Middlesex United Way Board of Directors has approved fund distributions in the amount of $964,304 for fiscal year 2011-12. This amount is $45,000 more than was allocated in 2010-11.

This funding includes support to 49 programs in Middlesex County, the installation of multiple Born Learning Trails on Day of Caring on September 7, two future requests for proposal in Education and Housing, and $30,000 for new opportunities this fall that will help United Way reach its Five Year Goals for the Common Good.

The breakdown of fund distributions by focus area is:

• Education - $148,156
• Income - $141,350
• Health – $498,080
• Housing - $130,433

Please see a complete list of funded programs within each focus area below.

In addition to these distributions and included in the overall amount, United Way 2-1-1 was allocated $16,285. 2-1-1 is a 24-hour information and referral helpline that is available free of charge to anyone in Connecticut. 2-1-1 is a partnership between Connecticut Unites Ways and the State of Connecticut.

Leading the program review and fund distribution each year are Community Impact volunteers who bring experience and expertise in health and human services. Four volunteer teams, based on the four focus areas meet regularly throughout the year, evaluate program performance and financial health, and analyze program results. United Way’s Community Impact Council then makes funding recommendations to the full board of directors for final approval.

Kevin Wilhelm, Middlesex United Way Executive Director, notes “This hard work is done by dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to make important decisions. They have a passion for giving back and strengthening our community.”

James Mansey, chair of the Community Impact Council, says “United Way and the volunteers work closely with partner programs to ensure that donors’ generous contributions are carefully and thoughtfully invested to help improve community conditions in the areas of Education, Income, Health and Housing. I can assure United Way donors that we take our job seriously, and strive to make the best decisions possible that advance the common good for everyone.” Mr. Mansey is Vice President of Operations at Tower Laboratories in Centerbrook.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Impact volunteer or would like to volunteer on Day of Caring on September 7, please contact Middlesex United Way at (860) 346-8695 or visit www.middlesexunitedway.org and click on ‘Volunteer.’

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.

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 2011-12 Fund Distributions & Five Year Goals

Education
Goal: Increase children’s readiness to learn by school entry.

Born Learning Trail Installations, $15,000

Clinton Board of Education, $8,550

Cromwell Board of Education, $12,500

East Haddam Youth & Family Services, $15,000

East Hampton Board of Education, $8,550

Middletown Adult Education–Even Start Family Literacy, $8,550

Middlesex Hospital-Opportunity Knocks, $10,000

Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services          , $8,550

Portland Youth Services, $12,500

Regional School District #13 (Durham-Middlefield), $12,500

Tri-Town Youth Services (Chester, Deep River, Essex), $8,550

Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth, $12,500

Westbrook Public Schools, $8,550

(Upcoming Request for Proposal in Education, $6,856)

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

John J. Driscoll United Labor Agency–Employment & Advocacy, $13,600

Kuhn Employment Opportunities–Supported Employment, $20,800

Literacy Volunteers–Valley Shore, CT, $13,600

MARC: Community Resources–Recreation, Outreach & Advocacy, $52,950

Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, $9,100

St. Luke’s Eldercare Solutions of Central CT, $18,600

St. Vincent DePaul Place–Amazing Grace Food Distribution, $12,700

Health
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, $34,000

Boy Scouts, CT Rivers Council, $5,400

Child and Family Agency of Southeastern CT–Mental Health for Families & Children, $33,000

Clinton Youth & Family Service Bureau, $9,000

Community Health Center–Mobile Dental Program, $17,550

The Connection, Inc.–Middletown & Old Saybrook Counseling Centers, $31,000

Durham-Middlefield Youth & Family Services, $9,000

East Haddam Youth & Family Services, $9,000

Gilead Community Services–Middletown Outpatient Clinic, $40,700

Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Inc., $8,550

Middlesex Hospital - Perinatal Program, $40,050

Middletown Youth Services Bureau, $9,000

Northern Middlesex YMCA–Kids Korner and After-School Training & Consultation Program, $93,600

Oddfellows Playhouse, $38,430

Portland Youth Services, $9,000

Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services, $9,000

Rushford Center–Consultation/Technical Assistance Program and Connect to Care Program, $41,800

Tri-Town Youth Services (Chester, Deep River, Essex), $9,000

Westbrook Public Schools, $9,000

Women and Families Center–Sexual Assault Crisis Services, $33,000

Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth, $9,000

Housing
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

(Upcoming Request for Proposal in Housing, $10,855)