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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.

This Juneteenth, we reflect on the profound impact This Juneteenth, we reflect on the profound impact of freedom in American history. Join us in honoring this significant day through our Fund for Racial Justice, which supports organizations advancing racial equity. Participate in local events that foster community and celebration, including poetry readings, performances, and cultural festivities. Together, we can uplift voices and strengthen movements for change. #Juneteenth #RacialJustice #Community #Equity #Empowerment
We were honored to attend the groundbreaking cerem We were honored to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Center for Safe Futures last week. Despite the June heat, community members came together to celebrate this important milestoneโ€”a new space that will bring vital wraparound services under one roof for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking across southeastern CT. Thank you to all who made this vision come to life!
We were proud to participate in a forum organized We were proud to participate in a forum organized by the Partnership for Strong Communities in Waterbury this week for an important conversation about affordable housing in Connecticut.

Following a thoughtful panel discussion on rising housing costs and their impact on residents, our President & CEO, Maryam Elahi, spoke about the Community Foundationโ€™s ๐—˜๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—–๐—ต๐—ถ๐—น๐—ฑ ๐—ฃ๐—ผ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜๐˜† ๐—ก๐—ผ๐˜„ campaign and why housing stability is a critical part of addressing child poverty. Supporting policies that expand access to safe, affordable housing aligns with our broader vision of creating stronger, more equitable communities for all.

As a coalition of more than 120 partner organizations across Connecticut, ๐—˜๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—–๐—ต๐—ถ๐—น๐—ฑ ๐—ฃ๐—ผ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜๐˜† ๐—ก๐—ผ๐˜„ recognizes that lasting change happens when we align our voices around shared goals. By working together across sectors and communities, we can build the collective momentum needed to advance policies that support children, families, and residents statewide.

Thank you @pschousing , @cttenantsunion , and the @mattatuck_museum for bringing people together for this important conversation.โ€‹โ€‹
Weโ€™re excited to help spread the word about this i Weโ€™re excited to help spread the word about this important opportunity for community-based organizations across Eastern Connecticut.

The Councilโ€™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 sessionโ€”an What happened at the State Capitol this sessionโ€”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 regionโ€™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.
Weโ€™re hiring! Join the Community Foundation of Eas Weโ€™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.

Weโ€™re grateful to the following leaders who joined the conversation as panelistsโ€ฆ
โ€ข Cathy Osten, State Senator
โ€ข Lisa Tepper Bates, President & CEO, United Way of CT
โ€ข Nick Gauthier, State Representative
โ€ข Sean Ghio, Policy Director, Partnership for Strong Communities
โ€ข David Morgan, Deputy Commissioner, CT Office of Early Childhood
โ€ฆand 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 yesterdayโ€™s event in @thedayct 

eastern connecticut, connecticut advocacy, childrenโ€™s issues, early childhood, food equity, housing stability, community foundation, nonprofit leadership, end child poverty now
๐Ÿ”— Link in bio to register With the legislative se ๐Ÿ”— 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:

โ€ขState Senator Cathy Osten
โ€ขState Representative Nick Gauthier
โ€ขLisa Tepper Bates, President & CEO, United Way of CT
โ€ขSean Ghio, Policy Director, Partnership for Strong Communities

Together, weโ€™ll explore what passed, what didnโ€™t, and what comes next for our communities.

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Monday, May 18
๐Ÿ“ Waterford Public Library
โฐ 10:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM
It was a great turnout yesterday at Southeastern C It was a great turnout yesterday at Southeastern CTโ€™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.

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

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

๐Ÿ”— Visit the first link in our bio to read coverage of the event from The Day.
๐Ÿ”— Register or donate at the link in bio Weโ€™re pro ๐Ÿ”— Register or donate at the link in bio

Weโ€™re proud to be the presenting sponsor of Southeastern Connecticutโ€™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.

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Join us at Parade Plaza in downtown New London
๐Ÿ•› Check-in: 12:00 PM
๐Ÿšถ Walk begins: 1:00 PM

Whether you register, form a team, raise funds, or donate, youโ€™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.

Weโ€™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 weโ€™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!)

๐ŸŽ“ High school seniors, college students, and adult learners are all encouraged to apply.

โฐ Deadline: April 22
๐Ÿ”— 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 Connecticutโ€ฆsharing stories, building relationships, and working every day to support a stronger, more equitable eastern Connecticut.

#thisiswho #easternct #communityfoundation #newlondonct
๐Ÿ“ฃ Take action: Contact Governor Ned Lamont and urg ๐Ÿ“ฃ Take action: Contact Governor Ned Lamont and urge him to fund the Early Childhood Education Endowment at $300M+ as promised. (๐Ÿ”— 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 usโ€”and to @ctmirror for covering whatโ€™s at stake (๐Ÿ”— link in bio).

Letโ€™s keep the momentum going.
#endchildpovertynow #endchildpoverty #connecticuteducation
๐ŸŒฑ How are environmental policies shaping our commu ๐ŸŒฑ How are environmental policies shaping our communities in Connecticut?

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

Hear from:
โ€ข Ayana Melvan, Aquarium Conservation Partnership
โ€ข State Rep. Aundrรฉ Bumgardner, 41st District
โ€ข Katherine Christopher, Lawyers for Good Government

๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, April 21
๐Ÿ•‘ 2:00 PM
๐Ÿ’ป On Zoom

Together, weโ€™ll explore how policy, advocacy, and community action can drive more equitable environmental outcomes.

๐Ÿ”— Register via link in bio
๐Ÿ”—LINK IN BIO to apply for this incredible opportun ๐Ÿ”—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 ๐—˜๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—–๐—ต๐—ถ๐—น๐—ฑ ๐—ฃ๐—ผ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜๐˜† ๐—ก๐—ผ๐˜„ Lobby Day.

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

Weโ€™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 Janรฉe Woods Weber.

The work continues.

๐Ÿ”— 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:

1๏ธโƒฃ Child Tax Credit of $600 per child for up to 3 children
2๏ธโƒฃ Universal no-cost school meals including breakfast & lunch
3๏ธโƒฃ Just cause eviction protections
4๏ธโƒฃ 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.

๐Ÿ”— 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 ๐Ÿ’œ

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

โฐ Register by THIS Friday, March 20
๐Ÿ”— Link in bio and stories to reserve your seat: bit.ly/3OlLZOT

Special thanks to our sponsors @carmodylaw and Boston Trust Walden.
๐Ÿ“ฃ Join us for Lobby Day at the CT State Capitol in ๐Ÿ“ฃ Join us for Lobby Day at the CT State Capitol in Hartford this Thursday, March 19 from 11:00 AM โ€“ 2:00 PM.

๐Ÿ”— 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 ๐—˜๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—–๐—ต๐—ถ๐—น๐—ฑ ๐—ฃ๐—ผ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜๐˜† ๐—ก๐—ผ๐˜„ Campaign.

Together, we can create a Connecticut where no child experiences the debilitating impacts of povertyโ€”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 youโ€™re coming by emailing contact@cfect.org.
๐ŸŽ“ Apply for 125+ scholarships with ONE application ๐ŸŽ“ Apply for 125+ scholarships with ONE application.

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

๐Ÿ“… Deadline: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Start your application:
๐Ÿ”— cfect.org/scholarships
**link in bio & stories**

Please help us spread the word by sharing with students and families in our community.
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