more than if we go it alone. United is the way we solve problems. United is the way we help our neighbors thrive. United is the way we can make our community a better place for all of us.
I’ve observed firsthand how people who get involved with United Way gain new perspectives about their neighbors and a better sense of how they can make a difference. I’ve seen parents who volunteered alongside their children at a United Way project and had (screen-free!) fun while creating a family tradition of service. I’ve witnessed how groups of strangers have come together for a common cause through United Way and left feeling good about themselves and connected to each other.
But don’t just take my word for it. Research confirms that helping others is also good for the helper. When we show kindness to others, it boosts our bodies’ production of feel-good hormones, which in turn contribute to a greater sense of satisfaction and well-being. Being connected and in community makes us healthier and more resilient.
United Way of Greater New Haven is committed to improving lives across our 12-town region. We do this by providing nutritious food and stable housing for our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet; by creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive; and by connecting more people to employment and financial services so they can support their families and work to achieve their dreams.
Thank you for being part of the United Way community – as a volunteer, as an advocate, and as a donor – and for making this work possible. And, if you are looking for ways to build a deeper sense of connection and community, I invite you to get even more involved. Visit our website and sign up for a volunteer project. Invite your friends to an upcoming learning session or join us as an advocate. Make a financial contribution so that more people in our community can move from surviving to thriving. In coming together, we can make a difference and gain a renewed sense of optimism about what’s possible. United is the way forward.
~ Jennifer
Jennifer Heath
President & CEO
