Publication: In Your Northwest Corner
Originally Published October 29, 2021
Safe, Inclusive Summer Fun
ASAP! In Washington, Conn. has been providing innovative programs for local children since 1999. ASAP! offers after-school, in-school, weekend and summer camp programs, including writing, photography, cooking, theatre—even Henna, and Circus Arts.
"We believe that when we honor children’s imaginations, invite them to create, encourage them to take risks, and trust their resourcefulness, they will become the empowered, resilient, and compassionate adults the world really need," said Shanley Rowe of ASAP!.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Northwest Connecticut Philanthropy Fund, the Northwest CT Community Foundation Borghesi Family Fund, and the Northwest CT Community Foundation Edwin M. Stone and Edith H. Stone Fund supported summer camp transportation costs for 40 children from Torrington and a first aid director for all campers.
“Transportation and first aid have been needs in the past, this year they are particularly crucial due to Covid-19. Our most at-risk students who are on full scholarship need safe, socially distant, and reliable transportation to our camp,” said Shanley Rowe of ASAP!.
Creating Quiet Community Places
For more than 125, years the David M. Hunt Library has been a cultural hub and educational center. The library provides a wide range of programming for all ages including, Story Hour, an after-school program, yoga, a summer reading program, historic and cultural lectures, book talks and author readings, a book group, computer workshops, trivia pursuit evenings, art receptions, book sales, 'how to' workshops, and social events.
“The David M. Hunt Library has always been the cultural and community hub for Falls Village as well as for many people in the tri-state area," said Erica Joncyk of the David M. Hunt Library.
And, [during this pandemic] our mission is keeping people of all ages, genders, races and varied economic backgrounds safe and well informed."
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund supported renovating the book sale room into a multipurpose room for patron use that complies with physical distancing restrictions.
"We are now able to offer patrons a safe, quiet place to work remotely," said Erica Joncyk.
Enhanced Wellness Services for Stressed Families
Housatonic Youth Service Bureau (HYSB) provides individual and family clinical therapy, advocacy, prevention programming, referral services, case management, and youth development programs and events.
"During the uncertain times of the pandemic, HYSB continues to re-evaluate our programs to meet the needs of the youth and families we serve," said Kelly Parker of HYSB.
A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Marion Wm. & Alice Edwards Fund supported the purchase of online software technology for secure and confidential counseling and group sessions. A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Carlton D. Fyler and Jenny R. Fyler Fund supported the creation of facilitated educational videos to complement telehealth counseling sessions.
A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Northwest Connecticut Philanthropy Fund provided flexible support toward HYSB’s mission to create a supportive environment and empowering experiences where children and young adults can embrace their full potential as individuals, as students, as family members, and as community members.
