Fairfield First
Improving the lives of every Fairfield County resident requires looking at home to make sure we are meeting all of your needs now, and in the future. To meet those needs we have focused on …
In 2006, the United Way of Fairfield County teamed up with several community partners to begin to understand what our residents will need to improve the quality of life in the years ahead. This county-wide survey and assessment project hopes to “Improve Our Future Today” by learning from your input. FairfieldFirst is developing a vision for Fairfield County that can be shared by all residents.
FairfieldFirst will then develop the strategy and take the actions needed to meet that vision.
Data will be gathered throughout the year from our various partners, a household survey, community meetings, and interviews with community leaders. FairfieldFirst will seek to understand the “quality of life” issues that exist in our community today
The United Way and partners will address the needs of our community and will be sharing our progress through this website. Please visit regularly to learn about all of the challenges that FairfieldFirst has uncovered and the steps that are being taken to meet those challenges head on.
Most importantly, we need your help! If you would like to volunteer please sign up through the link on this page.
Structure
How is FairfieldFirst structured?
- FairfieldFirst has a strategic approach, focusing on a limited number of key opportunities.
- FairfieldFirst involves participation of a diverse group of stakeholders in varied ways.
- FairfieldFirst will influence community action at every level, from neighborhoods to the entire county.
How is the project organized?
The Chair (Sherry Orlando of United Way):
Serves as the chief volunteer of the FairfieldFirst planning project
Assumes overall responsibility for developing the project, including:
- selecting committee members
- defining the scope and nature of the project
- directing workflow and volunteer participation
- serving as the effort's chief spokespersons
Serving under the co-chairs are three committees:
Research Committee
- defines the scope and nature of the data gathering to define the community qualitatively and quantitatively
- oversees inventory of business, labor, association, and service providers
- shapes the survey of Fairfield County households which will be conducted beginning in mid-October 2006
- identifies key informant survey subjects
- selects secondary statistical measures
Visioning Committee
- defines the methodology for developing the community vision
- plans and stages focus groups and community meetings to gather community-wide input
- creates a community vision based on the survey data and community input
Outcomes Committee
- identifies and defines critical issues necessary to realize the community vision
Timeline
The timeline for FairfieldFirst is as follows:
- Research (May-Sept, 2006)
- Visioning (Oct-Dec, 2006)
- Issues/Outcomes (Jan-Apr, 2007)
- Final Plan Completed (May, 2007)
Partners
The United Way is proud to partner with other leaders in the Fairfield County community to accomplish the goals of FairfieldFirst. The partners include:
- Fairfield County Foundation
- Fairfield County ADAMHS Board
- Abuse Prevention Fund
- Fairfield County Family, Adult, and Children First Council
- Meals on Wheels – Older Adult Alternatives of Fairfield County
Press Releases
Reports
Community Needs Data
Issue Tabs
|
Issue |
Mean |
Percentage Rating The
Problem 8, 9, or 10 |
|
Not have adequate medical insurance
Move prevalent in Lancaster / Rural Areas and among single respondents and those less educated |
3.5
|
18 % |
|
Not being able to afford basic health care services
Problem more pronounced in Lancaster / Rural Areas |
3.3 |
16 % |
|
Not being able to find work
Lancaster / Rural Areas, those single and less educated |
2.6 |
11 % |
|
Affordable child care |
2.6 |
11 % |
|
Having excessive anxiety, stress, or depression
More prevalent among those not married and those with lower levels of education |
3.1 |
10 % |
|
Access to health care
More prevalent among those not married / less educated |
3.0 |
10 % |
|
Lack of transportation
More prevalent among Lancaster respondents, those oldest and those less educated |
2.4 |
9 % |
|
Access to mental health services |
2.6 |
8 % |
|
Not having money for basic needs
More prevalent among Lancaster / Rural respondents, those not married and those less educated |
2.4 |
7 % |
|
Experiencing alcohol/drug problems
Those not married and those with lower levels of education |
2.2 |
7 % |
|
Assessable child care |
2.4 |
4 % |
|
Physical conflict in the home |
1.6 |
2 % |
Contact Us / Volunteer
For more information about FairfieldFirst, or to volunteer your time, contact Sherry Orlando at (740) 653-0643 or by email.
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