Category: Community Service (Page 1 of 2)

About SimplifyCT: This is an organization founded and directed by DMA Member Pat Gentile as a no cost, full-service AARP/VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program. The group of more than 50 volunteers is sponsored by the IRS, and has for many years helped its clients to prepare all relevant tax forms and to file completed tax returns, as well as offering assistance with all government support programs. This is done via both on-site personal counseling and virtually through a secure internet site. While this financial services program is focused on seniors and low-to-moderate income households, there are no limitations on either income or age. All counselors are fully IRS-certified volunteers, and services are provided free of charge.  See: SimplifyCT.org

How you can participate:

Become a volunteer by completing the IRS/VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program offered by SimplifyCT in the Fall, and finish the certification requirements in January. Volunteers work designated hours at the Public Libraries and Senior Centers of Darien, New Canaan, Westport and Norwalk during February, March and April of each year. Volunteers work within a team of dedicated individuals and with customers who truly appreciate your help. Of course, you can also become a SimplifyCT client at any of these locations. Need more information? Contact any of the current DMA members below!

Current DMA Volunteers:

• Patrick Gentile  – Founder and President
• Bert von Stuelpnagel
• Charles Hurty

About:

Stepping Stones Children’s Museum mission is to broaden and enrich the educational opportunities for children ages ten and under and enhance their understanding of the world. The museum seeks to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning and supports parents, caregivers and educators as facilitators of children’s explorations. Stepping Stones was founded in 2000. In its first 10 years of operation, the museum received two million  visits. The Museum received LEED Gold status in 2011, as well as Green Advocate and Merit awards. In the past ten years the Museum has embarked upon an unique pre-K learning curriculum, “ELLI” – the Early Learning and Language Initiative. ELLI is student-directed, play based learning. By all metrics it has been a resounding success and continues to impact increasing numbers of pre-K students in Fairfield county.

How you can contribute:

The museum’s website lists several opportunities to contribute.  You can donate money directly or attend one of their fund raisers.  Family memberships are an important source of revenue – how about becoming a member and taking the grandchildren to the museum when they visit?

DMA Supporters:

In 2020 Jack and Rilla Neafsey serve on the Board of Directors.  They are being awarded the “Stepping Up for Children Award” in recognition of their support for ELLI and the Museum.

About:

Norwalk Hospital. Established in 1893, Norwalk Hospital is a 366 bed, not-for-profit community hospital providing Fairfield and Westchester County residents convenient access to exceptional care, close to home. As a proud member of Western Connecticut Health Network, we are united by our mission to improve the health and well-being of those who live in the communities we call home. We remain the local community providers you know and trust, only better. As a teaching hospital, we are associated with Yale University School of Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, and Ross University School of Medicine.

How you can contribute:

Members of the Darien Men’s Association are among Norwalk Hospital Volunteers who provide care and comfort to patients.  From patient transport and newspaper delivery to behind-the-scenes administrative support, hospital volunteers provide a vital service to our community. Norwalk Hospital welcomes community members who are interested in making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. For information please call  the Norwalk Hospital Volunteer Office at 203-852-2023.

DMA Volunteers:

George Gilliam

About: Literacy Volunteers https://familycenters.org/Literacy-Volunteers

Literacy Volunteers at Family Centers believes that access to education is critical to becoming economically self sufficient and independent.  Proficiency in reading, writing and communication is essential to further advancement both personally and professionally.

How you can contribute:

One can support Literacy Volunteers at Family Centers through a variety of roles. Their biggest need is ESL tutors. Tutors are required to give two hours of instruction each week teaching a small group of dedicated and motivated adult English learners. Classes are held in Stamford and Greenwich during the day or evening. No experience or bilingual ability is necessary. All tutors are required to attend training which is facilitated by program staff.Another volunteer opportunity at the organization is proctoring. This opportunity is less of a time commitment than tutoring but is a huge help to the LV staff when it comes time to test the students! Proctors must attend training facilitated by program staff. There are many other ways to get involved including volunteering to help register new students during the start of fall and spring semesters or helping set up and clean up at special events. They also need assistance with data entry and general administrative duties.

DMA Volunteer:

Bill Looney

About: Friends of Selleck’s Woods

The Friends’ mission is to protect Selleck’sWoods as a nature preserve and as a place for quiet recreation where: some may find a source of personal renewal, and the young, a source of wonder and growth. The Friends are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that cares for the Woods on behalf of the Darien Parks & Recreation Commission

How you can contribute:

Monetary contributions are always welcomed and volunteers are encouraged to help and participate in any one of a number of activities detailed on the Friends’ website.

