Charities
Interested in Applying for a Grant?
Applications for the 2009 Grants are now closed.
Questions? Contact the Ways & Means Chairperson at wywlwam@gmail.com or 222-1388
SUPPORTED CHARITIES:
A Better Chance of Westport, Inc.
P.O. Box 2153, Westport, CT 06880
www.abetterchanceofwestport.org
lisalewin@optonline.net
c/o Lisa Lewin, 203 454-2745
A Better Chance (ABC) gives motivated young students of color from educationally disadvantaged areas a lifetime opportunity. Hundreds of Westporters give their money, time, expertise and love to enable a Better Chance of Westport’s young men to live in our community during the school year, attend Staples High School, engage with Westport’s residents and participate in town activities. ABC finds their scholars through the National A Better Chance program, which looks for intelligent youngsters who demonstrate potential for academic excellence and leadership in life. Then, National offers candidates to the more than 275 independent schools and 25 community programs – like Westport’s – that work with the national program. A Better Chance is competitive and challenging. It stresses leadership and learning. “At ABC of Westport, we hold our own scholars to a standard of excellence in everything they do. But we also add the things we here in Westport care about – community, caring, safety and a sense of family support. These young adults, the ABC scholars, live in a house in Westport, attend Staples High School, are supervised by a resident director, and are able to partake in the wealth of opportunities offered in this community.”
Al’s Angels
342 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880
203 254-1759
Al DiGuido
adiguido@yahoo.com
www.alsangels.org
For 4 years, Al’s Angels has dedicated its mission to providing moments of joy and comfort to children suffering from cancer, serious blood disorders, AIDS and domestic violence. Al’s Angels helps thousands of children suffering these many hardships by providing toys and holiday meals to their families throughout Fairfield County, CT and the tri-state area. They are asking us to support their Thanksgiving Meal Program.
Allen’s Clam House Park/191 Hillspoint Committee/Sherwood Mill Pond
39A Woodside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880
203 227-7413
www.sjagers@optonline.net
c/o Sherry Jagerson
This organization was established solely for the purpose of recreating a wetlands habitat that will flourish and attract many visitors. Our mission is to create an educational wetlands park that will reestablish the importance of the Allen’s Clam House property to the environ-mental whole of Sherwood Mill Pond. The organization is asking us to purchase an illustrated, educational board describing the wildlife and plants unique to the shores and water of Sherwood Mill Pond. The board will be permanently installed near the shore for easy viewing and will be created by a local artist.
AmeriCares Free Clinic of Norwalk
88 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
203 658-9582
www.americaresfreeclinics.org
cbertkau@americares.org
c/o Constance Bertkau
The Norwalk Free Clinic’s mission is to provide free, quality primary health care to low income uninsured residents of the Greater Norwalk community in a setting where all are treated with dignity and respect. The individuals who come to our clinic need medical care but fall through the cracks of the existing health care system because they do not qualify for public assistance and simply can’t afford private insurance or medical care. All of our patients are low-income – earning less than 200% of federal poverty level income – and without health insurance.
AmeriCares HomeFront Program
88 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
203 658-9670
www.americareshomefront.org
jabrackenbury@americares.org
c/o Claritza Garcia
AmeriCares HomeFront Program is a community-oriented program that solicits the involvement of corporations, organizations, and individuals to participate in a one-day blitz to renovate and repair the homes of the elderly and handicapped in Fairfield County. The homeowners selected must be physically and/or financially unable to perform the work themselves. The work takes place at the end of April or the beginning of May. The goal of the program is to bring each residence "up to code," with safety being the priority. The house selection process is determined on the basis of need, with referrals provided by church, senior citizen and community groups, previous HomeFront beneficiaries, and friends.
Bethel Recovery Center
P.O. Box 1037, Bridgeport, CT 06601
203 209-1892
www.bethelrc.com
brc@conversent.net
c/o Janice A. Kelly
This organization is a recovery center for women, and their children, who are victims of a wide range of abuse including rape, incest, substance abuse, HIV, mental illness, and domestic violence. The mission of the center is to provide safe and hospitable housing for women during the early recovery period, up to 2 years. The facility, which includes bedrooms, a lounge, an exercise room, a kitchen, and a meditation room, can house up to 16 people.
Burroughs Community Center
2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605
203 334-0293
www.burroughscc.org
kevin@burroughscc.org
c/o Kevin Simmons
In January 2009, weekly educational sessions teaching 25 6th – 8th graders about the places and sites they will be visiting n their week long travel adventure will begin. This 6 month educational journey will culminate with a 6-day excursion to Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
We serve low-income families, children and individuals. Our “Sparks” program includes 6th – 8th grade students. We serve the population living in the greater Bridgeport area, specifically the West End.
