Community Access

We spoke with Jeff Bravin, Executive Director of the American School for the Deaf (ASD), and his interpreter, Heidi. ASD offers a range of programs including a statewide birth-to-three program, K-12 education, residential treatment for students with emotional and behavioral challenges, a summer camp in Salisbury, Connecticut, an online academy, community sign language classes, and interpreting services.

We spoke with Sivan Hines, President of Hartford Promise, about the organization's mission to provide college opportunities for Hartford students regardless of financial circumstances. Since its inception in 2016, Hartford Promise has awarded over $10 million in scholarships, with 500 graduates and 450 current students. The program offers comprehensive support, including individual college coaching, and serves 120-125 students annually, each eligible for up to $100,000.

We spoke with Anne D'Orvilliers, Chair of Medical Aid to Haiti Inc., about their efforts to provide healthcare in Haiti. Medical Aid to Haiti has been operating for over 16 years, supporting a hospital near Port-au-Prince that offers various medical services, including maternal health, surgery, ophthalmology, and dental care.

We spoke with Kelly Dougherty, Partnerships and Communications Coordinator at Hands on Hartford, about their community programs. Hands on Hartford, a 57-year-old nonprofit, serves Hartford with 11 programs focusing on food security, housing assistance, and health support. Their Gather 55 restaurant offers meals for $3 or through volunteer work during the day and transforms into a fine dining experience with guest chefs on the first Wednesday of each month, with tips and profits supporting their programs.

We spoke with Patrick Owens, Executive Director from Horizons at Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut. The program, funded by Travelers' $4 million donation, serves 150 students from Hartford with six weeks of summer enrichment, including academics and various activities. The program is fee-free, thanks to $500,000 raised annually, with additional support from the Birdies for Charity program. Success stories include a student attending Westminster and another speaking at the Connecticut Science Center.

We spoke with Izzy Post Ruhland, the Marketing Director of the Enfield Fourth of July celebration, about the upcoming event. The celebration, which marks the 250th birthday of the United States, will take place from July 10-12. It features concerts, kids' activities, a parade, car show, road race, and fireworks, with the latter being the highlight, produced by Zambelli International.

We spoke with Matt Fleury, President and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center, about the center's community support and upcoming exhibits. The Science Center, a partnership between the state, philanthropists, and donors, has welcomed over 5 million visitors in 17 years. This summer, the center will feature a major shark exhibition, including a life-size megalodon, and an outdoor kids' space funded by Andy and Joyce Vandell and the Bronstein family.

We spoke with Krissy Dorsey, Executive Director of the CJK Foundation, about their involvement in the Travelers Championship. The CJK Foundation, which aims to make mental health accessible, receives a 15% match on donations thanks to Webster Bank and Aetna. The foundation focuses on community support and provides financial assistance for mental health treatment, including co-pays and sliding scale therapy.

We spoke with Carrah Kalat, Aetna's Chief Marketing Officer. Last year, Travelers donated $4 million to area charities, with $2.8 million from the Birdies program, matched by Webster Bank and Aetna, which offers a 15% match on donations. Over 220 charities are participating this year. Aetna's involvement reflects their commitment to community support, having been deeply rooted in Connecticut for over 173 years. The program allows donations to be matched, enhancing the impact of charitable contributions.

We spoke with Jennifer Levine, Director of External Relations at Hartford Stage, about their upcoming collaboration with TheaterWorks Hartford on the production of "Sweeney Todd." The show, directed by Rob Ruggiero, will run from June 5 to July 5.