New Development Director for Valley United Way

SHELTON- Following months of strategic planning and then working with the community on Coronavirus Relief, Valley United Way is excited to announce the hiring of a new part time Development Director, Brian Mezzi of Clinton, CT.

Mr. Mezzi also currently works at United Way of Greater New Haven (UWGNH) as their Assistant Development Director.  Hearing of the good work he was accomplishing there, Interim President/COO of Valley United Way, David Kennedy, approached UWGNH to consider a work share scenario that would enable Mr. Mezzi to work for the Valley part time.  

“The shared services agreement we have entered into with UWGNH is the best of so many worlds,” Mr. Kennedy said. “We have been able to bring a very talented United Way development professional onto our team, while he continues to support corporate partnerships and United Way of Greater New Haven’s workplace campaign.”

With 10 years of non-profit experience, primarily with United Ways in Connecticut, Mezzi has spent most of that time cultivating and creating relationships with workplaces that are looking to contribute to local needs. Last year, Mezzi worked with a diverse portfolio of local businesses to successfully raise over $1 million for the greater New Haven community.

He is also no stranger to giving back to the community.  An avid fencer, Mezzi is the former Head Coach for the North Haven Fencing team and is the Co-Chair of the CT High School Fencing Association.  He has won awards for his roles in service and leadership through organizations like Americorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Though relatively new to the Valley community, Mezzi notes, “I look forward to engaging with individuals and partners throughout the Valley. I make it my goal to inspire others, both in and out of the workplace, to give and get involved in their community. I look forward to working together in a ‘United Way’ to change what's possible for the Valley. “

As Valley United Way is still working remotely due to Coronavirus, it was not the typical “orientation” for the new employee.  Brian Mezzi started at Valley United Way on Monday, July 13^th and will continue working remotely, along with other VUW staff until further notice.  

For any questions related to Development and Workplace Giving for Valley United Way, Mezzi can be contacted at:  Brian.Mezzi@valleyunitedway.org.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Valley United Way Elects New Officers

 Newly Elected VUW Chairman Michael Gnibus 

SHELTON - Despite Valley United Way not being able to hold its planned public Annual Meeting on April 30, its Board recently elected new officers to serve until its next Annual Meeting and thanked a number of long-time directors whose terms have ended.

Members whose terms have ended include Jimmy Tickey, who served as Board Vice Chair; Jennifer Bull, CPA, (PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP); Peter Dagostine (First Group America); Michael Duncan (Edgewell Personal Care); Fred Ortoli (Ortoli Photography); Ramon Peralta (Peralta Design) and Janice Sheehy (Webster Bank).

On his departure, Tickey remarked, “The Valley United Way has made a real difference for people in our community. It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board for 10 years and lead our community campaign for 3 of those years - working to raise substantial funds to support the programs and agencies that thousands of families rely on in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.  I know the Valley United Way will continue to focus on preparing youth to succeed, strengthening families, and helping people in crisis."

David Kennedy, Interim President and COO, commented, “Valley United Way has been gifted with decades of exceptional service from these Directors.  It was very hard to say “thanks” to them in a non-public forum for their care for the Valley through United Way. However, we look forward to doing that at our rescheduled Annual Meeting, whenever that will be.”

At its April 22 board meeting, directors elected the following officers for terms ending at the next Annual Meeting:  Chair, Michael Gnibus (Armstrong Teasdale); Vice Chair, Karen Stockla (Prudential Financial); Secretary, Dominick Thomas, Esq. (Cohen & Thomas) and Treasurer, Gregory DeStefano, CPA (Cherubino & Company, PC).

Gnibus is an intellectual property attorney and partner in the New York office of the St. Louis based law firm of Armstrong Teasdale. Before working there, he spent 10 years at the General Electric office in Shelton where he led the GE United Way campaign and multiple service projects that were run through VUW. He has served on the Valley United Way Board for ten years and has provided leadership support to the United Way’s Youth Leadership program.

