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Social MediaKim Hughes2026-04-01T11:34:22-04:00

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We have an unwavering vision of a healthy, thriving, sustainable Eastern Connecticut with greater equity for all.

We’re excited to help spread the word about this i We’re excited to help spread the word about this important opportunity for community-based organizations across Eastern Connecticut.

The Council’s Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program is now accepting applications in Norwich, New London, and Windham through United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. Funding opportunities support initiatives focused on economic development, reentry services, and youth programming aimed at strengthening communities and expanding opportunity.

Learn more about eligibility requirements, timelines, and how to apply at uwsect.org/grantopportunities or at the first link in our bio.
What happened at the State Capitol this sessionβ€”an What happened at the State Capitol this sessionβ€”and what does it mean for Eastern Connecticut?

Last week, we gathered advocates, nonprofit leaders, legislators, and community members for a Legislative Debrief focused on the policies shaping our region’s future. From early childhood education and universal school meals to housing stability and basic needs, the conversation highlighted both the progress made and the work still ahead.

Full video on YouTube at the first link in bio + stories.

Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, speak out, and advocate for stronger communities across Connecticut.
We’re hiring! Join the Community Foundation of Eas We’re hiring! Join the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and help strengthen communities across our region. 

Learn more at the first link in bio or here:
cfect.org/home/about/career-opportunities/
Yesterday, we welcomed nonprofit leaders, advocate Yesterday, we welcomed nonprofit leaders, advocates, and community members from across Eastern Connecticut for a Legislative Debrief focused on the 2026 Connecticut legislative session and what it means for children and families across our state.

Together, we reflected on key policy wins, including at least $300 million invested in the Early Childhood Education Endowment and the expansion of universal free breakfast statewide, while also discussing the continued work ahead to advance affordable childcare, housing stability, food access, and economic opportunity for all Connecticut families.

We’re grateful to the following leaders who joined the conversation as panelists…
β€’ Cathy Osten, State Senator
β€’ Lisa Tepper Bates, President & CEO, United Way of CT
β€’ Nick Gauthier, State Representative
β€’ Sean Ghio, Policy Director, Partnership for Strong Communities
β€’ David Morgan, Deputy Commissioner, CT Office of Early Childhood
…and to the @waterfordlibraryct for hosting the event.

We also extend our gratitude to the many partners, organizations, educators, families, and advocates whose collective efforts continue to move this work forward, because as we can see, change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose.

Head to the first link in our bio for coverage of yesterday’s event in @thedayct 

eastern connecticut, connecticut advocacy, children’s issues, early childhood, food equity, housing stability, community foundation, nonprofit leadership, end child poverty now
πŸ”— Link in bio to register With the legislative se πŸ”— Link in bio to register

With the legislative session now concluded, this timely conversation will unpack the state budget and its implications for Connecticut communities.

Hear from the following nonprofit leaders and policymakers:

β€’State Senator Cathy Osten
β€’State Representative Nick Gauthier
β€’Lisa Tepper Bates, President & CEO, United Way of CT
β€’Sean Ghio, Policy Director, Partnership for Strong Communities

Together, we’ll explore what passed, what didn’t, and what comes next for our communities.

πŸ—“οΈ Monday, May 18
πŸ“ Waterford Public Library
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
It was a great turnout yesterday at Southeastern C It was a great turnout yesterday at Southeastern CT’s Annual Walk to End Homelessness.

For the 19th year in a row, the New London Homeless Hospitality Center convened members of the community to come together for our friends and neighbors facing homelessness.

β€œIt’s just unacceptable to have homelessness in a country as rich as the United States,” said Maryam Elahi, President & CEO of the Community Foundation, in her remarks to the crowd. β€œIt takes all of us coming together in community,” she continued, β€œto say that we’re going to fight against this, we’re going to stand, we’re going to talk with our representatives, and we’re going to figure out solutions.”

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is proud to have been a presenting sponsor of this important event. 

πŸ”— Visit the first link in our bio to read coverage of the event from The Day.
πŸ”— Register or donate at the link in bio We’re pro πŸ”— Register or donate at the link in bio

We’re proud to be the presenting sponsor of Southeastern Connecticut’s Annual Walk to End Homelessness, and we invite you to walk with us on Sunday, April 26.

This year marks 20 years of the New London Homeless Hospitality Center and for two decades, this community has come together to ensure that neighbors facing homelessness are met with shelter, support, dignity, and a path forward.

πŸ‘Ÿ Join us at Parade Plaza in downtown New London
πŸ•› Check-in: 12:00 PM
🚢 Walk begins: 1:00 PM

Whether you register, form a team, raise funds, or donate, you’re helping provide emergency shelter, housing assistance, outreach, and other critical services right here in southeastern Connecticut.

