When communities faced CHALLENGES…

2017 ANNUAL Serving Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills REPORT Building bridges―across gulfs of transition, disparities, crises and cultures―isn’t easy.

How do communities survive―and thrive― in the face of these challenges? They thrive because of you. Our communities have been tested in the last year, but you and countless neighbors opened your hearts, gave generously and rolled up your sleeves. You built BRIDGES… This 2017 report is a tribute to you, the “bridge builders” of Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills,―with deep appreciation for your compassion, your support of better opportunities for all, and your enduring commitment to the well-being of people across the region. You have made lives better. Thank you. 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

C Connecticut Community Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills Foundation managed raised $1,307,615 510 funds for 243 organizations and stewarded more than $100 million in charitable dollars to help make donors’ philanthropic dreams a reality.

165 nonprofit leaders learned best practices and important skills to strengthen their organizations at trainings hosted by Connecticut Community Foundation. Give Local was instrumental in filling Literacy Volunteers of Greater Waterbury’s Through the new new Storymobile with 2017 HIGHLIGHTS Women’s books for kids. Giving Circle, Connecticut Community Foundation 68 women committed their awarded 537 grants shared resources to help women and girls thrive in totaling $2.95 million Greater Waterbury and the to 310 nonprofit organizations that areaddressing the most Litchfield Hills. pressing challenges and opportunities in our region. In these pages, you will read about bridges and the people who build them. People—concerned neighbors, leaders in local organizations, generous donors— who have the vision to see past challenges and who possess the energy and determination to strengthen communities in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. Bridges also offer a path to explore the road ahead. 2018 is a year of transition at the Foundation. We are both new to our roles, and are honored to stand with a talented, engaged and dedicated team of trustees, staff, advisors, donors, volunteers and community partners. Together, we will continue Connecticut Community Foundation’s efforts to support thriving communities throughout Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills, honoring the visions of those who have built the Foundation 1 over the past 94 years, and pursuing innovative and effective ways to meet today’s serious challenges. We are inspired by you and by all who work to create thriving communities throughout Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. We look forward to building bridges alongside you, and to crossing those bridges toward an ever brighter future.

Doug Johnson Julie Loughran Chair, Board of Trustees President and CEO Naugatuck Valley Community College students at work in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center on the Waterbury campus. Photo courtesy of NVCC

“They’ve got grit.”

2 The grant request raised eyebrows and spoke volumes: community Baldrige headed Waterbury-based Scovill Manufacturing Company college students in Waterbury needed a food pantry. in the 1960s and later served as the United States Secretary of Sarah Gager, dean of student services at Naugatuck Valley Community Commerce. His legacy lives on through the Malcolm Baldrige College (NVCC), explained, “When we had a downturn in the Scholarship Fund, enabling the Foundation to provide grants for economy, that was a significant impact on families…And it’s become students pursuing advanced manufacturing technology certificates very, very difficult for a lot of students not only with food insecurity, at NVCC. These dollars help students pay for courses not covered by but now homelessness. Sometimes they’ll stay on a friend’s couch, a federal financial aid. relative’s couch, a shelter…there are students sometimes in tents.” The yearlong certificate training is highly computer-based and teaches “But you know what impresses me?” she added. “They’re still here.” programmable logic—while building toward well-paying careers for male and female students, in what had been traditionally a male- Connecticut Community Foundation’s expanded and flexible support dominated field. And, graduates are meeting an unmet need for in 2017 gave NVCC students an “extra hand to move forward skilled workers in Connecticut. successfully,” said Gager. “They can’t hire people quickly enough who have the right skill set,” It took many forms, starting with an oversized, commercial refrigerator Gager said of Connecticut manufacturers. and nutritious food to fill it for a new, on-campus food pantry. Offering privacy, the pantry allows students to “grab and go” healthy Additional grant funding from the Foundation enables NVCC to hire 3 meals or groceries. more students to work on campus for learning and mentoring in their career fields of choice. Because of the convenience and flexibility of Said Gager, “When you see a student trying to decide: do they use jobs on campus, students are more likely to finish their degrees. their financial aid money to buy a textbook or do they use it to buy food or pay rent so they have a place to stay…That’s not a choice that Gager concluded, “If you give students enough of a boost so they get anybody in this day and age should have to make.” over that tipping point, they’ll think, ‘I can see the end in sight. I can make it.’” Malcolm Baldrige, through a fund he established over three decades ago at Connecticut Community Foundation, is also helping to reduce Yes they can. the academic barriers for NVCC students.

“They know this is the opportunity to break that cycle and to turn it around.”