“It is with mixed emotions that I acknowledge the United Way’s departing Board members,” Gnibus remarked.  “On behalf of Valley United Way I want to thank the departing Board members for their many years of service. We are grateful for their collective, tireless commitment to ensuring that Valley United Way’s support aligned with and met the evolving needs of area residents.  Although they will not be active on the Board going forward, I am pleased to let you know that many of the departing Board members have committed to remaining active by supporting our committees. I am looking forward to leading our dedicated Board, and continuing to evolve the organization to ensure that we maximize Valley United Way’s positive impact on the community.”

Board members continuing to give leadership to Valley United Way include Patrick Charmel (Griffin Hospital); Joy DeMarchis (DeMarchis Family Holdings);  Brian Diehl (Pitney Bowes); Jill Johnson (Iroquois Pipeline); John McFarland (Hubbell Incorporated); Mary Ann Miskowicz (Better Packages); Bill Purcell (Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce); Jeffrey Tracey (Mutual Security Credit Union) and Michael Wilson (Seymour Public Schools).

As a leading philanthropic organization in Lower Naugatuck Valley, Valley United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration. For more information about the organization, visit its website at www.valleyunitedway.org or contact David Kennedy, Interim President/COO at 203-538-6341.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Join Valley United Way for Martinis, Music and More

Valley Students Head Back to Class in Style

ANSONIA  >> More than 250 Ansonia students went back to school in style this year, thanks to donations from several Valley businesses.

Valley United Way’s Corporate Volunteer Council recently presented 253 students from Mead and Prendergast schools with bins piled high with new clothes and school supplies, as part of the 23^rd annual Back to School Clothes for Kids project thttps://valleyunitedway.org/events/back-school-clothes-kids.

According to Patricia Tarasovic, VUW’s Vice President of Community Engagement and CVC Director, this year’s back to school project represented the highest number of students adopted by local businesses in a school district.

The CVC is a coalition of more than 50 Valley businesses and corporations, both large and small, who give back to the communities where they live and work, according to Tarasovic.

 

(photos by Fred Ortoli, contributed by Ansonia Schools)

Free Cooking Demonstration

DERBY- Griffin Hospital and the Valley United Way will host a free cooking demonstration from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Griffin Community Garden in front of the hospital, 130 Division St.

 

Chef Remo Santilli, Director of Food Services at Griffin Hospital, will demonstrate how to make a quick, easy and delicious summer dish which highlights some of the fresh vegetables in the Griffin Community Garden.

 

The event is free and open to everyone. For more information, call the Valley United Way at 203-926-9478.

 

The Griffin Community Garden is part of the Valley United Way’s Grow Your Own initiative, which helps bring fresh produce to residents who need assistance getting healthy food. With gardens in Derby, Ansonia, Seymour and Oxford, Grow Your Own is designed to engage Valley neighborhood residents to actively participate in selecting, planting, maintaining, harvesting, and preserving fresh, nutritious produce. The ultimate goal of this program is to help “food insecure” residents obtain healthy fruits and vegetables to supplement what they are currently getting from local food pantries – as well as to encourage neighborhood residents to start their own gardens and improve their eating habits, helping alleviate one of the biggest social obstacles to good health.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

Ruth Parkins Receives Prestigious Humanitarian Award

SHELTON - Ruth Parkins received the 48th Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award May 31 at United Way’s 2018 VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION held at Villa Bianca in Seymour. 

The award is the Valley’s oldest and most prestigious community service award, named for the late editor of The Evening Sentinel. It has been presented annually since 1971 for a lifetime of service to the community.
 
Ruth is an active community volunteer, an Executive Board member and a past chair of Valley United Way’s Board of Directors. She is also a member of the Corporate Volunteer Council and a Valley Community Reviewer for the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven’s Responsive Grants Program.

Ruth is employed by the Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company where she manages community and government relations, stakeholder outreach and corporate giving. She graduated summa cum laude from Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and earned her Master’s degrees in Business administration and Public Administration from the University of New Haven.

