On January 26, 2012, United Way was invited to present on the Boost! initiative at the first meeting of the Interagency Council on Ending the Achievement Gap.  The Council wanted to learn more about the Boost! model of providing wraparound services for children and youth so that they are more successful in school.  The Council, chaired by Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and Commissioner Stefan Pryor from the State Department of Education, applauded the work of Boost! and recognized the importance of: using data to make thoughtful decisions about students' needs; connecting the schools and community-based programs so that they are working together to benefit children; and having an entity like United Way to serve as the "glue" to help ensure this coordination and strategic thinking happen.  

United Way's Jennifer Heath, Executive Vice President and Laoise King, Vice President for Education took turns explaining how Boost! works and that it shares the goals of the New Haven School Change Initiative: to close the achievement gap with the state, cut the dropout rate in half, and ensure that every graduating student has the preparation and resources they need to succeed in college.  

Watch this video clip of the meeting to learn more about Boost!

Watch video coverage of full meeting courtesy of CT-N

United Way works to advance the common good in our region by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is education, income, and health - the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done.

Position Title: Director of Community Engagement

Reports to: Executive Vice President

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by February 15, 2012 to employment@uwgnh.org. No phone calls, please. 

The Director of Community Engagement will have responsibility for the organization’s community engagement functions, including marketing and communications, volunteer engagement, and community mobilization that lead to helping the organization achieve its fundraising goals. The position will be responsible for developing the strategic plan around how to accomplish broader community awareness and engagement, as well as execution on those strategies. This position requires previous leadership in community engagement, marketing and communications, strong public speaking and writing skills, successful fundraising experience, and the ability to manage staff and volunteers.

On Friday the 13th, students, parents, and families gathered in the auditorium at Wexler-Grant Community School. Wexler is one of 5 Boost! schools, key element of the nationally-recognized New Haven School Change Initiative.  For months the students had been practicing and preparing with Lorraine Nusdeu. Our art teacher Melissa Frobel created the backdrop for the event, and music teacher Cheryl Seagraves lent her "pipes" and expert ear to the music for the performers.