United Way of Southington rises to the many challenges of our times

Cross-published in the Southington Citizen.

An inside view of United Way of Southington—just looking at how it functions as a network of social and community services—reveals some of the mystery and magic of the virtual web of social and community services that are brought together under aegis of UWS.

Defined by its name, United Way of Southington is a way that unites the people of the community in supporting the needs of so many today who are living below the barest norm of economic standards.

The goals of local non-profit, 501(c) charities are to identify and provide help to those who truly need help and to develop programs and efficient ways as well as the funding to handle the diverse kinds of help needed. They also refer certain cases to other local agencies, at times with government support. But more and more, the local charities of Southington are raising funds by appealing to the generosity and compassion of local people.

United Way of Southington plays a major role in enabling such agencies to provide their services. In fact, the mission of UWS is "to facilitate a community-wide collaboration so that funds can be raised and assistance provided to organizations involved in human service programs in Southington, Marion, Milldale and Plantsville."

UWS directs funds it raises to the most important programs of the most important charities where all the money is used for the needs of our community. The UWS vision statement is so true: "Southington People Helping Southington People." Moreover, each donation touches seventeen local charities, partner agencies of UWS; such a simple concept.