She currently chairs the communications committee for the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), and is a member of the Northeast Gas Association’s Public Awareness and Communications Subcommittees.

As a community leader and volunteer, Ruth was an elected member of the City of Shelton’s Planning & Zoning Commission for 10 years, serving as its Chairman form 2009-2017. She currently represents Shelton on the Naugatuck Valley Council of Government’s Regional Planning Commission and also serves as an Executive Committee member on the Shelton Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors.

She was recipient of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Gold Seal Award in 2010, and the Shelton Economic Development Corporation’s 2014 Raymond P. Lavietes Award for Outstanding Leadership & Vison.

Ruth has been a resident of Shelton for over 40 years and has two grown daughters, Jessica and Sarah. Sharon Gibson-Ellis, Valley United Way President said, “Ruth is very deserving of this significant award”.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Great Gatsby Gala on Tap

SHELTON - The Valley United Way is pleased to announce the date for its upcoming winter fundraiser. The 4^th Annual Great Gatsby Gala to benefit Valley Food Insecurity takes place Saturday, January 20, at the Villa Bianca in Seymour, beginning at 5:30pm.

 

The exciting and elegant event is based upon The Great Gatsby, the epic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel that follows a cast of characters living in the fictional town of West Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. Guests at the gala can dress in 1920s attire and there will be a costume contest for the best-dressed individuals.

 

A sumptuous dinner includes starters such as fried calamari, crab-stuffed mushrooms, pastry puffs with spinach, as well as main courses and side dishes including mouth-watering carving stations of salmon, beef, chicken and potatoes, pastas, and salads.  A beautiful Venetian dessert table tops off the meal.  Bottles of wine will be provided at each table and a cash bar will be open throughout the evening.

 

The Rob Zappulla 13-Piece Big Band will perform 20s-to-50s-era music as well as popular songs through the 50s. Zappulla was the featured vocalist for eight years in the famed Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, led by the late Buddy Morrow.

 

In addition, there will be a live and silent auction, door prizes and valet parking. Professional dancer Kristen Prall, owner of the studio Art in Motion, will perform as well as provide dance instruction.

 

Tickets are $90 per person and can be purchased online at valleyunitedway.org. For more information or to order tickets by phone, call 203-926-9478.

 

The Valley United Way is a leading philanthropic organization serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. Their mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism and collaboration.

 

(This is a press release from Valley United Way) 

Carved Pumpkin Contest Oct. 28

How Does Your Garden Grow?

The following is an article written by Lori Singer, a volunteer writer  ​for​ ​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way:
 

The​ ​enthusiasm​ ​was​ ​infectious​ ​and​ ​tangible​ ​as​ ​residents​ ​came​ ​together​ ​a​ ​little while​ ​ago​ ​in​ ​the​ ​evening​ ​to​ ​celebrate​ ​the​ ​flourishing​ ​community​ ​gardens​ ​planted​ ​there​ ​this​ ​past​ ​May. 

The​ ​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way’s​ ​program,​ ​“Grow​ ​Your​ ​Own”​ ​spearheaded​ ​by​ ​Susan​ ​Meek​ ​and​ ​followed by​ ​Brian​ ​Rich,​ ​consists​ ​of​ ​numerous​ ​garden​ ​beds--surrounded​ ​by​ ​picket​ ​fences--in​ ​Gatison​ ​Park​ ​and​ ​Pine Lot,​ ​both​ ​in​ ​Ansonia,​ ​CT.​ ​These​ ​neighborhoods​ ​were​ ​chosen​ ​as​ ​an​ ​ongoing​ ​effort​ ​to​ ​help​ ​low-income residents​ ​fight​ ​food​ ​insecurity​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Valley​ ​and​ ​provide​ ​more​ ​nutritious​ ​food​ ​for​ ​their​ ​families.

