The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
New way for companies to connect
Middlesex United Way released its new employee engagement menu for 2017.
MIDDLETOWN >> Middlesex United Way released its new employee engagement menu for 2017. The document, which is available on our website, lists various local volunteer events available to business groups, throughout the coming year. United Way now can work side by side with local businesses to create customized volunteer engagement plans that fit both the company’s goals and employee’s interests. This year’s menu features a wide variety of volunteer opportunities — from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance in the winter, which helps low- to moderate-income working households file tax returns; to the Born Learning Trail installation project, which provides parents and children an interactive walk containing 10 outdoor games geared toward helping parents and caregivers create learning opportunities for a young child. Each project is aligned with the United Way’s overall mission to make measurable positive impacts on education, income, housing and health.
Every volunteer project is designed to accommodate a range of different sized groups of business volunteers. A vast amount of research is proving that there are many positive reasons for organizations to support volunteerism throughout the community. Not only does it provide millions of dollars worth of labor each year through a variety of vital services to your community, it is also good for business. Studies also show that businesses that encourage their employees to participate in volunteer activities produce engaged workers who are greater satisfied in their jobs, as well as increased recruitment and retention.
Volunteering can be very beneficial to the employees who participate. Not only do they become educated on the community’s greatest needs, but they can roll up their sleeves and become part of the solution. While taking part in a project, volunteers have the opportunity and are encouraged to take the lead and discover skills they were unaware they had. Volunteering also introduces employees the chance to work with other community-minded individuals and leaders.
By bringing together the efforts of Middlesex County’s most capable and passionate individuals and businesses, our organization can continue to make drastic improvements to the lives of community members. As more companies participate in the United Way’s employee engagement opportunities, our impact on the community will grow.
So whether you’re a business leader looking for a way to draw the interest of talented workers while investing in the future of Middlesex County or an individual looking to make a difference, our employee engagement projects ensure that you can make a real, lasting impact.
Currently, St. Vincent de Paul in Middletown is looking to schedule groups of four people: Mondays and Thursdays from 11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., as well as on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Also, The Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries is looking for two groups of 10 to assist in preparing and serving meals from 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 23 in Deep River and 7 to 11 a.m. March 3 in Old Lyme.
To register your work group and learn more about these opportunities contact Sheryl Dougherty at 860-346-8695 or sheryl. dougherty@middlesexunitedway.org.