To Our Many Friends and Supporters:

This section is dedicated to our Clients, Board of Directors, Staff Members, Funders, and Volunteers who have generously supported and assisted the Urban League of Greater Hartford. For 45 years, the League has provided programs and services in response to the compelling human needs throughout the Greater Hartford area, and has opened doors of opportunity for thousands of people in the areas of first time homeownership, workforce development, and youth achivement.

We are committed to be about the business of assisting all individuals and families become self sufficient, and building a stronger region socially and economically.

Success Story Profile: Brice Prude (August 2010)

Brice Prude, a participant of the Urban League's Medical Office Billing and Coding program, has been an outstanding leader and model student throughout the duration of the Medical Office course. He has maintained a confidence that other students want to follow. He is knowledgeable and has a competitive spirit that keeps many of his classmates encouraged. His drive to learn and motivation to execute a mastery of the material is inspiring.

Brice understands the importance of post graduate education. He created a study plan regimen that was rigorous and overcame classroom obstacles to attain the goal. From the beginning of my time as a teacher, it was obvious that he was one of the top students. Whenever there was a question that stumbled the group, Brice would be sure to find the answer, either that day, or within the next. Another student might have just forgotten about the question but for Brice, knowing, was just that important to him.

Brice's ability to learn and apply knowledge of Billing and Coding and Medical Administrative office information helped him pass the course and the National Certification Test. Brice is currently participating in an internship with UCONN's Medical Hospital. He said, "this is just the beginning for me." As his teacher, I am confident that he will be successful in anything he puts his mind to.

Written by: Elizabeth Hodge

Success Story Profile: Damaris Deleon (April 2010)

 I started with the Urban League as a 17 year old single mom with one child.  I am very thankful to have been part of the League’s HERS Program which brought me in and introduced me to other programs in the Urban League. When I first joined the program I was unsure what I wanted with my life. The HERS Program helped me in many ways in understand how to create and achieve my goals and has gotten me where I am at this point in my life.

With their guidance and support, I have learned to take responsibility for my actions.  Learning how to take responsibility helped develop strong sense of independence at an early age and without their support I don’t know where I would have ended up. With their assistance I was able to get a job.  This started with the job training I attending at the League.  The training was valuable because it helped me get real skills (which I’m applying in my current position), prepare my resume and practice interviewing.  It also provided me with a stipend which not only helped me out but also served as an incentive to keep going. 
I have had my own apartment since I was 18, I obtained my driver’s license, I purchased my own car, and continued to follow through on my work ethic.  I am currently working at the North Central Area Agency on Aging as a Certified Information Specialist for the CHOICES Program.

(I provide support, advocacy, and educational information for older adults and people with disabilities in North Central Connecticut in (Medicare, Related Insurance Counseling, Information & Referral and Benefit Eligibility Screening). I am also furthering my education and expanding my professional knowledge base as I continue to grow as a professional in the field of Social Services. I am currently attending Goodwin College, for an associates degree in human services, planning in transferring over to Springfield College to get my bachelors degree and maybe my masters...taking one step at a time.  I will soon be attending the Urban League again to enroll in their homeownership program. 

In my personal time, I love to spend time with my family and friends. In my "spare time" I participate in modeling events and sometimes I host for the Analeh Show which is aired every Saturday with Univision Channel 18. (The mission of the show is to inform and entertain viewers through a lively, innovative and interactive approach connecting them to human interest stories and array of timely informative topics). The bottom line for me is I love to help others, because others have helped me and I hope my story will serve as an inspiration for someone else.  The Urban League can help you achieve your dreams.

Success Story Profile: Kirby Henry (April 2010)

 

Kirby Henry is going places.  A recent graduate of The Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Pharmacy Technician training program, Kirby has a goal of becoming a pharmacist someday soon.  Kirby held the unique distinction of being the Pharmacy Technician class’s only full time college student.  This busy academic workload did not deter him from being one of the Pharmacy class’s top students. 

On Wednesdays, Kirby had to rush from his Calculus class at Capital to attend a Pharmaceutical math course at the Urban League.  Kirby will graduate from Capital this fall with an associate’s degree in Sociology.  He plans to attend Eastern Connecticut State University this fall, majoring in Biology.    

Currently, Kirby is interning at CVS on Farmington Avenue.  A constant overachiever, Kirby made arrangements to extend his internship from 75 to 120 hours.  Kirby has been excelling at his internship, demonstrating all the skills necessary to become a successful pharmacy technician. 
Kirby rents an apartment and houses his fifteen year old brother Kadeem.  He works hard to keep Kadeem on the right path.  Kirby credits hard work and clear goals to his personal growth and success. 

