Pledge: President Paul Moore
Prayer: Joan Camire
Song: Bill McLaughlin
Brents Card Game Winner: Matt Vogt
Sergeants Report: Rick Beck
Raffle Winners: Angus McDonald, Joan Camire, Jason Smith
Happy Bucks: Lots for Bob Antoniac and best wishes for a speedy recovery from surgery, many thanks to Angela and Mark for hosting the meeting, thankful bucks for making it through the storm ok knowing some people did not fare so well.
Program: Bill McLaughlin introduced our speaker, Kevin J. Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Middlesex United Way
United Way as an organization has adapted and changed through the years. Kevin heads up the local chapter located in Middletown. All monies raised stay here - they are locally based and decisions are made locally. The national organization provides support and marketing help. Carl Fortuna and Christi Roberts are two Old Saybrook residents who serve on the board of directors. Overhead is low, just 16.9% but income has been flat for the last few years reflecting our economy. United Way is managed very well by the board of directors, staff and professional volunteers with expertise in financial management and governance implementing strict controls that ensure accountability and transparency.
The Middlesex United Way has established Five Year Goals in the areas of EDUCATION, INCOME, HEALTH and HOUSING. The goal in education is increase children's readiness to learn by school entry. This begins at a very early age by educating parents about the important role they play. As a result, school expulsions and suspensions have decreased 69% from 2004-5 to 2009-10. The goal of income is to increase economic self-sufficiency of individuals and families. Much support is given to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry and the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries. There is a tax assistance program helping low income people achieve tax refunds. The goal for health is to reduce risky behavior among youth and adults and increasing the safety of individuals and families. The goal for housing is to reduce homelessness, getting people out of hotels and attaining affordable permanent housing.
There are other projects including alcholol/drug education, women and family crisis intervention, mental health counseling, boy & girl scout support and literacy. United Way sponsored a diaper campaign that was a huge success. United Way needs money and just as important, volunteers. For more information go to www.middlesexunitedway.org.
Middlesex United Way, 860-346-8695
kevin.wilhelm@middlesexunitedway.org
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