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W hen you walk down the hallways of Women's League Child Development Center in the North End of Hartford, you are greeted by the smiles and energy of the many happy young children that walk through the doors each day. It is a place built on learning and exploration, where our city's youngest learners can thrive. Women's League was established in 1917 by African- American ministers' wives to meet the needs of migrant and immigrant families in Hartford. Today, the organization is an integral part of the capital city's social and educational infrastructure, providing 17 classrooms that serve more than 200 infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. Women's League is United Way's first community partner. Together, the organizations share more than a century of partnership dedicated to providing quality, affordable child care to local families struggling to make ends meet. Today, Women's League remains a trusted community partner of United Way. The organization participates in United Way's strategic workgroup that explores disparities in child care and child literacy in our community, helping identify short- and long-term solutions to break cycles of poverty. "Women's League is a true parter in every way. They have been with us since our very beginning and continue to walk side-by-side with us through all of our transformations," shares Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. "All children deserve access to high-quality, early childhood learning experiences and by addressing affordability, we can reduce disparities in education. Women's League is a leader in this space," added Harrison. Women's League's mission is to nurture the holistic development of young children and prepare them to enter kindergarten as curious, creative, confident students who love learning and are equipped to succeed. The organization takes a whole-child, family- centered approach to promote healthy physical, emotional, and social development. What happens in the classrooms at the Women's League is foundational, and their mission goes far beyond providing safe and affordable care for children while parents are at work. Continued on next page > UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL AND NORTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT | 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT | 7 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP 30 years ago, Women's League became the first inner-city early childhood education program to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The organization is the largest single-site early childhood education program in the City of Hartford. INAUGURAL ONWARD860 CHAMPION AWARD A century of strategic partnership United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is pleased to honor Women's League Child Development Center with its inaugural Onward860 Champion Award.