DMA Volunteers:

Chris Filmer (President) 

About: 

LION- LION Charter School

About the Carver Foundation of Norwalk

Carver’s mission is to close opportunity gaps for all children and to ensure they graduate high school on time and ready for college and careers. Carver combines a set of key partnerships between school districts and their highly skilled educators, community organizations and parents to deliver after-school, summer and community programs that consistently demonstrate striking results. This academic year, Carver is serving more than 2,500 students, operating in 17 K-12 Norwalk Public Schools, the Carver Community Center, and the Classical Studies Magnet Academy in Bridgeport. Since 2005, 100% of Carver seniors have graduated on time. Over the last three years, over 95% of Carver seniors enroll in college immediately following graduation. Visit their website at: Carver Norwalk

How You Can Contribute

Carver can always use donations and volunteers.

Carver volunteers are tutors, mentors, homework helpers, career counselors, and other skill-specific project leaders who offer their support, feedback and praise. The community center utilizes individual and groups of volunteers for community events such as Career Fairs, talent contests, student and family awards ceremonies, holiday celebrations, food drives, etc. Corporate teams produce daylong events for our youth and undertake extensive renovation and cleanup projects. Carver dedicates one staff person to volunteer management.

Carver held a Connections cocktail party to introduce Darien residents to Carver last October at the home of DMA member Hugh Montgomery and Callie Sullivan. Patrick Steele and John Hess were on the organizing committee as was State Representative Terrie Woods. Several DMA members attended. Carver will hold another Connections party in Darien later this year. Anyone interested in attending or learning more about Carver should contact Patrick Steele at 203 856 3689 or psteele235@gmail.com

DMA Participants

Patrick Steele

About:

Darien TV79 is the Town’s government and community television station.  It is available to Darien residents on Cablevision / Optimum and online via Vimeo .

Staffed by volunteers and paid camera operators, TV79 covers up to fifteen government meetings each week, usually airing them live as they happen and repeating them beginning each Friday when our new program schedule gets underway.

All programming on TV79 is aired “gavel to gavel” without editing. TV79 follows guidelines approved by the Board of Selectmen and is funded by the Town and cable subscribers.

All meetings since 2016 are available on demand on our Vimeo Channel.

Older meetings are archived and accessible at the Darien Library.  For more information please contact us at DarienTV79@gmail.com.

Visit their website: Darien TV79

How you can participate:

The Town’s government TV station welcomes those interested in training as camera operators, video producers and viewers!  Help us help our town stay better informed.

DMA Participants:

Jim Cameron (Program Director)

Mike Wheeler

Dave Dever

Jim Cameron

What Future 5 is All About

We believe that every young person who climbs our stairs has potential to lead a fulfilling life. We believe it is never too late to help shape the life of a young person, regardless of economic or family circumstances.We believe in the power of connection and the importance of belonging to a caring community. Over the last 10 years, Future 5 has helped more than 530+ students achieve their academic, career and life goals by connecting them to Coaches, College, the Community, Careers, and most importantly, their own Character.

Future 5 worked with 232 Students

158 High School + 67 College + 7 Alternative Pathway

100% of Future 5 high school seniors graduated.

91% of Future 5 students “landed with a plan.”

56 Seniors received 266 Acceptances to 67 Colleges and Universities.

Students received more than $750,000 in scholarship funds.

Students contributed more than 1,330 hours of community service.

Visit their website at Future 5

How you can contribute:

They are looking for donations and also mentors/tutors.

Who at DMA is involved

Ed Sweeney

Alec Wiggin

John King

Jay Bennett

Rob Roberto

About:  SCORE https://fairfieldcounty.score.org/

Established in 1964 by the Small Business Administration, SCORE is a national network of expert business mentors (some of which are retired) that are dedicated to helping small and start-up businesses grow and achieve their goals. Through a network of over 300 chapters, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs since inception.

Business, plan, business plan, strategy, business strategy, marketing plan

SCORE’s volunteer model provides confidential business mentoring services, both in person and online.  In addition, SCORE’s local and online seminars and workshops led by business leaders offer current business intelligence and expertise on how small businesses can meet their goals and achieve success.  SCORE also expands its outreach through marketing and alliance building in our local communities.

SCORE ‘s Norwalk chapter has earned national recognition for its energy, creativity and success in fulfilling its mission (currently offering 100 plus workshops/webinars annually).  SCORE expands its outreach through marketing and alliance building in our local communities.

A great way to see what SCORE is all about is to attend a local workshop.  See Workshop Calendar. Plus you just might learn something yourself.

How you can contribute:

Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success. Volunteering is a way for you to give back, network with business experts and share knowledge.  SCORE provides a training program for every new mentor.   For more, follow this link: https://www.score.org/volunteer

DMA Volunteers:

Peter Carnes
Bob McGroarty

About:

From the outset, Person to Person began using their resources to help those in need while educating others about the impact of poverty and injustice. Person-to-Person provides individuals and families with assistance for basic needs to overcome daily challenges and access to resources to improve their lives. Efforts to help began with food and clothing and grew to include: Financial Assistance for emergencies; camperships so children would be safe during the summer while their parents worked and College Scholarships to help break the cycle of poverty. Person-to-Person, Inc. is a non-profit charitable agency with a 501(c)(3) tax status. More than 90% of all donations go directly to programs.

