Charities
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If you are
a non-profit agency that would like to apply for a grant from
us please fill out the application form and send it to us no later
than December 1st.
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Please contact the Ways & Means Chairperson, at wm@wywl.com or 222-1388 with any questions. |
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Our application is in a PDF format, if you can not open it please follow the Get Adobe Reader link to download the free Acrobat Reader
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| The Charities We Proudly Support. | |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z | |
A Better
Chance of Westport, Inc. A Better Chance (ABC) is a national non-profit academic talent search and referral organization that recruits highly motivated students of color for placement in outstanding independent and public high schools. ABC of Westport’s mission is to provide academically gifted, economically disadvantaged, and highly motivated youth of color an opportunity to live in our community and to study in Westport ’s nationally recognized and ranked public high school. These young adults, the ABC scholars, live in a house in Westport (the ABC House), attend Staples High School , are supervised by a resident director, and are able to partake in the wealth of opportunities offered in this community. AmeriCares HomeFront Program 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 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. Bread & Roses Bread & Roses supports and empowers men, women and children who struggle to live well with HIV/AIDS. Bread & Roses runs the only terminal AIDS residential care program in Fairfield County, in operation since early 1991. They offer numerous services, including full time custodial care, respite care, family support, therapy, a resource library and support groups. Breast Cancer Survivor Center The Breast Cancer Survivor Center was founded in 1999 to provide education and support services to post-treatment breast cancer survivors and their families. The program, hosted by Norwalk Community Technical College , offers support groups, education seminars, stress reduction and relaxation opportunities, nutrition and fitness programs, and a resource library. Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition475 Clinton Avenue , Bridgeport , CT 06605 203 368-4291 www.bcacct.org The Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition (BCAC) is a coalition of 76 member organizations committed to improving the well-being of Bridgeport ’s children and their families. Through programs combining research, community planning, advocacy, community education and mobilization, BCAC promotes policies and programs to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow up healthy and safe and receive the education and skills to reach their full potential. Recognizing that cities do not have walls and that children’s needs do not have geographic boundaries, BCAC works to increase awareness of regional interconnections and to develop solutions to meet the needs of all children. Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, Inc. Established in 1988, the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, Inc. is the sole fundraising and resource development organization for Bridgeport Hospital . The Foundation plays a major role in providing funding for construction and renovation of facilities and for purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment. The Foundation also provides health education programs for the entire community and supports the other special projects and programs that Bridgeport Hospital sponsors. Such programs include the First Steps/Nurturing Program, an innovative, pilot, in-house and home visiting and support program for first-time mothers and Reach Out and Read, a program to encourage literacy and a love of reading by providing books at well child doctor visits. Builders Beyond Borders Builders Beyond Borders offers high school students the opportunity to experience humanitarian service by participating in the construction of structures, internationally, to benefit impoverished communities. It is a non-sectarian organization that got its start from the Kingdom Builders. The group helps teenagers raise money, travel to a distant community where need exists, and then build something to address that need. CACLD (Connecticut Association
for Children with Learning Disabilities) CACLD offers programs and services to increase public awareness and promote understanding about learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. It is CACLD’s hope that children and adults with LD and ADD have the opportunity to reach their full potential and lead productive, satisfying lives. This is accomplished through newsletters, a resource library, lecture series, support groups, and educating the public. Cancer Care, Inc. 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 Center1494 Main Street , Bridgeport , CT 06604 203 336-4468 www.shehancenter.org The Cardinal Shehan Center was established in 1962 to serve the families and children of inner city Bridgeport . In addition to providing P.E. classes to 1,000 parochial school students, the center has an extensive recreational program provided after school. The After School Program is designed to help children grow physically and mentally, while emphasizing values of respect, honesty and responsibility. There is organized league play and tournaments in softball and basketball, as well as lessons in tennis, swimming and karate. There is an open recreational program that offers arts and crafts, swimming, computers, basketball, hiking, bowling, cooking, golf, soccer and more. Math, reading and writing are available as well. The Center runs a summer day camp and Saturday program as well as a fitness center available for community use. Center for Hope Founded in 1982, the Center was established to provide support services for adults and children with cancer or life-threatening illnesses, their families, and for bereavement support. The Center offers counseling, support groups, bereavement groups, a resource library, and training for lay