Santiago and NVCC Dean of Community Engagement, Waldemar Kostrzewa, attended Danbury’s 4th Annual Hometown Heroes Benefit Dinner on Saturday, December 2nd. The benefit dinner included a silent action, awards presentation, and dancing. Among other projects, proceeds from the event will support the ALICE Enrichment Fund, United Way’s initiative to offset the costs of activities for children from struggling families. 

Kostrzewa emceed the Danbury event which honored community volunteers who distinguished themselves through philanthropy and volunteerism. The fundraiser recognized Union Savings Bank with the Corporate Philanthropy Award and Elmer Palma, owner of Danbury’s Elmer's Diner, with the Small Business Hero Award. The event also honored a group of Hometown Heroes and a youth group of Emerging Heroes, all of whom donated their time and talents for a variety of volunteer projects in their communities.

During the Waterbury annual board meeting in October, Kostrzewa served as a moderator for three panel presentations titled, "Partnership: A Closer Look." These presentations highlighted the valuable services of the United Way's partnerships with area leaders in education, basic needs, and financial stability. 

NVCC is also involved in the Waterbury United Way-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program in which the two organizations team up to provide free seasonal tax preparation assistance to the public out of NVCC’s Waterbury campus. The College is gearing up for 2018 to host its second year as a VITA location.