The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Working toward healthy communities
Areas of focus: education, income, health, housing
MIDDLETOWN — For the past decade, needs assessments and data from 2-1-1, a United Way-funded 24-hour information and referral helpline, continues to reinforce the need for health and human services.
The Middlesex United Way works in the areas of education, income, health and housing because we all need a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family, good health, and a safe, decent and affordable place to live.
In the area of education, our school readiness initiative is working with school systems, early child-care providers and parents throughout Middlesex County to identify and assist our youngest children facing social and emotional challenges even before they enter school. We support programs that assist young children to become school ready and also educate their parents about the important role they play in their child’s earliest years.
We are also supporting parent education and family literacy through programs like Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore, an organization that provides oneon-one tutoring at no cost to the client. We are also proud to support scouting, Middlesex YMCA, Oddfellows Playhouse and other youth development programs.
In the area of income, we address not only the immediate needs but work toward long-term solutions. We work with partners who provide basic needs, including the Amazing Grace Food Pantry, John J. Driscoll United Labor Agency, Kuhn Employment Opportunities, and Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, as well as employment training supports and services, who help fellow community members find rewarding and sufficient employment.
In the area of health, we partner with Youth and Family Service organizations in Middlesex County to implement the Healthy Communities-Healthy Youth assets model in their towns. The approach increases young people’s participation in their local communities and reduces high-risk behaviors, especially the use of drugs and alcohol. We are also ensuring the availability of mental health services, counseling, substance abuse services, sexual assault crisis services, programs that support adults with disabilities, and services to assist seniors so they may continue living at home.
In the area of housing, we support emergency shelter and supportive housing, as well as affordable housing and homelessness prevention efforts. We are actively involved in the Middlesex County Coalition on Housing &Homelessness, which is working to prevent and end homelessness, and we are proud to support organizations like Middlesex Habitat for Humanity, Columbus House, Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere Partnership, and The Connection’s Eddy Shelter.
For information on our partners and successes, visit middlesexunitedway.org. Thank you to all our partners, advocate, donors and volunteers who continue to make our work possible.
Kevin Wilhelm is president and CEO of the Middletown-based Middlesex United Way.