Tax season is upon us, and this year it brings good news for the lower-income working families of Connecticut. The federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, put more than $13.6 million back into the pockets of Connecticut residents last year, and this year families will receive an added boost from our new state EITC. United Way and its partners are playing an integral role by helping to ensure that our hardworking neighbors claim the credits for which they qualify - and even get their taxes done for free.

Every 15 minutes, someone dies by suicide in this country. And for every victim of suicide, at least six people’s lives are intimately affected. But there are things we can do to help.

On this month's United Way Community Connections, aired live on WTIC 1080-AM, we learned how we can decrease the risk of suicide for ourselves and those we care about. We discovered the warning signs that someone needs help and examined ways we can help those who are struggling with suicide and behavioral health issues.

We all want to live healthier, more productive lives. And in these lean times, optimizing employee performance is more important than ever to businesses. On this month’s United Way Community Connections, aired live on Saturday, September 24 on WTIC 1080-AM, we discovered how a free, innovative program is helping local workplaces maintain high productivity while empowering workers and their families to take control of their health.

On the August 2011 edition of United Way's Community Connections radio show, aired live on Saturday, August 27, 2011, we learned how partnerships among businesses, nonprofits, schools and government are helping young people explore local career opportunities and set goals for a brighter future.