Echoing​ ​the​ ​positive​ ​sentiment,​ ​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way​ ​President​ ​Sharon​ ​Gibson​ ​said,​ ​“Valley​ ​United Way​ ​is​ ​excited​ ​to​ ​offer​ ​the​ ​garden​ ​program​ ​to​ ​our​ ​Valley​ ​communities.” 

The​ ​key​ ​word​ ​is​ ​“community”​ ​as​ ​residents​ ​came​ ​out​ ​in​ ​droves-many​ ​discovering​ ​the​ ​gardens​ ​and produce​ ​were​ ​for​ ​them​ ​for​ ​the​ ​first​ ​time.​ ​Wide​ ​eyes​ ​and​ ​big​ ​smiles​ ​became​ ​commonplace​ ​as​ ​the​ ​news spread.​ ​Many​ ​residents​ ​asked​ ​for​ ​tours​ ​and​ ​were​ ​given​ ​bags​ ​to​ ​search​ ​for​ ​fresh​ ​veggies​ ​that​ ​were​ ​ripe​ ​for picking:​ ​cherry​ ​tomatoes;​ ​three​ ​different​ ​types​ ​of​ ​lettuce;​ ​green​ ​peppers;​ ​squash;​ ​chard;​ ​cabbage; cucumbers;​ ​eggplant;​ ​and​ ​many​ ​more,​ ​plus​ ​herbs​ ​to​ ​accent​ ​and​ ​give​ ​flavor​ ​to​ ​their​ ​meals:​ ​basil;​ ​sage; rosemary;​ ​cilantro;​ ​thyme​ ​and​ ​parsley. 

 “I​ ​live​ ​right​ ​next​ ​to​ ​Pine​ ​Lot​ ​and​ ​I​ ​thought​ ​this​ ​garden​ ​was​ ​just​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Boys​ ​and​ ​Girls​ ​Club.​ ​I clicked​ ​like​ ​and​ ​share​ ​on​ ​facebook​ ​and​ ​headed​ ​down​ ​here​ ​right​ ​away!,”​ ​said​ ​Rhonda​ ​Rossik.​ ​She​ ​added, “I​ ​can​ ​get​ ​the​ ​girl​ ​scouts​ ​involved​ ​too!,”​ ​as​ ​she​ ​walked​ ​through​ ​the​ ​garden​ ​sharing​ ​her​ ​knowledge​ ​and enthusiasm​ ​with​ ​others​ ​who​ ​were​ ​deciding​ ​what​ ​they​ ​wanted​ ​to​ ​pick​ ​for​ ​dinner.  

Cherry​ ​tomatoes​ ​were​ ​by​ ​far​ ​the​ ​most​ ​popular​ ​vegetable.​ ​At​ ​Gatison​ ​Park,​ ​Maya,​ ​her​ ​two​ ​sisters Ramona​ ​and​ ​Tiffany​ ​Wright​ ​and​ ​their​ ​children​ ​come​ ​to​ ​the​ ​garden​ ​often.​ ​“We​ ​go​ ​here​ ​everyday​ ​picking carrots​ ​and​ ​grape​ ​tomatoes​ ​and​ ​eating​ ​them,”​ ​she​ ​said.​ ​Jazmiah,​ ​Ramona’s​ ​7-year-old​ ​daughter​ ​“loves vegetables”​ ​and​ ​Tiffany’s​ ​daughter,​ ​5-year-old​ ​Kaylynn​ ​“loves​ ​gazpacho!” 

Another​ ​Gatison​ ​Park​ ​resident​ ​who​ ​frequents​ ​the​ ​garden​ ​is​ ​Malika​ ​Mosely.​ ​She​ ​has​ ​an 11-year-old​ ​daughter​ ​and​ ​walks​ ​by​ ​in​ ​the​ ​morning,​ ​afternoon​ ​and​ ​the​ ​evening​ ​on​ ​her​ ​way​ ​home​ ​from work.​ ​“I​ ​usually​ ​look​ ​for​ ​the​ ​lettuce,​ ​cucumbers​ ​and​ ​tomatoes,”​ ​she​ ​said. 