Cancer Care of Connecticut, Inc.
535 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 104, Norwalk, CT 06854
203 663-2191
www.cancercare.org
lcannella@cancercare.org
c/o Lisa Cannella
The organization’s professional oncology social workers help people with cancer, their loved ones, and caregivers to cope with the emotional and practical effects of cancer. The following services are be provided at no charge: individual, family and group counseling; education and information; financial and practical assistance; and referrals to additional sources of support.
Cancer Care Inc. is the nation’s oldest and largest social service agency dedicated to providing free support services and financial assistance to cancer patients and their loved ones. Cancer Care provides professional assistance to people with any type of cancer, at any stage of illness. Cancer Care’s website is a one-stop resource for people seeking cancer-related information. They also operate a toll free number that will connect callers to one of the agency’s professional oncology social workers who will answer questions, address concerns, and provide information, referrals, and practical assistance.
Cardinal Shehan Center
1494 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604
203 336-4468
www.shehancenter.org
tjo@shehancenter.org
c/o Terry O’Connor
The Cardinal Shehan Center was established in 1962 to serve the families and children of inner city Bridgeport. The Center’s mission is to enrich lives through learning. Whether it is through one of the academic programs like personal tutoring or money skills for life, or through a recreational activity like sailing or golf, the Center enriches lives by providing programs and experiences that are often inaccessible within inner city communities. Our goals are to: 1) Provide students a safe, enriching and nurturing environment in their “after school” hours, 2) Provide enrichment activities that increase social development and reinforce academic skills, 3) Provide organized physical fitness and recreational activities.
Caroline House
574 Stillman Street, Bridgeport, CT 06880
203 334-0640
thecarolinehouse.org
Maryellen-gavin@snet.net
c/o Mary Ellen Gavin
Caroline House educates economically disadvantaged immigrant women and children. We teach English skills as well as life skills to adjust to life in this country. We address the achievement gap at its earliest stage by teaching English and school readiness skills to our preschool children from the inner city as well as English skills to their mothers. Proudly, we boast 100% placement of our preschool graduates into an English-speaking classroom.
Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut
196 Greyrock Place, Stamford, CT 06901
203 517-3319
childguidanceancect.org
sherry.perlstein@childguidancect.org
c/o Sherry Perlstein
The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut is a professionally staffed outpatient mental health center for children and adolescents who experience psychological, behavioral, development, social or family problems. We are dedicated to reducing emotional suffering and dysfunctional behavior and to helping each individual achieve optimal potential.
CGC’s Emergency Mobile Crisis Services (EMCS) provide immediate mental health assessment and crisis stabilization services for children and adolescents experiencing serious psychiatric symptoms and severe reactions to a recent traumatic event. With a special focus on youth suicide prevention, mobile services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to stabilize emergencies at home, school, or in the community.
Child Guidance Center of Mid-Fairfield County
100 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
203 299-1315
mfcgc.org
sgreenbaum@mfcgc.org
c/o Stuart Greenbaum
Mental health problems prevent healthy development and interfere with success in school – hindering education and learning, and often affecting positive life choices. The center offers a full-range of prevention, evaluation, and treatment services to address virtually every facet of a child’s psychological, behavioral, and emotional health. We help children overcome behavioral challenges such as: anger, frustration, depression, eating and sleeping disorders, fighting, and disruption of family, school and community, with the goal of children becoming happy, staying at home (as opposed to residential or in-hospital treatment), making positive choices, and graduating from school.
The Center’s mission is “To provide to children and their families comprehensive mental health evaluation, treatment, and prevention services which promote optimal levels of functioning in home, school and community”. Parent involvement is a key element of our all or services (prevention, treatment and consultation), and working closely with parents, schools, community organizations, and other professionals in the field is reflected in our goal to keep children and families healthy, functional, and at home, school and in the community as opposed to residential treatment or out of school placement.
Christian Community Action
98 South Main Street, South Norwalk, CT 16854
203 899-2487
ccanorwalk.org
ccanorwalk@yahoo.com
c/o Christiana Pope
The purpose of the organization is to plan, develop, organize, operate, and administer food, clothing, medical supplies, money, or other assistance of whatever nature to needy individuals and/or their families located in Norwalk and the surrounding towns. In 2004, the WYWL donated funds to support the clothing distribution program.
The Christian Community Action food pantry, which feeds 24 families daily, is open weekdays and some Saturdays and is staffed by volunteers. Food comes from individuals, churches, retail markets, and The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County with some items, especially meat and milk, being bough with donated funds. We are seeking funding to help cover the increased demand (up 25%) we are already seeing this year.