—Sarah Gager Where There’s No Shortage of New Opportunities

Zumba is among many classes for older adults that are coordinated by New Opportunities at the Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury. 4 Photo by Jake Koteen Photography January 1, 1984. Over the years, Connecticut Community Foundation—through its That’s when Mary-Kate Gill, director of elder services, and Lisa East Hill Woods Fund—has extended a helping hand to older people Labonte, director of senior nutrition services, began working together through New Opportunities, and 2017 was no different. at New Opportunities, a social service agency headquartered in With a grant from the Foundation to configure and equip a food Waterbury that serves 27 Connecticut towns. truck, New Opportunities will make it easier for older people with They share an easy laugh, a natural warmth and sage reflectiveness transportation challenges to get affordable meals at their doorsteps. born of years sustaining people in the later chapters of their lives. The truck will travel among senior housing complexes in Waterbury, serving nearly 60 people per day. In an emergency such as a power They ticked off the changes and challenges: Medical advances mean failure at a senior housing building, the truck could also be deployed. more people are living longer, but many are living with dementia. It’s not uncommon to see two generations or even three—all in the same And, at senior centers in Woodbury and Southbury, mealtime family—that are eligible for services. attendance has jumped ever since New Opportunities enlisted chefs to prepare creative meals onsite. Now, smells of fresh baked bread waft “And 60 today is not the same as it was 35-40 years ago,” Labonte through the dining rooms, and older people are guaranteed nutritious mused. “Younger seniors are staying more active than they used to. meals, subsidized by Foundation grant funds, that taste great—with Or they’re working. Or they’re taking care of grandchildren.” the ambiance of home. “And yet,” Gill added, “state and federal funds have declined over the 5 “A lot of older people are isolated,” said Labonte. “But [with chefs last 10-15 years. People are staying at home longer and community on-site], they started sitting down much earlier to meals—just to sit agencies like ours are expected to help them remain at home.” and talk.” New Opportunities has creatively risen to the challenges facing older The meals are healthier, too, not “frozen meals loaded with sodium” people, led by this dauntless duo. that Gill said are too often the norm. They started a housekeeping program so frail older people could stay All this is in addition to a range of programs funded by Connecticut at home, another program that assists older people in applying for Community Foundation and coordinated by New Opportunities to benefits and services, and another that provides pet food for their promote fitness, social connection, education and nutrition for 1,200 clients’ pets—which they began when they realized that nutritionally Waterbury older adults at community and senior centers throughout at-risk people were sharing their own meals with their hungry pets. the city. From guitar lessons to Zumba to memoir writing to classes on Their innovative restaurant program provides more than 1,500 older using Uber, Skype and online banking, barriers to independence and people with a debit card that can be used at participating local social connectedness are falling away. restaurants to obtain low-cost meals developed in consultation with Thirty-four years of working together has gotten Labonte and Gill— the New Opportunities dietitian. During the recession, the program and older people throughout Greater Waterbury—very far indeed. may even have helped some restaurants stay in business. Cynthia W. with her painting titled “Peace, Serenity” at Mental Health Connecticut’s Mending Art exhibit at Hartford ArtSpace Gallery.

The Healing Power of Art

6 An art show would seem to be the last thing on someone’s mind when “Art helps me acknowledge that I am somebody.” (David G.) departing the confines of a mental health treatment center after weeks “Drawing has helped me through some of the darkest and happiest or months. times of my life…” (Jennifer F.) Leaving inpatient treatment can open doors to challenges bred by In 2017, Mending Art went on the road. Over 60 artists exhibited their prolonged battles with addiction, bipolar disorder, depression or work at ArtSpace Hartford. Other works were displayed at area libraries, schizophrenia: wounded self-esteem, finances and relationships and a senior centers, the Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury City Hall, the Boys tenuous grip on a place to live or work. and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury, and Western Connecticut Mental The next stop for many people is often Mental Health Connecticut’s Health Network’s Create Art Show and Sale. (MHC) Independence Center in Waterbury, where encouragement and One artist, Robin Laganza Lindstrom, even published her own children’s wisdom are woven into housing and assistance programs that promote book, Lucy and Ben, about two children who live with a mom who has four pillars of recovery—home, health, purpose and community. bipolar disorder. The Center compassionately offers all those things, plus one more Through community exhibits, Smith said, artists “feel like they are being lifeline—the Mending Art program—made possible by Connecticut seen for themselves, not their illnesses…and it gives them so much Community Foundation donors. It’s a safe space to creatively express confidence.” 7 the tangle of emotions or traumatic experiences that frequently impede In 2017, more than 120 people used Mending Art to heal from illness recovery. or trauma and to build social connections. Coordinator Amy Smith, an accomplished artist in her own right, is the Connecticut Community Foundation’s funding over the past two years gentle and trusted coach for Mending Art. She often begins by simply has been critical, particularly as MHC labors to help growing numbers extending an invitation for new attendees of the Center to enter a of young people and older adults who seek their services. studio stocked cheerfully with paints, canvases and art supplies. Still, they point to success stories like Cynthia W.’s. What happens after that has been nothing short of astounding. Cynthia began with tentative drawings in a sketchbook, but was soon Says Smith, “A lot of our artists are really hard on themselves. But when painting “constantly” in the Mending Art studio. She has since moved they start drawing or creating and hearing the positive words, they start to New Jersey, in part because she was offered an opportunity there to seeing themselves a bit differently.” lead an art program. In the artists’ words: “I’m stepping into my place and art is it,” she said. “It doesn’t have to “The painting helps me let go. It brings out the inner beauty in me and I look like anyone else’s because it’s mine.” see the beauty of others when I look at their art.” (Jeannette S.) Waterbury Middle Schoolers Are Engineering their Futures

