In Your Northwest Corner

Recent Grants 
In your Northwest Corner

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February 28, 2020

Weantinoge video by Steve Jordan

Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust Preserves 

Open Spaces

Since 1965, the Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust has been protecting natural areas, fish and wildlife, and working farmland throughout northwest Connecticut. Within its 10,000 protected acres are 15 working farms, streambelts, viewsheds, critical watershed lands, and 12 nature preserves open to the public with 18 miles of hiking trails.

Through a matching grant from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, Land Trust Preserve staff were able to upgrade the organization's technology hardware, including purchasing a new laptop, video-conferencing equipment, and making improvements to its server.  

 

“Technology touches everything a land trust does: managing land records, creating maps, budgeting, recording gifts, and communicating with members and partners.​

"Weantinoge now has a powerful laptop for use at community presentations and individual meetings. Board members and other constituents can now video conference.

"These communications and data-management enhancements have enabled Weantinoge to better connect with the community and organizational leadership, while ensuring that our most important documents are protected.” said Matt Soper of Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust.

 

Music Director Jonathan F. Babbitt leads rehearsal with the Litchfield County Choral Union and professional orchestra instrumentalists;  photo by Allison J. Messier

Choral Union Wows with Orchestral Forces  

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The Litchfield County Choral Union, a community chorus serving northwest Connecticut, eastern New York state, and western Massachusetts, holds an annual concert at the Music Shed of the historic Battell-Stoeckel Estate in Norfolk, that brings together amateur singers and professional soloists to perform arias and choruses. 

Through a grant from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Keroden Endowed Fund, the Choral Union's 2019 concert featured professional orchestra instrumentalists from Hartford and New Haven musician's unions.

 

"The quality of our soloists and orchestral players was superb. Our audience was larger and more enthusiastic [than previous years]," said Patricia Niver of the Litchfield County Choral Union. 
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"None of this would have been even remotely possible without the excellence and, indeed, the very presence of the orchestra."

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Food Director Leslie Denton and Executive Director Rev. Kevin Mongeau                                                                                                         

Hands of Grace: Help when it's Needed Most  

At Hands of Grace in Pine Meadow, families and individuals struggling with food insecurity are able to "shop" for food, clothing, and household needs at no cost. 
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Hands of Grace also provides emergency food boxes, backpack meals to elementary school children, hygiene kits to homeless veterans, uniforms to CNA students, and holiday meals with all the trimmings to those in need.  

A recent grant from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Marion Wm. & Alice Edwards Fund enabled Hands of Grace to purchase a commercial-grade freezer, providing safe food storage capacity for Helping Hands to accept larger food donations and provide a wider variety of protein to those in need.  

“Less than a week from the installation of our new freezer we received a call offering us 450 pounds of frozen meat. In the past, we would have had to decline much of this offer as we wouldn't have had anywhere to store it," said Rev. Kevin Mongeau of Hands of Grace.  

 

"However, with our new fixture we were able to absorb all of the ten boxes of meat, and subsequently distribute it to our clients."

 

Make a Gift

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Connecticut Community Foundation

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​
33 East Main St. PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 P:  (860) 626- 1245  
E: info@northwestcf.org  W: www.northwestcf.org

 

Recent Grants 
In your Northwest Corner

​

January 30 2020

Litchfield Celebrates 300 Years

In the early fall, hundreds of local residents and visitors collected on the historic Litchfield Green to celebrate Litchfield’s 300th birthday. The free daylong event was organized by the all-volunteer Litchfield Patriots.
 

A grant from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Fleet General Fund helped make the event possible.

 

“Without the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Fleet General Fund this celebration for Litchfield’s anniversary would not have been possible,” said Rosemarie Greco of the Litchfield Patriots.
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An 18th century village set up on the green encouraged visitors to learn about early village life, such as medical treatments, apothecary and musket safety. The Sons of the American Revolution established a military camp, complete with a revolutionary war recruitment officer. The Daughters of the American Revolution shared tools to help visitors research their genealogy.
 