Bring your friends, family, or coworkers and be part of a community effort that makes a real difference.

@walk_to_end_homelessness_nl
Last week, we welcomed 150+ guests to our Women & Last week, we welcomed 150+ guests to our Women & Girls Luncheon for an inspiring conversation on leadership, teamwork, and navigating adversity.

The room was filled with thoughtful, generous people committed to making Eastern Connecticut a more equitable place for all.

A special thank you to our guest speakers, Morgan Tuck and Elena Trueworthy, and to moderator Karim Ismaili for guiding such a meaningful conversation. Additional thanks to the Norwich Inn & Spa for excellent service and delicious food.

We’re proud to share that, through ticket sales and sponsorships, we raised $33K toward our $50K goal.

Want to see the impact of the Women & Girls Funds? Visit the first link in our bio, and please consider helping us reach $50K. 

Every gift moves this work forward, and we’re so grateful for your support.

#womenandgirls #supportwomenandgirls #easternct #philanthropy #morgantuck
One application. 100+ opportunities. If you're a One application. 100+ opportunities.

If you're a student or adult learner from Eastford, Montville, or Windham (+ many other towns in CT) scholarships are available now.

APPLY BY APRIL 22 (next Wednesday!)

πŸŽ“ High school seniors, college students, and adult learners are all encouraged to apply.

⏰ Deadline: April 22
πŸ”— Link in bio to apply
The work you see is powered by people you might no The work you see is powered by people you might not always see.

This is who we are (and were) at the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut…sharing stories, building relationships, and working every day to support a stronger, more equitable eastern Connecticut.

#thisiswho #easternct #communityfoundation #newlondonct
πŸ“£ Take action: Contact Governor Ned Lamont and urg πŸ“£ Take action: Contact Governor Ned Lamont and urge him to fund the Early Childhood Education Endowment at $300M+ as promised. (πŸ”— link in bio to do this)

Yesterday at the Capitol was powerful.

We stood alongside partners across the state for Advocacy Day, organized by @ctearlychildhoodalliance and led by Executive Director Merrill Gay.

Educators. Advocates. Leaders.
All pushing for stronger systems for CT kids & families.

Grateful to Kate Farrar ( @kateforct ) for joining usβ€”and to @ctmirror for covering what’s at stake (πŸ”— link in bio).

Let’s keep the momentum going.
#endchildpovertynow #endchildpoverty #connecticuteducation
🌱 How are environmental policies shaping our commu 🌱 How are environmental policies shaping our communities in Connecticut?

Join us for our next Building Democracy Together conversation: Advancing Environmental Justice & Resilience.

Hear from:
β€’ Ayana Melvan, Aquarium Conservation Partnership
β€’ State Rep. AundrΓ© Bumgardner, 41st District
β€’ Katherine Christopher, Lawyers for Good Government

πŸ“… Tuesday, April 21
πŸ•‘ 2:00 PM
πŸ’» On Zoom

Together, we’ll explore how policy, advocacy, and community action can drive more equitable environmental outcomes.

πŸ”— Register via link in bio
πŸ”—LINK IN BIO to apply for this incredible opportun πŸ”—LINK IN BIO to apply for this incredible opportunity! 

A scholarship is available for The Campaign School Summer Session at Yale University this June. The program empowers women candidates with the tools, network, and confidence needed to lead boldly. @tcsyale 

APPLY BY APRIL 13
On March 19, leaders from across Connecticut came On March 19, leaders from across Connecticut came together at the State Capitol for π—˜π—»π—± 𝗖𝗡𝗢𝗹𝗱 π—£π—Όπ˜ƒπ—²π—Ώπ˜π˜† π—‘π—Όπ˜„ Lobby Day.

After a shared program outlining the campaign’s priorities, advocates met directly with legislators to call for action on policies that support children and families across our stateβ€”including a Child Tax Credit, no-cost school meals, housing stability, and expanded nutrition assistance.

We’re grateful to the many leaders who helped bring this effort forward, including Karen DuBois-Walton, Kathy Taylor, Guy Rovezzi, Lisa Tepper-Bates, Merrill Gay, Maryam Elahi, Chelsea Ross, Carmen Clarkin, and JanΓ©e Woods Weber.

The work continues.

