United Way ‘Rocks’ Out During New Britain Appreciation Event

Even before the New Britain Rock Cats first pitch against the Reading Phillies on Wednesday night, New Britain and Berlin were winners. Celebrating the community work done in New Britain, a dedicated volunteer and local company were honored at an on-the-field ceremony by United Way of New Britain and Berlin.

Nathaniel Brickhouse, a faithful New Britain Food and Resource Center volunteer, was recognized at the ballpark. Brickhouse has volunteered at the center more than 24 hours each week since it opened more than two years ago. The New Britain Food and Resource Center, a project of the New Britain Food Security Collaborative, is managed by Human Resources Agency of New Britain and located on Osgood Avenue on the north side of the city. The center is more than a food pantry; it is also a link to services like job search assistance to help families become financially self-sufficient.

United Way also honored McCue Mortgage with the United Way Community Campaign Champion Award for its commitment to United Way and to the community. McCue Mortgage, a family-owned company based on New Britain, has been a United Way Community Campaign partner for many years. More than 60 percent of its employees support the campaign, and employees also serve as board members and volunteers for many New Britain-area nonprofits and United Way partners.

“Nathan and McCue Mortgage—like so many others in our community  -- are addressing complex issues including  high dropout rates, financial instability for families, and poor health,” said Mike Bartley, chair of the United Way of New Britain and Berlin advisory board. “They are part a movement that gets to the heart of our community’s issues and creates lasting solutions.”

United Way of New Britain and Berlin is part of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, which has been meeting human care needs in the 40 towns across central and northeastern Connecticut since 1924.  United Way advances the common good by focusing on the building blocks of a good life: education, income and health.