story & photos
by Maren Schober

My new assignment from Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, is to find and highlight someone who is actively volunteering their time in our community to help others in need.  The human needs in our communities are something we can and should not ignore.  In my research it is gratifying to identify the needs and meet the volunteers who are giving much needed service.

Henry Rianhard, Bozrah, is one such volunteers.  Working as a volunteer for United Way in many different capacities since 1992, Henry exemplifies the giving spirit.

In 1992 Henry’s boss and friend at Electric Boat, Gerry Silverman, recommended  that the United Way recruit Henry to serve on an Allocations Panel.  Henry said yes and he’s been actively involved with the United Way ever since.

“From the very beginning of my United Way experience, I was deeply moved by the overwhelming need for volunteer services that exists in our community,” Henry shares with me.

“I learned about homeless people living in the woods, not something that was widely discussed in the early 90’s, heard stories of domestic violence, substance abuse, hunger, lack of health care and many other issues which were not something I normally thought about.  At that point I was hooked.  What could I do to help?”

“My work with United Way is primarily in the area of funding allocations and the process used to make sure that donor dollars go only to those programs that meet a critical need, provide cost effective service and produce consistently good results.”

“At the United Way I am currently serving my second term on the Board of Directors and am involved with a number of committees,” Henry continues.

“I am a member of the Executive Committee of the Board, the Information Technology Committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee.  I am serving my third term as chairman of the Allocations Cabinet, the group of volunteers that is responsible for the overseeing the process that distributes funds to partner agencies.”

“I would like to thank the United Way staff, all my fellow volunteers, our partner agencies and all who donate to the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut for providing me with the opportunity to take part in the important  and rewarding task of improving our community.”

The heart of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut mission, to change our community by helping people in need through the responsible use of donations, is the work provided by 30 social services agencies.  These respected organizations include 76 programs all working to help those in need.

Hundreds of volunteers donate their time each year to United Way. which keeps the administration and fundraising costs low.  Volunteers are needed to help with fund raising Summer-Fall or to help with funds distribution Winter-Spring.  There are so many other ways to help United Way.  If you are thinking of volunteering your time to United Way, simply go to the UWSECT website: www.uwsect.org  where you can browse volunteer descriptions.  It is easy to find volunteer opportunities that match your interests. You may also call United Way directly at 860.464.7281.

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