And​ ​what​ ​would​ ​a​ ​block​ ​party​ ​be​ ​without​ ​Domino’s​ ​pizza,​ ​an​ ​ice​ ​cream​ ​truck​ ​and​ ​a​ ​special​ ​arts and​ ​crafts​ ​project​ ​for​ ​the​ ​children?​ ​Plus​ ​chef​ ​Audra​ ​Weisel,​ ​who​ ​had​ ​stiff​ ​competition​ ​from​ ​the​ ​pizza​ ​and ice​ ​cream,​ ​but​ ​was​ ​up​ ​to​ ​the​ ​task.​ ​Happily​ ​she​ ​handed​ ​out​ ​samples​ ​of​ ​her​ ​healthy​ ​cooked​ ​tomatoes, asparagus,​ ​zucchini​ ​and​ ​other​ ​fresh​ ​veggies​ ​along​ ​with​ ​the​ ​recipes​ ​for​ ​cooking​ ​them​ ​in​ ​their​ ​own​ ​homes. 

Weisel​ ​has​ ​a​ ​long​ ​history​ ​of​ ​helping​ ​out​ ​low-income​ ​families​ ​and​ ​started​ ​digging​ ​and​ ​planting​ ​for “Grow​ ​Your​ ​Own“​ ​this​ ​past​ ​May.​ ​“I’m​ ​happy​ ​to​ ​lend​ ​my​ ​expertise​​ ​i​n​ ​any​ ​way,​ ​shape​ ​or​ ​form,”​ ​she​ ​said. Quickly​ ​adding​ ​whether​ ​that​ ​means,”teaching​ ​them​ ​how​ ​to​ ​can​ ​their​ ​vegetables​ ​or​ ​learning​ ​how​ ​to​ ​cook them.”​ ​She​ ​is​ ​hoping​ ​“they​ ​will​ ​try​ ​something​ ​new​ ​…​ ​and​ ​like​ ​it!”  

“Grow​ ​Your​ ​Own”​ ​is​ ​one​ ​of​ ​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way’s​ ​projects.​ ​With​ ​a​ ​third​ ​garden​ ​already​ ​planted​ ​at Irving​ ​School​ ​in​ ​Derby,​ ​the​ ​program​ ​is​ ​expecting​ ​to​ ​expand​ ​next​ ​year,​ ​including​ ​more​ ​locations​ ​and getting​ ​more​ ​of​ ​the​ ​community​ ​involved.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​possible​ ​thanks​ ​to​ ​the​ ​generosity​ ​of​ ​our​ ​premiere sponsor,​ ​Avan​ ​Grid,​ ​plus​ ​Newtown​ ​Savings​ ​Bank​ ​and​ ​Lavietes​ ​Foundation. 

The​ ​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way​ ​is​ ​a​ ​nonprofit​ ​organization​ ​with​ ​other​ ​projects​ ​and​ ​events​ ​happening simultaneously​ ​to​ ​fulfill​ ​the​ ​need​ ​of​ ​scarcity​ ​of​ ​food​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Valley.​ ​Two​ ​of​ ​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way’s​ ​signature projects,​ ​Back​ ​to​ ​School​ ​Clothes​ ​for​ ​Kids​ ​and​ ​their​ ​21st​ ​Week​ ​of​ ​Caring​ ​project-Harvest​ ​House​ ​VII,​ ​are both​ ​aimed​ ​at​ ​helping​ ​low-income​ ​kids​ ​and​ ​their​ ​families.

To​ ​volunteer​ ​or​ ​get​ ​involved​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Valley​ ​United​ ​Way,​ ​please​ ​contact:​ ​Patricia​ ​Tarasovic,​ ​Vice President​ ​of​ ​Community​ ​Engagement​ ​at​ ​(203)​ ​926-9478​ ​or​ ​visit:​ ​​www.valleyunitedway.org​.