8 Could they program their robot to flush a toilet? With salaries for teacher-coaches and registration fees funded by the It was a wintry Saturday morning in February, and dozens of middle Foundation, the robotics program has taken off—fed by the energies of school boys and girls, their parents and siblings were breathlessly 60 middle schoolers. gathered in the West Side Middle School cafeteria in Waterbury for the “We’re trying to give the kids as many opportunities as possible to FIRST® LEGO® League team competition. experience hands-on, cool stuff so they say ‘wow, I can do this.’ A lot Teams of students, intently willing their robots to control toilets, turn of them had never programmed, had never done anything like that. So on water treatment plants, or remove barriers to waterfalls on a robotics has given them the confidence, exposure and fun. They see pre-designed course, had been preparing since October for the water- that it’s a blast to do this,” said Reed. themed robotics competition. The February robotics face-off was lively and competitive, and the teams During twice weekly after-school sessions organized by Waterbury often applauded each other’s efforts. Public School’s Supervisor of Science and Technology Education John According to Reed, “Sportsmanship is as important as having a Reed, teams of students at three Waterbury middle schools (North End, successful robot. Are you helping other schools? Are you open to Wallace and West Side) and one alternative school (Enlightenment) had sharing parts if something breaks?” learned computer coding and logic in order to program robots. “It’s so much more than robotics,” he said. “It also really helps build They were also preparing for a future in which skilled workers in science, the soft skills that they say kids are lacking for jobs, where they have 9 technology, engineering and math (STEM) will be in high demand. to work and problem-solve together. [During the competition], if Nationally, disparities exist with access to and success in STEM subjects something went wrong, they would put their heads together. And along racial, socioeconomic, gender, and geographic lines, as well as that’s a huge step forward for middle school kids to be able to do that.” among students with disabilities. The United States Department of In Reed’s experience with robotics teams, the experiences stick. Education, National Science Foundation and many others are urging “When you follow these kids up through the high school level, you’d educators to close the gaps. be amazed that almost all at that point want to be engineers….They Waterbury Public Schools are taking many steps to educate their diverse expressed some kind of interest in a STEM career, and many said they student body in STEM skills, including the revival of their robotics wouldn’t have chosen that if they hadn’t had the chance to build and program. code robots and compete against other teams.” Enter Connecticut Community Foundation and a committed group of Waterbury educators led by Reed and administrator Louise Brown, a savvy group of teacher-coaches, and robotics teams from Kennedy and (At left) The FIRST® LEGO® League team competition at Crosby High Schools in Waterbury. West Side Middle School in Waterbury. Lighting a Path Through Darkness for Puerto Ricans As Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged Puerto Rico in September A first wave of contributions from Connecticut Community 2017, profound fear and anguish reverberated all the way to Greater Foundation donors, $8,000, was sent to the Puerto Rican Community Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. Foundation so they could respond quickly with aid for the island’s The roots that join the people of the island and Connecticut residents immediate needs: “sources of life,” including water, food, housing are deep, built on generations of Puerto Ricans migrating to work and medicine. at the farms of Litchfield to the factories of Waterbury after World And through the work of Foundation grantees Connecticut Coalition War II. Now, Connecticut has the highest percentage of Puerto Rican to End Homelessness, New Opportunities, and the Hispanic Coalition residents of any other state, and nearly one quarter of Waterbury’s of Greater Waterbury, an additional $18,000 from the Foundation population is Puerto Rican. will support Puerto Rican families who have relocated to Greater Over the years, Puerto Ricans have enriched our region with their Waterbury and who are in serious danger of becoming homeless. skills, passions and talents in countless ways, and their spirit and The grant dollars will also help Puerto Ricans acquire important culture invigorate many of our local neighborhoods. documents lost in the hurricanes—such as replacement drivers’ So, after the hurricanes, when Puerto Rico’s electricity was completely licenses and social security cards—which are needed to seek knocked out, when over 400,000 people were left homeless, when employment, housing or benefits here in Connecticut. And, more running water was scarce and when hundreds of families relocated grant dollars will provide transportation for families who have to Connecticut, people in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills relocated to Waterbury as they seek vital services and benefits. 11 mobilized. Many other community partners are teaming up to support relocated Among the area residents who responded generously to the people—including 300 students from Puerto Rico who are newly Foundation’s appeal for financial assistance to aid Puerto Ricans was enrolled in Waterbury schools—and the Foundation’s staff is lending Abby Wells of Woodbury. their deep knowledge of community services and resources to the effort. Wells, founder of the Abby N. Wells Fund at Connecticut Community Foundation, was appalled by the plight of Puerto Ricans and the The road ahead for Puerto Ricans is a long one, but paved with the slowness of the government response to the hurricanes. She said she generosity and compassion of people in Greater Waterbury and the was compelled to act by the incredible need. Litchfield Hills. “It’s outrageous that all these people had to be relocated,” said Wells. “It’s unconscionable. How could you not project yourself into a situation like that? To think of Puerto Rican people living without (At left) Connecticut family members look on as a Puerto Rican electricity…you can’t pump gas to fill a car, you can’t get water from a government representative gives a brief on the relief effort on the island. well…All the things we take for granted…” Photo by Ryan Caron King, Connecticut Public Radio

