Linda Carlson had worked as an actress in theater, film and television from 1970 to 2003 when she left Los Angeles for Connecticut. She has written four plays, and had essays published in the New York Times.
But to several young women in the Greater Hartford area, she is known for helping them realize their dreams.
While on the west coast, Linda had created a scholarship fund to help young women achieve their dream of a higher education and become financially self-reliant.
When Linda moved to Connecticut, she learned of the work being done by The Village. “I immediately knew that the girls served by The Village were the girls I wanted to support because they had overcome many challenges and had the discipline to succeed,” Linda said.
This past Spring, four young women received the Abbott-Carlson Scholarship award and were paired with a mentor from the business, nonprofit or volunteer community. “I felt these young women could benefit from a person who would support and guide them during their college careers,” Linda said.
The girls have participated in our Community Life Skills for Girls program, designed to build a young woman’s ability to keep herself safe and make good choices, or our intervention programs that help adolescents and young women, many of whom have experienced abuse and neglect, manage behavioral and emotional issues.
With strength and determination, these girls are forging ahead. But not alone. Along with Linda, their mentor and Village staff, we’re circling these girls with support, guidance and encouragement.
For her generous and powerful work with these young women, Linda was named Woman of the Year by The Village in November.
Hear how girls are benefiting from The Village’s programs and generous supporters like Linda.