Publication: In Your Northwest Corner
Nutritious Food for Community Members in Need
Community Kitchen of Torrington serves nutritious meals to more than 370 individuals a year who are experiencing food insecurity. Community Kitchen staff and volunteers are there for those who need them, serving meals seven days a week and providing space for individuals to meet with service providers.
Recent grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation: Stock the Shelves Fund, Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, Draper Foundation Fund, Northwest CT Philanthropy Fund, Lucia Tuttle Fritz Fund, and from an anonymous fund provided flexible support for the Community Kitchen of Torrington.
Grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Karen M. O'Connor Fund and the Northwest CT Community Foundation Abraham & Joann Temkin Memorial Fund enabled the nonprofit to replace a stove and kitchen equipment.
Grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Claire and Robert Dombi Fund and the Northwest CT Community Foundation Milewski & Masisak Families Fund provided a microwave, plates, utensils, and food.
"Thank you so much," said Marilyn Pettit of Community Kitchen of Torrington.
"Organizations like yours keep us going in difficult times.
"Kind deeds change lives."
Preserving Local Landmarks and Natural Spaces
The Litchfield Land Trust is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural environment and wildlife habitats. The organization works with Litchfield landowners, nonprofit collaborators and public entities interested in preserving land as open space for the enjoyment of future generations, including land that links wildlife corridors.
In 2022, the organization was gifted the former Shepaug railroad property, at 28 Russell Street, and began a restoration project to replicates the façade of the historic train station based on archival documents and photos.
A grant from Northwest CT Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund
supported this restoration.
"This grant provided valuable funding for the building and fine carpentry work done on the south unit of the Land Trust's 28 Russell Street building," said Dean Birdsall of the Litchfield Land Trust.
"We are looking forward to growing in our new space and sharing our success with the community."
Equipping Volunteers Who Come to the Rescue
The Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department serves more than 1600 residents of rural Northwest Torrington, providing fire suppression services, rescuing and extracting accident victims from cars, conducting water search and rescues, and working to resolve haz-mat incidents. The all-volunteer crew also provides mutual aid for the City of Torrington and surrounding communities.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Lucia Tuttle Fritz Fund supported the replacement of eight sets of expired firefighting gear for Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department volunteers.
"It is imperative that firefighters remain safe while they perform their life-saving work," said Tomasz Kalinowski of the Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department.
"The physical and emotional toll of firefighting can be immense and ensuring that our firefighters have access to the best available protective equipment is a fundamental aspect of supporting their health, safety, and overall well-being."
Your gift to the Northwest CT Community Foundation Community Leadership Fund works to improve the Northwest Corner of CT in so many ways: programs for the healthy development of our children, well-stocked soup kitchens and food pantries for struggling families, the development of affordable homes, assistance for college students navigating financial aid, and so much more. GIVE TO THE COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP FUND
