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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 were very grateful to visit the new Planned Par We were very grateful to visit the new Planned Parenthood health center in New London this week. The new space is bright, colorful, and welcomingโ€”and best of all, it can accommodate twice as many patients as the old location. 

The health center accepts walk-in appointments and sees patients with or without insurance. They offer birth control, emergency contraception, STD testing, abortion services, prenatal and postpartum care, gender-affirming care, and more. 

We were especially pleased to learn about the STARS Program (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality), a high school peer education program for teens to learn about healthy sexuality and educate their friends, family, and community about sexual and reproductive health and rights. Enrolled teens even earn a stipend for their participation!

Thank you to @ppsne for giving us a tour and for the important work you do. We are proud to have this health center in our community!
After decades as a local business owner, Neil Warr After decades as a local business owner, Neil Warren is continuing his commitment to the Willimantic community by establishing a fund with the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut to support @covenantsoupkitchen 

Weโ€™re honored to help Neil turn his generosity into lasting support for an organization that means so much to him and to the community he has called home.

Stories like Neilโ€™s are a reminder that philanthropy can take many forms. Whether you want to support a nonprofit you love, respond to needs in your community, or create a legacy that will continue for generations, the Community Foundation can help make it possible.

Read more about Neilโ€™s story and his commitment to giving back in The Chronicle at the first link in our bio.

@dominos
Members of the Long Island Sound Funders Collabora Members of the Long Island Sound Funders Collaborative recently joined Seatuck Environmental Association for a site visit to Stump Pond on the Nissequogue River, where they explored the remarkable environmental changes that have followed the failure of the Stump Pond Dam.

In August 2024, catastrophic rainfall caused the dam to fail, draining the pond at Blydenburgh County Park. While the pond had long been a valued community resource, its disappearance has also created an unexpected opportunity: with the Nissequogue once again flowing freely, the surrounding ecosystem has begun to regenerate.

The visit offered funders a firsthand look at this evolving landscape and an opportunity to learn more about the ecological benefits of a free-flowing riverโ€”and the questions surrounding what comes next.

Our Program Director, Jennifer Oโ€™Brien, participated in the visit on behalf of the Community Foundation.

More information can be found here: seatuck.org/nissequogue
We were thrilled to attend the โ€˜We Live Here New L We were thrilled to attend the โ€˜We Live Here New Londonโ€™ exhibit opening last night at The Garde Arts Center. With interactive displays including historical images, architectural designs, and resident testimony, this exhibit illuminates how our communities live now and how we could live better in the future. *Free admission // On view through Dec 18th* @welivehere.nlct 

L-R: 
Megan Brown, CFECT Chief Operating Officer
Matt Strekel, CFECT Chief Development Officer
Stacey Smith, Executive Director of H.O.P.E Inc 
Maryam Elahi, CFECT President & CEO
Michael Passero, Mayor of New London
๐ŸŒฟ With support from a Community Foundation grant, ๐ŸŒฟ With support from a Community Foundation grant, Norwich Free Academy partnered with the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) to bring hands-on nature experiences to multilingual learners. Through up-close encounters with animals and other interactive activities, students had opportunities to build language skills, make connections, and learn about the natural world in a memorable new way.

We also recently had the opportunity to visit DPNC and catch up with Executive Director Kim Hargrave at the Birds of Prey exhibit. It was wonderful to see firsthand the engaging environmental education DPNC provides, both at the Nature Center and out in our communities.

Weโ€™re proud to support partnerships like this one that bring learning to life and create new opportunities for young people across Eastern Connecticut. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿฆ‰

Thank you to DPNC and Norwich Free Academy for helping curious students thrive!

@dpnaturectr @nfaschool
We made a new friend during our recent visit to th We made a new friend during our recent visit to the Groton Animal Foundation! ๐Ÿพ Meet Poppy. ๐Ÿ’›

Since 2007, the Groton Animal Foundation has worked to advocate for animals and support the Town of Groton Animal Control Facility. From helping make a new animal control facility a reality to funding emergency medical care, supporting the Groton pet food bank, and providing equipment and other resources, GAF continues to provide animals in the community with the care they need.

Weโ€™re grateful for the opportunity to visit, learn more about their work, and spend a little time with some very lovable residentsโ€”including Poppy, who clearly knew how to work the camera. ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿถ

Thank you to the Groton Animal Foundation for all you do for animals in our community!

#grotonanimalfoundation #animalwelfare #grotonct #easternconnecticut #communityfoundation #communityimpact
The CFECT team recently enjoyed a tour of the New The CFECT team recently enjoyed a tour of the New London Community Recreation Center, a vibrant community hub that opened in 2025.

From its state-of-the-art aquatics center and fully equipped fitness spacesโ€”including exercise bikes with waterfront viewsโ€”to its children's book bank, early childhood programming, and community gathering spaces, the center truly offers something for everyone.

We are grateful to Joshua Posey, Director of Recreation, and Eddie Long, Co-Chair of the New London Arts Council, for the wonderful tour and for sharing their vision for this incredible facility. One of the highlights of our visit was seeing summer camp participants enjoying a game of basketballโ€”a great reminder that this space is already making a difference in the lives of local families.

The Community Foundation is proud to support organizations and spaces that strengthen our communities. Learn more about the New London Community Recreation Center at newlondonreccenter.com.
Housing is the foundation of thriving communities. Housing is the foundation of thriving communities. 

We're proud to join the Connecticut Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, in partnership with the Valley Community Foundation, in a collaborative $75,000 investment supporting the important work of Partnership for Strong Communities. 

Together, we're advancing housing advocacy through the End Child Poverty Now (ECPN) campaign. We support policies that expand access to safe, stable, and affordable housing because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. 

