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www.HartfordBusiness.com • November 7, 2017 • GIVING GUIDE • Hartford Business Journal 7 Collective Will Fosters New Possibilities T his fall, hundreds of people from across the region joined the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for our annual event, GreaterTogether. The evening served as an opportunity to both inspire and model the possibilities of what can and is being accomplished within our communities. In the face of epic fiscal constraints at the state and local levels, and national discourse that challenges our sense of decency, the Greater Hartford region perseveres. The tenacity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that guided us through the bleakest moments in our history, will also fuel the innovation and collective will to power us through the present circumstances. We will not be defined by the problems we encounter; we will be defined by our response to them. While my family and I are new to the Greater Hartford community, we are not new to the Greater Hartford experience. The 29 towns that comprise the Hartford Foundation's service area reveal a rich tapestry of assets, history and experiences. Yet, they each likewise have unique challenges. We are an assortment of special places, but we are also more than that. We are a region with people, institutions, organizations and corporations that are GreaterTogether. The Hartford Foundation is deeply rooted here. Looking forward, we intend to utilize those roots to lean into the challenges and opportunities our region faces in ways that maintain our trusted stewardship, but also inspire, ignite and push into realms of new possibilities. Are you ready to join us? Jay Williams President Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Neighbors Helping Neighbors "T he greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." Coretta Scott King United Way's mission, our vision for the community, reflects Coretta Scott King's sentiment. People are 'hard-wired' to do good, including giving generously of their time, their money and performing countless acts of kindness that benefit others. As powerful as an individual's actions are, however, United Way believes we accomplish even more when we act together. We live in uncertain times. Our state is fiscally challenged, as are many municipalities and school districts. These tough financial times have a domino effect on nonprofit organizations that find greater demand for services at a time when funding is at risk if not decreased or eliminated. According to Connecticut United Ways' report on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) more families are living paycheck to paycheck now than a few years ago. Despite working hard, ALICE can't afford basic necessities such as food, housing, health care, child care and transportation. We each have a choice to make: not to act, to act alone or to come together as a compassionate community. I choose the latter. I believe that together we'll find the best way to address the emergency needs of our neighbors, such as food and shelter … as well as the long-term solutions to ensure children succeed in school, families achieve financial security and people have access to quality, affordable health care. United Way stands with you. We care about what you care about. We will ensure that your financial contributions and your volunteer time are well invested and making a difference. Our nonprofit community is counting on us; more important, our family, friends, neighbors and ALICE are counting on us. It's time to turn our compassion into action: participate in the United Way Community Campaign in your workplace; start a campaign if you don't have one; and, let us work with you in finding volunteer opportunities that speak to your passion. Thank you to Hartford Business Journal and the other Giving Guide sponsors. Public-private partnerships like these demonstrate the power of a shared commitment to those who live and work in this region. Paula S. Gilberto President and CEO United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut From Our Founding Sponsors United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut