Two Connecticut divisions of United Way announce merger

Two regional Connecticut divisions of the United Way nonprofit organization have announced a merger into a new single entity.

Effective July 1, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County and United Way of Western Connecticut will combine into United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. The new organization will serve 27 communities in Fairfield and southern Lichtfield counties, covering more than 25% of the state”™s population.

Isabel Almeida, the current President of United Way of Western Connecticut, will become the president and CEO of the new organization, which will continue its office operations in continued offices in Stamford, Bridgeport, Danbury, and New Milford. The new organization will be found online at www.unitedwaycwc.org.

“United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut will remain focused on community-driven initiatives and evidence-based strategies to tackle key issues in the areas of education and child care, health and food security, financial stability and basic needs, while creating systemic change for families living at or below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold,” said Cheryl Bakewell, board chairwoman of United Way of Western Connecticut, who will transition to the same role in the merged entity. “By joining forces, we will have a stronger, more coordinated approach to addressing the needs of our region, and together, we will create a brighter future for residents of Coastal and Western Connecticut.”