Success Story Profile: Isamar Fernandez (March 2010)

Isamar Fernandez is a busy woman. Being a mother and student is not easy, but it’s a challenge she manages to juggle quite well. In fact she says it motivates her to reach ever higher. As a girl, Isamar was bright and hardworking student, but as a teenager she fell into what she described as, a “bad crowd”. Under pressure from her “friends” she dropped out of high school, and lost sight of her childhood dream, to become a doctor.

Her story could have ended there, but fortunately she received a wakeup call. “Having a child was my inspiration, I needed to make some changes and get my GED to give my baby a better life”. It was then that Isamar contacted the Urban League of Greater Hartford and enrolled in a GED program offered by the League.

Immediately recognized as a sharp and determined young woman, Isamar was placed in the “fast-track” program and is now on her way to receiving a GED. “Isamar works very hard on her grades, and has a positive attitude towards the program” said her teacher, Larry Joyner. “She will go far if she keeps this pace up, we are very proud of her.” Getting back into the classroom has re-ignited her drive to become a doctor; because of her early  success she was asked to enroll in the League’s Medical Administrative Professional Training Program. An opportunity Isamar jumped at. “Since I was a little girl I’ve wanted to work in a doctor’s office. No, I don’t want to stop with the Medical Administrative Professional Training Program, I want to keep on going, and someday work towards becoming a doctor.”

Isamar credits the Urban League with helping her build the momentum to achieve her dreams. “I have a lot to be proud of;many people are proud of me now. But the Urban League was there for me when I had nothing.”

Success Story Profile: Daria Langs (March 2010)

Education builds self-confidence. Daria Langs learned that first hand. As a young girl she had always been dedicated to her studies and understood the vital importance of a quality education. So when family obligations and a myriad of other obstacles forced her to postpone her high school graduation, she made a promise to herself that she would find a way to finish. The Urban League helped her make good on that promise.

Certainly, going back to school is never easy, but Daria is a strong-willed woman. She appreciated how important a GED would be if she were to pursue her dream of a career in criminal justice. With that in mind she enrolled in the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Youth GED program. From the beginning was clear that she was one of the top students. Daria has maintained a record of near perfect attendance and in her test scores one can see the fruits of her hard work. Daria has scored over 2700 on her Practice GED’s twice; once getting a perfect score on the writing component.  Her instructor, Mrs. Jamie Ruiz, continues to be amazed. “She demonstrates everything that it takes to get your GED…. She is a role model for other youth.”

Daria remains modest about her accomplishments. “The Urban League has given me a great opportunity. Now I want to continue my education; it makes me feel good about myself.” And Daria will do just that. She has been accepted to Capital Community College and will begin her enrollment this coming fall. “I’m excited for the future; the Urban League has helped in ways I can’t even explain. I just feel so good about myself now.”

Free Health Care Clinic (Feb. 2010)

On February 3rd Larry Joyner and a group of about 20 Urban League students volunteered for the AmeriCares Clinic when it came to the Hartford Convention Center. The travelling clinic is rooted in the idea that all patients deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and offers free health care to anyone in need. Through out the course of the day Urban League students guided patients through check in, helped nurses re-stock medical supplies, and entered patient information into the clinic’s database. Despite its enormous scale, everything was run in an orderly and systematic fashion.

Mr. Joyner’s students, many of whom are studying for a career in medical administration, were offered a glimpse of the inner workings of a clinic. They witnessed first hand what can happen when a community comes together to help those in need. “It’s important that the students learn to value and appreciate what it feels like to make a difference,” Mr. Joyner explained. “You have to give back to the community - you can only get back what you put into it - and my students are learning that today. That’s why we are here.”

During the volunteer orientation a speaker briefed the crowd of nurses, doctors, medical students, and other volunteers. “Many of the people here never imagined they would ever need this clinic. You’ll see people who just last year had good paying jobs and health insurance. They’ve lost it all; those people really have to swallow their pride.” As the patients streamed in, it took only a minute to see that race, color, gender, age, even income, are no sign of having health insurance. Patients of every imaginable background and demographic where present, and the student’s worked hard to maintain order.

