Valley United Way establishes group for women at event in Shelton

Contributed photo

SHELTON - The Valley United Way is pleased to announce a new program - Women United.

Accomplished women and business leaders, community volunteers, and inspiring professionals living and working in the Lower Naugatuck Valley gathered June 4 at Il Palio to launch this nationally acclaimed program. 

United Way Vice President Patricia Tarasovic introduced Maureen Coffey as an accomplished and gifted woman who is strong and passionate about Valley United Way.  
“Maureen is a visionary woman with many gifts and talents," Tarasovic said. "Her intelligence and hard work ethic along with her passion for the Valley showed that she was the model candidate to lead this exciting new venture.  

Coffey said, “It’s an honor to serve as Inaugural Chair of Women United. When our family business Latex Foam Products (now Talalay Global) was lost to a devastating fire, United Way was on the scene to help our employees in countless ways. This is my chance to give back to a wonderful organization that needs support.”

“Leading the Charge – Inspiring the Change,” WOMEN UNITED” is a global, diverse, and vibrant force of 75,000 + women leaders in 165 communities and six countries, dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help ensure that women and children in Valley neighborhoods are financially secure.

For Valley United Way, whose primary role is bringing people together to help solve community problems, women leaders are essential to accelerating lasting change. We are a strong group of visionary women from all walks of life, capable of rolling up our sleeves and raising our voices! We will leave a legacy of change that benefits everyone by enhancing lives and creating stronger communities. 

Throughout the year, members will enjoy educational and professional development with a network of other influential women who have a passion for the Valley. 
We will strategize and plan engaging fund-raising events with measurable results, and participate in volunteer projects that make a meaningful impact for women and children. 
WOMEN UNITED has pledged to help address Valley United Way’s mission to address Food Insecurity here in our Valley.

Visit www.valleyunited.way.org to learn more about WOMEN UNITED. 


This is a press release from Patricia Tarasovic.

Wesley Village employees in Shelton win plaudits

Recognized for professionalism, commitment to excellence

Wesley Village award-winning employees are Antoinette Rossi, left, Zachary Taylor center, Teresa Gecaj, second from right, and Alyssa Resnik, right. Not in photo: Graciela Lopez.

Aida Colon, second from left, works at UMH’s Newington community./ Contributed photo

 SHELTON - Wesley Village employees were recognized by United Methodist Homes for winning the organization’s annual Values in Action Award. 

The award, presented at UMH’s annual Employee Recognition Celebration dinner Oct. 8, is given in recognition of employees who have demonstrated extraordinary behavior that exemplifies the organization’s core values of Respect, Spirituality, Excellence, Collaboration, and Stewardship. 

All employees are eligible to be nominated and to nominate any of their team members who demonstrate these core values. 

One individual from each of United Methodist Homes’ six communities is chosen to receive the award. Wesley Village award recipients included: Alyssa Resnik (Crosby Commons); Graciela Lopez (Wesley Heights and Lifestyle Transitions); Antoinette Rossi, Teresa Gecaj, and Zachary Taylor (Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center). 

The staff were nominated by managers and co-workers for their professionalism, positive attitudes, commitment to excellence, and the exceptional resident care they provide. They were recognized with a monetary award and a trophy and were praised by their supervisors for their outstanding character and service.

Also honored at the event were 22 employees who were recognized for their length of service of 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, and 25 years with United Methodist Homes.  Twenty-one UMH employees were also acknowledged for five years of service to the organization. 

Over 150 staff from all of UMH’s healthcare and senior living communities around the state attended the event at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford. 

United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based not-for-profit organization based in Shelton, is proud to work with such a wonderful team of staff. 

For more information about our mission, vision, and values, visit www.umh.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Congratulations to all the award recipients!