CLASP Homes, Inc.
246 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880
203 226-7895
www.clasphomes.org
rhammond@clasphomes.org
c/o Robin Hammond
Our mission is to provide homes and opportunities for people with mental retardation and related disabilities. We offer and support high quality professional services that enhance each person's social responsibility, independence, dignity and continued growth. As a not-for-profit community organization, we are dedicated to increasing public understanding of the people we serve, and their ability to be contributing members of the community.
Our philosophy at CLASP Homes is based on the principle that the people we serve are adults and will receive the respect that all adults deserve. Residents of our homes have the right to learn to make their own choices and decisions, and will encounter many of the risks involved with personal choice. It is our responsibility to educate the residents and guide them in this decision making process to help minimize these risks. We also have a responsibility to help people learn from their mistakes.
Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport
1100 Boston Avenue, Building 5A, Bridgeport, CT 06610
203 334-1121
www.ccgb.org
seancampbell@ccgb.org
c/o Sean Campbell
Summer months, when school is not in session, pose a significant problem for many working parents. Our goal is to expand current services at Summerfield, and offer two additional summer programs at our two Bridgeport Housing Authority sites, Marina Village and Trumbull Gardens. We are dedicated to educating children, feeding the poor, supporting youth in crisis, guiding ex-offenders and building bridges of understanding and respect. Our mission is “to turn faith into action by enabling program focus on academics, and benefit from recreational and cultural enrichment.” Because of the academic emphasis, summer campers are better prepared to move on to the next grade level once school starts in September.
Department of Human Services - Families in Need Program
110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880
203 341-1183
www.westportct.gov
tgiegengack@westportct.gov
c/o Terry Giegengack
The Families in Need Program was initiated by a grant from the WYWL in 1982 with a “neighbor to neighbor” helping hand concept. The program, aimed at Westport residents slightly above the poverty level and in need of financial assistance, helps with an electric bill, heating bill, unexpected car repair, new glasses, a computer course, etc. to help families make ends meet. Aid is on a one-time basis.
Department of Human Services - Project Go
110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880
203 341-1071
www.westportct.gov
slebrija@westportct.gov
c/o Sue Lebrija
This program provides complimentary tickets to Westport residents who are elderly or disabled and who qualify for the door-to-door service of the Westport Transit District. Such trips help in enabling these people to go to the supermarket, the bank, the Post Office, the Senior Center and other Westport locations.
Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC)
5 Eversley Avenue, Suite 303, Norwalk, CT 06851
203 853-0418
http://www.dvccct.org
rkuceramehra@dvccct.org
c/o Rachelle Kucera Mehra
The DVCC is a corporation organized to assist battered women by providing shelter, counseling and advocacy to them and their children. The Center’s program incorporates both intervention and prevention services which include: 24 hour confidential hot-line; crisis intervention; temporary shelter; individual, couples and family therapy; group support; court advocacy; information and referral; child advocacy; in-service training; and a community education program. The Family Violence Intervention Program focuses on helping families understand the root causes of domestic violence by building self-esteem, confidence, and developing non-violent conflict resolution skills. It aims to reduce the incidence of abuse and break the cycle of violence.
Elderhouse
7 Lewis Street, Norwalk, CT 06851
203 847-1998
www.ElderhouseADC.com
kpaupini@yahoo.com
c/o Kristine Paupini
Elderhouse is a quality adult-daycare center in Norwalk that promotes independence, purpose, dignity and vitality for individuals and their families. Seniors come to Elderhouse because disabling diseases and advanced old age render them unable to be left home alone all day. For those in the initial stages of care, Elderhouse is an alternative to institutional living. A Saturday Respite Program is designed to meet the complex needs of functionally impaired adults while providing support and respite to family caregivers. Elderhouse serves residents of Mid-Fairfield County regardless of their economic status.
ElderHouse seeks funds for its Respite Care Program. This program is designed to improve the quality of life for elderly members of our community who suffer from age related illness and disabilities and to offer support to their family caregivers.
Fairfield Follies Foundation, Inc.
c/o Venman & Company
375 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, CT 06484
203 374-3000
www.fairfieldfollies.org
folliesnow@optonline.net
c/o Marje Tracy
It is a well documented that there is a need to better integrate Connecticut students from economically and socially segregated communities. Fairfield Follies is filling the void. In a world where differences create fear and hostility, Follies is building bridges, fostering understanding and developing respect and number of Follies students, whether they be from the inner-city or a suburb, the first Follies is their first truly diverse experience and possibly their first exposure to the true magic of musical theater.
