VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Stephani Wright, Vice President, Commercial Banking at Ives Bank
Why do I chair the Basic Needs Council for United Way of Greater Waterbury? Because the time commitment is mitigated by the good feeling I have when I see the evidence of people in our community being helped in so many ways.
I became passionate about this volunteer opportunity. Originally, my employer asked me to choose a way in which I’d give back to our community. I spent time researching what would fit my schedule and the Allocations Committee, as it was called then, made sense and I joined.
Twenty-seven years later, the impact that we have in the community through everything we do as a council has stayed in my heart. And I’ve learned so much about community needs over the years. If you’re only focused on your daily routine and your surroundings while living and working in the Greater Waterbury area, you can miss what’s going on “behind the scenes” and not understand the challenges and barriers people face as they struggle. It’s an eye-opener and inspires me to care and want to do more. I feel empowered to make a difference.
One of the biggest responsibilities I have as a member of this Council is being an effective steward of donor funds. The programs we fund offer services to meet community needs and are required to provide good outcomes. Partner agencies are held accountable as we revisit goals and results multiple times a year.
As a council, we receive real-time stories about people being helped and the impact of services on their lives. We see the fruits of our labor as progress. Things don’t just stay the same: even within our meetings, we are constantly thinking about new approaches and taking a lot into consideration. We have a very diverse group, which is lovely, as everyone brings a different perspective.
As chair, I want to make new council members feel comfortable enough to give their input freely. I encourage them to speak out. No one has to be an expert in behavioral health or clinical science to have a conversation about the services offered to clients. We can consider the information from our own perspectives. There is no right or wrong answer. I do often remind everyone that we are diligent stewards of donor funds. That’s significant as we think outside the box and make sure everyone contributes.
Because I’ve stayed with the Basic Needs Council over the years, I’ve been able to watch the programs evolve. I have been privileged to see the processes and best practices improve and become more effective over time. While this volunteerism started as part of my professional duties, I continue because I become more and more passionately involved. My heart is completely rooted in this impact area. This is no longer something I have to do but want to do.
I feel proud when I share my United Way experience with friends or colleagues. When I tell them what I do, they often ask questions. I love answering and opening eyes to what is happening in Greater Waterbury and how they can become engaged.
Our volunteer councils identify specific community needs. Without this work, United Way allocations would be more generalized and therefore less efficiently used. Targeting those donation dollars means people don’t slip through the cracks; more people are helped.
Not only individuals benefit but also their spouses, families, coworkers – on and on until this impact touches our whole community. Basic needs are what make up everyday life. It means everything for everyone so if one person is stable, then their family is better off. The children thrive. Seniors receive better care. Those with mental health issues have what they need to be safe and productive. Stabilizing people, even if it has to happen one at a time, is vital for our whole community.
I think there is something that every volunteer feels in common: almost every person who gives back through United Way, at least in my experience, is tied to the Greater Waterbury community. We grew up here or started careers here or live here now. We’re personally invested. When we do this work, it’s hitting close to home and a way to pay homage to a place we love and appreciate.
Learn more about our Basic Needs investments