How you can contribute:

There are two important ways you can contribute.  First is with your time.  P2P needs volunteers to work at the Food Pantry, P2P on Wheels, Clothing Center, Reception and as a Driver for Delivery.  Second is to make a donation.  Monetary contributions are always welcomed.  Also needed are clothing, food and household items.   https://p2phelps.org/volunteers/

There are 3 locations: Norwalk, Stamford and Darien

DMA Volunteers:

Raymond Burgund

About: Inspirica CT

Inspirica, Inc.’s mission is to break the cycle of homelessness by helping people achieve – and maintain- permanent housing and stability in their lives. We are one of the largest providers of services to the homeless in Fairfield County. Each night, we house approximately 350 people, and each year we serve more than 850 people (including 250 children). We operate 11 facilities including emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and deeply affordable housing.  We further provide an extensive array of support services, including vocational training, workforce education, job placement, housing placement, job & housing retention support, early childhood & parenting services, children’s services, counseling, case management, and much more. See the link: https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin-General/About/Nonprofit-Grant-Program-NGP/Success-Stories/Inspirica for more.

How you can contribute:

MEAL PROVISION: EARLY CHILDHOOD & PARENTING PROGRAM

Prepare a meal for the 25 parents and children in our Early Childhood and Parenting Program. This program helps the adult clients who live in our family shelter develop various parenting skills, including communication, child development, and effective strategies to advocate for children — all while their children engage in crucial early childhood development and pre-literacy activities. At the end of each session, the parents and children all join together for a meal. Volunteers may prepare and drop off a meal, or prepare a meal on-site. There is no requirement to stay and serve. Ongoing opportunity | Most volunteers serve monthly or quarterly Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; dinner served at 6:30pm 141 Franklin Street in downtown Stamford

MEAL PROVISION: WOODLAND CAMPUS

Prepare and serve a meal at our Women’s Emergency Shelter at our Woodland Campus. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, volunteers serve the 25 women who live in our shelter. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, up to 45 men and women from the full campus are invited to dinner. Volunteers must stay to serve the meal. Ongoing opportunity | Most providers serve monthly or quarterly 365 days/year; dinner served at 6:00pm all nights, brunch served at 11:00am or 12:00 noon on weekends Located at 8 Woodland Place in Stamford’s South End neighborhood

YOUTH CENTER

Our Youth Center is our after-school program for the school-aged children in our care, and is structured to include free play time, homework/quiet reading time, as well as an enrichment activity. Volunteers assist with homework and provide one-on-one attention to the children, and providing positivity and stability in the children’s lives. Ongoing opportunity | Most volunteers attend weekly or bi-weekly Monday through Friday during the school year, 4:00 to 6:00pm 141 Franklin Street in downtown Stamford Want to volunteer with us? Please reach out to Sarah Kennedy at skennedy@InspiricaCT.org or 203-388-0109 BABY-SI T T ING Volunteers help with childcare so that adult clients may attend Early Childhood and Parenting classes, which focus on parenting skills. The children attend early childhood development and pre-literacy classes. Minimum age for volunteers is 15.

BEAUTIFICATION

Groups of up to 45 can lead various beautification projects around our 11 facilities. Opportunities can be tailored to meet your group’s needs, size, and availability. Activities include planting, assisting with landscaping, and deep cleaning. Volunteers wishing to plant flowers or shrubs must bring their own supplies/tools. Supplies and equipment for deep cleaning are provided by Inspirica. Seasonal opportunity | March through August Monday through Friday, typically between 10am and 5pm 8 Woodland Place in Stamford’s South End neighborhood or 141 Franklin Street in downtown Stamford VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Want to volunteer with us? Please reach out to Sarah Kennedy at skennedy@InspiricaCT.org or 203-388-0109

THANKSGIVING DRIVE & GIVEAWAY

Each year, we give away approximately 800 turkeys and all of the fixings to our clients and to those in need in our community. Volunteers help with sorting donations and packing Thanksgiving baskets filled with fixings. Volunteers also assist with the Thanksgiving turkey-and-fixings giveaway. Seasonal opportunity | November Sorting day the Saturday before Thanksgiving; Giveaway the Tuesday before Thanksgiving 8 Woodland Place in Stamford’s South End neighborhood

HOLIDAY GIFT COLLECTION

Each year, we hold our Holiday Gift Collection which provides nearly 6,000 gifts to nearly 3,000 children in need in our community. Volunteers may assist with sorting gift donations, checking-in donations, and organizing our gift inventory; wrap gifts during our Big Wrap Event, held on a Saturday in December, a fun day of wrapping to a DJ-led soundtrack; wrap gifts as needed after the wrapping event and helping to organize wrapped gifts for distribution.

DMA Volunteer:

Chris Filmer