11 Community Investments

2017 Connecticut Community Foundation serves donors and nonprofits through Assets sound financial management that aims to build the charitable resources Investments $105,829,000 available to the community. In 2017, the Foundation’s investments realized Other Assets 3,642,165 a 16.48% net investment return—exceeding the benchmark—and the Total Assets $109,471,165 Foundation’s net assets grew to nearly $106 million. Liabilities and Net Assets Accounts Payable $ 43,558 2017 Grants and Scholarships Grants Payable 47,515 Liabilities Under Split-interest Agreements 165,164 by Program Area Funds Held as Agency Endowments 3,296,973 $5.0 million Net Assets 105,917,955 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $109,471,165 1 Animals • Revenue 15 Arts ••••••••••••••• Contributions $ 2,579,848 12 3 Economic Development Investment Return 14,905,278 ••• Other Revenue 229,728 13 Education Economic ••••••••••••• Total Revenue $ 17,714,854 Development 6 Environment 3% •••••• Grants and Expenses 7 ••••••• Faith-based Grants and Scholarships $ 5,039,239 11 Health Program Support 1,157,510 ••••••••••• Supporting Services 767,617 8 Older People •••••••• Total Grants and Expenses $ 6,964,366 3 Other ••• Net Assets 3 ••• Philanthropic Beginning of Year $95,167,467 End of Year $105,917,955 PERCENT OF TOTAL 18 •••••••••••••••••• Scholarships 7 •••••••• Social Services 5 Youth For a copy of Connecticut Community Foundation’s 2017 ••••• audited report and tax return (IRS Form 990) visit our website at www.conncf.org or contact Barbara Ryer, director of finance and administration, at 203.753.1315. THE GENEROSITY OF MANY We are profoundly grateful for these “bridge builders,” whose giving creates health, open spaces, second chances, educational opportunities, shelter, recovery and so much more in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills.