professional groups. The Center provides counseling and pain management for Fairfield County 's only pediatric oncology-hematology practice. WYWL funds have been used to support counseling for children and adolescents. Christian Community Action 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. CLASP Homes, Inc. CLASP Homes, Inc. provides homes, apartments, and support services for adults with mental retardation and related disabilities. Residents live in group homes or supported apartments and receive support services to help them with the skills of daily living and enhance each person’s social responsibility, independence, dignity, and continued growth. CLASP Homes operates 10 group homes and 8 apartments in Westport, Wilton, Norwalk, Fairfield, Easton, Shelton and Stratford. All residents must have daytime employment. Compo Beach Skate Park The Compo Beach Skate Park was opened in 1995 to provide a safe, supervised area for teens to skateboard and roller blade without the danger of automobiles. The original equipment was donated, erected and maintained by volunteers. Connecticut Ballet, Inc. Connecticut Ballet, Inc. was founded in 1981 as an arts institution. In addition to commissioning and performing new works, they provide outreach and arts-in-education programs featuring multi-cultural artists and including in-school assemblies, juvenile justice outreach and satellite dance instruction. Darien Book Aid Plan,
Inc. Darien Book Aid was organized in 1949 to provide reading material to Europe after World War II. They continue this mission by collecting used books and donating them to nursery schools, Person to Person, New Haven Reads, the Connecticut Correctional System, Peace Corps volunteers in foreign countries and other foreign institutions. Devon 's Place Devon 's Place was established to build a Boundless Playground in Mathew's Park in Norwalk , CT. The 54,000 square foot playground was designed to be accessible to all children regardless of their abilities. Construction was substantially completed in 2004. Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) 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. Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County Dress for Success, begun in 1998 by the Interfaith Housing Association, provides interview-appropriate clothing to women in need. The outfits symbolize a faith in the woman’s ability to succeed. Most clients come from Norwalk, Fairfield, Westport and Bridgeport, and are referred by various agencies. Each client receives one suit for an interview and a second suit when she gets the job. Dress for Success also operates the Professional Women's Group, a networking association that promotes job-retention and career development for its employed clients. Earthplace (formerly
The Nature Center) Since 1958, Earthplace, located on 62 acres in Westport, has served as a unique community resource, providing ecological education and protection. Their mission is to ensure the development of environmental awareness through education to all ages, especially the young, so that it will be passed on to future generations. Earthplace is comprised of several components: the open space wildlife sanctuary with 2 miles of trails, a museum of natural science, a water quality research lab and a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Special services include a nursery school, a summer camp, an Outreach program, the harbor/river watch water quality monitoring program and a junior staff program. Easter Seals of CT (Hemlocks Recreation
Center) For over 45 years, Hemlocks Recreation Center has provided a year-round barrier-free recreation facility for children and adults with physical and/or mental disabilities. Summer camp and year-round weekend programs, including computer camp, provide specific instruction and other non-related recreational activities at an overnight facility. Summer camp activities include sports, nature study, outdoor challenge, indoor aquatics, boating & fishing, computer instruction, and arts & crafts. Elderhouse 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. Family & Children's Agency (FCA)9 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850 203 855-8765 www.familyandchildrensagency.org 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. Family Centers, Inc. The Den for Grieving
Kids Family Centers is a human services agency serving Greenwich , Stamford , Darien and New Canaan . The Den for Grieving Kids provides volunteer-led, age-appropriate group counseling sessions for children and adults who have lost a family member or friend. Other programs operated by the Family Centers focus on counseling and mental health services, children and youth, self-sufficiency and community building, family and community strengthening, senior outreach services and workplace services. Family ReEntry The mission of Family ReEntry, founded in 1983, is to empower individuals and families to reduce violence, crime, abuse, and neglect. Some of the programs offered are Transitional Programs designed to help individuals in the criminal justice system to become responsible members of their community and families. Fatherhood Initiatives assists fathers and father figures in becoming more positively involved in their children’s lives. Parenting Programs assist adults in addressing the needs of their children. Mentoring Programs assist at-risk children and youth, and finally Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Programs are designed to help male offenders end the cycle of physical and psychological violence. Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, the only guide dog school located in New England , is a non-profit organization that breeds, raises, and trains German Shepard guide dogs to be placed with blind men and women. Fidelco, founded in 1960, is a pioneer in the guide dog field because of its unique home-based training program, which makes it possible for a blind person to remain in his/her home while being trained with a Fidelco guide dog. George Washington Carver Foundation7 Academy Street , Norwalk , CT 06850 838-4305 The Carver Foundation has provided educational, recreational and family support programs for the Greater Norwalk community for over 60 years. They offer a wide spectrum of social services to low income and minority families. Throughout the year they provide meaningful and enriching programs for approximately 2,000 individuals, three-quarters of whom are under 21 years of age. The programs are run at the community center, which went into service in 1975. Girl Scout Council of Southwestern CT,
