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.”
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Stories of Impact
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Girls Just Want To Give Back
From lemonade stands and clothing drives to American Girl Dolls…these young philanthropists are starting early to give back.
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I Know I Matter
By the time Alana Farnsworth was 12, her behavior issues were so severe that she spent time in the hospital and eventually ended up in the custody of the Department of Children and Families. Finally, she found a place to land at The Village’s Alison Gill Lodge, where she began her journey of hope and healing.
My Little Girl Is Back
When Neveah began showing behavioral problems at an early age, her mother, Tabitha, had a hard time accessing services and being taken seriously because of her own mental health issues. Then they found The Village’s Extended Day Treatment program.
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When Students Bring Trauma To School Along With Their Backpack
In addition to carrying backpacks and an enthusiasm for learning, students at Rawson elementary school in Hartford often bring unresolved issues related to traumatic experiences or constant stress. The ACT Academy aims to address trauma effectively on a school-wide level.
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Uniting Physical, Social and Emotional Health
When we are stressed, our bodies feel it. When we are sick, our minds feel it. The idea that physical, social and emotional health are connected is the driving force behind integrated care.
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Counting Words Shared Between Parents and Young Children
As every parent comes to know, their babies are like sponges – soaking up what they hear and feel from the most important people in their lives – their caregivers.
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I’m Different Now Because I Have Hope
Following a domestic violence incident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and devastated her family, Davine struggled to keep herself and her children stable. When she heard about The Village’s Family Financial Stability Initiative, “It sang to me. I was struggling financially and knew I needed to get back on track.”
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It’s Not How You Start…It’s How You End
Maria Rodriguez has overcome numerous challenges during her young life. Recently, Maria shared her story with confidence at The Village’s Girl Within Luncheon. “What I went through did not break me apart, but made me stronger,” Maria told the audience of nearly 500. “It is not how you start, but how you end.”
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Stay in School. It’s a Big Deal.
Between 5 and 7.5 million students – as much as 14 percent – are chronically absent in the United States each year. For low-income and minority students, the rate is often higher – up to 60 percent.
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A Family…not Just a Family Resource Center
Eliah, a mother of three, realizes her dream of obtaining a high school diploma.
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I’m Finally Able To Be Happy
Rachel Bailey, now a student at Post University, talks about her struggle with depression and the program at The Village that finally helped her.
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A Message of Hope
A former runaway and high school dropout, Mia Fontaine survived childhood sexual abuse and is now a Georgetown University graduate, bestselling author and national speaker.
Tyler’s Story
A victim of bullying, Tyler began acting out in school. The Village’s Extended Day Treatment program helped him cope with tough feelings and get back on track.
A Legacy of Love
Cynthia Godfrey’s loving husband of 54 years, Loren, and her many friends and family members are keeping her legacy alive through a fund at The Village.
Mostly – and Almost Always – I Don’t Have Anxiety Anymore
With help from a team of professionals at The Village and his caring mom, 10-year-old Sebastian learns effective ways to deal with anxiety and other challenges.
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A Foster Father Provides Love, Security and Consistency
When Eddie and his wife divorced and he found himself alone a lot of the time, he reached out to The Village to become a foster parent.
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I Made My Way Out of a Very Dark Tunnel
A year and a half ago, Erica Rusczyk would never have imagined that she would be standing before an audience of 400 women and men at the Hartford Marriott telling them her turbulent and potentially tragic emotional journey.
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Helping a Family Move Forward
With a loving mom, great teachers, and her own space, a young child thrives.
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Scholarships and Support Help Young Women Succeed
“Seeing Carolyn graduate made me realize how our combined work is worthwhile,”
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Parents Find New Ways To Build Stronger Relationships With Their Children
Like many parents, Jose Pratts sometimes lost his temper when his children acted up. Then, Jose and his wife, Zulma, found a program that offers support and information for families with children up to age 12.
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With an Active Dad, a Family Is Stronger
Demetrius Chamblee was raised by his grandparents, until his grandfather passed away when he was 14. With help from a Village program, Demetrius was able to put the lessons he learned from his grandfather into practice with his own son.
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Financially Stable
The Family Financial Stability Initiative is helping Hartford women effectively manage their finances and achieve financial goals.
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Separated From Her Family, Young Teen Finds a New Support Network
“Miss Kizzy taught me that I can make something of myself,” said Zicalya. “In order to fulfill my dreams, I have to finish school.”
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Foster Child Welcomed With Open Arms By His New Family
Jordan Cuffy doesn’t like to talk about his past − at least the part before his life with Odell Martin. Jordan joined Odell’s family as her foster child when he was 10 years old.
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Former Actress Helps Girls Achieve Their Dreams
Linda Carlson is a successful actress and writer, but to several young women in the Greater Hartford area, she is known for helping them realize their dreams.
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Before Problems Escalate
The mid-level development assessment – or MLDA – is helping kids like Christian receive services before problems escalate.
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Enriching Lives Through Volunteering
“Ms. Firestone’s generosity has provided these kids with a safe place where they can extend their learning after school.”
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Improving School Attendance
As a sixth-grader, Allen missed over 40 days of school. After help from the truancy court prevention program, he missed only one day.
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