                                                                                                                                          

Teens Grow Butterflies and a Connection to the  Natural Environment

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Audubon Sharon works to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.
 

A recent grant from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Elson-Slemmer Fund for the Environment enabled Audubon Sharon to bring Torrington High School students to its Caterpillar Rearing Lab for a hands-on learning experience raising caterpillars throughout their life cycle and growing the native plants that caterpillars feed on. Students took multiple field trips to Audubon Sharon, visiting the bird rehabilitation facility, and assisting with garden preparation. 
 

“Students gained first-hand, extended experience of how natural systems work, why they need to be maintained, and how their actions can affect change," said Eileen Fielding of Audubon Sharon.
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"Community support for these programs is essential, and the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation helps to make our work possible.” 
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Help for Homeless in Severe Weather 

At the The Gathering Place of New Beginnings of Northwest Hills volunteers and staff provide onsite assessments for homeless individuals and families, and access to resources and temporary shelter with the ultimate goal of helping people obtain the skills and services they need to maintain housing.

When frigid weather and winter storms blanket the Northwest Corner, shelters and even overflow shelters can quickly reach capacity. 

“No homeless person should be exposed to extreme cold weather conditions that could result in frostbite, hypothermia, or death,” said Nancy Cannavo of New Beginnings of Northwest Hills.  

Through a recent grant from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund homeless individuals and families will receive the help they need during severe cold weather. 

The grant enables New Beginnings of Northwest Hills to provide protection from frigid temperatures including emergency hotel housing, sleeping bags and gift cards for food.  

 

Make a Gift

Learn more about the Northwest
Connecticut Community Foundation

Research nonprofits in Northwest Connecticut

​Explore Community Foundation publications​​​
 

 

​​​Start a fund to support causes in your community

Donate to an existing fund with the Community Foundation

 

​

​
33 East Main St. PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 P:  (860) 626- 1245  
E: info@northwestcf.org  W: www.northwestcf.org

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Recent Grants 
In your Northwest Corner

​

                                                                                                                                         July 25, 2019

                                                                                                                       2019 Jazz After Work Performance

Jazz After Work Enlightens and Entertains 

Litchfield Performing Arts welcomes thousands of local residents and visitors to Washington, Conn. for Litchfield Jazz Camp, held June 30th-July 6th, Litchfield Jazz Festival, held July 26th- 28th, and Jazz After Work,  15 nightly concerts held from July 1st -July 25th at The Gunnery Emerson Performing Arts Center.

Jazz After Work concerts feature Litchfield Jazz Camp instructors and students performing well-known as well as original music. 

 “For new comers to jazz and for the initiated, the Jazz After Work series offers top-flight entertainment and serves across generations, with older attendees and many young students and young families from the community," said Tegan Ryan of Litchfield Performing Arts.

In 2019, Jazz After Work concerts were free to attendees through a grant from the Robert V. Carr Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation.
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                                                                                                Families wait with their pets at the 2019 Little Guild of St. Francis Pittie Party                                                                             

Keeping Pets Safe and Comfortable  ​

 

The Little Guild of St. Francis for the Welfare of Animals works to save unwanted, abused and neglected cats and dogs and provides medical care and enrichment to make them more adoptable. The Little Guild holds no-cost vaccine clinics and maintains a pet-food emergency pantry to support those who cannot afford to feed their pets.
 

In June, The Little Guild held a Pittie Party at Coe Park in Torrington, providing veterinarian exams and vaccines for local pets, as well as vouchers for spay and neuter procedures. 
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“Vaccines protect animals from, and help prevent the spread of, contagious and potentially fatal viruses," said Laurie Werner of the Little Guild of St. Francis for the Welfare of Animals.

​"The vaccine clinic and the vouchers are a public service for individuals who cannot afford essential medical care for their pets."

