Submitted by Amy Townsley on March 26, 2012 - 8:22pm
I first read Robert Putnam’s essay “Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital” when I was in college and quickly brushed-off his conclusion that the decline in social capital over the last 25 years impacted not only civic participation and democracy, but ultimately economic growth. I believed at the time that his analysis of the decline in civic engagement was nothing to be alarmed by and a shift in what civic engagement looked like was to be expected.
Submitted by Amy Townsley on February 22, 2012 - 2:31pm
I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Lifeline (N2N) investment process since its inception in 2009. Our partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven over the last three years has helped raise awareness and funds to address emergency housing and hunger needs in Greater New Haven.
Submitted by Amy Townsley on January 24, 2012 - 3:55pm
Sometimes, a person can beat all odds, overcome adversity and achieve great success in life. Such stories inspire us, but also beg the question why some people thrive while others struggle.
Submitted by Amy Townsley on November 23, 2011 - 10:35am
Since kicking-off a year-long celebration of Success By 6 (SB6) turning six in May, over 150 community stakeholders have shared inspiring and hopeful aspirations for children that speak to the many accomplishments of SB6 as well as highlight the continued early childhood needs in our region.
Submitted by Amy Townsley on June 28, 2011 - 1:45pm
As a result of participating in different town early childhood collaborative meetings, I am fortunate to have a bird’s eye view of early childhood issues in our region -- I have learned a lot about the unique resources of towns and cities in Connecticut while at the same time have found that community members are identifying similar challenges as they work to ensure all children and families have what they need to be successful.
Submitted by Amy Townsley on June 1, 2011 - 12:50pm
United Way and the American Human Development Project created a tool to show how education affects all facets of our lives. Developed in May of 2009, the Common Good Forecaster is a roadmap that projects how education can make a difference in the health, income level and civic participation of people in our region.
Submitted by Amy Townsley on March 31, 2011 - 11:06am
I am frequently asked by my friends and family as well as people I meet to explain the work of United Way. I often respond that a key component of United Way's work is our community partnerships-- we know we can't improve communities on our own. It is only by working together that we change the conditions that help people achieve financial stability, success in school and better health.
I showed up to Farnam Neighborhood House and although it was early on a hot Saturday morning, Fillmore Street was bustling with life. While I am not a morning person, I was eager to learn what the day would hold.
Submitted by Amy Townsley on April 11, 2010 - 12:24pm
United Way of Greater New Haven engages volunteers during its annual Community Investment process who provide the necessary leadership and expertise to identify the best opportunities for achieving our community goals.
Submitted by Amy Townsley on January 27, 2010 - 11:49am
We know more families must choose between paying for utilities, housing and food. With an adequate supply of diapers costing familes $100/month, many children remain in dirty diapers for days which can lead to abuse and disease as well as developmental problems. To that end, the United Ways of Greater New Haven, Coastal Fairfield County and Western Connecticut are partnering with The Diaper Bank to collect half a million diapers for lower income families in our 33-town region. Area businesses and civic leaders joined with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Congressman Jim Himes to celebrate the diaper drive and call our community to action. You can learn more about the issues and hear their comments from the December event on our website.
