For Immediate Release
April 9, 2025

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut announces grants totaling $60,000 to two early childhood programs serving more than 110 low-income families in Willimantic and in New London.

The Margaret S. Wilson Child and Family Development Resource Center (CFDRC) of Eastern Connecticut State University will receive an award of $30,000 for toddler and preschool programs to enhance literacy, arts and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut (CFA) will receive $30,000 to increase safety and enrich the learning environment at the Early Childhood Development Center in New London. Both grants will focus on improving quality in their early childhood programs, laying the foundation for children’s future success during critical brain development years.

“The Community Foundation is deeply committed to ensuring that every child can thrive and reach their full potential. We are thrilled to announce these inaugural grants from the Brighter Futures Fund for Our Kids to help address the needs of the next generation” states Maryam Elahi, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We urge our legislators in Hartford to prioritize funding for early childhood care and education in this session and to implement universal, quality early childhood care and education as soon as possible.”

“The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) deeply values the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut’s commitment to invest in the earliest years of a child’s life, serving families and children in Willimantic and New London,” says Beth Bye, OEC Commissioner. “These strategic investments are helping more children develop social emotional skills and enhance learning in literacy, arts and STEAM. The OEC will continue its partnership with the Foundation as Connecticut works toward taking historic steps to strengthen and build upon our state-funded early care and education system.”

These awards represent the first grants of the Community Foundation’s Brighter Futures Fund for Our Kids, an endowed fund that was established to advance equitable outcomes for and improve the lives of children and youth in Eastern Connecticut. The grants were supplemented by generous donors who prioritize investing in children’s wellbeing.

The Fund is part of a larger effort led by the Community Foundation to End Child Poverty Now in Connecticut. More than 110 organizations have signed onto the End Child Poverty movement and have taken part in submitting testimony, both online and in-person, to the legislature and reaching out directly to legislators about bills that can help lift children and families out of poverty.

Lisa Otto, LCSW, CEO of CFA says: “I am beyond excited that we’ve received a grant to support much-needed renovations at the Child and Family Agency’s New London childcare center! This funding will allow us to create an even more welcoming and inspiring environment for the incredible children and teachers here. We’re committed to making high-quality early childhood education accessible to every child in our community, and this grant helps us move one step closer to that goal.”

According to Niloufar Rezai, Director of the CFDRC, they are “excited for the opportunity to increase access to literacy and STEAM opportunities for our students through generous funding by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.  This funding will allow CFDRC to open a library which will include literacy and STEAM materials and programming empowering young children from diverse backgrounds.  Building these skills, and engaging families in the process, fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. These foundations not only enhance academic success but also open doors to a wide range of opportunities, helping to bridge gaps and promote equity in education and future careers.”

To learn more about the Brighter Futures Fund for Our Kids or how to set up your own named fund to benefit Eastern Connecticut, contact the Community Foundation’s Development Team at development@cfect.org or call 860.442.3572.