In 2019, the spay and neuter vouchers were made possible by a grant from the Edwin M. Stone and Edith H. Stone Fund and the Lucia Tuttle Fritz Fund, funds of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation.
 

                                                                                                                                                                                                Matland Tarradiddle     

 Protecting Local Woods and Wildlife

The Cornwall Conservation Trust (CCT) has been preserving natural spaces for the protection of flora and fauna, the preservation of farm land and the enjoyment of local residents and visitors since 1987.

A recent grant from the Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation helped make possible the preservation of Matland Tarradiddle, 72 acres overlooking the Housatonic River.

Located just up the road from Cornwall's covered bridge, Matland Tarradiddle will offer locals and visitors an opportunity to climb Tarradiddle Mountain and enjoy views of the Housatonic River. Preservation of the property also protects the Housatonic River by ensuring that the stream and steep slope that drain into the River are preserved.

"West Cornwall is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts,"  said Shelley Harms of the Cornwall Conservation Trust.

"The new trail will be another attraction that will bring people to West Cornwall and serve visitors and residents."

 

Make a Gift

Learn more about the Northwest
Connecticut Community Foundation

Research nonprofits in Northwest Connecticut

​Explore Community Foundation publications​​​
 

 

​​​Start a fund to support causes in your community

Donate to an existing fund with the Community Foundation

 

​

​
33 East Main St. PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 P:  (860) 626- 1245  
E: info@northwestcf.org  W: www.northwestcf.org

 

Recent Grants 
In your Northwest Corner

​

                                                                                                                                         June 27, 2019

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Growing Stronger in Northwest Connecticut

At  Little Britches Therapeutic Riding children with conditions including Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and complications from Microcephaly build strength, balance, and confidence all while having fun in the outdoors with their favorite pony.

Occupational therapists guide riding sessions, which may include riders holding their arms up and out or standing in their stirrups to improve balance and build core muscles, or reaching for colorful rings while balancing, which promotes motor planning, coordination, and improves color-recognition.

For children with Attention Deficit/Hyper Attention Disorders just the presence of the ponies can reduce anxiety. For those with physical disabilities, such as low-muscle tone and paralysis, riding a pony mimics the gait of human walking, building strength and muscle memory.

A recent grant from the Carlton D. Fyler and Jenny R. Fyler Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supported 2018 rider expenses for local children.

“The help that we have received from the Community Foundation is immeasurable," said Stuart Daly of Little Britches.

 

                                                                                                                                    

Preserving Natural Places for all to Enjoy

Through its staff and volunteers Steep Rock Association works to conserve ecologically and historically significant landscapes in and around Washington and the Shepaug River Valley and to enhance the communities' connection with nature. 

As part of that goal, Steep Rock Association volunteers regularly monitor and maintain trails to ensure that pathways are clear of trees, overgrowth is managed and that any loose boards or nails on boardwalks and bridges are repaired.  

A recent grant from The Elson-Slemmer Fund for the Environment enabled the Association to provide volunteers with the forestry management and safety equipment—bear bells, hand pruners, day packs, GPS units and safety helmets and vests— needed to keep trails clear and boardwalks and bridges safe.  

“Maintenance and stewardship of trails is essential to the safe use, enjoyment and long-term success of any trail," said Mike Giapponi of Steep Rock Association. 

"By including volunteers, we increase community skill-level and promote public participation” 

 

                                                                                                                                                             

 Comfort and Hope in Difficult Times 

Goshen Community Care & Hospice supports those in need by providing assistance to individuals returning home from hospital visits, as well as providing transportation to medical appointments, and for shopping needs. They also offer companionship and educational programs.    

Twice a year the organization provides “A Journey from Grief to Healing & Hope,” an eight week bereavement program presented by a registered nurse facilitator. 