The funds they are requesting would be used to underwrite a unique theater arts program for musically gifted high school students from Fairfield County inner city and suburban communities. The Fairfield Follies program is designed to provide a performing arts enrichment opportunity not otherwise available to most of our urban and many of our suburban students. While nurturing and furthering the dance, singing and acting abilities of these exceptional young performers, Fairfield Follies also provides a bridge of understanding and respect between teenagers and families from a variety of different cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds.
Family Centers, Inc. The Den for Grieving Kids
590 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820
203 656-4693
www.familycenters.org
dlewin@familycenters.org
c/o Deidre Lewin
The Den for Grieving Kids is a bereavement resource center that has been serving Fairfield and Westchester Counties for the past 15 years. In the past year alone, The Den touched the lives of 1,378 children, teens and adults through support groups, outreach presentations, crisis interventions and professional consultations to schools, businesses and community organizations. The Junior League of The Greenwich started the program in 1993 and in 1996 transferred the operation of The Den to Family Centers, a leading human service organization with offices in Greenwich, Stamford and Darien.
Family & Children's Agency (FCA)
9 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850
203 855-8765, ext. 320
www.familyandchildrensagency.org
abriggs@fcagency.org
c/o Anne Briggs
CFA’s mission is to partner with individuals, families, organizations, and communities to successfully meet life’s challenges and opportunities. Since 1942, Family & Children’s Agency has helped strengthen families and individuals through a wide range of services in the areas of Adoption (International and Domestic), Counseling, Services for Seniors, Family Support (both prevention and intervention) and positive Youth Development. Some of these programs include: Project Friendship, a one-to-one mentoring program established in 1974 for children ages 6 to 14; Community connections, offering a safe daytime haven for homeless and mentally ill adults; HomeCare Plus and Lifeline emergency response services for seniors; and Family Support programs, offering early preventive intervention to increase healthy births and reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect.
The Center for Youth Development promotes positive youth development through mentoring, after school programming and gender-based programming. The after school program’s goal is to help 25 at-risk middle school students improve their academic performance, improve their connection to school to reduce risk of drop out and encourage higher learning, and improve healthy peer interactions and lifestyles.
George Washington Carver Foundation
7 Academy Street, Norwalk, CT 06850
203 838-4305
carvercenterct.org
novelette@carvercenterct.org
c/o Novelette Peterkin
The George Washington Carver Community Center has been an essential support system for low to moderate income children in Norwalk. Throughout the year we provide meaningful and enriching programs for more than 3650 individuals, three-quarters of whom are under 21 years of age. Our programs provide these children with academic support, life skills, structured activities, development and facilitating children and their family needs. The Center is a well-respected community-based organization serving children and families in Norwalk for over 68 yeas. Our philosophy is that children deserve to receive strong adult support and encouragement so that they can succeed in school, at work, and grow into well-rounded citizens who will have a positive impact on the community.
Horizons at Greens Farms Academy
P.O. Box 998, 35 Beachside Avenue, Green Farms, CT 06838
203 256-7579
www.HorizonsNational.org
joromi@gfacademy.ort
c/o Jose Oromi
Horizons at Greens Farms Academy is committed to helping the underserved youth of Bridgeport succeed in school, build confidence, and realize their full potential.
Using the facilities of Greens Farms Academy in Westport, Horizons operates its program during the summer for six weeks and on Saturdays throughout the school year. Guided by a professional and nurturing faculty in small group settings, the program emphasizes academics, but also encompasses cultural enrichment, the arts, technology, swimming, and other activities. The Horizons program serves Bridgeport Public School students in grades K – 8. Retaining the same students year after year is a priority.
Horizons creates a diverse and gender-balanced learning environment of 16 students in each classroom. Candidates are selected based on academic need, with two-thirds of students being at or below grade level, and one-third performing above grade level. Students come from low-income households where students are eligible to receive free or reduced price lunches at school.
First Night Westport/Weston
260 S. Compo Road/P.O. Box 745, Westport, CT 06880/06881
203 341-1041 or 203 227-3803
www.firstnightww.com
firstnight@westportct.gov
c/o Denise Torv
First Night is a community celebration of New Year’s Eve through a celebration of the arts. Visitors enjoy performances by the finest local talent available and many area of artistic endeavor are included. Many events and activities are oriented to young children and families while others are geared to adults. But all events are family friendly. First Night showcases performances of music, dance, song, theater, art, film and interactive family activities.
Underpinning First Night is the commitment to provide a safe and alcohol and substance free event. In fact, the purpose of First Night is also to model that New Year’s Eve can be celebrated and enjoyed without the need to consume alcohol – for so long a staple for New Year’s Eve get-togethers.
