Quality of Life

Since 1899 UI has recognized that Connecticut is an extraordinary place to live and do business.  From green natural beauty to the breathtaking shoreline to diverse cultures and activities — Connecticut has it all!  UI is proud to help shape the quality of life in Connecticut by supporting organizations and activities created to maintain the health and well-being of our communities.  To us, this means the economic activity sparked by the arts, maintaining the beauty of our cities and towns, and offering a helping hand to those in need.  Here are a few of the organizations and programs we believe make a difference in the quality of life in Connecticut:

• Groundwork Bridgeport brings the community together to enhance Bridgeport’s natural environment.  While emphasizing the importance of maintaining the environment, Groundwork uses nature to teach basic science and math to elementary students, offers leadership and mentoring skills to high schools students, and teaches young adults the skills they need to become entrepreneurs.

• Through its Umbrella Program, Birmingham Group Health Services is partnering with other organizations in the Lower Naugatuck Valley to provide training, resources and support service for individuals and their families transitioning from shelters to permanent housing. 

• The International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven not only creates a month-long celebration of Connecticut by attracting world-renowned artists, performers and thought leaders, it also advances economic development and engagement across diverse cultures and genres.  On average, the Festival draws 100,000 attendees annually from Connecticut, other parts of the US, and from around the world.

In towns within our service territory, UI supports efforts to educate residents on energy efficiency and environmental resources.  By sponsoring Earth Day events, offering eesmarts programs, hosting free programs at our SmartLiving Center and providing free presentations on saving energy, UI does its part to bring attention to the ways in which we can all take part in protecting our world, preserving our natural resources and sustaining our quality of life.