Publication: In Your Northwest Corner
Originally Published January 31, 2024
Music Therapy for Language Development, Self-Regulation and Fun with Friends
The Arc of Litchfield County (LARC) provides vocational opportunities, including employment programs and enrichment programs: music, art, exercise, cooking, and outings to cultural locations for individuals with disabilities.
LARC manages six group homes and other supported living arrangements, where individuals are supported based on their level of need with the goal of enabling individuals to live as independently as possible. LARC's Project Search provides classes in employability skills, independent living skills, and internship experiences to individuals with disabilities who are between the ages of 18-35, with the goal of gaining competitive employment. LARC's Autism Resource Center provides resources and programs for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Fred and Josephine Bruni Fund supported a 12-week music therapy program. A grant from NCCF's Northwest Corner Gives crowdfunding program supported the purchase of furniture for six individual LARC clients moving into the Torrington Riverfront Apartments.
"Dancing and listening to music are two of the activities most enjoyed by individuals in the Day Program," said Mary Ellen Kunz of LARC.
"Music therapy for adults with developmental disabilities can be an avenue to develop self-regulation, improve expressive and receptive language, increase social interactions, improve attention to tasks, and improve a variety of other skill areas.
Warm Homes, Clothing, and Healthy Food for Vulnerable Families
In the late Fall, NCCF awards grants to nonprofits serving some of the area's most economically distressed residents, providing for basic necessities—food, warmth, clothing, fuel assistance and shelter.
The Northwest CT Community Foundation Marion Wm. and Alice Edwards, Draper Foundation, and Northwest CT Philanthropy funds with support from Ruth Vaill and anonymous donors, made possible grants totaling $80,050 to *39 organizations serving some of the area’s most economically distressed residents.
"Every year, this grant has helped us to implement our mission, which is to improve the quality of life of families in our communities," said Cathy Ohm, Torrington Youth Service Bureau.
"This grant will help us continue to fulfill basic food needs, help lower food insecurity in our area, and help lessen the financial concerns," said Pam Carignan of the Salvation Army.
*Canaan Child Care Center, Caring for Bethlehem, Chore Service, City of Torrington, Community Kitchen of Torrington, Cornwall Social Services, EdAdvance, Family & Children’s Aid, FISH of Northwestern Connecticut, Friendly Hands Food Bank, Goshen Community Care, Goshen Good Neighbor Fund, Hands of Grace, Helping Hands Chore Service, Housatonic Youth Service Bureau, Litchfield Hills Chore Service, McCall Center for Behavioral Health, North Canaan Elementary School (AHA), North Canaan Social Services, Prime Time House, Project Sage, Salvation Army, Sharon Community Foundation, Sharon Day Care Center, St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Susan B. Anthony Project, Torrington Youth Service Bureau, Town of Colebrook, Town of Falls Village (Emergency Relief/Fuel Fund, Senior Center), Winchester Center Congregational Church, Winchester Public Schools, Winchester Youth Service Bureau, Winsted Area Child Care Center, Workman Memorial AME Zion Church.
World Famous Musicians Right Here in our Northwest Corner
Washington Friends of Music offers a program of classical music covering the 1600s to the 1960s, performing music written in Europe and Latin America. Concertgoers travel from all over CT to attend concerts held throughout the summer months and on New Year's Day.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund supported Washington Friends of Music in their mission to improve the quality of life for the people of Northwest CT through outstanding classical music events in Washington, CT with an educational component, performed by first-class professional musicians.
We are thrilled that our concerts also attract a younger crowd, almost 30 students enjoyed music offerings for free...," said Hermann Tammen, Washington Friends of Music.
"Ticket prices should not be a hurdle to enjoying music by world-famous artists. 'Our' artists love to connect with the audience, not only by playing, but also educating them about the pieces they perform and mingling with the audience."