The Button Give Away Program distributes to under-served families in Westport and surrounding towns. Distribution is made through the social service and human service agencies in Westport, Weston and neighboring towns of lower Fairfield County.
Home Delivered Meals - Westport Center for Senior Activities
21 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880
203 341-5097
jupchurch@westportct.go
c/o Joan Upchurch
The Home Delivered Meals Program, operated by the Westport Department of Human Services, provides hot, nutritious meals to homebound elderly and/or disabled younger Westport residents who do not qualify for the Senior Nutrition Program federal subsidies. The program allows seniors to remain independent in their homes. All meals are prepared by a caterer and planned for each recipient’s needs. The Senior Center staff receives the food deliveries and packs the meals in individual tins to be delivered by volunteers. The visits by volunteer drivers also provide social interaction for many isolated individuals. Well-balanced, nutritious meals help the individuals to function at their highest level and, in many cases, enable them to maintain a sense of independence.
Housatonic Community-Technical College Foundation
900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT 06604
203 332-5078
hcc.commnet.edu/hccf
mdowdle@hcc.commnet.edu/hccf
c/o Maureen Dowdle
The HCC Foundation’s mission is to provide financial assistance to the College and its students beyond the fundamentals provided by the State of Connecticut, and assist the College in becoming a unique educational resource for its students and the community.
The Foundation is a non-stock corporation organized for the benefit of Housatonic Community-Technical College, its students, and the advancement of education. It solicits and receives contributions and provides scholarships, loans, grants and provides for other needs of the students. The League has provided assistance for those students in need of childcare during their studies.
Interfaith Housing Assoc. of Westport/Weston, Inc. (IHA)
49 Richmondville Avenue, Suite 112, Westport, CT 06880
203-226-3426
www.IHAwestport.com
karenmahar@ihawestport.com
c/o Karen Mahar
The Interfaith Housing Association is committed to addressing the special needs and problems of homeless families and individuals and people at risk of becoming homeless in lower Fairfield County. IHA has grown dramatically since its inception in 1984, when food and shelter for homeless people were offered in an abandoned firehouse. The organization recognized that food and shelter alone were not enough to help people move from being homeless to self-sufficient. As a result, IHA expanded the support services and housing options available to clients by providing facilities and supportive services in a structured environment that enables homeless people in the communities we serve to achieve an independent and self-sufficient life. We fulfill our mission with a continuum of services that starts with feeding the hungry and includes: emergency shelters, transitional living, permanent affordable supportive housing, casework services, pre-employment training and mentoring.
Kids in Crisis
One Salem Street, Cos Cob, CT 06800
203 622-6556
www.kidsincrisis.org
amarom@kidsincrisis.or
c/o Alon Amarom
Kids in Crisis serves children who are newborn through age 17 from Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Wilton, Westport, Weston and Greenwich. They provide temporary emergency shelter, family counseling, a 24-hour crisis hotline, and trained crisis counselors who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to meet with families at the time of crisis, and, if necessary, bring the children to a safe, homelike shelter. They provide safe shelter and care to children at risk of abuse, neglect, or violence, thereby reducing the incidence of violence against children. The organization identifies children through the Department of Children and Families and through parents or other caregivers who recognize the need for help before the children become victims. All services are free.
Safe Haven for Kids is a one-of-a-kind program providing crisis intervention, emergency shelter, medical care, and therapeutic support services to children of all ages who have been abused, neglected, abandoned, or who are suffering from severe family conflict and are not safe in their homes.
Levitt Pavilion
260 South Compo Road, Westport, CT 06880
203 226-7600
www.levittpavilion.com
fwelsh@westportct.gov
c/o Freda Welsh
The Levitt is an outdoor facility in downtown Westport overlooking the Saugatuck River. Free evening performances nightly throughout the summer months include concerts, dramatic presentations, ballet, children's performers, etc. Originally developed and built by the WYWL and the local Kiwanis in 1973, the Levitt is currently supported by the Town of Westport, annual fund raising, benefit performances, contributions, and grants. The Wednesday night children's series has continued to be partly underwritten by the WYWL.
Mercy Learning
637 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
203 334-6699
www.mercylearningcenter.org
Kathy.parisi@snet.net
c/o Kathy Parisi
Since 1987, Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport has provided vital literacy and life-skills training to low income women in the greater Bridgeport area. Its mission is to provide a positive response to the problem of illiteracy – by educating, empowering, and providing dignity, economic self-sufficiency, and hope to the most vulnerable members of our society. Its goal is to prepare each woman to pursue higher education or employment that offers both upward mobility and a level of compensation adequate to support herself and her family.
