Imagine a Middlesex County in which every child enters school ready to learn; every individual and family is economically self-sufficient; risky behaviors including substance abuse among youth are reduced; individuals and families are safe and have good health; and all individuals and families are able to attain affordable housing.

These are Middlesex United Way's 5-year goals for the common good in our community. United Way's Board of Directors took a step towards these goals by approving the investment of $919,304 in funding to programs in Middlesex County at its June meeting for fiscal year 2010-2011.

The Board approved funding to 48 programs to United Way partners in the following four key focus areas that provide the building blocks to a good quality of life:

• Education - $189,900
• Income - $156,954
• Health - $442,872
• Housing - $129,578

Please see below for a full list of funded programs.

Leading the program review process each year are United Way staff and volunteers who bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise in health and human services. Community Impact volunteers are divided into four teams that meet regularly throughout the year, evaluate program performance and financial health, and analyze program outcomes, which is becoming an increasingly important part of the review process. United Way's Community Impact Council then makes funding recommendations to the full board of directors for final approval.

James Mansey, chair of the Community Impact Council, says that donors can take heart in the process and its results. "Our funding decisions are based on the demonstrated ability of programs to help people change their lives and improve community conditions in Middlesex County. Volunteers make strategic decisions and award funding in a manner that will help achieve the five-year goals." Mr. Mansey is Vice President of Operations at Tower Laboratories in Centerbrook.

"We invest funds that enable us, with our partners, to meet immediate needs and also get to the root causes of problems that can prevent problems from happening in the first place," says United Way Board President Faith M. Jackson, Director of Human Relations at the City of Middletown. "We can offer assurances to donors that their contributions to United Way are making a real difference and moving the needle on community issues."

Tony Lyons with HOPE Partnership in Old Saybrook says, "HOPE Partnership would not have been able to accomplish all that we have without the early support of Middlesex United Way. With a project now well underway in Old Saybrook, United Way's most recent funding will allow HOPE to continue its work in Westbrook and Clinton, where leaders in both communities have been very supportive." HOPE Partnership develops attainable housing for working families.

Middlesex United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on education, income, health and housing - the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. You are invited to be part of the change by giving, advocating and volunteering. That's what it means to Live United.

Middlesex United Way serves the towns of Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

Middlesex United Way 2010/11 Fund Distributions
And Five-Year Goals for the Common Good

Education
Our goal: Increase children's readiness to learn by school entry.

Clinton Board of Education, $8,550
Community Health Center - Mobile Dental Program, $17,550
Cromwell Board of Education, $13,500
East Haddam Youth & Family Services, $15,750
East Hampton Board of Education, $8,550
Middletown Adult Education - Even Start Family Literacy, $8,550
Middlesex Hospital - Opportunity Knocks and Perinatal Programs, $51,300
Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services , $8,550
Portland Youth Services, $13,500
Regional School District #4, (Chester, Deep River, Essex), $8,550
Regional School District #13 (Durham-Middlefield), $13,500
Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth, $13,500
Westbrook Public Schools, $8,550

Income
Our goal: Increase the economic self-sufficiency of individuals and families.

John J. Driscoll United Labor Agency - Employment & Advocacy, $13,365
Kuhn Employment Opportunities - Supported Employment, $20,493
Literacy Volunteers - Valley Shore, CT, $13,365
MARC: Community Resources - Recreation, Outreach & Advocacy, $52,034
Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, $8,910
St. Luke's Eldercare Solutions of Central CT, $18,313
St. Vincent DePaul Place - Amazing Grace Food Distribution, $12,474
United Way 2-1-1, $18,000

Health
Our goals: Reduce the rate of risky behaviors among youth and adults.
Improve the health and increase the safety of individuals and families.

American Red Cross, Middlesex Central CT - Emergency Services, $43,480
Boy Scouts, CT Rivers Council, $5,400
Child and Family Agency of Southeastern CT - Mental Health for Families & Children, $29,075
Clinton Youth & Family Service Bureau, $10,000
The Connection, Inc. - Middletown & Old Saybrook Counseling Centers, $30,517
East Haddam Youth & Family Services, $10,000
Gilead Community Services - Middletown Outpatient Clinic, $40,095
Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Inc., $8,550
Middletown Youth Services Bureau, $10,000
Northern Middlesex YMCA - Kids Korner and After-School Training & Consultation Program, $93,600
Oddfellows Playhouse, $38,430
Portland Youth Services, $10,000
Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services, $10,000
Rushford Center - Consultation/Technical Assistance Program and Connect to Care Program, $42,540
Tri-Town Youth Services (Chester, Deep River, Essex), $10,000
Westbrook Public Schools, $10,000
Women and Families Center - Sexual Assault Crisis Services, $31,185
Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth, $10,000

Housing
Our goal: Increase the ability of individuals and families to attain affordable housing.

The Connection, Inc. - Housing Advocate & Eddy Shelter, $43,700
HOPE Partnership - Old Saybrook, $35,000
Middlesex County Coalition on Housing & Homelessness (Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness), $10,000
Middlesex Habitat for Humanity, $12,500
Nehemiah Housing Corporation - Transitional Living Program for Homeless Families, $18,378

In addition, United Way will be offering a $10,000 Request for Proposal for a one-time grant under the Housing focus area in the upcoming fiscal year.