Inc. Girl Scouts is the only worldwide organization committed to girls, empowering girls to grow to their full intellectual, physical and emotional potential. The Girl Scout Council of Southwestern CT sponsors Project Outreach which includes the following programs; Girl scouting in the school day during recess and lunch; Girl Scout camp; Head Start and “Special Summer” programs and the Sunsational Summer program which helps train local women to be Girl Scout Leaders in a public housing development. In 2004, we funded the Girlz RULE! Program. Greater Bridgeport Symphony Youth Orchestras The GBSYO, founded in 1961, is a volunteer-run, independent group supported by student membership fees and private donations. The GBSYO offers a full range of professional education, coaching and conducting to 260 young musicians from towns in Fairfield and New Haven counties. Participants meet weekly from September through May and play in at least one orchestral ensemble. Green’s Farms Pastoral Counseling
Center The Green’s Farms Pastoral Counseling Center is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide quality counseling to the community that is both affordable and accessible. Problems that are dealt with include hopelessness, substance abuse, marital and family conflicts, issues of grief and loss, unemployment and a variety of other life issues. The Center is located in Green’s Farms Church , but it is a separate, non-secular entity. Horizons Student Enrichment
Program Horizons is an enrichment program designed to promote the potential of children from low-income families. Horizons provides a six-week summer program focusing on academic enrichment and building self-esteem. Horizons also offers winter tutoring, enrichment lessons, Saturday School , and parent workshops throughout the rest of the year. The program services 240 disadvantaged youths, ages 6 - 14 years, from lower Fairfield County . Housatonic Community-Technical College
Foundation 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. Human Services Council of Mid-Fairfield The Human Services Council of Mid-Fairfield was created fifty years ago, by a group of community leaders, who recognized the need for systematic planning and development of human services within Norwalk , Westport , Weston and Wilton . Once the projects are up and running successfully, they then stand on their own. Some agencies, which grew out of the efforts of this council, include the Domestic Violence Crisis Center , Meals on Wheels, and RSVP. Some on-going projects of the council include the Voluntary Action Center , Mid-Fairfield Substance Abuse Coalition and School Based Health Centers . The League has supported the Appleby Health Centers in the Norwalk schools. Human Services Council’s Community
Prevention Task Force (CPTF) CPTF provides programs through a collaborative effort to fill community needs. Ongoing programs at Briggs High School in Norwalk include Career Days, Student Achievement Nights and the “Service Learning through Music” program. Interfaith Housing Assoc.
of Westport/Weston 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 homelessness to self-sufficiency. As a result, IHA expanded the support services and housing options available to clients by providing the resources needed for them to be successful in their journey out of homelessness. 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 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. Levitt Pavilion 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. Literacy Volunteers of America Founded in 1976, Literacy Volunteers of America is dedicated to helping people read, write, and understand the English language. To date, they have trained more than 1,500 volunteers to tutor adults on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. As a result of the personal assistance they have received, these adult learners have increased their educational and job opportunities and improved their life skills. Literacy Volunteers of America is a member of the Norwalk , New Canaan , Westport/Weston, and Wilton United Ways and participates in the Stamford-Norwalk-Bridgeport Literacy Coalition. The Southeastern Fairfield County chapter focuses on Bridgeport and Norwalk , and has office space donated by the Norwalk Public Library and People’s Bank. LMG Programs, Inc. LMG Programs, Inc. was created in 1999 as a result of the merger of three established alcohol and drug abuse agencies - Liberation Programs, Meridian Council, and Guenster Rehabilitation Services. Each has provided substance abuse prevention and treatment programs in Fairfield County for more than three decades. LMG reaches out to youth, parents, families, friends, the elderly, town leaders, and school administrators to facilitate a community solution to the problem of drug and alcohol abuse. Music and Arts Center for Humanity The Music and Arts Center for Humanity (MACH) is a not-for-profit community school of the arts founded in 1978 to enrich the lives of children and adults, including special needs students, the economically disadvantaged and those artistically gifted, through arts education programs and services. Programs are offered at MACH headquarters at the Bridgeport Trade and Technology Center, as well as at various Public Schools in Bridgeport. MACH offers over 20 different programs in music, dance, visual arts, theater, creative writing, design, and media arts. Over 2,500 children, youth, and adults will be served this coming year through diverse programming including MACH/AileyCamp®, MACH/Music School, MACH/Camp, Saturday Dance Academy, Artworks, Neighborhood Studios. McGivney Community Center The McGivney Community Center is the only community center on Bridgeport ’s East Side . The center opened in 1992 and is now open seven days a week during the school year. Afternoon and evening programs are provided to more than 500 6-19 year-old children. In addition, there is a six-week summer camp that is designed to provide a safe environment during the summer months. About 130 children ages 6 – 14 participate in arts & crafts, sports, theater, computer and educational instructions, and receive breakfast and lunch daily. In addition, 20 children attend Camp Mahackeno for one session. Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center The Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center provides outpatient treatment for emotionally disturbed children birth to 18 years of age, encompassing crisis intervention, individual treatment, parent counseling, psychological testing, group counseling, and training programs for professionals. It serves Norwalk , Westport , Weston, Wilton , Darien , and New Canaan , and its clients are largely working families with inadequate or no health insurance coverage, as well as families on public assistance. The Center offers the “Prospects” Extended Day and Summer Treatment Programs for seriously emotionally disturbed children, in a last attempt to keep these children at home with their families and attending their local school. Mid-Fairfield Hospice 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 in the Visiting Nurse/VNA Care Network. Norwalk Emergency Shelter The Norwalk Emergency Shelter offers shelter to the homeless in the Norwalk area with a 95-bed facility for men, women and families. Their mission is to restore clients to the mainstream of community life through counseling, caring, and support. The Shelter operates the Manna House of Hospitality, a soup kitchen serving three meals a day, and runs a free clothing room. Another program provides transitional housing to help residents make their way back to independent living. Norwalk Senior Center The Norwalk Senior Center (NSC) operates two facilities that serve people fifty years and older in Norwalk and surrounding towns. They provide a wide variety of programs and social services including socialization, recreation, nutrition, education, physical, and psychological services. They have been in operation since 1971 and currently have a membership list exceeding 2900 seniors. The NSC South facility provides bilingual services and programs in English and Spanish for the Hispanic elderly in South Norwalk . Nursing and Home Care 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. Open Choice Program The Open Choice Program is a racial de-isolation program funded by the Connecticut State Department of Education, designed to make available spaces in suburban school districts accessible to students in nearby urban areas. The Westport program began in 1998 and currently has 38 students participating, all from Bridgeport . Parents as Teachers (PAT) Parents as Teachers is an internationally recognized program that strives to empower parents to be the first and most influential teachers of their children. The primary objective of the program is to positively influence the development of children from birth to three years old by working with their parents. PAT’s programs are available free of charge to Westport and Weston families with children in this age group. Special attention is given to families with special needs, at risk families, single parents, families with two working parents, first time parents, families new to the community and families in transitional or shelter housing. Parents and Friends of Lower Fairfield
Center and Assoc. Group Homes This agency consists of two inter-related groups. The Lower Fairfield Regional Center is a residence for 72 adults with mental retardation, ages 18 to 55. It was designed to allow people who are medically fragile or extremely needy to live in the same community as their family. There is 24 hour nursing, speech, physical and occupational therapy provided. There is also an Adult Day Program for 28 people. The Parents & Friends of Lower Fairfield Center and Associated Group Homes is an advocacy organization. They raise funds to assure the quality of life for each resident and provide volunteers for special activities. The group maintains supervision over the many residents who no longer have family participation. PAWS (Pet Animal Welfare Society of CT,
Inc) Founded in 1962, the primary goal of PAWS is to decrease the number of unwanted pets through spay and neuter programs and to rescue those who are victims of pet overpopulation. Many are rescued from dog wardens and pounds throughout the state and would otherwise have been destroyed. In 1999, PAWS purchased a shelter and spay/neuter clinic in Norwalk . Positive Directions (previously Alcoholism & Drug
Dependency Council) This nonprofit agency helps individuals, families and communities work toward the prevention of substance abuse and recovery from chemical dependencies. The agency serves Westport , Fairfield , Wilton , Norwalk , and Weston, and provides information, referrals, counseling, intervention services, support groups, and education and prevention programs in schools and communities. The Council provides workshops for professionals, and the Emergency Assistance Programs for businesses. The agency publishes a Prevention & Recovery Handbook with lists of resources, meetings, and books to help in recovery. A major focus is on the education and prevention of youth involvement with chemical substances. They operate a drop-in center in Norwalk for parents of young children with the goal of reducing risk factors for abuse. Project Learn - Council of Churches of
Greater Bridgeport Project Learn is committed to carrying out quality programs for Bridgeport 's children. Its goal is to promote and encourage the healthy development of Bridgeport children while also encouraging the creative exchange of time, talent, and resources between city and suburbs. Project Learn is currently working with eight after-school homework programs, as well as summer programs. The League has supported the SunSational program, a six week summer program for children and an obesity program. Project Return 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, working 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. The League has funded the Art Therapy Program, which helps the girls work through trauma and explore feelings in a non-traditional therapy. Re-Focus Outreach Ministry Re-Focus is a transitional housing program in Bridgeport serving 21 homeless women who have a combination of alcohol and drug problems, or who may be victims of domestic violence. The key strength of the program is to provide loving care in a family setting for up to two years that helps women stay in their treatment programs and have access to the mainstream benefits to which they are entitled. RESPECT (Recreational Special
