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Learn more about the St. Vincent DePaul Merriman Cullinary Job Training Program as we go behind the scenes at Fascia's Chocolates in Waterbury where we interview graduates of this program that United Way of Greater Waterbury funds student scholarships for.  Hear Abi and Fatiha's stories and how this program is making a difference. 

You'll also meet Chef Frank, current students, and Carmen Romeo of Fascia's Chocolates.

This episode brought to you by United Way Platinum Sponsor Post University. This also marks the first episode from our new Post University Podcast Studio, underwritten by Post University in our new Bank Street Offices.  Learn more at post.edu.

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The Way Forward: Day of Action to Stock the Pantry 2025

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of our annual food drive Stock the Pantry.  

How did this initiative come about? What is the food resource committee? What is the real need?  How can I get involved?

United Way’s Jered Bruzas, Renee Young, and Glenn McCabe stopped by to answer these questions and more with Chris Fortier at WATR. This episode is brought to you by: Thomaston Savings Bank. Learn more at thomastonsavingsbank.com

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We have a special episode for you today, as we listen in on the insights and reflections of United Way of Greater Waterbury President and Chief Professional Officer Kristen Jacoby as she discusses her 25 years of service with Christopher Fortier of WATR.  

This episode brought to you by:

United Way of Greater Waterbury Platinum Plus Sponsor IVES Bank. Learn more at IVESBank.com

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In this episode, WATR 1320am host Chris Fortier interviews United Way of Greater Waterbury Director of Community Impact Kay Mello, VITA Program Manager at Advancing Connecticut Together  Nick Brundage on the 2025 updates of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program which helps lower income families maximize their returns and EITC's through FREE IRS certified volunteer tax preparation services.  Over the past 7 years, VITA volunteers have returned over $11 million dollars in refunds to families in our 10-town service area.  You'll find out how in this dynamic interview!  This episode brought to you by United Way Platinum Premier Corporate Sponsor Webster Bank. 

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Part 2: For the past several months, we have been capturing powerful perspectives of people across the region as part of the Help Every Voice Be Heard campaign.

For the first time here, we have combined these stories to provide deeper and richer insights into the work you help make possible through your support of United Way.  People being helped, in need of help, and the partners who are creating change in our community, all in their own words. 

Many of these stories have never been heard before. In part 2, you’ll experience stories from several of our youth focused programs with partners such as Copper Beech Institute, YMCA, Waterbury Youth Services, Girls Inc. (now Park Central), along with stories from Ion Bank volunteers, Morris House, insights from Wellmore Behavioral Health, the Reentry Center, Connecticut Counseling Centers, and more.

This episode is brought to you by:

United Way of Greater Waterbury Platinum Sponsor Ion Bank. Learn more at ionbank.com

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Part 1: For the past several months, we have been capturing powerful perspectives of people across the region as part of the Help Every Voice Be Heard campaign.

For the first time here, we have combined these stories to provide deeper and richer insights into the work you help make possible through your support of United Way.  People being helped, in need of help, and the partners who are creating change in our community, all in their own words. 

In part 1 of 2, you’ll hear stories from those facing homelessness, and some of our partners providing solutions.  About the increased demand on our food banks, and how United Way is joining with partners to provide solutions and more. Stories featuring The Salvation Army, HomeWorks, CT Legal Services, Waterbury Baptist Ministries, Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries, ECC Food Pantry, and the students from Wolcott Summer Studies.

This episode is brought to you by:

United Way of Greater Waterbury Platinum Marketing Partner WORX. Learn more at worxbranding.com

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In this episode, WATR 1320am host Chris Fortier interviews United Way of Greater Waterbury Director of Community Impact Kay Mello,  VITA Program Manager at CT Association for Human Services Nick Brundage, and United Way of Naugatuck & Beacon Falls Executive Director Lisa Shappy on the benefits of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program which helps those families making $63,000 or less by maximizing their returns and EITC's through free IRS certified volunteer tax preparation services.

This episode brought to you by WATR 1320am— Greater Waterbury’s favorite broadcast choice for News-Talk-Sports and Music. 

Learn more at watr.com

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Join Tom Chute of WATR 1320am in this episode as he interviews your 2022/23 Campaign Chair Dr. Justin Lundbye, President/CEO of Waterbury HEALTH and United Way's Chief Development Officer Tomeka Cole! 

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The Way Forward: Not your average Job Readiness Bootcamp

In this episode, we went out in the field to capture the stories and people behind a recent Job Readiness Boot Camp.  But not just any Job Readiness Boot Camp. This Boot Camp was targeted toward individuals who are very motivated to change their lives through meaningful employment, leave their past behind, and find a way forward.

The Boot Camps were specifically to prepare those with past justice involvement for an upcoming Job Fair that was hosted by the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce. 

We’re confident you’ll find this episode eye-opening, insightful, and engaging!

This episode is brought to you by:

United Way Platinum Media Sponsor the Republican-American “Your trusted local news source” Learn more at rep-am.com

And

Largay Travel - Learn more at largaytravel.com

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Welcome to the final episode in a 3-part series on education we’re calling Short-Cuts.  Shorter podcasts that together will provide deeper insights into a specific area.

In this episode, host Scott Largay visits with Superintendent of Waterbury Public Schools and United Way Board Member Dr. Verna D. Ruffin to learn more about how United Way is making a difference in the area of Education and how the United Way youth volunteer initiative UPSTARTERS is playing a role! 

This episode is brought to you by:

United Way Platinum Premier Sponsor Webster Bank. Turn possibility into reality. Learn more at  websterbank.com
And
Largay Travel - to start planning your next great getaway visit largaytravel.com

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