Through the program, Goshen Community Care & Hospice reaches out to those suffering from recent loss, providing information about the effects of bereavement on those hurting and offering coping mechanisms. 

The program is free of charge and transportation is available for those who cannot drive.

The Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 bereavement programs were made possible by a grant from The Jeff and Diane Johnson Community Enhancement Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. 

"It is with the generosity of individuals and organizations such as yours that we can remain dedicated to our mission of "Neighbor Helping Neighbor,"said Debra Nadaskay of Goshen Community Care & Hospice.

 

Make a Gift

Learn more about the Northwest
Connecticut Community Foundation

Research nonprofits in Northwest Connecticut

​Explore Community Foundation publications​​​
 

 

​​​Start a fund to support causes in your community

Donate to an existing fund with the Community Foundation

 

​

​
33 East Main St. PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 P:  (860) 626- 1245  
E: info@northwestcf.org  W: www.northwestcf.org

 

Recent Grants 
In your Northwest Corner

​

May 30, 2019

                                                                                        Official trailer for "Uprooting Addiction", initially titled "Recovering Community" 
 

Understanding the Roots of Addiction

 

“Uprooting Addiction,” a documentary film by Hope Payson and Tory Estern Jadow of RC Productions, focuses on the correlation between childhood trauma and drug and alcohol addiction. The film highlights specific and heartfelt stories of Connecticut residents with histories of trauma and addiction in different stages of recovery.
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Greenwoods Counseling Referrals, an organization focusing on compassionate and high-quality mental-health initiatives and related care, is providing fiscal sponsorship for the filmmakers of “Uprooting Addiction” and their goal not only to raise awareness of the rapidly growing addiction epidemic, but to highlight some of its underlying causes, and instigate important conversations in local communities.
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A grant from the Lucia Tuttle Fritz Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supported the sound design and musical score for the film. 

Through a grant from the Marion Wm. & Alice Edwards Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, the Salisbury Forum presented "Uprooting Addiction" in early 2019 free-of-charge at The Moviehouse in Millerton, New York.
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Recent grants from the Draper Foundation Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, and the Foundation for Community Health, a supporting organization of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, support the final post-production and marketing distribution, and wider dissemination of  “Uprooting Addiction.”

 

                                                                                                                                                                    Photo by Lindsey Victoria Photography

Students Shine at Litchfield Jazz Festival  

Each summer hundreds of young people arrive at the Gunnery in Washington, Connecticut to attend Litchfield Performing Arts’ Litchfield Jazz Camp.  The Camp welcomes students ages 12 and up regardless of skill level and/or financial resources to spend four weeks attending concerts and playing in jam sessions. Camp culminates in the world-renowned Litchfield Jazz Festival, where students have an opportunity to perform on stage for thousands of attendees.  

Grants from the Robert B. and Cheryl Freehill Pauls Fund and The Rivera Family Fund for Arts and Music, funds of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supported scholarships for 2018 Litchfield Jazz Camp attendees.

The 2018 Litchfield Jazz Festival Student Stage was made possible by a grant from the Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. 

“In these difficult times with the state and national funding for nonprofits in arts and education all but gutted, funding by regional donors is essential,” said Vita Muir of Litchfield Performing Arts. 

 

                                                                                                                                                                Winsted seniors participate in Jazzersize

 Winsted Seniors Get Moving

The Winsted Senior Center provides educational, recreational, and cultural activities for local seniors as well as assistance with medical insurance, health clinics, daily lunches, van transportation, travel opportunities, and intergenerational programs.

Through a recent grant from the Margaret C. Tupper Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, the Winsted Senior Center began offering fitness classes, including Chair Yoga, Stretch your Body and Mind, Zumba Gold, Ballroom Dancing, and Line Dancing free of charge to local older adults and people with disabilities.  

“Fitness builds strength, improves balance, sharpens the mind, protects the joints, reduces stress and, when exercising with a training instructor, offers a safe and monitored environment," said Jennifer Kelley of the Winsted Senior Center.