Read more about this collaborative investment at the first link in our bio. 

@connecticutcommunityfoundation 
@cfgnhv 
@pschousing 

#CommunityFoundation #HousingMatters #EndChildPovertyNow #AffordableHousing #EasternConnecticut #Philanthropy #CommunityImpact
Investing in young children is one of the most pow Investing in young children is one of the most powerful ways to build stronger families and healthier communities.

We're proud to announce $120,000 in grants supporting innovative early childhood initiatives across eastern Connecticutโ€”from expanding access to childcare solutions and STEAM learning opportunities to strengthening the early childhood workforce.

These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to End Child Poverty Now in Connecticut, because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Read more at the first link in our bio.

#easternconnecticut #earlychildhood #communityimpact #endchildpovertynow
We were proud to support this creative, hands-on D We were proud to support this creative, hands-on Democracy Project alongside the @staffordrotaryclubct and the Stafford High School Interact Club! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

Through this partnership, local campers in the Stafford Summer Recreation Program learned about democracy through fun, interactive activities. From casting ballots on favorite foods and seasons to completing a paper ballot for their favorite recreation activity, campers experienced firsthand how voting gives everyone a voice.

It's never too early to encourage civic engagement and inspire the next generation of informed, active citizens. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Stafford CT and the Stafford High School Interact Club for making this meaningful day possible!

Learn more about the project at the first link in our bio.

#communityfoundation #easternconnecticut #civicengagement #democracy #youthleadership #staffordct #interactclub #rotary
Our 2025 Annual Report is here! This past year, w Our 2025 Annual Report is here!

This past year, we continued investing in the people, partnerships, and ideas that strengthen eastern Connecticut.

From expanding access to housing and early childhood opportunities to supporting nonprofits, protecting our environment, and empowering young people, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut worked alongside donors and community partners to create lasting impact.

Inside the report, youโ€™ll find stories of collaboration, community leadership, and the many ways philanthropy is creating meaningful change across our region.

We invite you to explore whatโ€™s possible when we work together to build a healthier, more vibrant, and sustainable eastern Connecticut. Thank you for joining us in leading with intent.

๐Ÿ“– Read the full Annual Report at the first link in our bio.

#communityfoundation #easternct #philanthropy #annualreport #communityimpact #grantmaking
What happens when students spend their summer serv What happens when students spend their summer serving their communities?

They build confidence, form lasting connections, and discover the power of civic engagement. This summer, students from Connecticut College and Eastern Connecticut State University partnered with organizations across eastern Connecticut to do just that.

Learn more about the programs and the impact theyโ€™re making at the first link in our bio.

#civicengagement #easternctstateuniversity #conncollege #studentcivicengagement #communityfoundationect
We asked a handful of our trustees: ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—ถ๐˜ ๐—บ We asked a handful of our trustees: ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—ถ๐˜ ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐˜๐—ผ ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐˜‚๐—ฝ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—บ๐—บ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜๐˜†? 

Their responses highlight the importance of looking out for our neighbors, knowing we are part of something bigger than ourselves, and ensuring that everyone has a voice.

What do YOU think it means to stand up for your community?

#community #easternct #neighborshelpingneighbors #communityfoundation
It was a pleasure to welcome Chris Soto, founder o It was a pleasure to welcome Chris Soto, founder of Higher Edge, to the Community Foundation last week. Chris met with our CEO, Maryam Elahi, and Program Director, Jennifer Oโ€™Brien, to discuss the future of an organization that has transformed the lives of countless students across Connecticut.

We are encouraged by Chrisโ€™s return to leadership as interim board chair and are confident that Higher Edge is well positioned to move forward with renewed purpose. We look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting the important work of helping more students access higher education and reach their full potential.

@higheredgect
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has awarded $41,380 in grants to foster community engagement and civic participation. Projects range from student journalism to Revolutionary War reenactments, inviting all ages to explore American democracy's ideals and contradictions. Learn more about how these initiatives are shaping our communities. #250thAnniversary #CommunityGrants #CivicEngagement #Democracy #PublicArt undefined
๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—บ๐—บ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐˜๐—ผ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚? During a recent ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—บ๐—บ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐˜๐—ผ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚?

During a recent Board Retreat at Waterford Country School, we asked some of our trustees to reflect on that question. Across every response, one theme stood out: unityโ€”neighbors helping neighbors, showing up for one another, and working together for the greater good.

At the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, weโ€™re proud to support the organizations and individuals strengthening our communities across Eastern Connecticut every day.

#community #easternct #philanthropy #communityfoundation #unity
Our team was glad to attend Music That Matters las Our team was glad to attend Music That Matters last night in support of the important work being done by Madonna Place. It was wonderful to be out in communityโ€”and live music by Sugar is always a treat!

Madonna Place is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through comprehensive services rooted in education, advocacy, and community collaboration. Weโ€™re proud to support organizations making a meaningful difference for children and families in our region.
Last week, we had the privilege of attending Aesth Last week, we had the privilege of attending Aesthetic Illusions, a powerful spoken word and musical performance led by award-winning writer and professor Randall Horton. A Ph.D. and professor at the University of New Haven, Horton discovered his passion for writing while incarcerated, and has since dedicated his work to creating space for young people to explore identity, justice, incarceration, childhood, and the lived experiences of Black communities through poetry.

Presented by Sankofa Education and Leadership, Inc. and Public Art for Racial Justice Education (PARJE) in honor of Juneteenth and Americaโ€™s 250th anniversaryโ€”and in memory of the late Rev. David W. Good, whose legacy of justice and community continues to inspireโ€”this moving event highlighted the transformative power of storytelling and creative expression. The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is proud to support this important work.
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€‹
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