Gifts of $100,000+ Crystal Rock LLC Theodore H. Martland Robert Curtis, Jr. Jim and Cathy Smith Isabelle V. Curtiss The Foundation’s grant to the Community Culinary School of Northwest Diebold Family Fund Connecticut supports 12 weeks of culinary training for each trainee, Gifts of $75,000 to $99,999 Carole Gibney including all aspect of working in a professional kitchen. Estate of Nancy Camp Barry and Merle Ginsburg Estate of Georgianna L. Middlebrook Deborah B. McInerney Charitable Fund Thomas J. McInerney Gifts of $50,000 to $74,999 Marcea Morgan Alexion Pharmaceuticals Philip Samponaro Estate of Marion Coulon Daniel Sherr and Margaret Ferguson Easterseals Waterbury Town of Warren Ronald Garfunkel Westover School Junior Class The Leever Foundation Pamela Sinel Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999 StayWell Health Care Thomas Allison Anonymous Gifts of $25,000 to $49,999 Archdiocese of Hartford Jack and Pam Baker Louis Brown 13 Friends of Beacon Falls Library Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP Elizabeth and Charles J. Boulier III Connecticut National Guard Foundation Christopher Brooks Anne Delo and Rosemary Giuliano David M. Brooks Michael Feinberg and Ann Merriam Feinberg Dorothy B. DeSomma Margaret Field and David Robinson Julie Fowler Gifts of $10,000 to $24,999 Estate of Raymond George Wayne Eisenbaum Charitable Foundation Kathryn S. Kehoe Valerie Friedman John and Nancy Newton Sarah Gager Kyungsook Petrahai Goshen Land Trust Rabbi Eric Polokoff and Dr. Ellen Polokoff Ion Bank Fund Kevin and Denise Ruppelt Dan and Robin Donato Liberty Bank Foundation Ion Bank Foundation Annie M. Scott Mehdi S. and Judith A. Eslami Fund Vita Muir Richard and Elaine Lau Eversource Energy Foundation Newtown Memorial Fund Jack and Ingrid Manning Gifts of $1,500 to $2,499 Field Street Associates Kathie Nitz Naugatuck Education Foundation Burton and Sylvia Albert First Congregational Church of New Milford Village at Oxford Greens Claire Steiger Eric and Emily Anderson Anne and Ken Green Richard and Carolyn Povilaitis Justine Arnold Stewart Gross and Lois Perelson-Gross Salem Foundation Fund Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 Fred Baker and Lisa Powers Gwaz Electric Domenic and Marilyn Santucci American Savings Foundation Margaret M. Baldrige Murray and Susan Haber Carolyn Setlow and Andrew Shapiro Christopher Berman Haworth and Marcia Barker Brian and Susan Henebry Stephen Kest, DMD Sonia Budy Daniel and Janine Bedard Forest Herron Stedman Sweet Daniel N. Caron Ralph and Sheila Carpinella Horatio’s Janet Taylor Merrilee Chamberlain Michael and Theresa Conway Dr. and Mrs. Michael Karnasiewicz Paula Van Ness Church Street Community Services Dorothy DeBisschop Estate of Stephen G. Kenney Waterbury Regional Chamber Gifts of $1,000 to $1,499 Gifts of $500 to $999 Robert McWilliam and Wesley Rouse Sinclair Risk Management Jonathan and Rachel Albert Doris and Joel Abramson Metallon Inc. Anne Slattery Nicole Alger Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Arnold Fund Marcia Valente Mitchell and Brian A. Mitchell Smaller Manufacturers Association of CT Jeannette Ashe Robert and Juliane Bailey The420 Mnuchin Foundationstudents in GreaterMarlene Waterbury M. Smith and the Benedictus Fund James and Donna Bannon Caption Jonathan and Amy Bernon Betsy Barber Litchfield Hills will find their college educations Martha and Robert Bernstein Paula Baron Frances Campbell Benevity Community Impact Fund more affordable, thanks to $940,000 in scholarships Sarah Carberry The Bower Richardson Family Michael and Janice Carey David and Grace Brex Fund awarded by Connecticut Community Foundation. David and Carmen Carlson Budwitz & Meyerjack PC Heston Clapp Catholic Financial Life Aaron Madow of Thomaston (at right) is one of those M. David Cohen, MD Terri Clark Cooper Surgical Classic Tool & Manufacturing students! Photo by Dorian Mode Photography Darrell and Rosanne Daniels Jennifer Connelly Francis and Gail DeBlasio Kathi Crowe Joyce DeCesare David and Debra Dillon Demsey Manufacturing Co. Emily Littman Eisen and Ruth Littman Edward Dietrich Ellis, Veselsky and White Fund Ericson Insurance Advisors Daniel and Elizabeth Esty Diane L. Fountas, MD Fairfield County Bank Lisa Frantzis and Ophelia Dahl Jacqueline M. Farrell Gager, Emerson, Rickart, Bower & Scalzo LLP David and Brenda Ferraro Kevin and Joan Gibbons John and Eileen Field Gilbert Family Fund First Congregational Church of Watertown 14 Giuliano, Richardson & Sfara LLC Anne and Tony Fitzgerald Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. Kathryn Flaherty H&T Waterbury Elizabeth Frew Henry & Federer LLP Deborah Fuller Peter and Kristen Jacoby Steven and Candice