The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Women leaders sought for public service
MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex United Way Women’s Initiative is looking for new members to join a volunteer-based group whose mission is to bring about positive change in our community through philanthropy and service.
Its goal is to build community engagement by sharing and creating volunteer and philanthropic giving opportunities, elevate women by recognizing and celebrating accomplishments, past and present; and invest in our community by making grants to local programs that support one or more of our focus areas.
The focus of the women’s initiative is three main areas affecting the lives of women and children in Middlesex County: empowering women, financial stability and childhood development. They work to ensure that women have the resources and support they need to make healthy choices.
The women’s initiative gives grants to community organizations focusing on women and girls in the areas of childhood development, financial stability and health. This past year, the group invested over $10,000 in community partners, impacting hundreds of women and their families. Over 105 grant requests have been awarded to benefit women and children in the Middlesex County area.
To date, $101,690 has been distributed locally to the programs below.
A few of the most recent grantees include the EPOCH Arts/Breaking Silences and the Hallie House. These organizations help provide educational and leadership development opportunities, in addition to basic needs, such as food, clothing, and toiletries.
Recently the women’s initiative members have adapted to the uncertain and challenging times by going 100 percent virtual while also continuing its tradition of investing in community partners. They have put together various events including a multi-event series, “Power for the Vote,” to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment by collaborating with Women in the NAACP Committee of the Middlesex County Branch, Russell Library and Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore.
The group also hosted a virtual discussion featuring Dr. Kelly Marino (Sacred Heart University) and professor Brittney Yancy (Goodwin University) about the suffrage movement, focusing on the women who were left out of the national headlines, including women of color, working-class women, and those from Connecticut.
They hosted their first “Women in Business Summit,” featuring a discussion panel on how female business owners have managed during the pandemic, and advice on how to start and successfully grow a business. Panelists included Pamela Roose, owner of Specialty Handknits and Yarn; Shanta Samuels, owner of Shanta’s Vintage Boutique; and Linda Jones, owner of Linda Jones Home Improvements.
We are proud of this wonderful group of women leaders and are amazed every year by how much they give back to our community. If you’re interested in becoming a member or getting involved, please email Christina Heckart at christina.heckart@middlesexunitedway.org or call 860-345-8695.