Publication: In Your Northwest Corner
Originally Published July 31, 2023
Health and Happiness Through Dance
The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory has been providing professional-level training, education and performance experience in classical ballet since 1969. The Nutmeg's Torrington School of Ballet trains children six and older, many of whom perform the Nutcracker at Warner Theatre and The Bushnell every December.
In September a grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund supported the teaching fees necessary for the Nutmeg to offer Dance for the Love of It! Dance for the Health of It!, movement classes for adults aged 55 and older, free of charge.
"[classes] are designed to promote the physical, mental, and social health of older adults." said Donna Mattiello of the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory.
Recent grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Mary Ellen Adamo Scholarship Fund provided scholarships for local students to study classical ballet.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Nolin Selby Fund provided the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts with flexible support.
"Thank you. Your generosity means so much," said Victoria Mazzarelli of the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory.
Safe and Comfortable Emergency Services
The Bethlehem Ambulance Association provides emergency care to Bethlehem’s 3,600 residents regardless of ability to pay, as well as thousands of visitors who come to Bethlehem each year to enjoy the Bethlehem Fair, the Bethlehem Christmas Festival, the Garlic Festival, March Farms, Long Meadow Pond, events at the Abbey of Regina Laudis, and numerous bicycle and road races.
The Bethlehem Ambulance Association also provides mutual aid to surrounding towns, including Woodbury, Morris, and Watertown.
"We strive to provide the highest level of emergency and non-emergency medical care, and safe transportation to a medical facility for any resident or visitor to our Bethlehem community," said Jan Sardo of the Bethlehem Ambulance Association.
A recent grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund enabled the Bethlehem Ambulance Association to purchase replacement mattresses, restraint straps, and disposable sheets to keep patients comfortable and safe.
Empowering Young Women, and Strengthening Families
The Housatonic Youth Service Bureau (HYSB) strengthens the emotional health of youth and families by providing free behavioral health services and empowerment programs in partnership with public schools, local organizations, donors, and volunteers in the Northwest Corner.
HYSB programs include Second Step, which develops supportive learning environments for elementary and middle school students; the Summer Internship Program, which exposes students to the work of local nonprofit organizations; and the Juvenile Review Board, a diversionary and prevention program designed to assist authorities with juvenile offenders and help families avoid the juvenile justice system.
HYSB's Empowering Young Women and Girls Group programs empower young women to discuss challenging issues related to family dynamics and relationships within their school community.
Recent grants from the Northwest CT Community Foundation: Marion Wm. and Alice Edwards Fund, and Ruth and Robert Cron Endowment Fund supported the availability of a full-time HYSB youth-coordinator.
A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Khurshed Bhumgara Fund supported an art therapist. A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Women & Girls Fund enabled three interns to work with clinical staff to create and facilitate summer programs.
A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Northwest Regional Early Childhood Alliance Fund supported parenting workshops to engage parents and caregivers in healthy discussions about their experiences.
A grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Pierpont Chapter #49 Order of Eastern Star Fund provided HYSB with flexible support.
“Your continued generosity has made it possible for HYSB to provide free counseling for children and families, support summer internships, and provide a wide variety of youth development programs that help young people acquire interpersonal skills and feel more positive about their lives," said Kelly Parker of the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau.