"Since we started, the number of participants continues to steadily increase as well as their commitment to fitness and new friendships.” 
 

 

Make a Gift

Learn more about the Northwest
Connecticut Community Foundation

Research nonprofits in Northwest Connecticut

​Explore Community Foundation publications​​​
 

 

​​​Start a fund to support causes in  your community

Donate to an existing fund with the Community Foundation

 

​

​
33 East Main St. PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 P:  (860) 626- 1245  
E: info@northwestcf.org  W: www.northwestcf.org

 

Recent Grants 
In your Northwest Corner

​

April 25, 2019

Bethlehem Ambulance
Help When It's Needed Most

Bethlehem Ambulance Association answers medical-emergency calls 24/7 for the more than 3,600 Bethlehem residents as well as the thousands of visitors who travel to the area to enjoy the Bethlehem Fair, the Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival, March Farm, and other local attractions.

One of the few all-volunteer crews in Connecticut, the Association also provides mutual aid to the nearby communities of Morris, Watertown, and Woodbury.

The Association recently was awarded two grants from the Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, in support of new emergency equipment:

  • ​Stryker Power Pro stretcher, a battery-powered hydraulic system that raises and lowers patients with the touch of a button, creating a smoother and safer transport, and 
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  • LUCAS Chest Compression System, a portable device that delivers life-saving, safe and efficient standardized CPR compression to patients in cardiac arrest.

“We strive to provide the highest level of care available to our citizens and visitors,” said Jan Sardo of the Bethlehem Ambulance Association. 

"With modern, efficient equipment in use, we can better serve our community.”

 

Kathi Weinstein of Prime Time House reads to children at St. Peter/ St. Francis School in Torrington

Fostering a Love of Reading 
in the Northwest Corner 

The Read Aloud program of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber Education Foundation was held this past February. Hundreds of community members volunteered to read books to students in 26 elementary school classrooms—to more than 8,000 students—across Northwest Connecticut.

Volunteers read story books thoughtfully chosen by library media specialists and language arts consultants. Volunteer readers left the books as a gift to the classroom. 

Read Aloud Day is made possible by multi-year grants from the Draper Foundation Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation.

"We are so grateful to the Draper Foundation Fund," said JoAnn M. Ryan, President and CEO of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber Education Foundation. 

"The program is so near and dear to our hearts and the community. We are elated to see it continue."
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Harwinton Land Conservation Trust volunteers construct a boardwalk

Harwinton Land Conservation Trust–Scenic Outdoor Exploration for All

Volunteers of the Hawinwinton Land Conservation Trust have been hard at work planting trees, and building bridges and boardwalk crossings that enable Land Trust visitors to explore much of its 260 acres of natural space.

A recent grant from The Elson-Slemmer Fund for the Environment, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, enabled the Land Trust to purchase the lumber and hardware, as well as signage materials needed to complete a two-mile scenic trail system through its Indian Meadow property.

"We try to make our trails easy and dry for seniors and families with young children," said Bob Orciari, Harwinton Land Conservation Trust president.

“By providing public access and trails on our properties, people appreciate what the land trust does to improve life in Harwinton." 
​

 

Make a Gift

Learn more about the Northwest
Connecticut Community Foundation

Research nonprofits in Northwest Connecticut

​Explore Community Foundation publications​​​
 

 

​​Start a fund to support causes in 
your community​​​

Donate to an existing fund with the Community Foundation

 

​

​
33 East Main St.,PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 P:  (860) 626- 1245  
E: info@northwestcf.org  W: www.northwestcf.org

 

Recent Grants 
In your Northwest Corner

​

March 28, 2019

Educated Canines Lend a Helping Paw

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ECAD envisions a community where all those living with disabilities are able to achieve new heights of desired independence and mobility through the use of ECAD-educated service dogs. The growing organization in Winsted has trained more than 300 service dogs trained to assist with 50 different disabilities. 