Mid-Fairfield Hospice
P.O. Box 489, Wilton, CT 06897
203 834-6341, ext. 313
www.mid-fairfieldhospice.com
pfefferc@visitingnurse.net
c/o Christine Pfeffer
Mid-Fairfield Hospice’s Mission is to provide a coordinated, compre-hensive program that includes physical, emotional, spiritual, and bereavement support to patients and families who are in need of end-of-life care. This hospice was founded in 1982 in order to enable terminal patients of the Greater Norwalk area to remain within their own homes during the final months of their lives. All patients are accepted, regardless of their financial status. The hospice is a partner of the Visiting Nurse/VNA Care Network.
The Special Patient Fund is used for patients that require end of life care but do not have the financial means to cover the costs. The Special Patient Fund helps eliminate these financial barriers and enables us to provide compassionate hospice care to all those in need. Our constituents are terminally ill patients, as well as their families and caregivers. They include people of all ages and ethnic groups. The majority of our patients are over age 65; however, our patients have included people of all ages, from ages 3 to 110.
Necessities, Inc.
46 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
203 561-6038
www.necessitiesbag.org
Maureen@necessitiesbag.org
c/o Maureen Lutz
Necessities, Inc. supports mastectomy patients with the Necessities Bag, a two-part outreach offering information and supplies to manage care with regard to pre-surgery preparations and post-surgery recovery. These bags are given to mastectomy patients through their doctor’s free of charge.
Norma F. Pfreim Breast Care Center
111 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
203 259-8804
www.bridgeporthospital.com/cancer/breast/default.aspx
dtwis@aol.com
c/o Donna Twist
The NPBCC offers all women a comprehensive breast health program by providing coordinated care through an integrated approach in the community and in the hospital. Our mission is to achieve excellence in breast care through education, screening, diagnosis and state-of-the-art treatment of diseases of the breast. Our dedicated medical and emotional support teams ease the burden of life with cancer through compassion, hope and strength.
The long-range goal of the NPBC is to decrease mortality from breast cancer in the greater Bridgeport area and southern Fairfield County. To date, we have served 15,000 women in our region, regardless of their ability to pay. Our main screening and diagnostic center is located at Bridgeport Hospital. At our Fairfield location, we also offer a full complement of support services for patients and their families, including counseling and chemotherapy.
Norwalk Emergency Shelter, Inc. (NES)
4 Merritt Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
203 866-1057
norwalkemergencyshelter.org
neshelter@aol.com
c/o Carole Antonetz
The mission of the shelter is to effectively address the complex needs of the homeless and working poor. To provide safe, sanitary shelter care, food, clothing, and furniture to needy men, women, and families; assist shelter residents in attaining house, jobs, counseling and various treatment services; provide transitional, affordable, and permanent supportive housing; and to foster residents’ growth toward independence and responsibility.
One of their functions is to assist the impoverished with their transportation needs for access to mental and health services, substance abuse treatment, and various other services that will help them to improve their quality of life.
Norwalk Grassroots Tennis
15 Eastwood Road, Norwalk, CT 06851
203 846-0591
www.norwalkgrassrootstennis.com
grassrootstennis@gmail.com
c/o Grace Hansford
This organization runs a free tennis program for children from Colonial Village Housing Authority Project in Norwalk. By participating in this healthy activity this organization has found that they can improve the youngsters understanding and acceptance of rules, their courtesy, self-confidence and powers of observation and concentration. Several of our players have achieved junior USTA rankings and school scholar-ships. Children ages 8 to 16 and who are from ethnic minority groups and are economically disadvantaged participate in this program.
Nursing and Home Care
PO Box 489, Wilton, CT 06897
203 834-6341
www.visitingnurseandhomecare.com
bradleys@visitingnurse.net
c/o Sharon Bradley
The Nursing and Home Care’s (NHC) mission is to work in partnership with families to promote wellness and to preserve each person’s humanity in the case of illness or disability. Services range from preventative to rehabilitative to therapeutic to hospice care. NHC is a partner with Family Center Services and Mid-Fairfield Hospice, serving Westport, Weston, Wilton, Darien, and New Canaan. NHC offers the Respite Care program to provide support for home caregivers.
The Respite Care Program is an ongoing program with the primary goal of providing caregivers with vital support services so they can care for their loved ones in the comfort and privacy of their homes. Our Respite Care Program provides these services to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. The recipients of our Respite Care Program are the caregivers to ill, frail, disabled or dying relatives. They include people of various ages and ethnic groups. For example, a caregiver may be a senior citizen caring for another senior; an adult child caring for an elderly parent; or a parent caring for a young child.
Person to Person, Inc.