πŸ”— Learn more + get involved: link in bio
ICYMI: Coverage of our recent Lobby Day at the Sta ICYMI: Coverage of our recent Lobby Day at the State Capitol.
Advocates, community leaders, and partners from across the state came together to call on lawmakers to take action to end child poverty in CT. The coalition is working to advance the following policies:

1️⃣ Child Tax Credit of $600 per child for up to 3 children
2️⃣ Universal no-cost school meals including breakfast & lunch
3️⃣ Just cause eviction protections
4️⃣ A state-funded nutrition assistance program 

This work reflects a growing statewide effort to address the root causes of poverty and create lasting opportunity for children and families.

πŸ”— Link in bio to read more
This is your chance to have an inspiring conversat This is your chance to have an inspiring conversation with Morgan Tuck (@m_tuck3) and Elena Trueworthy at our Women & Girls Luncheon on April 9th πŸ’œ

From leadership in sports @uconnhuskies & @connecticutsun to shaping early childhood policy @ctoecgov, these two incredible women are helping move our communities forward.

⏰ Register by THIS Friday, March 20
πŸ”— Link in bio and stories to reserve your seat: bit.ly/3OlLZOT

Special thanks to our sponsors @carmodylaw and Boston Trust Walden.
πŸ“£ Join us for Lobby Day at the CT State Capitol in πŸ“£ Join us for Lobby Day at the CT State Capitol in Hartford this Thursday, March 19 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

πŸ”— Learn more and get involved: bit.ly/4rv58Mt

Community partners, advocates, and policymakers are invited to come together to highlight the practical, evidence-based strategies of the π—˜π—»π—± 𝗖𝗡𝗢𝗹𝗱 π—£π—Όπ˜ƒπ—²π—Ώπ˜π˜† π—‘π—Όπ˜„ Campaign.

Together, we can create a Connecticut where no child experiences the debilitating impacts of povertyβ€”one where families have access to economic stability, safe and affordable housing, nutritious food, and opportunity.

Your voice matters. Join us to speak up for Connecticut families and help move this work forward. 

All are invited. Let us know you’re coming by emailing contact@cfect.org.
πŸŽ“ Apply for 125+ scholarships with ONE application πŸŽ“ Apply for 125+ scholarships with ONE application.

Students pursuing college, trade programs, certifications, and more may be eligible.

πŸ“… Deadline: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Start your application:
πŸ”— cfect.org/scholarships
**link in bio & stories**

Please help us spread the word by sharing with students and families in our community.
Democracy is built together, and it starts with a Democracy is built together, and it starts with a conversation.

Join us on Wednesday, March 11 at 2PM (via Zoom) for a powerful discussion on immigration in Eastern Connecticut. Hear directly from leaders working at the national and local levels about how immigration policies impact our communitiesβ€”and what we can do.

πŸ”— Link in bio & stories. Or copy/paste link to register: https://bit.ly/3OyOFc5
Today in The Day, the Community Foundation of East Today in The Day, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut published an op-ed calling for bold action to support children and families across our state, including expanding access to free school meals (breakfast AND lunch) and establishing a state-based SNAP program to ensure no child goes hungry.

These solutions align with the priorities of our π—˜π—»π—± 𝗖𝗡𝗢𝗹𝗱 π—£π—Όπ˜ƒπ—²π—Ώπ˜π˜† π—‘π—Όπ˜„ campaign and reflect the urgent need for policies that help working families meet basic needs. Senate Bill No. 6 represents an important step forward, including provisions to expand access to free school breakfast and lunch and provide direct financial support to families through a refundable Child Tax Credit.

You can help make this happen. The CT General Assembly will hold a public hearing on S.B. 6 on Tuesday, March 3 at 1:00 PM at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford (Room 2E) and via Zoom.

Your voice matters. Supporting S.B. 6 is a meaningful step toward ending child poverty in Connecticut.

𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗒π—₯𝗧 𝗦.𝗕. 𝟲:
πŸ—£ Register to testify in person: https://bit.ly/4aWiwmA
✍ Submit written testimony: https://bit.ly/46rV67c

πŸ“– Read our op-ed in The Day: https://epaper.theday.com/article/281599541979956
**Link also in bio**
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY for local students and fam SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY for local students and families: The Caryn Nesbitt, M.D. Memorial Scholarship is now accepting applications!

This scholarship is for female residents of eastern Connecticut who are attending (or plan to attend) an accredited medical school, with preference given to those interested in women’s primary care and practicing in our region. 

Established in memory of Dr. Caryn Nesbitt, a pioneering physician at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital and founder of Women’s Care Medical Center in Groton, this scholarship honors her legacy of advancing women’s health in our community.

πŸ“… Application deadline: April 22, 2026

Learn more and apply: cfect.org/scholarships/
**Link in bio**

Please share with any eligible students who may benefit from this opportunity!
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