United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
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Financial Stability for Families

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What if, no matter how hard you worked, you still couldn’t afford enough groceries to last the week, or keep up with your bills? Almost 80% of households in Connecticut that can’t make ends meet have at least one adult working. In our knowledge-based economy, lower-skilled workers are struggling to support their families. Nearly 20% of Connecticut households lack enough money to cover basic living expenses.

What we’re doing: United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is focused on helping families become more financially stable. Contributions to United Way Community Investment support programs and initiatives that help people acquire skills they need to land jobs and advance in their careers; maximize income and increase earnings; and gain savings and assets.

Recent results:

• Out of more than 900 people participating in literacy programs supported by United Way Community Investment, almost 800 demonstrated an improved ability to read English—a vital skill in gaining a job and advancing.

• Through workforce development programs, 1,047 out of 1,828 people secured employment.

• As a result of outreach efforts and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, there was an 85% increase in federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) returns to eligible taxpayers in New Britain and Hartford. The average taxpayer at Hartford VITA sites had an adjusted gross income of $13,998 and received an EITC return of $1,485; the average taxpayer at New Britain VITA sites had an adjusted gross income of $15,849 and received $1,037. All told, taxpayers in New Britain and Hartford received more than $3 million—money they can use to save, pay bills, and invest in their communities.

• More than 300 working families were assisted in purchasing their own home – with standard mortgages, not subprime – through matched savings plans, homeownership education, and other supports.

• More than 1,200 affordable rental units in Hartford were developed with United Way support, allowing lower-income working families to provide a stable home and not be forced to choose between paying rent and buying food.

YOUR MONEY GOES FURTHER!

The United Way Community Campaign had fundraising and related expenses of just 11.5% in fiscal year 2008, compared with the Better Business Bureau’s acceptable standard of up to 33%.

Caring Club

Increase Your Gift and Get GREAT DISCOUNTS! Increase your contribution to Community Investment by just $1 a week or more, and you'll be eligible for membership in the Caring Club-- giving you special discounts at local and national retailers. Click here to learn more!

QUESTIONS?

Contact your company coordinator, or call the United Way Community Campaign Hotline at 860-493-6895.

Building a Stronger Financial Future

Improving Family Financial Stability with Tax Assistance and Budget Coaching

Keren’s work hours had been cut in half when she arrived at a Community Investment supported Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site. Despite her difficult economic situation, she was determined to save money for a home for herself and her family.

Program volunteers help Keren establish a “savings pathway” to fulfill her dream. They set up an Individual Development Account, a kind of matched savings account that requires Keren to attend financial education classes in order to qualify for a match. Keren was also matched with a volunteer budget coach, also funded by Community Investment, who helped her get her family’s finances in order and clarify her financial goals. She used the insights gained from this program to establish her own transportation business before buying a home. Keren also took a 12-week business initiative course to make sure her idea was sound, and then she began carefully using her matched savings account to pay for a transportation license. With her research done and all the necessary steps taken, Keren opened her business, providing rides to children to and from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

Today, Keren is very busy with her business and her family, and she is still meeting with her budget coach. Together, Keren and her coach have set her next goal: to purchase a van for the business and hire her first employee. Family financial stability programs and initiatives like the Hartford Asset Building Collaborative’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and budget coaching programs, managed by Co-Opportunity and funded by Community Investment, help local people like Keren realize their dreams of a better tomorrow.

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