United Way Of Southeastern Conn Inc

Programs: Gemma e. Moran united way/labor food center:the gemma e. Moran united way/labor food center is making a difference for the families facing hunger and food insecurity in southeastern connecticut. One out of every five children is food insecure, meaning, they do not know when they may eat their next meal. The food center provides food and household items to more than eighty free emergency food programs throughout new london county which helped to feed 20,159 people every month. These sites include shelters, food pantries, after-school programs, day care centers, community meal sites, and programs for the elderly. Last year, the food center distributed the equivalent of 2. 3 million meals and snacks, at no cost, to those in need throughout new london county. And our mobile food pantry programs helps an average of 1,000 households each month through ten monthly distribution stops in the county. In addition to providing operating expenses, united way also helps to mobilize groups of volunteers to help sort, organize, and package food at the food center throughout the year as well as encouraging local businesses and organizations to run food drives to help keep the shelves full.

community wellness: united way of southeastern connecticut supports 24 of programs located in new london county that promote and provide community wellness. Together, these programs improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of individuals and families, eliminating personal barriers and improving the quality of life. United ways partner programs in community wellness improve access to primary medical, dental and behavioral health; provide education and resources to build healthy environments for at-risk families; provide access to legal services; and provide services for seniors and people with disabilities to maintain their independence. One example of a positive result from a community wellness partner is from the united community and family services dental health program, which aims to improve peoples oral health. Dental health and preventive care is critical to the overall health of individuals, and can avoid more costly medical issues later on. The program offers full dental services by licensed dentists and hygienists for people of all ages including cleanings, fluoride, x-rays, fillings, root canals, crowns and bridges, dentures, extractions, night guards and sports guards. Insurance is accepted but the program offers a sliding fee scale for those without insurance. Of the 6,895 individuals served in the dental health program last year, 84% maintained or improved their periodontal status and 81% maintained or reduced their dental decay.

basic needs:united way of southeastern connecticut supports programs located in new london county that help stabilize individuals and families enabling them to focus on the next steps towards their economic self-sufficiency now and into retirement. United ways partner programs in basic needs meet the most fundamental of human needs for those struggling to make ends meet including food, clothing, transportation and shelter, provide emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence, provide housing with support services, and provide emergency financial and heating assistance. One example of a positive result from a basic needs partner is from pawcatuck neighborhood center (pnc) where their senior transportation program provides easy-to-use, door-to-door, safe and reliable access to necessary medical appointments as well as keeping seniors involved in their community helping to improve their quality of life. Of the seniors in the program, 80% reported improved access to doctor appointments, healthcare appointments (dialysis, food care, flu clinics, etc. ) pharmacy, grocery store and other essential life services.