Meet Mo, Our Senior Intern!
Hey, I’m Mo, a graduating senior from New Canaan High School, and I'm planning on studying psychology at Miami University. When I'm not hitting the books, I like to deep sea dive exploring the ocean and love playing soccer.
The first organization I got to visit was The Rowan Center (5/28)
During my visit, I had the chance to sit with Sharon Walker Epps, the Chief Operating Officer of The Rowan Center. From the moment we started chatting, it was clear that she was a passionate advocate for the cause.
The Rowan Center is like a beacon of hope for those affected by sexual violence. They provide round-the-clock support, offering everything from crisis counseling to advocacy services. It's amazing to see how they're there every step of the way, whether it's accompanying victims to the hospital or providing a listening ear during court proceedings.
The Rowan Center recently received a $8,000 grant from the New Canaan Community Foundation. This funding is going straight into educational programming for teens in Lower Fairfield County, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to stay safe and informed. One thing that stood out to me is how The Rowan Center offers counseling in multiple languages – English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and more. It's a small detail, but it speaks volumes about their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Women’s Mentoring Network (5/28)
I met with Lana Gifas, the Executive Director of Women’s Mentoring Network, I gained insight into the organization's impactful work.
Women’s Mentoring Network is dedicated to economically empowering women and their families by providing essential skills for securing quality employment and pursuing educational goals. Their programs and services encompass Workforce Development, Financial Literacy, and Computer & Digital Literacy. Through initiatives like the E to the 4th POWER Program, they offer workshops and personalized assistance to adults. Additionally, they extend support to students through the First Generation Achievement Program, which includes opportunities to join the Junior Leadership Team and receive tutoring assistance through the Early Steps Tutoring Program. Notably, Women’s Mentoring Network offers all its services free of charge, emphasizing its commitment to accessibility.
Women’s Mentoring Network received a $4,000 grant from The New Canaan Community Foundation. This grant is for the E to the 4 POWER program (Employment, Education, Economic Mobility, Empower). The organization often hosts community events and workshops, fostering a sense of camaraderie and empowerment among participants. These events serve not only as educational opportunities but also as platforms for networking and building relationships within the community.
New Canaan Nature Center (5/30)
I had the pleasure of meeting with Bill Flynn, the Executive Director of the New Canaan Nature Center (NCNC). From our conversation, it was obvious that Bill is very educated regarding the Nature Center and is deeply committed to the organization's mission of connecting people with the natural world and promoting environmental education.
The NCNC serves as a sanctuary for nature lovers, offering various educational programs and recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages. From preschoolers in the Little Explorers program to seniors participating in Staying Put outings, the center provides something for everyone, fostering a sense of well-being through outdoor experiences.
NCNC received a $10,000 grant from the New Canaan Community Foundation, bolstering its ongoing environmental conservation and education efforts.
FUN FACTS!!
They bring Goats to eat some of the invasive plants instead of using chemicals or cutting them
The land NCNC is on could’ve been today’s New Canaan High School!
The center's origins trace back to 1959 when Susan Bliss generously deeded her 40-acre estate to the Town of New Canaan
Stamford Museum & Nature Center (5/31)
During my meeting with Karen Meizels, the Business Development & Corporate Relations representative, I gained insight into the Stamford Museum & Nature Center's (SM&NC) commitment to accessibility and community engagement. Karen highlighted the organization's dedication to providing inclusive programming, particularly through their "Animals for All" program, which offers free opportunities exclusively for students and their families with special needs or disabilities.
The SM&NC serves as an educational resource for the community, focusing on art, natural sciences, agricultural sciences, and history. Through exhibitions, education programs, and special events, the museum aims to inspire a love for animals and learning among visitors of all ages.
The New Canaan Community Foundation awarded a $2,000 grant to support the "Animals for All" program at the SM&NC, ensuring that Children and families of individuals with special needs ( particularly those with autism) have access to educational experiences free of charge.
The SM&NC seamlessly integrates art and nature, with outdoor sculptures dotting the landscape and indoor galleries showcasing exhibits that explore the intersection of art, science, and the natural world
From farm animals like sheep and goats to exotic creatures like snakes and birds of prey or even an 80-year-old turtle, the SM&NC offers a wide range of animal encounters that provide up-close and personal experiences with wildlife
The Glass House (6/3)
The Glass House is an exceptional historic site, showcasing the brilliance of architect Phillip Johnson. I had the opportunity to meet with Kirsten Reoch, The Executive Director, who provided me with valuable insights. The organization is committed to preserving modern architecture, landscape, and art.
The Glass House, as an esteemed National Trust Historic Site, serves as a beacon for preserving and exploring modern architecture. Alongside its permanent collection of 20th-century art, the site hosts temporary exhibitions and offers enlightening tours from April through December, urging visitors to dive into the rich tapestry of its history.
The Glass House received a $4,000 grant from The New Canaan Community Foundation for the “Glass House Presents” program. This program is where The Glass House brings in architects, different artists, and scholars to speak about architecture and design in New Canaan and beyond.
Fun Facts
It is rented out for $20k a night
it attracts tourists from all over the world
Phillip Johnson used to get together with famous artists, philosophers, composers, and scholars to have deep philosophical conversations in the Glass House
Child Guidance Center (6/6)
During my meeting with Jessica Welt, the Vice President of the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut (CGC), she greatly understood the organization's mission and a genuine dedication to improving children’s and teens' mental and behavioral health. Founded in 1954 with just six staff members, CGC has grown to encompass six offices and nearly 60 staff, offering various mental health services to children and families in the greater Stamford area.
At the heart of CGC's mission is a commitment to providing accessible and inclusive mental health services, regardless of a family's ability to pay or immigration status. This dedication to equity is reflected in their comprehensive range of programs, which include individualized diagnostic, assessment, and treatment services, crisis intervention, prevention services, and specialized treatment for transgender and gender-expansive youth.
The New Canaan Community Foundation awarded CGC a generous grant of $20,500 for their Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents program, providing vital general operating support to further their impactful work in the community.
This center provides a safe and child-friendly environment for children who have experienced trauma due to abuse or neglect, integrating mental health, medical, and victim advocacy services to support their healing journey. It's inspiring to witness firsthand the compassionate and comprehensive care provided by CGC to the most vulnerable members of our community.
Fun Facts
CGC accepts private insurance, and Medicaid, and has a sliding fee scale for uninsured or underinsured families
when you call the number 211 it brings you straight to CGC
They collaborate with police and other emergency services which can help them find new clients who need help