Publication: In Your Northwest Corner
Exploring Science, Art and the World Through Play
KidsPlay Children’s Museum provides children with an environment that fosters imagination and creativity through interactive exhibits and play, deepening their appreciation and understanding of the sciences, the arts and the world around them.
The more than 11,000 sq. ft. interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits where children and their families practice pre-academic skills and build curiosity through developmental play.
"At KidsPlay, we aim to give children and their families the resources they need to build a foundation for learning success both within the museum and beyond," said Eileen Marriott of KidsPlay.
Recent grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Draper Foundation Fund and Northwest Corner Gives program supported the cost of a roof replacement for 61 Main St. in Torrington.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Draper Foundation Fund supports a youth engagement program for the of Summer 2025 and provides the organization with flexible support.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Carlton D. Fyler and Jenny R. Fyler Fund supports literacy-based programs and family engagement in the Resource Library.
Grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Jeffrey and Susan Lalonde Community Betterment Fund provided the organization with flexible support.
"Your support strengthens KidsPlay's role as a community resource, an economic contributor, and an advocate for children. Thank you."
Sokka with her new family
Comfort, Care and Forever Homes for Pets
For more than 60 years, The Little Guild has been dedicated to rescuing, healing and nurturing homeless dogs and cats—matching animals with caring homes and providing programs to strengthen bonds between pets and people.
A grant from the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation, a supporting organization of the Northwest CT Community Foundation aided in the construction of a new facility featuring a large community room designed to offer dog training, health clinics and animal welfare programs.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund supported the purchase of furniture for the new facility.
"The ability to offer vaccination and wellness clinics onsite will enable us to streamline our efforts and drastically increase the amount of free health clinics offered to pet owners in need," said Jennifer Langendoerfer of The Little Guild.
A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation BMR Family Fund helped stock The Little Guild pet food pantry.
Grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Cynthia Conklin & Family Fund For Pets in Need, the Northwest CT Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, and the Northwest CT Community Foundation Critter Fund supported the cost of spay/neuter vouchers for low-income clients attending a free dog vaccine and wellness clinic in Torrington
"Thank you for your generous support. Your contribution enables us to continue our mission of rescuing, nurturing, and rehabilitating homeless animals."
Youth volunteers prepare meals for Healing Meals clients
Nutritious Meals, Hope, and Encouragement in a Health Crisis
Healing Meals delivers organic healthy meals free-of-charge to clients who are experiencing health crises. Volunteers work in the garden and prepare meals for 1,500 clients annually who are experiencing cancer, brain tumors, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders and other illnesses, including many living in Northwest CT.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Northwest CT Philanthropy Fund supported providing free and discounted organic meals for 12 weeks to income-eligible families experiencing a health crisis.
"Having delicious and healthy meals during my recovery from brain surgery and radiation was such a blessing," said an anonymous Healing Meals client.
"Thank you to all who cooked, packed, delivered, and sent well wishes. I am so grateful for the support."
