United Way has been holding "community conversations" across our region to learn about our neighbors' aspirations for the communities they live in. We're especially interested to hear your views on financial stability...what does it take for a family to be financially stable in our region? What stands in the way of financial stability, and how can we help?

Above: Dr. Elsa Núñez, president of Eastern Connecticut State University (center) displays the 2010 Community Service Award, which she accepted Thursday evening, March 31, at United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut's 86th Annual Meeting in Hartford. She is flanked by Susan Dunn, United Way's president and CEO, and Jim Sicilian, its board chair.

Local parents are taking the lead in advancing their children’s success by leading free courses to help improve family communication and discipline.