United Way of Northwest Connecticut Awards First Rapid Response Fund Grant to North Canaan
Back row: Left to right Brian Ohler & Jim Hutchison Front row Left to Right Lisa Ferris, Sharon Kelly-Levesque and Bob Teittinen
The United Way of Northwest Connecticut is pleased to announce the first grant from its newly launched Rapid Response Fund. A $5,000 grant has been awarded to the Town of North Canaan to assist residents facing urgent and unforeseen financial challenges.
The grant was officially presented on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in North Canaan. United Way Executive Director Lisa Ferris, and board members James Hutchison and Robert Teittinen presented the check to Sharon Kelly-Levesque, Social Services Director for the Town of North Canaan, and Brian Ohler, North Canaan First Selectman.
Established earlier this year, the Rapid Response Fund was created to offer immediate financial assistance to individuals and families in Northwest Connecticut who are experiencing sudden hardships—whether due to medical emergencies, loss of income, utility shutoff notices, or other critical circumstances. United Way collaborates closely with municipal leaders and community organizations to ensure these funds reach those who need them most, when they need them most.
“We’re proud to partner with the Town of North Canaan as the first recipient of the Rapid Response Fund,” said Lisa Ferris, Executive Director of United Way of Northwest Connecticut. “Our goal is to provide timely, meaningful support to those facing unexpected difficulties, helping them move past immediate obstacles and regain stability.”
Sharon Kelly-Levesque, Social Services Director for North Canaan, emphasized the difference this fund will make for local residents: “"The United Way Rapid Response Fund will provide lower income residents and families in North Canaan with hope during financial hardship. The security of basic necessities provides relief and peace of mind. It's a gift to see the desperate expression on someone's face turn into a smile of relief. The Rapid Response Fund donated by United Way will be providing that change for our residents — giving support and hope, promoting a more positive outlook during difficult economic times. Priceless!"
North Canaan First Selectman Brian Ohler added, “The United Way has always been an integral partner, driven by their immeasurable care and steadfast concern for our local communities. The financial grant that we’ve just received through their Rapid Response Fund will undoubtedly be a well-timed and much needed monetary boost for many of our residents. As our beloved Social Services Director, Sharon Kelly-Levesque, triages numerous requests for aid, this gift from the United Way will surely help increase our offertory reach.”
For more information about the United Way of Northwest Connecticut Rapid Response Fund, visit www.northwestunitedway.org or contact Lisa Ferris at lisa.ferris@northwestunitedway.org or 860-489-4131.
