Until the last year or so, our country had experienced a decade of wealth creation and economic expansion without historical precedent. Recently we have been living through something very different: a massive, rapid reduction of wealth and an economic downturn. We are acutely aware that the country’s financial problems, which are mirrored locally, may last for a sustained period.
Most of us have friends, neighbors or family members in Stamford who have experienced reduced working hours, overtime losses, or are nervous about, or have had job losses. Many of us are already helping in some way. Most of us are already stretched pretty thin, but some of our friends and neighbors are struggling mightily just to put food on their tables, keep their heat on, buy winter jackets for their kids, etc.
Faced with the challenge of finding strategies to help the community deal with the ripple effect of this unusually severe downturn, the first place I turned was to the United Way.
The United Way and the City have a lot in common. We both exist to help people. We are both committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect. And we both look for creative ways to solve some of the problems in our community.
That's why I am supporting United Way of Western Connecticut's Take Five to Give 5 campaign. It is an innovative campaign focused on raising money to help providers of emergency basic needs services keep up with needs that in some cases have increased by more than 40 percent. By donating to this campaign, you support a partnership of competent agencies that help ensure that all members of our community receive the emergency assitance necessary to their basic well-being.
None of us want to put our heads on our pillows at night knowing that there are people in our community who, through no fault of their own, lack basic necessities. Join me in supporting this urgent cause. Visit www.TakeFivetoGive5.org and contribute today.
Mayor Dannel P. Malloy
The City of Stamford
The support our elected officials have given to the United Way of Western Connecticut has been outstanding, and is greatly appreciated! The United Way enjoys a terrific relationship with the City of Stamford, and is continuously striving to strengthen those bonds even more. A collaborative effort is needed if we are going to succeed in our mission -- improving the lives of those most in need in Stamford. Thank you, Mayor Malloy.
Andy Zeitlin, Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Chair of Stamford Community Council, United Way of Western Connecticut
Posted by: Andrew Zeitlin | June 19, 2009 at 09:53 AM
We’ve all heard the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Similarly, it takes a village banding together and supporting each other to get through difficult times. Our neighbors are in need. People who have never asked for help before are struggling now.
One thing I have learned about our great City of Stamford is that its citizens have a wonderful sense of community. That spirit and generosity is needed now more than ever.
Thank you, Mayor Malloy, for your leadership.
Jennifer Hallissey
Director of Community Impact
United Way of Western Connecticut
Posted by: Jennifer Hallissey, United Way of Western Connecticut | June 19, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Mayor Malloy is right that the City and the United Way both exist to help people and that we both look for creative ways to solve the challenges in our community. I also love the Mayor's spirit of optimism - you can never tell Dan Malloy that a problem is insurmountable!
Yet, as I talk to people throughout out region, I sometimes hear a sense of fatalism that doesn't line up with my understanding of the world. Yes, the constant stream of negative news stories can be overwhelming, but I know that people's lives can be, and have been, dramatically improved when communities pull together to support one another.
For those who say that they cannot indivudually make a difference, let me quote Edward Everret Hale who said "I am only one, but I am still one; I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do I everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."
Please join Mayor Malloy and Take Five to Give $5 and we together we can make a difference to those in need.
Posted by: Michael Johnston | June 20, 2009 at 12:58 PM
It is wonderful to know that Mayor Malloy and the City of Stamford are so supportive of the United Way's Take Five to Give 5 campaign to help address the needs of our community. Dan Malloy has always understood the importance of taking responsibility for those who need help and has always cooperated with and supported the United Way.
The need is great, the time to help is right now!!
THank you Mayor Malloy.
Posted by: Shirley Fishbach | June 22, 2009 at 01:27 PM