You are about to meet some of the people in our community whose lives have been changed because of your gift to United Way. You will hear their stories. Stories of triumph. Stories of hope. Stories of love.

These stories are not just about those who are helped, it's also about you…and me… and what happens in people's lives, in a community, when people care enough to give of their time, talents and treasure.

This is the story of us.

Katherine, 16, was the daughter of immigrant parents from Columbia, who dreamed that she would have many opportunities and a bright future. But when Katherine found out she was pregnant, everything changed. Her parents viewed the pregnancy as the end of their dreams for a successful life for their daughter. Katherine felt that she had nowhere to turn and was scared and confused.

Through her high school guidance office, Katherine was referred to ParenTEEN. ParenTEEN helped her prepare for her childbirth. The counselors did not judge her or tell her what to do. They listened to her and gave her options, but let her make decisions herself and then supported her in those choices. ParenTEEN gave her information about prenatal development and health, facilitating prenatal visits and connecting her with other teen parents. Most importantly, ParenTEEN staff provided her with a trusting person she could talk to at a time when she felt no one understood her.

After the birth of the her child, Malik, Katherine's boyfriend, who at one time seemed able to provide her and her baby support, proved unwilling to do so. Katherine, however, still tried to hold on to her relationship with her boyfriend, creating an even greater distance between herself and her parents.

With guidance and support from ParenTEEN staff and the other teens in the program, Katherine was eventually able to focus on finishing school and raising a happy, healthy child. Through ParenTEEN, she received information on child rearing, help arranging childcare, assistance in securing aid through the Women, Infants and Children food subsidy program, and guidance on how to set and achieve goals. Regular home visits and developmental screenings monitored her child's development, and provided suggestions on how to strengthen her parenting skills. Group sessions and family activities with other teen parents helped build her support network, surround her with other teen parents and provide additional education on health, parenting, budget, career, etc.

Katherine has been engaged in ParenTEEN for three years. During this time she has stayed in school and has earned her diploma. She is now a college student and has aspirations of becoming a nurse. She also works part-time at a nursing home, and is a few months away from getting her own apartment. Her son, who is now three, has achieved appropriate cognitive, social and physical milestones and is a happy, healthy little boy.

Michael was eight years old when his Dad died. He loved his mom and sisters, but needed a guy to hang out with. His Mom, Bonnie, knew that a Big Brother could make a huge difference in Michael's life…Joe was a 40-something bachelor with no children of his own, but he knew that he had something to offer a boy in need of some extra attention from a caring guy. He called Big Brothers/Big Sisters in New Haven and volunteered his services to someone in need. Through interviews and training Michael and Joe were matched and began to form a friendship. They played sports, ate out, went for walks and to movies - in general they did the things that friends do together. Michael and Joe eventually formed a special bond that lasts to this day, more than fifteen years later.

But that's not where the story ends.

Last year Michael, now 25, called Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut and volunteered to be a Big Brother himself. During his initial interview he shared his story with his case manager and told him that he preferred to be matched with another boy who's Dad had died. He knew what having a Big Brother had meant to him and wanted to pass that experience on to another boy who was wearing those same shoes. He was able to continue the legacy that Joe has started in his life, and pass on the friendship that he learned to another boy in need.

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Gail was struggling with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter in 1975. It was at this time that she had her first psychiatric breakdown. She was not able to continue work because of her symptoms and remained unemployed and supported by social security for years. She disconnected from her family and her community and was all alone. At the time she was first introduced to Fellowship Place, she was surviving on the streets and residing at Columbus House shelter in New Haven.

In April, 2002, Gail decided to seek treatment/medication, housing and other support services in the New Haven area. It was at this time that she was referred to Fellowship Place by Connecticut Mental Health Center for social rehabilitation services. In an initial interview, Gail expressed an interest in a variety of services at Fellowship Place in order to decrease her isolation, to structure her time, build new skills, develop a hobby, become more involved in the Greater New Haven Community and to simply have fun!

Over the course of the next year, Gail participated in a variety of Fellowship programs where she was able to explore different opportunities including; computer classes, women's group, arts group, and advocacy training. It didn't take long before she became involved in a variety of programs, made friends, was happy with herself and her surroundings, and found untapped talents.

Through finding her untapped talents, Gail found hope for the future. She started writing poetry and painting pictures, and became a member of "Artship" at Fellowship Place, an artist cooperative, and soon found her work being exhibited throughout the community. Her work has been very well received and today she has painted over 150 pieces and has sold quite a few of those. Gail discovered the rewards that come with taking the initiative to promote her own artwork, having secured 3 private shows in the New Haven area. She has established herself as an artist and has the confidence in her abilities to try new things each day.

This success has also spread to other areas of Gail's life, as she now has her own apartment, has reconnected with her daughter, has connected with people forming friendships, a relationship, and many business contacts. In addition, she pursued a leadership training class, and currently is an advocate for people with psychiatric disabilities, serving on a variety of committees in the Mental Health Network. Gail showed everyone that she could overcome her challenges in life, reconnect with her community and contribute her talents. But mostly, she rediscovered herself.

See a video of this story.