ECAD trained dogs retrieve objects and medications, provide physical barriers in stressful situations, and get help if someone collapses. They learn more than 89 commands before they begin one-on-one training with their person.  

"Because of your gift, more educated assistance dogs will be placed with more people living with disabilities...your gift, the work you help us do, really does change people's lives," said Lu and Dale Picard, ECAD Co-founders. 
 

Through 2017-2018, the Draper Foundation Fund,  a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, awarded ECAD multiple grants to support the construction and expansion of a Canine Education and Wellness Center, which provides canine housing and training, rooms to host clients, and staff offices. Grants have also supported the purchase of a handicap accessible van to transport clients to public areas for training sessions with their new service dogs. 

"[ECAD service dog] Kobuk pretty much helps me with everything, picking up my cane...with my balance when I climb the stairs," said an ECAD client, "Kobuk opening the door is the biggest thing because that means I can get out of the house."
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Historic Treasures Preserved 
 

​The Torrington Historical Society adds hundreds of artifacts a year to its collections. These photographic prints, glass-plate negatives, and paper documents are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. 

Archival supplies and equipment are an expensive and necessary component of ensuring that the collections are properly stored and preserved, as they serve as the backbone of the historical society's programs, exhibits, tours, publications, and research.
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 "Humidity fluctuations can be especially damaging," said Gail Kruppa, assistant director/curator of the Torrington Historical Society. 

"Ultimately, it's the proper care of the collections that allows the Society to share the city's rich history with researchers, residents, school children, tourists, scholars and others—now and for many generations to come."
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Through a recent grant from the Ruth and Robert Cron Endowment Fund, the Torrington Historical Society was able to purchase the dehumidifiers, shelving and archival supplies needed to preserve Torrington history through the upcoming warm and humid spring and summer months.    
 

 Children Diverted from Homelessness 

The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness provides service-providers on the front-lines of homelessness with access to the small grants needed to prevent most families from losing their homes.
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Each year more than 100 families, including 200 children in Northwest Connecticut stay at a homeless shelter. More than two thirds of these families are led by single mothers, and one third of their children are under the age of five.
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“Preventing children from entering shelters results in better outcomes throughout life, as loss of home is a traumatic experience for children and their families," said Madeline Ravich of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness.

The average amount of money required to prevent these families from becoming homeless is $1,000. That's the rental assistance, car repair, or utility payment that stands between them and a homeless shelter.

The Coalition recently received a grant from the Edward W. Diskavich Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, that will enable the Coalition to keep 10 Northwest Connecticut families with young children from experiencing homelessness.

 

Make a Gift

Learn more about the Northwest
Connecticut Community Foundation

Research nonprofits in Northwest Connecticut

​Explore Community Foundation publications​​​
 

 

​​Start a fund to support causes in 
your community​​​

Donate to an existing fund with the Community Foundation

 

​

​
33 East Main St.,PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 P:  (860) 626- 1245  
E: info@northwestcf.org  W: www.northwestcf.org

 

Recent Grants 
In your Northwest Corner

​

February 21, 2019

Local Girls Code for a Cause  

 

In early spring, The Women & Girls Fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation in collaboration with RHoK, Jr. hosts an annual hackathon for social good with girls in 4th-8th grades. 

 

“RHoK, Jr. exposes girls to the joy of computer programming, presenting them with the possibility of pursuing a STEM-related career, which can more than double their earning potential,” said Barbara Dughi of the Women & Girls Fund.

This day-long event brings together volunteer mentors from local high schools with middle-school girls who spend the day together devising smartphone applications using an MIT-developed coding tool. 

Each team of girls is assigned a local nonprofit hoping to address an issue or challenge with the use of technology. The girls work with nonprofit staff and volunteers, and RHoK, Jr. technology mentors to code unique applications that address those issues. 
 

