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A M E R I C A A T 2 5 0 | H A R T F O R D B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L 21 STRONGER TOGETHER: AMERICA250 250 years of history. 250 years of innovation. 250 years of reflection. This year marks an important milestone in our nation's history. One that provides us with an opportunity to honor our past while looking forward toward the future that we want to co-create and exist in, together. It is an exciting time to be in Connecticut—a state with a proud history that has helped shape the course of our nation. Known as the "Constitution State," Connecticut played a defini ng role in developing the first written constitution, a framework that continues to influence our nation today. During the Revolutionary War, Connecticut also earned the nickname "Provision State" for supplying General George Washington's Continental Army with critical food, livestock, and ammunition— demonstrating a long-standing commitment to supporting others in times of need. This legacy reflects endu ring strengths: a spirit of service, a willingness to come together, and a deep commitment to community. These qualities remain a powerful foundation for who we are and who we aspire to be. United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is proud to be part of a state whose history reflects some of the best of the American character—neighbors caring for one another, communities raising their voices to c reate change, and people working together to navigate challenges. As our country marks its 250th anniversary, we are taking time to honor that history while looking ahead with purpose. For more than 100 years, United Way has served the Greater Hartford region, adapting and evolving alongside the communities we support. While much has changed over more than a century of service, our core commitment remains the same: addressing the most pressing needs of our neighbors and building a united and strong 860 region. At the same time, reflection reminds us that progress has not always been experienced equally. While we have made meaningful advances, barriers and disparities still exist. As we look ahead, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is focused on mobilizing resources to help end poverty acro ss the 860 region, guided by a vision in which every person—regardless of zip code—has an equal opportunity to succeed. Through our new strategic plan, Onward860: United to End Poverty, we are building on our strong foundation as a community mobilizer, bringing sectors together and championing public-private partnerships. Together, we are co-creating initiatives that address the root causes of poverty by closing gaps in child literacy, wages, housing, and life expectancy. At the same time, we are leaning into innovative, collective action efforts designed to drive the kind of transformational impact our region is calling for, working across systems and alongside our community to create lasting change. On this milestone of 250 years of national independence, we invite you to remember those who fought for o ur Constitutional rights. Let's build upon our legacy. Let's commit ourselves to reducing the disparities that have grown within our systems and to imagine a place where everyone has what they need to succeed. United Way believes in the collective power of "us". We invite you to advance our mission that can only be carried forward together. Visit unitedwayinc.org to learn more and get involved. United Way joins government, business and health care leaders to launch Hartford WORKS, building clear pathways to employment. Eric Harrison President and CEO United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut