What demonstrates the spirit of good will more than a nonprofit agency with a healthy budget turning part of its funding back for other economically-challenged agencies to utilize for their clients? That's exactly what happened yesterday when Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut, Inc. informed United Way of Eastern Fairfield County that it will cease to participate as a funded partner agency.

James Crispino, United Way's Vice President of Community Impact, said he received the call from the regional Goodwill's leadership July 28.

"Essentially, the notice said with a 17-million-dollar budget, Goodwill would like to see the money they formerly received disbursed to other agencies," Crispino said. "It was their goal to help other agencies left in financial straights by the current economic situation and skyrocketing demands for service."

According to Crispino, several successful Goodwill programs were fully or partially funded by grants and dollars collected through the United Way's Community Impact Fund - dollars given back to United Way from corporate gifts and employee payroll deduction.

"Now a significant portion of the dollar or two a week local employees donate to the United Way's Community Impact Fund will be able to help those in even greater need," Crispino said.

Among the lives impacted by United Way programs at Goodwill, were 24 consumers who achieved safe, sustained and affordable housing at Goodwill's Wahlstrom Residence; more than two-dozen severly brain-injured individuals increasing their functionality through work-related activities through Goodwill's Aquired Brain Injury Program; and 30 disabled or disadvantaged consumers who experienced increased self-esteem, attitude and socialization through Goodwill's Supported Transitional Employment program.

"When you think of United Way, you don't necessarily think of us supporting affordable housing or employment, but that's what United Way and its partnership with Goodwill is all about," Crispino said. "It's all about partnerships enhancing individuals self-sufficiency."

United Way focuses on what matters, and builds stronger communities by supporting nearly 80 health and human service programs that helped more than 180,000 people last year. United Way funded programs are involved in a range of critical services serving the six towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull. A complete list of local United Way partners and initiatives can be found on the website, www.thewaytocare.org.

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