The Way Forward: United Way of Greater Waterbury's Podcast

Hosted by The United Way of Greater Waterbury

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Way Forward Podcast looks to introduce you to the people working behind the scenes of United Way of Greater Waterbury creating the impact in our community as well as the peoples lives that have been changed. Each program we will have a specific focus on one of the many aspects of United Ways work in the community to pull back the curtain on how your dollars and volunteerism is creating the change in the community we all want to see.

Listen to episodes

22 recent

June 15, 202624 min

The Way Forward: Meet our Volunteer of the Year Honorees

Send us Fan MailThe Way Forward: Meet our Volunteer of the Year HonoreesJoin us in the studio for a brief conversation with United Way Senior Manager of Community Engagement & Volunteerism Ari Motta, and United Way Corporate Engagement Manager Logan Smith, as they share insights on this years Volunteer of the Year honorees Meagan Anthony (Jaci Carroll Saffing) and Maddie Hicks (Albert Bros., Inc.).Then we'll join our honorees who were interviewed live on our Podcast stage in front of an audience of more than 350 by our host Constantine Pappas during our recent 39th Annual Celebration & Awards Dinner.This episode brought to you by Platinum Plus Corporate Sponsor IVES Bank. Learn more at ivesbank.com.Support the show

May 8, 202620 min

The Way Forward: Advocacy & Impact

Send us Fan MailYou may know United Way of Greater Waterbury through our vital work investing in programs and initiatives to drive impact in our 3 impact areas. But what gets less attention is our public advocacy work. Hot off United Way of Greater Waterbury Chief Impact Officer Jered Bruzas' visit to Washington DC where he joined colleagues from across the United Way national network for Advocacy on the Hill Day, we sat down to share more on how our advocacy is making a difference locally, state wide, and nationally - as we work together with our representatives from both sides of the aisle, so that all can thrive.This episode sponsored by United Way Platinum Corporate Sponsor Ion Bank. Learn more at ionbank.com.Support the show

December 10, 2025Episode 218 min

The Way Forward: Creating Opportunities With Abilities Without Boundaries

Send us Fan MailIn this 20th episode of The Way Forward, learn more about United Way of Greater Waterbury’s investment in an Employment Support Program at Abilities Without Boundaries in Cheshire. Join guest host Glenn McCabe and United Way Director of Community Impact Kay Mello as they discuss how this program fits into United Way’s strategy surrounding Financial Stability, followed by insights on the partnership from Abilities Without Boundaries Executive Director Amanda Barnes, Erica, a client who takes part in the program, and Suzanne Kistner, their Director of Operations.This episode brought to you by:United Way of Greater Waterbury Platinum Marketing Partner, WORX. Learn more at worxbranding.com.Support the show

September 12, 2025Episode 121 min

St. Vincent DePaul Merriman Cullinary Job Training Program

Send us Fan MailLearn more about the St. Vincent DePaul Merriman Cullinary Job Training Program as we go behind the scenes at Fascia's Chocolates in Waterbury where we interview graduates of this program that United Way of Greater Waterbury funds student scholarships for. Hear Abi and Fatiha's stories and how this program is making a difference. You'll also meet Chef Frank, current students, and Carmen Romeo of Fascia's Chocolates.This episode brought to you by United Way Platinum Sponsor Post University. This also marks the first episode from our new Post University Podcast Studio, underwritten by Post University in our new Bank Street Offices. Learn more at post.edu.Support the show

May 31, 2025Episode 1822 min

The Way Forward: Day of Action to Stock the Pantry 2025 - Everything You Need to Know

Send us Fan MailThe Way Forward: Day of Action to Stock the Pantry 20252025 marks the 20th anniversary of our annual food drive Stock the Pantry. How did this initiative come about? What is the food resource committee? What is the real need? How can I get involved?United Way’s Jered Bruzas, Renee Young, and Glenn McCabe stopped by to answer these questions and more with Chris Fortier at WATR. This episode is brought to you by: Thomaston Savings Bank. Learn more at thomastonsavingsbank.comSupport the show