Valley Organization Celebrates 50 Years

                                                                       (Photos Courtesy of Fred Ortoli)

Valley United Way celebrated 50 years of service on Thursday, September 21st, 2017 with their annual Campaign Kickoff and Seventh Harvest House at Veterans Park Pavilion.

During the day, more than 200 volunteers helped dozens of companies deliver food to our Seventh Harvest House where we collected over 100,000 items of food which were then donated to the five food pantries who service the Valley community.

Later that afternoon at 5:30 p.m., Valley United Way kicked off their campaign year with an afternoon full of community harmony, laughter, and service.

The event included a wonderful performance by Center Stage, live music, food trucks, and an inspiring speech from our keynote speaker, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, who spoke about the significant work of Valley United Way and the importance of working together to address food insecurity. This event would not have been possible without our gracious sponsors: BIC Corporation, Edgewell Personal Care, Newtown Savings Bank, and Pitney Bowes.

Valley United Way has set a goal to raise $1.1 million dollars by June 30th by working together with our local business owners, corporations, employees and residents to raise, invest and leverage funds. United Way fights for every person in every community and we can’t do it without the community’s support.

Leading this year’s efforts is Valley United Way’s Campaign Chair, Jimmy Tickey! Jimmy has a strong sense of service to his community and has been involved with the Valley United Way since he was in the Valley United Way Youth Leadership Program. He is proud to lead the Valley United Way Community Campaign this year and is looking forward to working with community leaders, businesses and residents as we collectively fight for a stronger community. Working as a team, Jimmy hopes to strengthen families across the Valley, encourage youth to succeed and assist people in crisis.
  
Several companies and organizations have already begun planning for their campaigns and this month we will begin in all five of our school districts, the City of Derby and City of Ansonia.
If you, your business or company is interested in Working for a Stronger Community alongside Valley United Way, call Daniel Pearson, Resource Development Manager today at (203) 926-9478 or email daniel.pearson@valleyunitedway.org. And be sure to stay connected to the campaign on our website!

For more information, please contact Daniel at Valley United Way at (203) 926-9478 or daniel.pearson@valleyunitedway.org.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Valley United Way Exceeds Fundraising Goal

SHELTON- After 10 years of nearly reaching the Campaign goal, Valley United Way is happy to announce they have met and exceeded the 1 million dollar goal set for the 2016-2017 year. Valley United Way has raised over $1,050,000, $50,000 over the Campaign goal.

“Thanks in part to all those who contributed to the Valley United Way, we have reached our $1 million Campaign goal this year. I am grateful to all those who supported our efforts, and our community will be better - and stronger - ​because of it,” said Jimmy Tickey, the Valley United Way Campaign Chair.

“The Valley United Way makes a difference in the lives of hard working people who ​struggle to make ends meet, senior citizens who need assistance, young people who are being prepared for a bright future and communities who are responding to crisis’, said Tickey. ‘The Valley United Way is working each and every day to alleviate these concerns, and is thinking strategically about their work so there are more long-term solutions.”

​Valley United Way has been in the community for 49 years and thanks to the generosity of donors, Valley United Way has been able to invest over $35 million into helping youth, providing basic needs and working to prevent crisis. “The Valley is a caring community and it is not surprising that the community is so generous. Congratulations to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly on the Campaign,” said Sharon Gibson-Ellis, President & COO of Valley United Way.

Valley United Way has many great programs that exist and are successful because of the community’s generosity. They aid in food insecurity for Valley families in need with programs such as Harvest House and the Grow Your Own program. Grown Your Own allows low income families to have a support system to grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables and Harvest House is a house made from food and that is given to five food pantries in the Valley. The Back to School Program, another great program, provides clothing and school supplies that are needed for the initial start of the school year. The Corporate Volunteer Council is credited for the Harvest House and Back to School Program.

