Adoptee Honors Mother With Endowed Fund
“My earliest recollection was that my mom was my adoptive mom,” said Connie Gavrich, “and I knew I was the center of her universe.”
March 13, 2020
Featured Story
Leah inspires us with her journey moving from fear to confidence.
Stability With The Village’s Financial Center
Not many 28-year-old women own their own homes. But, with ambition, hard work and the help of The Village’s Financial Center, Allena and her fiancé are now ecstatic to have a place to call home.
March 13, 2020
Foster Parents Provide Safety and Healing
“We help them heal, thrive and move forward in their lives.” Tameka Hewitt is proud of the blended family of five she and her husband Rohan have together.
March 13, 2020
March 13, 2020
Stronger Families, Stronger Futures
Parenting can be the most fulfilling and joyful role of a person’s life.
March 13, 2020
Family To Family: The Kissane Family Fund
When Judy Kissane’s first husband passed away, she and her sons decided to start the Kissane Family Emergency Assistance Fund at The Village to honor his legacy and provide direct aid to families in crisis situations.
July 12, 2019
From Coping To Thriving
Anyone meeting Tyler today would never suspect the challenges he has overcome in the past few years. As a young boy, Tyler was bullied. His reaction was to lash out in school, but with the help of The Village, he learned to express his feelings in a healthy way.
From Coping To Thriving
Anyone meeting Tyler today would never suspect the challenges he has overcome in the past few years. As a young boy, Tyler was bullied. His reaction was to lash out in school, but with the help of The Village, he learned to express his feelings in a healthy way.
More Stories
He Made It Easy To Love Him
When Dave learned about the great need for foster parents and decided to go all in. For Danny, whose mother could no longer care for him due to her struggle with addition, the timing was perfect.
April 8, 2019
A Passion for Cars and Helping Kids
After raising a million dollars for KIDSAFE CT, an affiliate of The Village, through the KARS for KIDS program, Jerry Bundy is now “on his second million.”
January 11, 2019
I’m the One Bringing Change Now
Genesis Martinez has known little stability growing up. When she found a safe place to land at The Village’s Alison Gill Lodge, she was able to begin her journey of hope and healing.
December 11, 2018
Building a Community of Support for Student Success
When Jasan, a third-grader at Sarah J. Rawson school in Hartford, lost his father, he stared displaying troubling behaviors in school. Concerned, but unsure of what to do, Jasan’s mother turned to the ACT Academy for help.
October 24, 2018
I Was Willing To Change as a Parent
When Shanthal got a call from the Department of Children and Families, she knew she needed help. She wanted to change as a parent, to deepen her connection with her children and create a more nurturing home environment. She found the help she needed at KIDSAFE CT.
August 1, 2018
Paying It Forward
At the encouragement of her VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) tax preparer, Deborah finally becomes a homeowner, then pays it forward by becoming a VITA volunteer.
March 23, 2018
News
December 24, 2020
Thousands of Children Opened Gifts on Christmas Thanks to Generous Donations
The Village for Families & Children was determined that the thousands of children who benefit from its annual toy drive – The Holiday Giving Tree – wouldn’t miss out because of the pandemic. With so many employees working from home and large gatherings prohibited, participating companies, Village staff and dozens of additional Village supporters have found new ways to help.
October 20, 2020
Galo Rodriguez Receives HBJ 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award
Galo Rodriguez has made significant contributions to growing The Village’s resources, bolstering programs on prevention and early intervention, and integrating its strengths in behavioral health services with primary care providers.
August 26, 2020
Free Tax Filing Returns Nearly $34.7 Million to Local Taxpayers This Year
Despite widespread closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic which forced many to transition from in-person to virtual tax filing, more residents in central and northeastern Connecticut took advantage of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program this year.
July 30, 2020
Despite Challenging Year, Auxilians Contribute More Than $292,000 to The Village
The volunteer-run Auxiliaries of The Village for Families & Children have been supporting programs that help transform the lives of children and families for over 60 years. The shops closed in March due to COVID-19 but are now starting to reopen. Thanks to their dedication and commitment, the Glastonbury, Simsbury, Suffield and West Hartford Auxiliaries contributed $229,012 to The Village this year.