May 22, 2025Episode 1719 min

The Way Forward: President Kristen Jacoby Talks 25 Years of Service

Send us Fan MailWe have a special episode for you today, as we listen in on the insights and reflections of United Way of Greater Waterbury President and Chief Professional Officer Kristen Jacoby as she discusses her 25 years of service with Christopher Fortier of WATR. This episode brought to you by:United Way of Greater Waterbury Platinum Plus Sponsor IVES Bank. Learn more at IVESBank.comSupport the show

January 31, 2025Episode 1620 min

The Way Forward: What's New for VITA in 2025!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, WATR 1320am host Chris Fortier interviews United Way of Greater Waterbury Director of Community Impact Kay Mello, VITA Program Manager at Advancing Connecticut Together Nick Brundage on the 2025 updates of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program which helps lower income families maximize their returns and EITC's through FREE IRS certified volunteer tax preparation services. Over the past 7 years, VITA volunteers have returned over $11 million dollars in refunds to families in our 10-town service area. You'll find out how in this dynamic interview! This episode brought to you by United Way Platinum Premier Corporate Sponsor Webster Bank. Support the show

March 20, 2024Episode 1512 min

The Way Forward - Episode 2 of 2: Help Every Voice Be Heard

Send us Fan MailPart 2: For the past several months, we have been capturing powerful perspectives of people across the region as part of the Help Every Voice Be Heard campaign.For the first time here, we have combined these stories to provide deeper and richer insights into the work you help make possible through your support of United Way. People being helped, in need of help, and the partners who are creating change in our community, all in their own words. Many of these stories have never been heard before. In part 2, you’ll experience stories from several of our youth focused programs with partners such as Copper Beech Institute, YMCA, Waterbury Youth Services, Girls Inc. (now Park Central), along with stories from Ion Bank volunteers, Morris House, insights from Wellmore Behavioral Health, the Reentry Center, Connecticut Counseling Centers, and more.This episode is brought to you by:United Way of Greater Waterbury Platinum Sponsor Ion Bank. Learn more at ionbank.comSupport the show

March 20, 2024Episode 1414 min

The Way Forward - Episode 1 of 2: Help Every Voice Be Heard

Send us Fan MailPart 1: For the past several months, we have been capturing powerful perspectives of people across the region as part of the Help Every Voice Be Heard campaign.For the first time here, we have combined these stories to provide deeper and richer insights into the work you help make possible through your support of United Way. People being helped, in need of help, and the partners who are creating change in our community, all in their own words. In part 1 of 2, you’ll hear stories from those facing homelessness, and some of our partners providing solutions. About the increased demand on our food banks, and how United Way is joining with partners to provide solutions and more. Stories featuring The Salvation Army, HomeWorks, CT Legal Services, Waterbury Baptist Ministries, Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries, ECC Food Pantry, and the students from Wolcott Summer Studies.This episode is brought to you by:United Way of Greater Waterbury Platinum Marketing Partner WORX. Learn more at worxbranding.comSupport the show

February 12, 2024Episode 1322 min

The Way Forward: Inside VITA 2024

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, WATR 1320am host Chris Fortier interviews United Way of Greater Waterbury Director of Community Impact Kay Mello, VITA Program Manager at CT Association for Human Services Nick Brundage, and United Way of Naugatuck & Beacon Falls Executive Director Lisa Shappy on the benefits of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program which helps those families making $63,000 or less by maximizing their returns and EITC's through free IRS certified volunteer tax preparation services.This episode brought to you by WATR 1320am— Greater Waterbury’s favorite broadcast choice for News-Talk-Sports and Music. Learn more at watr.comSupport the show

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The Way Forward: United Way of Greater Waterbury&#39;s Podcast