By Michael LaGamma
At the November 20 meeting of the Greenwich Retired Men’s Association, Larry Allen introduced David Rabin, CEO of the Greenwich United Way, who spoke about that organization’s programs. His presentation examined the significant impact of the Greenwich United Way, its myriad programs, the organizations it has started, and what lies ahead. What are the major challenges Greenwich will face in the coming years?
Greenwich United Way has been a trusted partner of the Greenwich community, government and local organizations since 1933. Helen Wilshire Walsh initiated the organization by raising $192,000, equivalent to over $4 million in today’s currency. Originally called the Greenwich Community Chest and Council, it became a United Way affiliate in 1975. David explained that the Greenwich United Way is one of nearly 2,000 United Ways worldwide, but it can fundraise only within Greenwich, making it unique compared to other United Ways that often cover multiple towns or counties. It pursues its mission by ensuring that everyone in Greenwich can be healthy, educated and self-sufficient by finding and fixing the human service needs of Greenwich.
Rabin explained how the GUW addresses community needs through two main avenues: grant-making and direct impact programming. The grant-making process involves a thorough evaluation of applicant organizations, including financial analysis and site visits. David emphasized the importance of this process, as it allows donors to trust that their contributions are being used effectively. He proudly stated that the organization maintains program expenses between 80-85% of total expenses, with only 15-20% going to administrative and fundraising costs. In recent years the GUW’s rating on https://CharityNavigator.org (a leading charity assessment site) has risen from two stars to four stars.
Since its initiation in 1981, the GUW Needs Assessment has been the definitive statistical portrait of Greenwich’s human services needs. The information in the Needs Assessment represent the input of countless individuals and organizations that have generously agreed to share documentation, statistics, opinions and perspectives. Its purpose is to unearth the human services needs of Greenwich, and collaborate with other organizations to meet those needs. The top needs as determined by the study are:
– Affordable Housing
– Education
– Mental and Physical Health
With the Federal Poverty Level doubling since 2007, Greenwich is a community that has families in need. Rabin revealed some surprising statistics about Greenwich. Despite its reputation for affluence, approximately 7% of the town’s population lives below the Federal poverty level. Additionally, free and reduced lunch students within Greenwich Public Schools has risen to 22%. For these reasons the work of the Greenwich United Way is needed now more than ever.
The Greenwich United Way has implemented pre-school instructional coaching to support students and their families prior to entering kindergarten in the Greenwich Public School system. Recognizing that the critical work of narrowing the achievement gap could not happen in isolation, GUW launched the Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions program with local impact partners Family Centers, YMCA of Greenwich, Grace Early Learning Center, Children’s Day School, Greenwich Alliance for Education, Building One Community, Department of Human Services, Department of Health and Greenwich Public Schools (GPS). In 2021 it launched an Early Childhood Scholarship program that provides direct funding to families who can’t afford early childhood care/education. Since this began, it has helped over 100 families afford much needed childcare/early education services, totaling over $300,000.
The Greenwich Junior United Way was created by local teens to enable them to get involved in solving community problems. Led by and for young people under the guidance of adults, teens choose focus areas, develop their own ideas and make a measurable difference.
The Youth Mental Health Initiative is an effort to meet the rising mental health needs of the Greenwich community. In addition, the GUW is opening a Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Program for Youth and Adolescents in partnership with Greenwich Hospital. This program will be located at 500 West Putnam Avenue. The space is designed to be safe and comforting for both teens and parents and will provide accessible services to help meet the rising mental health needs of our community. Funds raised will support the cost of care for those who cannot afford services, ensuring there is no barrier to access.
Another area of concern is affordable housing. The GUW organizes workshops and seminars on affordable housing topics, covering subjects like housing affordability, financial literacy, and available government assistance programs. The program invites experts, community leaders and policymakers to share insights and answer questions. Community Engagement establishes community forums to encourage open discussions about affordable housing needs and solutions. The GUW brings key stakeholders together to discuss affordable housing twice a year. An Online Resources initiative develops and maintains a user-friendly website with resources on affordable housing, including information on available programs, eligibility criteria, and application processes. This includes creating informative videos, infographics, and other multimedia content for wider accessibility.
Financial Literacy Programs offer advice to help individuals and families manage their finances effectively, making homeownership more attainable. They provide information on budgeting, credit management, and savings strategies.
To get involved, learn more about the Greenwich community or to support the Greenwich United Way contact David Rabin at 203-869-2221 or drabin@greenwichunitedway.org.
David Rabin is originally from Clarence, NY. Moving to this area in 1984, his experience includes strong and successful leadership roles in banking, operations, business development, client service and the non-profit sector. He has served, or currently serves, on several boards/organizations in town, including the Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center, Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, Greenwich September 11 Memorial, Greenwich Youth Football League, Representative Town Meeting and several town commissions and task forces. David is married to Lauren Rabin, the current Second Selectwoman of the Town of Greenwich, who is now in her third term in that position. They have two sons, Scott and Eric, both of whom were born and raised in Greenwich and attended the Greenwich public school system.
The talk can be viewed by going to the RMA website at https://greenwichrma.org, and clicking on “Speakers.”
The RMA’s upcoming presentation, “Path to Power, Road to Ruin:
The Dangers of Political and Religious Ideologies,” by John Kavanagh, is scheduled for 11 AM on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Political and religious ideologies are among the most enduring forms of human thought, attracting billions of followers world-wide. These belief systems are appealing because they target our deepest hopes, fears, and desires. But, don’t be fooled – they are not harmless. Ideologies polarize societies, rationalize oppression, prolong conflict, and justify mass murder. They are riddled with errors, deception, and manipulative emotional appeals.
Ideologies are being used against us, and our ignorance of their true meaning and purpose allows them to gain power over us. We must understand what we face as we are bombarded by the narratives our leaders promote. RMA member John Kavanagh tackles this issue head on in his book, “Path to Power, Road to Ruin.”
John Kavanagh is the former CEO of the Marketing Corporation of America (Interpublic Group). Concerned with the rise of totalitarianism globally, he has spent a decade researching ideologies that empower dictators. Drawing on his analytical skills and historical knowledge, John authored “Path to Power, Road to Ruin.”
John is a graduate of Yale University with a master’s degree from Columbia University. He lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, with his family.
To stream the presentation by John Kavanagh at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 4, click on https://bit.ly/30IBj21. This presentation will also be available on local public access TV channels, Verizon FIOS channel 24 and Optimum (Cablevision) channel 79. The public is also invited to attend the presentation in person at the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich at 1 West Putnam Avenue.
Note: The views expressed in these presentations are those of the speakers. They are not intended to represent the views of the RMA or its members.
RMA speaker presentations are presented as a community service at no cost to in-person or Zoom attendees, regardless of gender. Any member of the public who would like to receive a weekly email announcement of future speakers should send a request to members@greenwichrma.org. The RMA urges all eligible individuals to consider becoming a member of our great organization, and thereby enjoy all the available fellowship, volunteer, and community service opportunities which the RMA offers to its members. For further information, go to https://greenwichrma.org/, or contact info@greenwichrma.org.