Geary Douglas and Megan Johnson George and Mary Giguere Fund Julie Loughran and Brendan Foulois Henry and Karen Glanternik Wendy Malaspina Oz Griebel Robert McGrath Douglas A.P. Hamilton Sheila Morley Jean Solomon Bryan Nurnberger Ion Bank Bill and Kathy Morton Saint Mary’s Hospital Jeanne Paparazzo Kris and Mike Jacobi Municipal Truck Parts, Inc. James Storiale Mr. and Mrs. William J. Pape II Ruth Jaffe Naugatuck Historical Society Darlene Stromstad Kirsten Peckerman John Bale Books LLC Northwest Environmental Water Labs Suppose Benefits Consulting DBA LLC David and Jill Pelletier Cheryl Johnson Beatriz R. Olson, MD Adele Taylor Lee A. Plutino and Janet Harris Regina Duchin Kraus Town of Oxford Thomaston Savings Bank Karen Powell Louis and Mary Lamour Robert Pedemonti Thomas and Laurin Traub Michael and Tina Reardon Jenna Leite and Matthew Paolano Perry Egress Group Denise Trevenen Dolores Riollano William Lengyel Post University Wilson and Annette Trombley Jane M. Romano Robert Livermore Gary and Sandy Post Unico National, Waterbury Chapter Marjorie M. Ross Jill Lloyd Premier Financial Services LLC Hiram Upson John Ruby Kate MacKinney Susan Rea A.J. and Jodi Wasserstein Betty Ann Veillette Donald and Elena Maclean Judith M. Rifkin Linda Wasserstein Grace and Victor J. Visockis, Jr. Marion Manzo Howard Rosenfeld and Sheryl Leach City of Waterbury Ann Watson Marlene G. Brachfeld Fund J. Christopher Schlesinger Foundation Gordon and Lenora White Jennifer McMahon Judy Ann Godburn Ann Zipkin Gifts of $250 to $499 Cathy and Jay Fredlund John and Margaret Perotti The Glebe House and Gertrude Jekyll Garden Jan and Eric Albert Glenn and Lianne Fuller Roger and Peg Perreault Gunn Memorial Library Allstar Coin-Op Michael and Giovanna Giardina Tricia and David Poirier Henry & Federer LLP Bannon & Hebert Properties LLC Kyle J. Gibbons Prospect Congregational Church Isabelle V. Curtiss Hilary and Dutch Barhydt Susan Gibbons Tom and Beth Rickart Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut Mary J. Barneby Gwendoline Harris Cynthia Roque, MD The John Bale Book Company Beth Barrett and Cindy Camargo Susan B. Jefferson Barbara Ruggiero John Johnson Art Direction and Design Joel and Nancy Becker Brian and Karen Jones Sandra Vigliotti Senich Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens Minjiang Bensema Andrew and Karen Kish Deborah and Laurence Shapiro Landmark Community Theater Mark G. Berardi LaBonne’s Market Memorial Fund Litchfield Community Center Pauline Betchaver Chris and Kathleen LaCroix Ronald Skomro Litchfield Distillery Brian and June Boyd John and Debra Lanzl Christopher and Marlene Smith Litchfield Historical Society Thomas and Catherine Brunnock Christopher and Cynthia Latham Deborah and Jeffrey Stein Jill Faherty Lloyd Kay Campbell Main-East Associates LLC Bill and Janet Stokes Mattatuck Museum Melissa Carlo-Gonzalez Marjan Inc. Joanie Tanonis Morris Town Hall Ellen Carter J. Thomas and Sandra Massimino Mary Jane Travers Naugatuck Valley Community College Chittenden Group Mattatuck Indus Scrap Metal Union Congregational Church Ladies Club Northwest Connecticut Community Todd Clark Wayne and Betty McCormack Douglas and Yvonne Wade Foundation Amy Corbin Patrick and Kelly McKenna Jack Zazzaro and Monique Marchetti Old Woodbury Historical Society (Hurd John and Laura Crane James and Linda McWilliam House) Christopher and Heather Dainiak Cynthia Merrick Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Fred A. Damico William and Judith Meyerjack In-kind Gifts UConn Waterbury Dr. Mark and Mrs. Helen DeFrancesco Donna Marie Mirabilio Audubon Center at Bent of the River Karen Powell Len and Maryellen DeJong David and Donna Morales Jackie Aviles Prime Publishers Joseph T. Donnelly Anthony and Laura Mulloy Jack and Pam Baker Republican-American David and Deborah Dressler Temple and Ann Myers Kathy Bower Town of Roxbury 15 Richard Dumont and Michele Berthiaume Donald and Marilyn Nitz Daisy Cocco De Filippis Southbury Public Library Erickson Metals Corporation Chris and Molly Parker Crystal Rock LLC Southbury Town Hall The Field Family Foundation Trust Geraldine Pelegano Abigail E. Disney South Farms Iris Fontaine Amy Pellegrini Ann Merriam Feinberg The Taft School Town of Thomaston Pam Vetere Village at East Farms An event sponsorship grant from Connecticut Community Foundation Jodi Wasserstein supported the Litchfield Land Trust’s Fall Sunset Party at Arbutus Farm. Waterbury Observer Waterbury Youth Services The land trust has conserved over 3,000 acres of open space for the The Watermark at East Hill enjoyment of residents. Photo by Amy Blaymore Paterson, Connecticut Adena Wright Williams Land Conservation Council WATR AM 1320 WZBG FM 97.3