Pictured: (left to right  Doug O'Connell, Draper Foundation Fund Advisor: Mark Caufield, Susan Caufield, Draper Foundation Fund Advisor; Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation: Gayle Moraski, Board chairperson; Guy Rovezzi, President
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Winchester Children Come out to Play 

 

A community playground at Pearson School has long been a dream of Winchester children and a goal of many community members. In the fall of 2017, the Winchester Board of Education decided to make that dream a reality, holding a community meeting, interviewing students, and seeking feedback from parents on playground construction.

By spring of 2018, through donations from community members and local businesses, the Board had a little more than half of the money needed to make the dream of a community playground a reality. 

A grant from the Draper Foundation Fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation provided the needed resources to close the gap and begin construction on the playground.

"At recess without a playground, we usually just sit around and talk," said a Pearson School student. 

"With a playscape, we can run around, and jump, and play!"  

Officially open for running, jumping and playing, the new high-quality steel coated playscape with a vinyl finish is accessible to children of all abilities. The community playground features multiple activity areas, decks, and swings that provide a safe and engaging place to play.

 

Pictured: (left to right) Alanna Gilbert; Mark Palladino of Wild Carrot Farm

Food Rescue is on the Way 

In Litchfield County Connecticut almost 20,000 people, including more than 6,500 children are food insecure, meaning they don't have reliable access to nutritious food. Food Rescue US in Northwest Connecticut is working to change those numbers. 

"Hunger in the United States doesn't make sense," says Kathy Minck, Food Rescue US Northwest Connecticut site director. "Our Mission exists as the simple solution to end local hunger." 

Through mobile app technology, Food Rescue US in Northwest Connecticut connects restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and farmers markets with unneeded food to a team of local food-rescue volunteers. Volunteers are notified through the app when food is available. They pick up the food and deliver it to local soup kitchens and food pantries, typically within 30 minutes. 

"With your support we are able to prevent fresh food from ending up in land fills while ensuring more families have access to healthy meals year-round," said Carol Shattuck of Food Rescue US. 

Food Rescue US in Northwest Connecticut was made possible through grants from the Khurshed Bhumgara Fund and the Robert V. Carr Fund, funds of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. 
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Classical Music for All 

The Northwest Music Association brings classical music to the Northwest Corner of Connecticut, holding four Baroque concerts each year in Salisbury. The concerts showcase the works of composers Bach, Telemann and Handel with trumpet, oboe, horn, flute, voice, and strings, and include duets, trios, quartets, up to and including a full ensemble. 

Funded completely by donations and grants, the concerts are free to all attendees. 

“We welcome a diverse audience and hope to serve as an introduction to Baroque/Classical music to those who may not have had much exposure or access to such concerts," said Marilyn Gross of the Northwest Music Association. 

The 2018 Northwest Music Association Baroque concerts were made possible in-part by a grant from the Edward W. Diskavich Fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation.

 

Make a Gift to your Community

Learn more about the Northwest
Connecticut Community Foundation

Research nonprofits in Northwest Connecticut

​Explore Community Foundation publications​​​
 

 

​​Start a fund to support causes that matter in your community​​​

Donate to an existing fund with the Community Foundation

 

​

​
33 East Main St.,PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 P:  (860) 626- 1245  
E: info@northwestcf.org  W: www.northwestcf.orgg

 

Recent Grants 
In your Northwest Corner

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January 23, 2019

The Pipers' Gathering Brings Musicians Together, Keeps Pipers Piping  

 

The Pipers’ Gathering, Inc., held at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center House in Litchfield welcomes more than 300 people annually who come to enjoy the melodious and diverse music found in the British Isles and Europe.

Presented over a three-day weekend,  the event draws novice and highly skilled musicians alike, who participate in group instruction and lectures focusing on Irish pipes, Scottish smallpipes, Northumbrian smallpipes and Border pipes, the penny-whistle, Irish flute, fiddle and guitar, all led by skilled musicians from Canada, Ireland, Scotland and the United States.  

