NEW MILFORD -- Toni Dessereaux sees giving to the United Way of Western Connecticut as the best way to ensure charity dollars are spread around to those most in need in southern Litchfield County.

A People's United Bank executive, Dessereaux said she appreciates the diligence the United Way gives to determining what agencies offer services that fulfill the most critical needs.

At the United Way of Western Connecticut's kickoff breakfast Friday at The Maxx in New Milford, Dessereaux was one of about 100 community leaders who gathered to support the United Way's mission, which links fundraising with "living united'' for the benefit of those less fortunate.

Michael Johnston, United Way's chief executive officer, said the three pillars of the nonprofit organization are to provide enough education to lead people to stable jobs, sufficient income so people can raise a family and adequate health so people can enjoy a well-rounded life.

In this economy, Johnston said, he sees people who might once have been donors now seeking services from the agencies they once supported.

"We see people every day walking down the street who are in need. You might not know that someone is in need, but the United Way does,'' Johnston said. "There are people who need help who never needed help before, people who don't even know how to ask for help.''

That is why it is so important that the United Way, which now stretches from southern Fairfield County to southern Litchfield County, receives continued support from local communities, Johnson said.

In the New Milford area, the funding emphasis the next two years is for agencies providing early childhood education, combating childhood obesity, and helping families achieve financial stability. The 2009-11 budget for the area agencies is $120,000.

United Way leaders said the fundraising goal is to at least have enough money to ensure level funding in the coming two-year budget cycle. Any additional money will help finance additional programs.

The United Way's theme for this year is "100 Days, 100 Ways We Live United -- Advance the Good.''

Anyone who has read a book to a child, taken an elderly resident to a medical appointment, or let a motorist pass on a busy highway is someone who is living this motto, Johnston said.

"This is our moment,'' Johnston emphasized about the organization's outreach. "This is the purpose for which the United Way was created. We are a fundraising organization, but more than that we pull the community together to solve problems.''

Contact Nanci Hutson


or at 860-354-2274.