To view donors who contributed between $100 and $249, please visit www.conncf.org/annual-reports. 1923 SOCIETY What do you care most about in your community? Would you like to make a difference not just today, but for generations to come? Members of our 1923 Society have done just that by including Connecticut Community Foundation in their estate plans. From arts to health care to education, they are making the community stronger—now and forever.

Members of the 1923 Society include: What values inspire your philanthropy? Attendees at our Women Give! event answered the question, and discussed how to move from inspiration to impact. Photo by Dorian Mode Photography

Anonymous (7) William Cohen Milton Greenblatt* Marita Lawlor* Mary Greene Nelson* Lucinda Hunt-Stowell* Doris Abramson Alice Cruikshank Jane Gsell Harold Leever* John Palesty Lydia Straus-Edwards Joel Abramson Robert Curtis, Jr. John Gsell Ruth Ann Leever* Christopher Parker Lydie Strobridge* 16 Eleanor Akers Isabelle V. Curtiss Janet Hansen Carolyn Lieber Molly Parker John Sullivan III* Elizabeth Andersen* Robert Dannies, Jr. Nelson Hart* William Lieber Frederick Perry* Clarice Sullivan Nina Andersen* Priscilla Dannies Jane Wynn Hay* Margaret Llano* Victor Persbacker* Marian Svetlik Andrews* Helen Angevine* Joyce DeCesare Charles Henry Anne Madden* Jean Peterson Patricia Sweet Marian Baeder* David DeNicolo Forest Herron Betsy Manning W. Scott Peterson Adele Taylor Fred Baker Bart DePetrillo George Hopkins, Jr.* Ecton Manning Kyungsook Petrahai Norman Taylor* Charles Barlow* Barbara DeRosa* Jeanne Hughes* Ingrid Manning Antonio Paulo Pinto Marcia Tejeda Lillian Berland* Frank Devorken* Peter Jacoby Mark Margiotta* Lisa Powers Donald Thompson Max Berland* Mary Devorken Susan Jefferson Jeanette Matzkin* Paul Reder Walter Torrance, Jr.* Martha Bernstein Eleanor DiCorpo* Lucille Johnson Elizabeth McCormack Edith Reynolds Paula Van Ness Robert Bernstein Anna Famiglietti* Helen Johnston Wayne McCormack Dolores Riollano Fern Verriker* Bertha Brod* Richard Faro* Alfred Joyell Marie-Jeanne McDuff* Sarah Robin* J. David Veselsky Robert Brod* Ann Merriam Feinberg Everett Kaelber Josephine McMillen* Vera Robin* Stanford Warshasky Christopher Brooks William Finkelstein* Stephen Kenney* Russell McMillen* David Robinson Leslie White* David Brooks Lynn Franklin-Henry Stephen Ketterer Anne Melgers* Marjorie Ross Edmund White Ann Burton Valerie Friedman Augusta Kramer* Georgianna Middlebrook* Dorothy Rowland* Zemma White Orton Camp* Helen Frisbie* Marie Kunkel* James Miele Ella Emery Rutledge* N. Patricia Yarborough* Miriam Camp* Deborah Fuller Angela LaMoy* Daniel Millett* Philip Samponaro Nancy Camp* Sarah Gager Raymond LaMoy* Mary Millett DeBare Saunders Daniel Caron Raymond Gamby* Gertrude Larson* Marcea Morgan Andrew Shapiro * deceased Craig Carragan, Jr. Ronald Garfunkel Herbert Larson* Maurice Mosley Justine Smith* George Chadakoff Helen Garvey* Elaine Lau Dorothy Murnane Catherine Sperry Helen Chadakoff Phyllis Gebhardt* Richard Lau Joann Narkis Sylvia Sprecker Frederick Chesson Lynn Gorman Margaret Laurencelle Robert Narkis John Staver* Laurene Clancy* Claire Goss* Irene LaVigne Linda Nelson* Daniel Stowell NEW FUNDS We are so very grateful to the donors who created new funds through Connecticut Community Foundation in 2017. These extraordinary donors are supporting specific organizations and community needs right now while building charitable assets that will benefit the community for generations.