July 15, 2020
The Village and Partners Receive $9.1 Million Award to Manage Federal Head Start Program
The Village for Families and Children, along with The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), Catholic Charities, and Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES), received a $9.1 million award to develop a partnership that will manage the regions’ federal Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
June 29, 2020
The Village: Floyd Killing Is a Call to Action
The death of George Floyd has elevated a conversation about racism and racial inequities in America. Now, more than ever, every organization, agency and individual must ask itself how it can do more to dismantle systemic racial inequalities. This includes The Village for Families & Children.
June 23, 2020
Bringing Awareness to Child Abuse Victims During COVID-19
Child sexual abuse awareness and prevention are becoming increasingly necessary as the coronavirus pandemic rages on, trapping children in households with their abusers and isolating vulnerable families from the resources they need to get help.
June 08, 2020
Watching My Garden Grow
Watching my garden grow shares similarities with the gradual re-opening of our nation from the COVID-19 pandemic. I can only imagine the amount of planning and preparation that the leaders of our agencies, cities and states have had to do—they are operating on a much larger scale than my 12x50 foot garden plot.
May 27, 2020
The Second Chance Shops Begin to Reopen Their Doors
With guidance from UCONN epidemiologist Dr. Kevin Diekhaus, The West Hartford Village Second Chance Shop will reopen at the end of June and the Glastonbury shop will open after July 4. Simsbury and Suffield shops plan to open around Labor Day.
May 01, 2020
Get Free Online Tax Help Today
While VITA sites across Connecticut suspended in-person support in compliance with COVID-19 distancing mandates, the VITA program now offers free tax help to low and moderate income filers through internet-based virtual appointments.
April 07, 2020
“Tweaking” Traditions
Millions of Americans find themselves at home these days and wonder what to do with their time. Some have shifted into the new virtual world with ease, while others have hit some road bumps.
April 01, 2020
“Tuning In” To the Good
Do you find yourself daydreaming and staring off into space? Or reaching for your cell phone all day long—for no specific reason? Perhaps you are half-listening to conversations around you. In all of these cases, it may be the result of being overly “tuned in.”
March 31, 2020
We Are Here To Help
As one of Connecticut's largest providers of mental health services for families and children, our work and mission at The Village has never been more important.
March 27, 2020
The New Normal: Managing Anxiety During a Pandemic
When COVID-19 became a reality, life as we knew it changed. Our routines and ability to predict what would happen next were drastically altered. Our ability to keep ourselves safe was compromised. Fear and panic became the underlying catalyst for our responses.
March 11, 2020
Chronic Absenteeism – Village Participates In Special Panel Discussion at Hartford Public Schools
The Village's Aldwin Allen, Senior Director of Community Programs, participated in the Hartford Public Schools’ special panel discussion about attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism.
March 11, 2020
Village Second Chance Shop Featured on TV
The Simsbury Second Chance Shop has generated more than $2.6M for The Village for Families & Children!
March 05, 2020
Construction Begins On New Wing of Village Facility to Provide Adult Mental Health Services
Opioid epidemic contributing to increased demand, State grants providing critical support
February 27, 2020
Children at The Village Get New Gym Thanks to Generous Donation
Hoffman Family and ESPN Unveil Renovated Gym for Children Recovering from Trauma
January 31, 2020
Are You Eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit?
If you earned up to $56,000 in 2019, determine your EITC eligibility at one of Connecticut’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.
January 16, 2020
West Hartford Second Chance Shop Marks Its 1-Year Anniversary With 25-Percent-off Sale
The Village for Families & Children is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its West Hartford Second Chance Shop with a massive sale between January 16th and 18th. The shop, run by The Village’s West Hartford Auxiliary, sells new or gently used women’s and men’s clothing, as well as accessories, antiques and collectibles, books, holiday decor, household items and jewelry. All items are donated and proceeds help The Village serve families and children in Greater Hartford with mental and behavioral health needs.
November 11, 2019
Connecticut Children and Youth Who Suffer From Trauma Benefit From EMDR Therapy in Community Mental Health Settings
Study by The Consultation Center at Yale University School of Medicine and The Village for Families & Children demonstrates significant reduction in trauma-related symptoms for Medicaid-eligible children who received EMDR treatment
October 30, 2019
State Comptroller Kevin Lembo Named 2019 Champions for Children by The Village
The Village honored State Comptroller Kevin Lembo as our 2019 Champions for Children at our 188th Annual Reception on October 17.
