Opinion

Letter to the Editor

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Dear Community,

This month, you may often be thinking about the upcoming elections and how you will place your votes to reflect your priorities.  I’m writing to ask that you similarly consider the importance of participating in our town’s first Community Health & Well-Being Survey.  Just as voting is an incredible right and responsibility, so too is the opportunity to include your voice in this moment. The New Canaan Behavioral Health Alliance is a group of 30+ organizations leading this charge.  It’s an impressive partnership of nonprofit organizations, schools, the Town, and many others who regularly work with children, families, and adults in our community.  Yes, they all touch behavioral health – but so much more.  And this survey is designed to answer much broader questions about the overall well-being of our community – the strength of our civic and social engagement, how families are managing across different age groups, whether people feel they can access the services they’re looking for or if there are barriers to be addressed.  

Data is incredibly powerful, and I know that New Canaan would want to lead the charge in harnessing the insights from this survey to drive meaningful change within our community. With this information, we can best address our community members’ needs and wants, put resources to work in the most impactful places, and track change over time.  Furthermore, New Canaan will be in a position to apply for available federal and state funding that many other surrounding towns are already putting to good use.  

Make your voice heard.  Please join me in taking this 5-minute anonymous survey: https://newcanaanbha.org/community-health-well-being-survey/.  

Sincerely,

Lauren Patterson

President & CEO, New Canaan Community Foundation

News

Letter: New Canaan Community Foundation Receiving Grant Applications

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Dear Editor,

The New Canaan Community Foundation currently has funding opportunities available for local nonprofit organizations. We want to ensure that potential partners know we are here, and listening to the interests and needs of our community. 

For over 40 years, we’ve invested in programs, capital projects, and the operations and growth of critical local organizations. These organizations span arts & culture; health; human services; seniors & special needs; youth & education—they’re the lifeblood of our community, and we are so fortunate to invest and partner in their work. 

We mobilize thoughtful grant investments, supported by many families across town, chipping in their charitable giving to have a greater impact together. Last year, our generous supporters helped us invest nearly $600,000 in local nonprofits. So that we can continue to strategically respond to local needs, we hope you’ll share our open funding opportunity with worthwhile nonprofit projects and start-up ideas.

News

Letter on Sept. 5 Vigil: ‘A Growing Swell of Support’

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Dear Editor,

September is “back to school” season, back to fall schedules and, for many, back to our community after a busy summer. On Thursday, September 5th, I hope to see hundreds in town back to the Community Addiction Awareness Vigil – the third annual event that has gathered an ever-growing group each year. Since its inception, I’ve witnessed a growing swell of support for the event and—more importantly—for each other. Expect to leave the event inspired, motivated, and proud of our community. There’s much work to be done to grow awareness, resources, and support for anyone facing a mental health or substance misuse challenge.

News

Letter: New Canaan Community Foundation To Co-Host Aug. 31 Overdose Awareness Day

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Dear Editor,

I’ve been heartened with the community interest to-date in next week’s candelight vigil. In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, local residents, community leaders, faith groups, and individuals and families facing addiction and living in recovery are coming together on August 31st at 7:00 pm at the Pop-Up Park. I hope anyone interested will join us. I’m writing not just as a town resident, but as President & CEO of the New Canaan Community Foundation. For 40 years, we’ve been the local charitable partner for people who want to connect and give locally, on a wide variety of issues that our residents care about.