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UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL AND NORTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT | 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT | 3 TOGETHER, WE ARE UNITED TO END POVERTY I t has been a true honor to have led United Way's Board of Directors for the past two years. As my term comes to an end, I am proud of what we have accomplished together. If there's one thing I can confidently say after this experience, it's that progress and achievements are not the result of individual effort alone. While each of us can spark change individually, it is the force of the collective that drives the level of transformation our region truly needs. My fellow Board Members and I take pride in having led the organization to accomplish the following outcomes. Centennial Milestone During our centennial year, we received four of the largest gifts in our organization's history, including a $500,000 anonymous donation and three gifts of $100,000 made by long-time Tocqueville Society members. These gifts, coupled with increases from 27 major donors and 13 new Constitution Society donors, resulted in $1 million raised, which unlocked a $1 million match from United Way's Board of Directors. Strategic Alliance with United Way of West Central Connecticut We proudly entered a strategic alliance with United Way of West Central Connecticut, which has presented opportunities to increase impact and operational efficiencies in the 860 region. Pete Collins Senior Vice President, Enterprise Operations, Travelers Board Chair, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Sale of United Way's building on Laurel Street This project was a top priority for our United Way, aimed at increasing impact through greater efficiency. The move to a new 10,000 -square-foot space provides an opportunity to focus more deeply on our mission to end poverty and to streamline services across our 56-town region. This new space enhances the hybrid model adopted by the organization after the pandemic, offering employees the flexibility they need to thrive in today's evolving work environment. My term may be coming to an end, but the work continues. I am deeply honored and thrilled to pass the torch to Irene Bassock — a remarkable woman who leads by example and has her heart in United Way's vision, a united 860 region that provides opportunities for everyone to succeed. I'll continue to support United Way from other fronts, as I have been doing for more than 10 years now. The changes we're championing together are bold, and bringing them to life will continue to require our full effort and ongoing involvement.