If an individual or company would like to find out more information on how to participate in either donating funds, volunteering time or donating in kind donations, please contact Valley United Way at 203-926-9478 or email: sharon.gibson@valleyunitedway.org

For more information on Valley United Way, their funded partners and the programs and services they provide please visit www.valleyunitedway.org and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Below is a clip of the meeting on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY7k3KXSaEw&feature=youtu.be

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Tour Newly Renovated Emmett O'Brien School Sept. 27

ANSONIA - Come be one of the first to see the newly renovated, state of the art Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia as Valley United Way kicks off its 49th Annual Community Campaign!

All are welcome to join in this free, kickoff celebration on Tuesday, September 27 from 5:00-7:00pm, 141 Prindle Avenue in Ansonia. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres prepared by the school’s Chef Valle and take a tour of the new building and workshops. Guests will hear the plans for the upcoming Valley United Way Campaign, learn about how their dollars make an impact in our local community and get a first look inside Emmett O’Brien!

All are welcome, but must pre-register by calling Valley United Way at (203) 926-9478 or visiting www.valleyunitedway.org. 

This event is made possible by the generosity of our Marquee Sponsor Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company.

To Join in the Fight for a Stronger Community and help Valley United Way reach its goal, please visit www.valleyunitedway.org or call (203) 926-9478. Valley United Way is a registered 501(c)(3) organization proudly serving Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton.  United Way fights for the health, education of financial stability of every person in every community.  In collaboration with our partners we work to prepare youth for success, strengthen families and help people in crisis.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

United Way Employee Accepted into Prestigious Worlwide Leadership Program

Valley United Way would like to congratulate Sara Aylward, Director of Resource Development, for her recent acceptance into the exclusive, United Way Worldwide LEAD Program. Leaders Engaged in Accelerated Development (LEAD) is United Way’s global headquarter’s engagement and professional development platform for high- performing and high-potential leaders. This is a significant accomplishment and an honor to receive, as LEAD only accepts 30 members worldwide, each year.

Sara is no stranger to leadership programs as she actually got her start with United Way as a member of Valley United Way’s Youth Leadership Program when she was a student at Ansonia High School. VUW President and C.O.O. Jack Walsh said, “We are extremely proud of Sara’s selection for this program, but not at all surprised. As a student at Ansonia High School and as a member of our Youth Leadership Program she exhibited the skills that are now being recognized by United Way Worldwide as they develop a whole new generation of leaders for United Way.”

As a member of this elite program, Sara has an outstanding opportunity to learn and grow within the United Way network, comprised of over 1800 locations in 40 countries. Members gain exclusive access to professional and career development opportunities and resources through mentoring, webinars, peer-to-peer networking and exclusive time with executives on a global level.

Applicants of the program were judged on their Performance – setting standards of excellence, exhibiting integrity and pride, exceeding performance expectations and self-motivation, Potential -the ability to advance into significant and complex leadership roles, expressing a high level of professional excellence, and demonstrating superior interpersonal skills to work with others, and Competencies – displaying and demonstrating the highest level of United Way focus around mission, collaboration and results.

Through LEAD, United Way Worldwide will enable high-quality talent that is essential for long-term stability and continued success of United Way in communities worldwide and aims to build a pipeline comprised of United Way’s top 10% of talent by the year 2020.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

 

 

Nominations Sought For Charles H. Flynn Award

Valley United Way is accepting nominations for the Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award. The award, which is the Valley’s oldest and most prestigious award for community service, has been presented annually since 1971 when Alice Russ Cochran of Shelton was named the first winner. The award is restricted to living persons whose service has been to the entire Valley community. Their service must not be limited to just one town or one organization.

The award is named for the late Mr. Flynn, who was, at the time of his death, editor of The Evening Sentinel and had been one of the founders of the Valley United Fund. He had been president of the Ansonia Community Chest. In 1968, he led that organization into a merger with the Derby-Shelton Community Chest and the Seymour United Fund which resulted in the formation of what is now known as the Valley United Way.