October 29, 2019
Derek Slap Named The Village’s New Vice President for Advancement
Derek Slap of West Hartford has been named as the new Vice President for Advancement at The Village for Families & Children. In this role, he will oversee communications, marketing and development for the organization.
October 07, 2019
The Village for Families & Children’s Partnership for Success Program in Vernon Awarded $1.5 Million Federal Grant
The Village for Families & Children is excited to announce the expansion of their Partnership for Success program (also known as the Vernon ROCKS Coalition) through a $1.5 million federal grant from the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) over the next five years.
July 19, 2019
Stronger Families, Stronger Futures
Here at The Village, we know how vital collaboration is to help children and families become strong and resilient. That’s why we’re so excited to announce the launch of Stronger Families, Stronger Futures (SF²), a new integrated family support system led by The Village in central and northeastern Connecticut.
July 03, 2019
Auxiliaries Contribute More Than $342,000 to The Village
The volunteer-run Auxiliaries of The Village for Families & Children have been supporting programs that help transform the lives of children and families for over 60 years. This year, the Glastonbury, Simsbury, Suffield and West Hartford Auxiliaries contributed more than $342,000 to The Village.
June 18, 2019
Golfers Generated $60,000 for Fatherhood Programs at The Village
Earlier this month, more than 120 golfers joined together for 18 holes of golf at The Village for Families & Children's 9th Annual Foursomes for Fatherhood Golf Classic.
January 23, 2019
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (Vita) Appointments Now Available Across Connecticut
December 14, 2018
Girl Within Luncheon Raises Record Amount
Over 500 guests came together at The Village for Families & Children’s Girl Within Luncheon on December 7th, raising over $191,000 to support life-changing programs for at-risk girls and young women in the Greater Hartford area.
October 22, 2018
Chris and Cathy Murphy Named 2018 Champions for Children by The Village
The Village honored Chris and Cathy Murphy as our 2018 Champions for Children at our 184th Annual Reception on October 18.
September 24, 2018
The Village to Open Thrift Boutique in Former Clothes Horse Location
For over 50 years, The Village for Families & Children’s volunteer Auxiliaries in Glastonbury, Simsbury and Suffield have run thrift boutiques (called Second Chance Shops) that benefit The Village. Now, The Village will open a fourth shop on Park Road in West Hartford, in the space formerly occupied by the Clothes Horse.
September 04, 2018
The Glastonbury, Simsbury and Suffield Auxiliary Donations Support The Village’s Mission
The volunteer-run Glastonbury, Simsbury, and Suffield Auxiliaries of The Village for Families & Children have been supporting programs that help transform the lives of children and families for well over 50 years.
September 04, 2018
Hector Glynn Named Chief Operating Officer for The Village
Hector Glynn, who has been a member of the leadership team for The Village for Families & Children since 2007, has been named to the new position of Chief Operating Officer.
August 02, 2018
Free Tax Filing Returns More Than $28 Million To Central and Northeastern Connecticut Taxpayers This Year
This tax season, 12,267 tax filers in central and northeastern Connecticut received $28,732,417 in refunds and credits thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and MyFreeTaxes.com programs.
August 01, 2018
Golfers Raise Funds for Fatherhood Programs at The Village
A nearly picture-perfect day in June found 114 golfers enjoying 18 holes of golf for The Village's 8th annual Foursomes for Fatherhood Golf Classic. Held at the lush Shuttle Meadow golf course in Kensington, the event raised more than $90,000 for fatherhood programs of The Village for Families & Children.
July 10, 2018
The Village Staff Share Their Expertise
At conferences, on the radio or participating in hackathons, Village staff are out and about sharing their expertise about a variety of important topics.
March 05, 2018
The Village’s Yvette Young Testifies in Support of Senate Bill 311
Yvette Young, Human Anti-trafficking Response Team Coordinator with The Village, will testify in support of SB 311 - An Act Updating the Definition of Sex Trafficking on Tuesday, March 6. Read her testimony here.