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Join us in making our community a better place to live and work for single parents!
WORKING CITIES INITIATIVE: MIDDLETOWN WORKS
The Working Cities Initiative, Middletown WORKS, is based on a collaborative leadership model, consisting of over 20 partners led by Middlesex Community College Foundation, Inc., and the Middlesex United Way. Middletown WORKS is different than other initiatives because we bring together residents and business owners to improve the City of Middletown. This initiative was formed with funding from the Working Cities Challenge grant program administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (click on logo to the right to view website).
The City of Middletown was chosen as our target because despite Middletown's culture of collaboration and diversity, a high level of disparity and poverty exists in our City.
Root Causes of the Problem
Did You Know?
1) Single parents, particularly women of color, lack access to, and feel excluded from, vocational resources and opportunities that lead to living wage jobs.
2) Local employment services and municipal resources are fragmented and not necessarily geared toward single parent employees.
3) A high level of turnover in entry-level positions is accepted as the norm by local employers.
4) Lack resources to transportation to get them to and from employment trainings and local employers.
About Us
The Working Cities Challenge Initiative
Overview
The Connecticut Working Cities Challenge, a grant competition through the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston is designed to support cross-sector, collaborative leadership and ambitious work to improve the lives of low-income people in small and mid-size cities in Connecticut.
Connecticut's winning cities include (cities with population > 25,000 that have median family incomes below the state's median family income and poverty rates above the state poverty rate): Danbury
Hartford
East Hartford
Middletown
and
Waterbury
Please click here to learn more.
Thank You
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, we wholeheartedly thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.
It takes teamwork to make the dream work!!
~John C. Maxwell
Meet our Staff
Shanay N. Fulton, MPA
Director
"Champion of Community Empowerment and Advocacy"
Shanay, an NYC native, relocated to the North End of Middletown, where her path began as a low-income mother striving to create a better future for herself and her family. In 2016, she embarked on her career as a Paraprofessional in the Middletown Public Schools, serving students at various levels, eventually finding her calling as a Family Resource Specialist at Macdonough Elementary.
Her commitment to community empowerment extended beyond the classroom as she took on the role of Youth Director for the North End Action Team, guiding youth toward advocacy and community service through program development. Shanay's firsthand experiences navigating trauma and adversity fueled her passion for providing invaluable resources and supporting countless single parent families facing similar challenges of trauma, abuse, and poverty.
Driven by a vision of systemic change, Shanay transitioned her focus to statewide advocacy and community health. She co-chairs the Workforce and Family Economic Mobility 2Gen Workgroup under the Governor’s Workforce Council, advocating for policies that uplift vulnerable communities. Her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering resilience led her to publish her first book, "Peace. Happiness. Love- A Journey To Healing," a poignant narrative of her own journey and a guide for others seeking resilience.
Shanay's impact extends beyond advocacy into the realm of governance and leadership. As a two-term elected Commissioner for the City of Middletown’s Planning & Zoning Commission and Vice Chair of the Russell Library, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of her community. Currently serving as Director of Middletown WORKS, an economic initiative aimed at empowering single-parent BIPOC families, Shanay spearheads efforts for systemic change, collaborative leadership, and collective impact.
Shanay holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Haven and a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Business from Fordham University. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys writing, reading, meditation, nature walks, exploring new culinary delights, traveling, and nurturing her bond with her two sons.
Diamond Rose-Daniels
Career Navigator
"Empowering Young Mothers Through Community Connection"
As the Career Navigator, Diamond Rose-Daniels embodies dedication and a commitment to empowering her community. Stationed within the heart of the community, Diamond meets parents where they are, offering support, guidance, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Diamond's journey began at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she laid the foundation for her passion for serving others. A graduate of the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA), Diamond brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her role, equipped with the skills to guide individuals toward fulfilling careers.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Diamond finds fulfillment in her role as a mother to her daughter, Cali-Nova. In her spare moments, Diamond indulges in the simple pleasures of life, enjoying cruises and dining experiences.
Diamond is motivated to succeed in her role, aspiring to uplift and inspire other young mothers. She firmly believes that no obstacle is insurmountable and is dedicated to empowering individuals to rise above adversity and seize their full potential.
Diamond's ultimate passion lies in fostering community connection and collaboration. She believes in the power of individuals coming together, united by a shared vision and a common goal.