Publication: In Your Northwest Corner
Bringing Community Together Through the Music
Litchfield Performing Arts brings together a racially, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse group of young people, educating and inspiring them to become confident, creative, expressive adults through the vehicle of jazz music and the performing arts.
The annual Litchfield Jazz Festival has presented greats such as Ray Charles, Dave Brubeck, and McCoy Tyner and then-newcomers Diana Krall, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Brad Mehldau, and 2023 Grammy winner, Samara Joy.
The Litchfield Jazz Camp welcomes 300 residential and day campers every year between the ages of 13-18. Participants enjoy listening and performance opportunities, attend faculty concerts and jams nightly, and present concerts.
"On average, 20 percent of students request need-based tuition assistance, with 10% falling at or below 125% of the federal poverty levels," said Tegan Ryan of Litchfield Performing Arts.
"By offering free and subsidized tuition, we remove the socioeconomic barriers to participation for these children."
Recent grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Rivera Family Fund for Arts and Music and the Northwest CT Community Foundation Carlton D. Fyler and Jenny R. Fyler Fund supported scholarships for students demonstrating financial need to attend Litchfield Jazz Camp.
A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund supported the Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search, a talent competition for musicians ages 13-17.
Grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Robert B. and Cheryl Freehill Pauls Fund supported scholarships and provided flexible support for Litchfield Performing Arts.
“Your support means so much. [Grants] have had a direct impact in the lives of the children awarded scholarships."
Support for Community Members with Autism
The Torrington Area Families for Autism (TAFA) supports community members with autism and their families by improving autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion in Torrington and the surrounding areas of Northwest CT. TAFA provides parent/caregiver support, sensory friendly movie nights, and adaptive dance classes. Holiday events include trick or treating, Friendsgiving, Christmas, and Easter celebrations.
"We provide the majority of our services at free or significantly reduced cost in an attempt to alleviate common barriers to services, while increasing accessibility, equity and inclusion," said Christina Augliera of Torrington Area Families with Autism.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Draper Foundation Fund supported building capacity for the organization. A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Torrington Winsted Rotary Non-Endowed Fund supported celebration programs.
Grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Karen M. O'Connor Fund and the Northwest CT Community Foundation Tracy Family Fund supported the Dance Advantage program, serving children from ages 5-15 with autism and other disabilities.
"As a grassroots nonprofit, we rely on grants to expand our programs without placing an extra financial burden on families.
"This funding enables us to continue adaptive recreation and community inclusion initiatives. We are deeply grateful."
Healthy Relationships Through Support
Services and Advocacy
The Susan B Anthony Project provides domestic and sexual violence crisis and support services to victims and survivors in Northwest CT, including a 24/7 hotline, counseling and advocacy, support groups, and emergency shelter and transitional housing.
The organization also provides community outreach and prevention education through schools and summer camps, civic organizations, religious groups and businesses to support victims of interpersonal violence and to prevent the occurrence of domestic and sexual abuse in Northwest CT.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Estelle A. and David A. MacKenzie Fund supported the Outreach and Prevention Education Program, which provides programming to pre-k through grade 12 students, children in summer camp, and community members of all ages
Grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation: Claire and Robert Dombi Fund, Milewski & Masisak Families Fund, and Nolin Selby Fund supported the Rebuilding Lives Program, providing housing assistance to individuals and families fleeing domestic violence.
A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Draper Foundation Fund and the Northwest CT Community Foundation Holley-Doremus Fund provided flexible and critical needs support for the organization.
"The women, children, and men we help want what we all want—to be safe in their home and to lead a peaceful life. You are making that happen," said Alisha Donovan of the Susan B. Anthony Project.
"On behalf of all of our clients, I extend a heartfelt thank you for helping to create a future of positive change."
