Avon United Way and Canton United Way have joined forces to serve their respective towns as a single entity known as Avon-Canton United Way. Their decision to merge was approved by the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut board of directors at its June meeting.

Avon resident Beth Ferrari, formerly chair of the Avon United Way advisory board, will serve as chair of the newly united advisory board. Other members include Duane Starr, Liz Brisco, Michele Ryan, Vicki Kuziak, Kay Kellogg and Sharon Davies of Avon; Canton resident Pat Swan; and Julie Mairano and Kathy Hooker of Collinsville.

“During these difficult times, organizations must explore new ways to meet the needs of their most vulnerable citizens,” commented Mairano, former chair of Canton United Way, on the decision to merge. “It has been my pleasure to work with Beth and Avon United Way and to learn firsthand about the many programs they support,” she added. “It is my hope that this merger will provide an opportunity for us to work together to offer additional services that will positively impact the lives of both communities.”

Ferrari was also optimistic. “We look forward to uniting our volunteer efforts and building on established relationships with members from the Canton community,” she said.

United Way advances the common good by providing opportunities for a better life for all. United Way focuses on education, income and health – the basic building blocks of a good life. Both Avon United Way and Canton United Way have helped local lower-income families become more financially stable by bringing local nonprofit organizations and government together to support nutrition, career and fuel assistance programs for local residents over the past few years.

“Just four years ago,” noted Ferrari, “Avon United Way convened a meeting with officials from Foodshare, social service directors from Farmington and Avon/Canton, and directors from local food pantries to bring the Mobile Foodshare program to Farmington and Avon. When the recession began and more households needed help to get by, the program had been up and running for almost two years. We are proud to know we had a program in place when our community really needed it.  Today, over 100 households are served every two weeks by the Avon Mobile Foodshare program.”

In addition to volunteer and advocacy work in Avon and Canton, United Way supports local programs and initiatives that focus on education, income and a safety net of health and human services. The annual United Way Community Campaign provides a unique opportunity to address interconnected issues such as hunger, financial instability and poor health through a single gift.  Last year, more than 1,000 residents of Avon and Canton got help from services supported by United Way, including local food pantries, food backpacks for children and utilities assistance. Avon-Canton United Way recently approved funding for a local program that will help people improve their employment credentials to better support their families.

To learn more about United Way’s work in Avon and Canton and how you can get involved, please contact Liz Buczynski at (860) 493-1106 or lbuczynski@unitedwayinc.org.