Publication: In Your Northwest Corner
Encouraging Literacy Through Play
The Torrington Library welcomes more than 60,000 visitors a year to work and study, with access to a Reading Room, public access computers, quiet study rooms, and WIFI. The Library hosts 200 children's events, 100 teen events, and 100 adult events yearly.
Recent Grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation:
Joyce Alberta Bagnaschi O'Heron Fund, Jeffrey and Susan Lalonde Community Betterment Fund, Milewski & Masisak Families Fund, and the Cara and Carl Muller Fund for Community Support provided flexible support for the library in its mission of engaging all members of our community by providing equal access to books, electronic resources, programs, and partnerships to enrich and empower lives.
A 2024 grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund supported Letters Are Characters and Letters Are Builders, two eight-week literacy courses for 200 children and their families to reinforce and boost reading skills. These playful phonics-based courses increase reading skills and encourage parent/child bonding.
“Literacy is crucial for future success and our young readers are at risk," said Jessica Gueniat of Torrington Library.
With the generous support of the Northwest CT Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, we’re now able to offer this transformative experience free of charge, nurturing our young readers' futures."
Adult Day Care participants enjoying enrichment activities
Enrichment Activities Adults Receiving Memory-Care
Northwest CT Adult Day Care provides older adults with memory loss and dementia a safe, comfortable place to spend their days, while also giving their caregivers and family members some respite. Their day program is an economical option for seniors with dementia and their families, providing an alternative to in-home or residential care. Members enjoy games, crafts, puzzles and daily exercise. Off-campus trips include museums, local parks and farms.
A recent grant from Northwest CT Community Foundation Karen M. O'Connor Fund enabled the organization to replace flooring, ensuring a safe environment for all participants to socialize and enjoy enrichment activities.
"The safety of our members is our highest priority," said Amy Fitzpatrick of Northwest CT Adult Daycare. "The new flooring will greatly enhance our dining area and provide a safer, more inviting space for everyone.
"We are truly grateful for the generous support."
Warm Safe Homes During the Coldest of Nights
Operation Fuel provides temporary relief for local low-and moderate-income households that have exhausted other options for keeping their homes warm and their lights on. The organization serves an average of 400 families throughout Litchfield County.
Recent grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Karen M. O'Connor Fund and the Northwest CT Community Foundation Ruth and Robert Cron Endowment Fund supported energy assistance for low-and moderate-income families struggling to pay utility and oil bills.
"A mismatch between energy bills and the resources needed to pay them can have devastating consequences, leading to trade-offs with competing expenses, such as food and housing," said Elsa Monteiro of Operation Fuel.
"Thank you for caring."
What's New at NCCF
Community Crossroads–Where we are Now and Where we are Headed
Celebrating our 55th year of nurturing community philanthropy, we are pleased to present this update of Community Crossroads–Where We Are Now and Where We Are Headed, our 2017 Demographic Report that highlighted local population trends and statistics in employment, housing and healthcare in our Northwest CT communities.
Explore the Report
The 2023 NCCF Community Report is Available
Dive into a yearly summary of charitable funds, grantmaking and community leadership.
Explore the Report
Read the latest Issue of The Steward
The Steward celebrates the fundholders and nonprofits that make the Northwest Corner of CT an even better place to call home.
Read the Steward
Giving Tuesday is December 3rd.
Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others, whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes. Everyone has something to give, and every act of kindness makes a positive difference in our communities.
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