Greenwich Jr United Way Thrives Under Leadership of GHS Social Worker Amanda Finn

When Amanda Finn was asked for a recommendation for someone to lead high school students on community service projects, she knew the best person for the role and raised her hand to volunteer.

Finn is a school social worker at Greenwich High School and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), as well as a therapist in private practice. For the past seven years, one of her most fulfilling positions has been serving as the program manager of the Greenwich Junior United Way (GJrUW).

“Community service has always been a passion of mine, so it was an easy decision. Years ago, when I worked at Kids in Crisis, I developed a summer program centered around service projects, and even before that, as an undergraduate at the University of Delaware, I started a holiday fundraiser with my parents for children in an after-school program where I worked in Wilmington,” said Finn. “My parents instilled in my brothers and me the value of service and giving back to the community.”

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GJrUW is about more than just community service. The group focuses on inclusion, connection, and partnership, ensuring that every project they undertake strengthens the community in meaningful ways. GJrUW’s mission includes developing leadership skills, accountability, kindness, creativity, autonomy, and social responsibility. Finn takes her role as a mentor seriously while also fostering a welcoming and laid-back environment.

“These students are on the brink of adulthood, and preparing them for that transition is essential,” said Finn.

Her clinical background ties everything together, enabling her to bring a deeper understanding of human behavior, relationships, and resilience into all aspects of the work.

GJrUW participates in a wide range of projects and events. One of the group’s signature initiatives is “Together We Shine,” an annual red-carpet inclusion event co-hosted with Abilis, an event beloved by all involved.

“’Together We Shine’ is especially meaningful to me, as it was created in honor of my late uncle Kevin, a lifelong member of Abilis who had Down Syndrome,” said Finn.

GJrUW also organizes goods drives, community activities, and collaborations with other organizations. The participating teens play Bingo with residents at Nathaniel Witherell, join Abilis for karaoke nights, support animal adoption events, and serve as volunteers for various initiatives. Currently, several small groups within GJrUW are independently planning and managing their own projects with the guidance and support of Finn.

“The most rewarding part of my role is watching these students grow – gaining confidence, developing leadership skills, and evolving into compassionate, capable young adults. I’m honored to be someone they turn to for guidance and support, and in turn, I learn so much from them. They inspire me every day,” said Finn. “I genuinely love what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

One of Finn’s long-term goals is to expand GJrUW. She is helping to create a separate group that empowers middle school-age students to get involved in their community and give back. Finn says there is significant interest from parents and educators and she looks forward to branching out, making even more if a positive impact with Greenwich youth.

GJrUW is open to high school students at all Greenwich schools. For more information, visit https://greenwichunitedway.org/get-involved/.

As Finn says, “Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote perfectly captures the essence of community service: ‘It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.’”