The Way Forward: United Way of Greater Waterbury's Podcast

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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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Did you know most episodes are available on video on your YouTube channel?

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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

Support the show

Did you know most episodes are available on video on your YouTube channel?

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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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Welcome to the 2nd 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, we’ll be visiting with the Executive Director of Waterbury Bridge to Success, Althea Brooks,  to learn how United Way was instrumental in their formation and in their continuing success. 

This episode is brought to you by:

United Way Platinum Premier Sponsor Drew Marine, a leading provider of technical solutions and services to the maritime industry. Learn more at drew-marine.com

And

Largay Travel - to start planning your next great getaway visit largaytravel.com

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Welcome to the first 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 our first episode, we’ll be visiting with United Way’s Vice President of Community Impact, Jason Martinez to learn more about why United Way is focused on this critical area and how does it fit into the bigger picture.

This episode is brought to you by:

United Way Platinum Marketing Partner WORX - Branding > Digital > Marketing - Learn more at worxbranding.com

And

Largay Travel - to start planning your next great getaway visit largaytravel.com

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Join Tom Chute of WATR 1320am in this episode as he interviews 2021-2022 Campaign Chair, Dr. Steven E. Schneider, president of Saint Mary's Hospital and Kristen Jacoby, president of United Way of Greater Waterbury as they share more about the upcoming first ever outdoor kickoff September 9th and the needs of the upcoming campaign!

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