 

"The Pipers' Gathering  is one of the few places to go in North America if you want to try out and order one of these musical instruments," said Genevieve Pluhowski of The Pipers' Gathering.

“The concerts are extraordinary events bringing together great musicians from the US, Scotland, England, and Ireland who are rarely, if ever, heard
 in one venue.” 
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The 2018 conference and concerts were made possible by a grant from the Robert Venn Carr, Jr. Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation.
 

On Saturday and Sunday Pipers' Gathering instructors treated attendees and welcomed visitors far and wide to world-class concerts showcasing a wide range of alternative bagpipe instruments.
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Elementary Students Bask in the 
Magic of The Nutcracker
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Just before holiday break, nearly 1,500 students from Torrington elementary schools were treated to a performance of The Nutcracker by The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory.  

"Thank you for giving us the opportunity to watch The Nutcracker! My favorite part was when the cool mice came out! I want to go again next year!" — Torrington elementary student 

Through a grant from the Carlton D. Fyler and Jenny R. Fyler Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation to Torrington Public Schools, students from Vogel-Wetmore School, Forbes School, and Southwest School were treated to a condensed performance of The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre, along with dialog about the story, and a discussion of theater etiquette.

“Students benefit in the classroom from this enriched life experience and are able to reflect and draw upon content for writing and reading assignments,” said Donna Labbe of Torrington Public Schools.
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Community Greenway Brings the Outdoors to All
 

Friends of the Litchfield Community Greenway is one step closer to providing a safe, serene, nonmotorized route for walkers, runners, bikers, strollers and wheelchair users to travel at their own pace from the center of Litchfield to Bantam.

After completing Phases One and Two of the Greenway—a route that stretches from South Lake Street in Litchfield, through the White Memorial Conservation Center ending at Bissel Road, Friends of the Litchfield Community Greenway was awarded a grant from the Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation.

The grant supports the completion of the final piece of Phase 3, a stretch of the Greenway that provides travelers with a safe route to Bantam Lake.

 

"Locals and visitors of varying physical abilities are welcome to enjoy the greenway, which follows the historic Shepaug Railroad bed, said Clifford A. Cooper, president of Friends of the Litchfield Community Greenway.

 

Covenant to Care for Children 
Keeps Families Together

Covenant to Care for Children (CCC) provides basic and essential goods to neglected, abused and/or impoverished children throughout Connecticut—many right here in our Northwest Corner.

Through its Adopt A Social Worker service, Covenant to Care matches social workers with organizations that provide basic goods, such as clean, safe beds, weather-appropriate clothing, and crisis food staples to Connecticut children living in poverty.
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“Child abuse/neglect is both an economic and social need CCC is addressing every time we fill a request," said Julie Cushman of Covenant to Care for Children.
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“Together we can provide hope and affect change.”

Covenant to Care for Children was recently awarded a grant from the Marion Wm. & Alice Edwards Fund and the Carlton D. Fyler and Jenny R. Fyler Fund, funds of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, to provide for the immediate needs of 12 children living in Northwest Connecticut without the most basic items—beds, infant car seats, clothing and food supplies needed to stabilize their homes, provide a more nurturing environment, and relieve the emotional and economic stress in their homes that increases the risk of abuse and neglect.

 

Make a Gift to your Community

Learn more about the Northwest    
Connecticut Community Foundation

Research nonprofits in Northwest Connecticut

​Explore Community Foundation publications​​​
 

 

​​Start a fund to support causes that matter in your community​​​

Donate to an existing fund with the Community Foundation

 

​

​
33 East Main St.,PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 P:  (860) 626- 1245  
E: info@northwestcf.org  W: www.northwestcf.org

Contact your Community Foundation staff at: (860) 626-1245 to discuss your charitable giving options and goals.