Did you know that working at minimum wage in our region, you'd have to work 121 hours per week just to make ends meet for yourself and one child? Almost 80% of households in Connecticut that can’t make ends meet have at least one adult working.

What we’re doing: United Way focuses on helping lower-income families become more financially stable. Your contributions to United Way Community Investment supports programs and initiatives that help local people gain the skills they need to land jobs and advance in their careers, maximize income and increase earnings, and gain savings and assets.

Recent results:

• In 2009, 674 people—or 69% of those served—in United Way supported financial literacy programs gained skills such as money management, how to stick to a budget, and how to establish or repair credit. That’s up from 334 people (44% of those served) in 2008.

• More than 960 people—or 82% of those served—improved their career skills in 2009 through United Way supported training on computers, customer service, critical thinking and communication. That increased from 456 people (77% of those served) in 2008.