Richard D. Coe Scholarship The Maurice B. Mosley Fund Paula Van Ness Fund for Stronger Nonprofits Established by Ion Bank (formerly Naugatuck To be funded through the estate of Maurice Established to honor Paula Van Ness upon Savings Bank) in memory of the bank’s retired Mosley for the benefit of Grace Baptist Church her retirement from Connecticut Community president. The fund awards a scholarship of Waterbury, Connecticut, for its scholarship Foundation. The fund supports nonprofits annually to a student from Naugatuck program supporting student members of the with grants, programs, services and other with above-average grades and a record of congregation. resources that build capacity, support community service. organizational development, or otherwise First Congregational Church of New strengthen their operations in the Foundation’s Gager Family Scholarship Fund Milford “Raise the Roof” Fund service area. Established by Sarah Gager to provide Established by the church to provide resources financial support for students attending to repair and restore the church roof, buildings Women’s Giving Circle Naugatuck Valley Community College in and related structural and mechanical Established to inspire community-minded, Waterbury and Northwestern Connecticut components. participatory philanthropy where learning, Community College in Winsted. connecting and group decision-making The RAG Fund improves opportunities for women and girls in The John and Ingrid Manning Advised Fund Donor-advised fund established by Ron Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. Donor-advised fund established by John (Jack) Garfunkel. and Ingrid Manning. Staywell Health Center Advised and Ingrid Martland Fund for Silas Bronson Library Endowment Funds Designated fund established by Theodore Established by Staywell to support its ability to Martland in memory of his wife Ingrid for the pursue its mission. purchase of books at Silas Bronson Library for children in first grade or younger. Ingrid (At right) Participants in the Foundation’s taught for 22 years at Mitchell Elementary Western Connecticut Leadership program on human services helped serve hot meals School in Woodbury, where nearly all of her to people in need during a visit to Greater students excelled in math and vocabulary. Waterbury Interfaith Ministries in Waterbury. WHO WE ARE BOARD OF TRUSTEES* Established in 1923, Connecticut Community Foundation Robert Bailey Elizabeth Johnson was created by and for the people of Greater Waterbury Reginald Beamon Kathryn Kehoe and the Litchfield Hills. Serving a 21-town region, Daniel Bedard John Michaels the Foundation provides leadership in addressing the Martha Bernstein Elner Morrell community’s critical issues, strengthens local nonprofit Kathy Bower John Newton organizations through grants and technical assistance Barbara Bradbury-Pape David Pelletier programs, and works with individuals, families and Daniel Caron Joyce Petteway corporations to steward charitable and scholarship funds. Anne Delo Eric Polokoff Michelle Fica Edith Reynolds Valerie Friedman Cynthia Roque Michael Giardina Carolyn Setlow Brian Henebry Kathy Taylor Douglas Johnson *Includes trustees who served during any part of 2017

A Fond Farewell STAFF* Mark Berardi Debra Orrino At the end of 2017, Paula Van Ness DEVELOPMENT OFFICER SENIOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICER retired as president and CEO of Carol Buckheit Tricia Poirier Connecticut Community Foundation DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR after six years at the helm. Joshua Carey DIRECTOR OF GRANTS MANAGEMENT Tallitha Richardson Communities in Greater Waterbury SENIOR PROGRAM AND and the Litchfield Hills reaped the Ellen Carter SCHOLARSHIP ASSOCIATE benefits of her dynamic leadership in many meaningful DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Barbara Ryer Sarah Edelson Baskin DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND and tangible ways, particularly through the launch of ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND CEO Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills and Julie Loughran Deborah Stein the Western Connecticut Leadership program. Paula’s PROGRAM OFFICER PRESIDENT AND CEO extraordinary commitment to the Foundation’s mission Patrick McKenna Bilal Tajildeen PROGRAM COORDINATOR has allowed us to look to the future with optimism and ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT excitement and build on her many successes. COORDINATOR * As of December 31, 2017 Our region is better and stronger thanks to Paula! Cynthia Merrick DONOR SERVICES OFFICER 43 Field Street Waterbury, Connecticut 06702

OUR MISSION Fostering creative partnerships that build rewarding lives and thriving communities. Who We Serve As the community foundation OUR VISION for the 21-town Greater Waterbury Communities alive with partnerships that and Litchfield Hills region, we focus our resources and demonstrate the power of giving. grantmaking in these towns.

Connecticut Community Foundation 43 Field Street Waterbury, CT 06702 203.753.1315 (On the cover) Boardwalk on the property of White Memorial Foundation and Conservation Center in the towns of Litchfield and Morris. Photo by Steve Schaum | Schaum Photography www.conncf.org