For our 3rd consecutive year, the Westfield United Fund raised funds in support of mental health services. Despite Mother Nature's best efforts to slow us down, we were able to distribute $18,000 across 6 mental health agencies through our Westfield United by Light campaign. This year's recipients were Caring Contact, Imagine, Jewish Family Service, St, Joseph Social Service Center, Youth and Family Counseling Service, and YWCA Union County.

Thank You to the members of our Fund Distribution Committee for their hard work in helping us allocate our funds for 2025! This group does the due diligence for the WUF, examining the programs we are asked to fund, and determining the best use for your charitable dollars. They determined how to distribute $380,000 across 20 different programs serving Westfield and the greater community.

Standing: Megan Brown, Ben Bryan, Lindsay Cuffaro, Kim Hamilton, Jen Katz, Sheila Newhouse, Claudia Step Paladino, Amy Partridge, Ann Stavrovich, Audrey Zavetz,
Seated: Emily Howell and Beth Riordan, Committee Co-Chairs. Not pictured: Peter Jacobello, Chris Johnson and Anne Westpheling

Our new Executive Director, Beth Saad, speaks to staying true to the United Fund's original mission and purpose while pivoting to find new ways to engage with local residents through additions like Westfield United by Light. “I want the Westfield United Fund to be synonymous with the Westfield community.” The future of the United Fund is rooted in maintaining a trustworthy reputation. In the aftermath of the pandemic, Saad believes Westfield residents are eager to get involved, but only if the outreach is vetted and safe. Donations to the United Fund come directly from Westfield residents. It’s the United Fund’s responsibility to ensure that all of that money is allocated properly. The United Fund has allocated $435,000 for programs in 2023.