Despite the noise and commotion on the convention center floor, the doctors’ tents could have been mistaken for an office in any small town clinic. Only upon stepping outside of the tents did the massive scale of the operation set in. One could easily get lost attempting to navigate the clinic, a vast tent city sprawling on all direction. Patients lined up, some waiting for hours outside in the cold. The army of volunteers came together to ensure everyone was seen by a doctor. Their service is commendable, the students embody all the values that the Urban League seeks to instill.

"It gets frustrating; the people just keep coming and coming. But then you’ll see someone who’s been crying. They haven’t seen a doctor in 10 or 20 years. You just have to hold that person’s hand and let them know you care,” said an Urban League who asked to remain anonymous. “You let that person know you’re there for them and you can help them get better. That’s the best feeling in the world.”

Black History (Feb. 2010)

Urban League of Greater Hartford and the Connecticut Science Center celebrated Black History Month with a kickoff celebration and Award Presentation on February 6th.  The three awards honored two businesses and one individual who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to both fostering a diverse business climate and promoting innovation in their fields. 

The Minority Business of the Year, which recognizes a minority owned business that has demonstrated innovative business practices and services went to QSoft Consulting, LLC.

QSoft is a software quality assurance company that provides IT consulting, specialty testing, strategic consulting, independent verification and validation, process consulting, and test management services. QSoft Consulting was nominated because of their use of technology in helping companies achieve higher quality and for their commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce.

The Commitment to Creating a Diverse Business Climate award, which spotlights a company that has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and innovation as a part of their business model, went to Oakleaf Waste Management.

Oakleaf is the nation's fastest-growing waste and recycling service provider. They provide service and solutions to the most progressive and environmentally minded companies in North America. Oakleaf Waste Management was nominated because they are a sustainable business leader that works with clients to move them towards zero waste in the most cost effective manner.
 
The final award, Innovator of the Year, recognizes a person who has shown remarkable drive and innovative behavior and was presented to Carlton Highsmith, founder and Vice Chairman of Specialized Packaging Group, Inc.

Specialized Packaging Group is the largest minority-owned manufacturer of paperboard packaging in North America, with a workforce of 520 at 10 sites across the continent and annual revenues of $130 million. Yet Highsmith still finds time to advocate the issues he cares most about: creating equal opportunities and closing the gap in both education and wealth for minorities across the country. Highsmith established the Carlton L. and Alexis Highsmith Chancellor’s Scholarship, named to honor Carlton’s daughter Alexis. Highsmith is a member and leader within organizations such as ConnCAN and I Have a Dream that work to close the achievement gap for low-income and minority students. He also serves on the board of directors of Amistad Academy in New Haven. In 2006 he was name on of the "Top Black Entrepreneurs" by US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine; he was also the recipient of the NAACP Business Award. He has been an avid supporter of providing quality, affordable health care coverage to all of his employees.

The employees and friends of Urban League of Greater Hartford would like to congratulate the award winners and nominees, and thank the over 200 people who attended.

The Urban League of Greater Hartford receives grant from Capital Workforce Partners

The Urban League of Greater Hartford received grant funding through Capital Workforce Partners to provide a Youth Employment and Learning Program at Pathways to Technology Magnet School.  The program will provide 20 juniors and seniors with work readiness training for seven weeks and then the participants will be placed at an internship site for eight weeks. The League will be partnering in this initiative with Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology to deliver a comprehensive program that is centered on three components; academic enrichment through science-technology-engineering-mathematics workshops, career competency training and leadership development.  With additional funding provided by United Technologies the League and CCAT are able to the expand the programming schedule to provide youth participants with enrichment activities focused on robotics, career exploration, Microsoft office training, computer programming and green sciences.  The Urban League was one of only three organizations city wide to receive this competitive funding from Capital Workforce Partners to provide year round employment to Hartford youth. 

Aetna Awards $25,000 Grant to the Urban League
 

We are pleased to announce that Aetna has awarded the Urban League of Greater Hartford a $25,000.00 grant to support the Equal Opportunity Dinner and Youth Civic and Community programs. The grant will be used to prepare Hartford Youth for post secondary education and to encourage Urban League students to explore the many career options that exist after college. The Urban League believes in empowering individuals in the CT Capital Region to achieve educational, occupational and economic equality for themselves and their families. Aetna and the League have a rich history of working together to build stronger communities and we are proud to extend that commitment into the future. 

Photo Caption Left to Right:
Richard Brown Interim President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Hartford
Christopher Montross, VP, Aetna Foundation
Gabriel Boyd, Youth Director
Nancy Taylor, Development Director

I want to make a difference.

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