A native of Derby, he was an Ansonia resident most of his life and a long time Sentinel employee. He had an abiding interest in the Valley community and served it in myriad ways.  At the time of his death he was first vice-president of the Valley United Fund; president of Catholic Family Services; president of the Ansonia Board of Assessors; director of the Ansonia Public Library and director of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Chapter, American Red Cross.

Following his death in 1969, this award was established because of his life long dedicated service to the entire Valley.

Anyone wishing to nominate someone for the Flynn award may do so by submitting a written resume of that person to the Valley United Way, 54 Grove Street, Shelton or by filling out and submitting an electronic nomination form that can be found on United Way’s website  (http://www.valleyunitedway.org). The award will be presented at United Way's annual dinner meeting in April.

Valley United Way is the leading philanthropic resource for the Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton matching the needs of the community and the interests of donors to improve the quality of life in the community. United Way supports and creates initiatives addressing youth, families and people in crisis. Each year Valley United Way funds programs and organizations that make a measurable difference in the lives of people living and working in the Valley.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Valley United Way Grant Helps Griffin Bring Good Health to the Valley

DERBY - The Valley United Way is helping Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach Department and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley make good health habits a part of children’s education.

 

The Valley United Way’s Special Needs Grants Program recently awarded Safe Kids and Griffin $4,000 to support its monthly health education programs in area Head Start Programs, preschools, public schools and Boys & Girls Clubs.

 

The health presentations cover a range of topics including germs, seasonal safety and nutrition. The presentations include hands-on activities and every participant receives an activity book and an apple to take home. The program serves between 400-1,000 children each month.

 

“The lessons we learn at a young age tend to stick with us throughout life,” said Cathi Kellett, MA, Special Programs Coordinator for Griffin Hospital Community Outreach. “This grant will make many children in the Valley will have a strong foundation to build a healthy lifestyle.”

 

The Valley United Way Special Needs Grant program is designed to provide funding for special needs or new programs. The funding for the program comes from donors who have expressed an interest in funding areas of importance to them, including health, education and graduation, income, elder care basic needs, youth and recreation, and housing and shelter.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

Valley Programs Receive $40,000 Boost

Valley United Way's Board of Directors recently approved close to $40,000 in Special Needs grants for 12 needs of Valley agencies. The allocated funds are earmarked for special needs and programs not normally covered by an agency's regular budget and the funds come from funds designated by donors for particular areas of need. These funds are in addition to the funds awarded through the annual allocations process.

Jack Walsh, President & C.O.O. at Valley United Way noted that grants made through the Special Needs process have now amounted to $367,000 since the program first started. He said that the grants have been very helpful for agencies in dealing with special situations and opportunities that arise during the course of the year. "This program is a nice supplement to the regular allocation process that meets both the special interests of donors and unique situations facing agencies during the course of a year," he said. He also thanked the Allocations Committee for their work in reviewing the requests and making recommendations to the Board of Directors.

The full list of awards:

Agency	Program Name	Award
Boys & Girls Club	Teen Outreach	5,000.00
Derby Day Care	Child Assessment	3,300.00
Derby Youth Services	Mental Health First Aid	1,500.00
Junior Achievement	Career Exploration	2,126.78
Literacy Volunteers	Valley Program	1,150.00
Parish Nurse Program	Children's Education	4,000.00
PCRC	Intensive Outpatient	4,006.39
TEAM	Budget for Families	3,000.00
TEAM	Diaper Bank	3,000.00
TEAM	Meals on Wheel Packs	2,500.00
TEAM	Senior Council	2,000.00
VSAAC	Public Health strategy	8,000.00

 

Valley United Way is the leading philanthropic resource for the Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton matching the needs of the community and the interests of donors to improve the quality of life in the community. United Way supports and creates initiatives addressing youth, families and people in crisis. Each year Valley United Way funds programs and organizations that make a measurable difference in the lives of people living and working in the Valley.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)