1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06840
203 656-4631
www.p2pdarien.org
dianetucker@p2pdarien.org
c/o Diane Reese Tucker
Person-to-Person is a volunteer-driven, community-based agency that, through a sharing of goods and talents, responds to our neighbors who lack basic necessities and resources to improve their lives. Person-to-person provides rapid response to client emergencies as well as access to interconnected services that support our clients’ journey toward self-sufficiency. These services include practical help, problem solving, advocacy and education for our common future.
We strive to promote positive change in the lives of our clients and the volunteers, and increased community awareness of needs and problems. Person-to-Person intends to remain flexible, non-bureaucratic, and reliant on volunteers.
Positive Directions – The Center for Prevention & Recovery
420 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880
203 227-7644, ext. 123
www.positivedirections.org
mhauhuth@positivedirections.org
c/o Martha Hauhuth
“Our mission is to support individuals, families, and communities by providing prevention programs and treatment services for mental health and addictive behaviors.” In addition, Positive Directions has a longstanding commitment to provide services to clients regardless of their ability to pay; no one is refused treatment or counseling for financial reasons.
Funding to support the agency’s Telephone Advisory Service. The TAS is a free and confidential telephone advisory service that connects callers seeking information or assistance regarding mental health issue or addictive behaviors with a professional counselor who can provide information or direct assistance in response to the caller’s needs.
Our Adolescent Treatment program incurs an annual operating deficit attributable to our policy of accepting adolescents whose families lack the financial resources to reimburse the agency either directly or through medical insurance. The Adolescents Treatment program is a comprehensive service for youths aged 13 – 21 requiring professional treatment and counseling services for behavioral health and/or substance abuse issues.
Project Return
124 North Compo Road, Westport, CT 06880
203 222-8129
www.projectreturnct.org
laura@projectretunct.org
c/o Laura Bard
Project Return is an alternative home for teenage girls in crisis, and is located on South Compo Road in Westport. The home provides a structured, caring environment where girls take part in a program with the eventual goal of returning home. Trained staff, work in conjunction with the girl's therapist, develop and manage individual treatment programs encompassing outside therapy, family, school, and other outside resources and activities - all integrated within the support system provided by the home. Average stay is seven months. Families may apply to receive assistance with tuition through Connecticut's Department of Children and Families, as well as through school districts and insurance companies. Project Return also provides scholarships when possible.
HEAL (Health, Empathy, Altruism, Love) brings together troubled adolescent girls living in our local communities who are struggling with a variety of issues and concerns to participate in volunteer service to others as a means of healing.
Staples High School Tuition Grants Committee
P. O. Box 5159, Westport, CT 06881
203 454-2002
www.staplestuitiongrants.org
lbollert@aol.com
c/o Lee Bollert
Established in 1943, the Staple High School Tuitions Grants Committee has been dedicated to addressing the financial needs of Staples High School graduates by providing tuition scholarship assistance to seniors and graduates who want to continue their education. Awards are granted based on demonstrated financial need coupled with academic achievement in school and community service. The Beverly D'Alto Scholarship, given in memory of a past League member, is one of the awards.
The Circle of Friends
40 King Street, Norwalk, CT 06851
203 293-8337
circlefriendsct@gmail.com
c/o Frieda Hecht
The Circle of Friends is a volunteer organization that reaches out to families with challenged children and teens, and involves them in a full spectrum of social experiences. Our innovative programming is designed to foster a relationship between children and teens with special needs and community teenage volunteers.
In addition to helping those in need, the Circle of Friends empowers and enriches its network of volunteers (the majority of whom are teenagers) by enabling them to reap the vast rewards of participating in a program that strengthens their personal connections to the community by giving back to the community.
The Center for Women and Families
753 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
203 334-6154, ext. 28
BAlberts@cwfefc.org
www.cwfefc.org
c/o Barbara J. Alberts
“The Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County, Inc. is dedicated to strengthening women and families by eliminating violence and abuse through education, intervention, advocacy and community collaboration.” The Center is the primary resource for victims of abuse in Eastern Fairfield County and the chief source of prevention education for school-aged children, the adult public and professionals, as well. Two-thirds of clients live in Bridgeport, the state’s largest and poorest city and another 8% come from outside our six-town service area because it is not safe for them to receive services in the same community where their batterer resides.
The Clinical Services Program for Children Exposed to Violence is intended to strengthen family functioning by reducing trauma and stress levels in children exposed to violence and reducing trauma and stress in their caregivers. CWF is committed to making clinical trauma support available to families regardless of their ability to pay.
The Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center, Inc. (SACEC)
880 Canal Street, Suite 2B, Stamford, CT 06902
203 348-9346, ext. 10
www.saces-ct.org
cmalloy44@aol.com
c/o Cathy Malloy
The Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center began in 1979, to work toward the mission to provide counseling and support services to victims of sexual assault and work towards the elimination of sexual violence through community wide educational programs. Since then we have been the only agency providing free services to victims of sexual assault in the eight towns of lower Fairfield County and remain the lead agency for sexual assault services in the area. SACES is the only agency that can guarantee total confidentiality for sexual assault survivors, as the agency is protected under the privileged commun-ications act of Connecticut General Statute 52-146k. Our free services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and include risk reduction and prevention education programs for audiences ages 4 to adult, 12 sessions of one on one counseling, support groups, personal accompaniment to the hospitals, police stations and course and crisis
Intervention and support through our 24-hour hotline.
The Susan Fund
8 Hilly Field Lane, Westport, CT 06880
203 226-4145
www.thesusanfund.org
aslloyd@optonline.net
c/o Ann Lloyd
The Susan Fund is dedicated to assisting Fairfield County residents who have been diagnosed with cancer in their pursuit of educational goals through scholarship grants. The Susan Fund was established in 1982 to honor the memory of Susan Davis Lloyd, a Westport teenager who was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma during her senior year in high school. Susan, who was preparing to attend Colgate University, fought a courageous battle but was never able to attend college. Susan’s legacy of courage and determination became the basis of The Susan Fund and her dream of college lives on in all the recipients who are part of The Susan Fund scholarship program today. In 2003, the Fund awarded over $57,000 in scholarships for 23 recipients.
The Tiny Miracles Foundation, Inc. (TTMF)
25-13 Old King’s Highway North, #189, Darien, CT 06820
203 221-7093
www.ttmf.org
tantillo@prodigy.net
c/o Lisa J. Tantillo
Tiny Miracles Foundation is dedicated to helping families with premature babies in and around Fairfield County. Through their services, they strive to enhance hospital services and improve the lives of babies born too early and those who love and care for them.
FAP offers small grants to needy families to defray costs associated with having a premature infant hospitalized in the NICU, and/or to assist in acquiring essential equipment, services or other needs when the infant transitions home.
Voluntary Services for the Blind
945 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06877
203 324-6611
stallon@aol.com
c/o Steven W. Tallon
Voluntary Services for the Blind of Fairfield County provides volunteer drivers, shoppers, readers, clerical assistants and friendly visitors to help these individuals maintain an independent lifestyle. It provides services entirely through volunteers who work directly with blind clients. All volunteers are trained to encourage blind persons to function independently and to fully utilize their abilities.
Westport Country Playhouse, Inc.
25 Powers Court, Westport, CT 06880
203 227-5137, ext. 134
www.westportcountryplayhouse.org
lsilence@westportcountryplayhouse.org
c/o Laura Porio Silence
Our Theatre Access Fund (ATF) helps us welcome more than 5000 local students to our expanded student matinee program in 2009. The Theatre Access Fund is designed to underwrite ticket costs for those whose economic or social circumstances create no alternative pathways to their participation in the arts. In 2008, more than 3000 people benefitted from the program. Our goal is to continue to grow this fund to insure that no one is turned away from our theater for economic reasons.
Westport Historical Society
25 Avery Place, Westport, CT 06880
222-1424
www.westporthistory.org
sgold@westporthistory.org
c/o Susan Gold
Organized in 1889, the purpose of the Westport Historical Society (WHS) is to collect, preserve, study, and record evidence of the past and present history of Westport. Its activities include the preservation and maintenance of the Wheeler House and the adjoining cobblestone barn, the storage of town records in the WHS vault, and the exhibition of items related to Westport's history. Through its Jennings Trail program, in which League volunteers actively participate, the Society educates Westport's third graders about the town's rich history. The League and the WHS jointly published the companion book to the tour, Picture This. The book points out historical buildings and places in town, reinforces what is learned on the tour, and fosters a greater interest in local history. Recently, the Historical Society has been working to expand its audience and the variety of programs it offers.
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880
203 227-6047
Westportems.org
irblair@sbcglobal.net
c/o Russell Blair
The Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service provides medical assistance to Westport residents in need. The EMS is a division of the Westport Police, with paid supervisors and 120 volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians. A 24-hour paramedic is on contract from Norwalk Hospital. The EMS is an extension of the hospital's emergency room, administering required medical procedures at the scene of the emergency and transporting the patient if necessary to the hospital. They receive 1,800 calls per year. The volunteers are responsible for funding, training and the purchase and maintenance of all EMS equipments, as wells as establishing basic health screening services and educational programs.
This year the grant will be used to install vehicle navigation systems in all 6 EMS vehicles.