Education Teams) RESPECT is a program designed to provide sports and recreation programs for Westport children Kindergarten through 12th grade with special needs. The program, which is run under the auspices of the Wesport SEPTA, offers basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, soccer, swimming, rollerblading, softball, music, art, dance, skating and cooking/social skills. Sexual Assault Crisis
Center The Sexual Assault Crisis Center serves the communities of Greenwich , Stamford , Darien , New Canaan , Norwalk and Wilton . The Center operates a 24-hour hotline, with off-hour coverage provided by trained volunteers who are under professional supervision. A rape crisis counselor is always available to speak with a victim by telephone or in person at the hospital or police station, or to arrange a meeting at their office. They provide emotional support and assistance with and accompaniment through medical, police and court procedures for as long as the victim feels services are needed. Counselors/advocates and staff provide short-term counseling, along with incest and rape support groups. If a victim needs long-term therapy or professional help related to issues beyond assault, referrals are made. The Center also runs community education programs in local schools. Staples High School Tuition Grants Committee Since 1943, the Staples High School Tuition Grants Program has provided financial assistance to qualified Staples 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. Staples PTA/ Post Prom Party Committee The Staples Post Prom Party is an alcohol and substance free graduation celebration funded by the community. The goal is a safe, fun, chaperoned gathering for students after the prom at the Compo Beach Pavilion. Over 80% of the graduating seniors attended in 2002. STAR (Society to Advance the Retarded
and Handicapped) This agency provides a wide range of services to handicapped and disabled children and adults, including:
The Susan Fund 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 Thomas Merton Center The Thomas Merton Center is part of the Catholic Charities of Fairfield County. They have been in existence for 28 years serving the Greater Bridgeport area. They run a Family Support Center that serves approximately 60 families. Westport Arts Center The Westport Arts Center mission statement states that the Center "seeks to provide meaningful arts experiences for people of all ages, helping to make the arts part of everyday life." In 2003, the WYWL sponsored art programs for children. In 2004, we supported an outreach program to Side By Side School in Norwalk . Westport Country Playhouse The Westport Country Playhouse is a nationally recognized theatre institution. Through its Inside Insights program, the Playhouse seeks to create and implement quality instructional programs for students and to provide teachers with the resources to use theatre arts to promote literacy and appreciation for language in the classroom. The goal is to offer programs that have the potential to enhance student's language arts skills and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the performing arts as a communication medium. In 2004, the WYWL underwrote the cost of study guides for the Cootie Shots production. Westport Department of Human Services
- Families in Need Program 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. Westport Department of Human Services
- Project Go 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. Westport Historical Society 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 Little League Baseball The League has sponsored the girl's Major League softball team, the Leopards since 1990. The funds help defray the cost of uniforms, equipment, and maintenance of the fields. The Leopards went on to the District finals in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Westport Police Athletic League (PAL) The Police Athletic League has been assisting Westport ’s youth for 46 years in many areas including football, basketball and golf. They sponsor several track and field events for the Special Olympics each year and an entire girl’s minor softball league (20 teams). They also host a children’s Christmas party each year at Longshore. PAL has been a long-time volunteer set-up supporter of the League’s Minute Man Race. Westport PTA—Cultural Arts Committee Cultural Arts is a subcommittee of the PTA Council whose goal is to bring high quality, live performing arts and science events into the Westport schools throughout the year. Children of all grades experience these events during the school day at no cost. The committee also sponsors a cultural arts subsidy program to encourage curriculum-related arts programming in the classroom. Westport Public Library - Children’s
Services In recent years, the League has supported many children’s programs at the Library, especially the Summer Reading Club, which encourages recreational reading for independent readers during the summer months. Children's Services is committed to providing the best children's literature throughout the year, along with the reading guidance service that helps to make a fruitful match between each child and book. The department works closely with schools and teachers, and offers free children's programs and special events, movies, access to computers, and children's educational software. Although the Library is part of the Town budget, supplementary grants are solicited annually from the League and other sources. Westport Public Schools
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Westport Young
Woman's League
44 Imperial Avenue Westport CT 06880 203.222.1388 www.wywl.com |
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