United Way of Southeastern Connecticut

United Way has had the Gales Ferry location since 1962 and became United Way of South Eastern Connecticut in the seventies. The organization focuses on funding programs in New London County. There are 63 local human service programs that it sponsors, ranging from Smiles on The Move, which provides dental care inside schools, to the Red Cross and domestic violence shelters. Funds are distributed following a community needs assessment. The organization's goal is "to change the community through responsible use of donations." United Way raises money by sending its representatives into workplaces in the area. The current president and CEO is Virginia Mason.