United Way Helps Weston Families

Photo: Sarah Lehberger, United Way

For the third time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has stepped up to help Weston Social Services support residents experiencing hardships due to the health crisis.

At Town Hall on February 8, local United Way CEO Jeff Kimball presented a $2,000 check to First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor and Social Services Director Allison Lisbon.

“We are so grateful to the United Way for this grant,” said Ms. Nestor. “There are many in Weston in need, and we appreciate your supporting our residents. Thank you also to those at the United Way who made this opportunity possible and for all that you do.”

“Our neighbors need our help”

The United Way’s Covid Relief Grant provides emergency assistance for food, rent, utilities and critical bills to help keep families in stable homes. The organization has also provided grants to Person To Person and Open Door Shelter, two area agencies serving local families.

“Our neighbors need our help,” said Mr. Kimball. “Many of them are seeking help for the first time in their lives. We’re honored to work with the Town of Weston to bring help and hope to those who are struggling.”

“We continue to see Weston residents who are struggling with income loss,” said Ms. Lisbon. “This includes gig workers who have been unable to work at the rate they had pre-Covid and others in industries that haven’t rebounded entirely.”

According to the United Way, even before the pandemic began, one out of six families had difficulty making ends meet. Now, between the health crisis and the rising cost of living, those difficulties have intensified. In the past year, calls to the 2-1-1 Infoline have surged, requests for help and resources have quadrupled, overall requests are up nearly 800 percent.

How United Way of Coastal Fairfield County helps

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has made investments in all 12 towns in its service area, including:

• Approximately $216,000 in grants to towns and community partners to help provide for basic needs like food, rent, and utilities.
• Over 3,000 freshly-made lunches delivered to hungry neighbors in three towns, made possible by a partnership with Sikorsky Aircraft.
• Over $89,000 in electronic gift cards to families in need, distributed by towns and local social service agencies.
• Over 140,000 pieces of PPE equipment distributed, including masks, gloves, and face shields to help neighbors ranging from frontline health workers to teachers and families.
• Support for K–12 remote learners in the form of online tutoring, STEM learning programs, and college financial aid workshops. The organization supported summer programs in robotics, engineering, e-sports, leadership, and college preparation.
• In the past two years, United Way’s vital 2-1-1 Infoline has fielded over 123,000 service requests from Fairfield County residents.

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County serves the towns of Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. Find out more at unitedwaycfc.org.

In the photo, left to right: Weston Social Services Director Allison Lisbon, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County CEO Jeff Kimball, Weston First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor.