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Organization
Now in its 42nd year, the Hispanic Health Council was formed to improve the health of Hartford’s Latino population by addressing issues of health equity and access to care. Compelled by widespread barriers between the Latino community and the healthcare system, a small, highly motivated group of health researchers, healthcare providers and community activists came together to establish an organization that would address these concerns. Thus, the Hispanic Health Council was founded in 1978.
Today, the Hispanic Health Council is a large, multi-faceted Latino-community based organization employing 85 staff members using four core strategies to improve the health and social well-being of Latinos and other diverse communities. In addition to its reputation for excellence in delivery of a wide range of community health, clinical and other services directly to community members, the Hispanic Health Council is distinguished by its use of community-based research, policy and system advocacy and provider training. In addition to its downtown Hartford site, there are offices in Meriden, Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven. Services are provided at sites throughout Connecticut and in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The organization’s mission, vision and values have shaped every aspect of the Hispanic Health Council since its founding. These include:
- Forging relationships of trust and respect with the community;
- Establishing and maintaining strong partnerships;
- Ensuring a social justice perspective;
- Adhering to a standard of excellence; and
- Providing services to all populations regardless of culture, race, ethnicity, legal status, sexual orientation, or other dimensions of diversity.
To expand its programs and services, the Hispanic Health Council merged with Mi Casa Family Services and Educational Center and Hispanos Unidos of Meriden and New Haven in 2013. By joining with these two community-based organizations, the Hispanic Health Council further developed critical programs targeting youth, focusing on behavioral health, and strengthening its HIV prevention and support services.
Achieving health equity for Latinos and other diverse communities requires intentional policy and advocacy work, which are major commitments of the Hispanic Health Council. To develop a higher level of cross-cultural and diversity awareness and communication skills among local and regional healthcare and human service providers, students and faculty, the Hispanic Health Council offers participatory training modules that develop new skills, knowledge and insight.
With its multi-strategy approach, evidence-based service programs, robust partnerships, strong community network and highly skilled, dedicated staff, the Hispanic Health Council is poised to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.
Among the most compelling of these opportunities are:
- To strengthen organizational infrastructure that supports current and new programs;
- To develop and diversify the revenue stream to draw upon new sources of income;
- To increase the organization’s visibility and national profile; and
- To create a plan to expand and replicate programs across a broader geographic area.
The Hispanic Health Council is a powerful and effective agency with a diverse and dedicated staff. With its many productive affiliations throughout Connecticut and beyond, there is significant potential for additional collaborations, both with current and new partners.
Programs and Services
The wide range of programs and services offered by the Hispanic Health Council in prevention/health promotion and chronic disease management currently serve diverse populations across the life span.
Current programs and services include:
- Nutrition education
- Behavioral health services
- Breastfeeding education and support
- Parenting support
- Prenatal case management
- Youth development and academic enrichment
- HIV/AIDS management and risk reduction
- Cancer early detection and longevity support
- Violence prevention
- Employment
- Community-based participatory research
- Policy and system advocacy
- Provider training
- Immunizations Outreach Program
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Organization
For almost three decades, True Colors has offered unique resources to address the risks associated with sexual and gender minority status for youth. In its work with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual and Transgender Youth, True Colors provides young people and their families and those who serve them with critical mentoring, education, social and emotional support.
Founded by executive director Robin McHaelen, True Colors evolved from a concept she developed in 1992. As a graduate student in Social Work at the University of Connecticut, she proposed holding a conference called “Children from the Shadows,” as part of her field work. Once it was approved by her department, the conference attracted widespread interest and support.
As a highly valued and uniquely targeted event, the conference quickly gained the support of the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families, The Department of Education, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, both Connecticut Teachers’ Unions, and more than 30 grassroots community organizations. At its initial gathering in 1994, the conference attracted widespread interest and a modest audience. Since then, it has become an annual event that in 2018, drew 3500 attendees from across the nation. It is the largest youth conference of its kind in the country.
True Colors has become nationally known not only for its groundbreaking conference, but for the expertise of its staff members in training, outreach, partnership cultivation and program design. Training modules offered by True Colors reach a wide range of professionals across many disciplines and have won recognition across the country.
Over the past 15 years, True Colors programs expanded to include youth leadership development; foster parent recruitment; group and individual mentoring; advocacy activities; and year-round recreational activities for LGBTQ+ youth.
True Colors stands for full equality for LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and families, and is committed to the work of social justice as an anti-racist organization. Today, True Colors works with schools; families; communities of faith; municipal, state, and federal agencies; and policy makers across the state of Connecticut. With a budget of almost $700,000, True Colors is supported by a volunteer board of directors, four full time staff, numerous student interns, scores of volunteers, donors, and private as well as corporate funders. The organization trains more than 6,000 people each year building capacity for those who work with and serve LGBTQ+ youth.
True Colors is fiscally well-managed and occupies a unique niche and a central position among LGBTQ+- related organizations. In addition to its tremendous growth over its 26-year history, the organization has a strong record of building the capacity of its partner organizations.
Programs
Today, True Colors offers six programs in pursuit of its mission.
One-on-One Mentoring
True Colors provides Connecticut’s only lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) youth mentoring program and one of only two in the nation. The program provides one-on-one mentoring in addition to weekly group activities that provide an opportunity for healthy peer interactions and social development.
Annual Conference
The True Colors annual conference attracts young people, educators, social workers, clinicians, family members and clergy, who are drawn to the 250 workshops, films, and activities that take place over two days. School groups from more than half of Connecticut’s communities attend, as well as individuals from across the country.
Youth Leadership Development
GSAs (Gay/Straight Alliances) are found primarily in the United States and Canada. These organizations are student-led or community-based and are intended to provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ children and youth as well as their cisgender heterosexual allies. True Colors has directly or indirectly, assisted in developing most of them. Over the organization’s 20+ years of existence, staff have conducted dozens of summits, forums and trainings for youth, helping them to launch and maintain programs in their schools
Safe Harbors Task Force/Foster Parent Recruitment
Supported through a Personal Service Agreement with the State Department of Children and Families, this program involves a state-wide task force managed by True Colors, whose members focus on the needs of LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care (foster care, congregate care and juvenile justice). Foster parents are recruited for teens of all orientations and genders, and the program locates homes for those in need.
Cultural Competency Training
True Colors has developed nationally recognized values clarification and cultural competency training curricula used in its work with some 6,500 youth-serving professionals annually.
Spiritual Institute
Launched in 2009, this program focuses on the spiritual needs of LGBTQ+ youth, with a primary mission of providing safe and affirming spaces for youth to explore these interests.
The staff and board of True Colors have developed a superior organization that meets the needs of young LGBTQ+ individuals at risk and the professionals who work with them nationwide. The organization has developed dynamic partnerships that ensure the organization’s impact now and in the future. With programs and training that continue to influence educators and social workers, health care providers, and agencies serving young people, True Colors has gained the respect of professionals in New England and beyond, and has a unique opportunity to build upon its current reputation and stature in the years ahead.
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Location: West Hartford, CT
Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford (JFS) was founded over 100 years ago, in 1912, when thirty charitable organizations came together as United Jewish Charities with the mission of providing financial assistance to those in need. In 1968, the agency became Jewish Family Service and subsequently Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford.
Overview of the Organization and Programs
Throughout its existence, program growth and offerings have reflected community needs. For example:
- During the 1930s, JFS expanded its focus to provide resettlement services in conjunction with the German Jewish Refugee Committee.
- From the 1940s to 1960s, JFS offered foster care placement, summer camp for children and resettling of Cuban refugees.
- From 1960 through 1980, new programs included resettlement of Soviet Jews, marital, family and parent counseling, adoption services, family life education, outreach to inter-married couples and coordination of services to older adults.
- From 1980 to 2000, Homemaker Referral, Divorce Workshops, Jewish Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Programs for Holocaust Survivors, programs for Developmental Disabilities and Chronic Needs and bereavement counseling were offered.
- In 2004, JFS became licensed by the Department of Children and Families to provide specialized services to children and teens.
- More recent initiatives have included the Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry, the Jewish Employment Transition Service (JETS), the Money Coach Program, Tara’s Closet, Mental Health Education and involvement in the state funded TANF Case Management program.
- Formed in 2008, JFS Care at Home LLC provides quality in-home care to older adults. JFS is the sole member of this social entrepreneurial endeavor, with a portion of its profits shared with JFS.
Current program offerings are organized into three program areas:
- Counseling– Counseling and support to help children and adults of all ages and diverse needs achieve stable and emotionally healthy lives provided by expert therapists with excellent listening, communication and clinical skills.
- Education– Empower individuals through education by offering insight and information related to job searches, parenting skills, financial decision-making, plus a mental health education and awareness event which attracts 600 attendees annually.
- Community Support– Knowing that transitions can be difficult, when neighbors need help, JFS answers with food assistance, clothing, transition to employment and support for the unique needs of Holocaust survivors.
- JFS Care at Home– JFS Care at Home offers a variety of home care options in an individualized care plan based on an expert consultation.
A 501c(3) nonprofit corporation, JFS employs approximately 35 staff and 75 care givers and is overseen by a Board of Trustees, currently comprised of thirty-four civic and community leaders. The organization’s annual operating budget is approximately $4.3 million, inclusive of the JFS Care at Home program.
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Location: Burlington, Massachusetts
Neurofibromatosis Northeast (NF Northeast) seeks a dynamic and passionate Executive Director who will take this vibrant nonprofit to its next level. The new leader will be replacing the founder of NF Northeast, who is retiring from the position.
About NF Northeast
NF Northeast brings hope to those affected by neurofibromatosis (NF) and allied disorders. It provides critical and lifelong support and understanding to families affected by NF, creates awareness about the disease, advocates for funding and policies, and promotes research and enhanced clinical care. Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in or on the body at any time. NF affects all races, all ethnic groups and both sexes equally, and affects approximately 130,000 people in the US, more people than cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined.
Patients and families are at the heart of NF Northeast. The organization was incorporated in 1988 by a group of people who were in some way affected by the genetic disorder, and families continue to be the energy and person-power behind the organization’s advocacy, awareness raising, and fundraising at its marathons, organized golf tournaments, walks and 5K runs, bike rides and dining events.
NF Northeast connects families to each other, creating communities of support, provides scholarships to help students who have NF continue their education beyond high school, and sponsors children and teenagers who have NF to attend Camp New Friends, a welcoming and accepting safe haven.
Advocacy has become one of the most important ongoing programs of the organization, and since joining other NF organizations from around the country in 1996 to create the NF Advocacy Network, it has worked closely with members of the House and Senate to secure over $600 million for federally funded NF research.
NF Northeast’s office is in Burlington, MA and it employs 2 full-time staff members and 4 part-time staff members, one of which is based in New York. The Board of 12 members represent NF patients, family members/parents, and medical providers from MA, CT and NY. It has an annual budget of $850,000 and is financially stable.
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About Us
The Laughing Gull Foundation (LGF) is a progressive family foundation rooted in the US South. The foundation envisions healthy and sustainable communities where everyone can be their whole selves and live in balance with the earth. LGF works to create a world in which everyone is supported, included, embraced, and protected, especially those who have been pushed to the margins of our human family.
LGF’s mission is to honor our family’s evolving identity while proactively addressing broken systems that have created inequality and harmed our planet. The foundation leverages its resources to transform systems, institutions and relationships for the benefit of people and the environment. LGF works towards its mission through grantmaking, funder organizing and impact investing, in support of three priorities: LGBTQ equality, higher education in prison, and environmental justice. In the service of its commitment to the redistribution of wealth, LGF plans to spend out its assets over the next 16 years. LGF’s strategic goals for its tenure include progress on the priority issues it supports, growth of progressive philanthropy in the US South, and sustenance of a vibrant learning community.
Laughing Gull Foundation was founded in 2012 and is based in Durham, North Carolina. LGF is led by an engaged and committed board of directors, all of whom are members of the founding family. LGF granted approximately $3.5 million in 2019, and plans to achieve an annual grantmaking budget of $6 million across all three grantmaking programs by 2022. Currently a staff of five, LGF plans to grow to a full staff of six by 2021.
LGF is the largest Southern-based funder of LGBTQ issues. In 2019, LGF made grants totaling $1.9 million to 32 organizations supporting the LGBTQ community in the South. LGF played an instrumental role in creating and launching the Out in the South Initiative housed at Funders for LGBTQ Issues, and continues to serve as a leader in organizing support for LGBTQ issues among philanthropic peers.
The foundation’s values guide how it carries out its philanthropic mission. Those values include building authentic relationships, supporting impact and sustainability, and holding a power analysis with humility. LGF is actively building its analysis of structural racism, and formalizing a racial equity lens in all of LGF’s work. LGF honors the expertise of leaders and organizations, and therefore prioritizes multi-year grantee relationships and general operating support whenever possible. The foundation’s organizational culture mirrors its values. LGF is a learning organization with a relational and engaged staff and board culture.
Opportunity
LGF is excited to welcome the next leader of its groundbreaking LGBTQ Equality Program. The Program supports advocacy, organizing, direct services and the work of changing hearts and minds. LGF prioritizes organizations that are intersectional and/or committed to building their racial equity analysis and practices. Geographically, the LGBTQ Equality Program focuses specifically on Virginia and North Carolina, and also invests in work that supports the LGBTQ community across the South.
The Program Officer will manage the LGBTQ Equality Program and engage in philanthropic networking and organizing. The Program Officer will engage current grantees, identify new grantees, and support the learning and networking of LGBTQ communities and movements in the South. Given LGF’s plan to spend down in 16 years, and its unique position as the largest Southern-based funder of LGBTQ issues, philanthropic organizing is integral to supporting LGBTQ communities and meeting LGF’s mission. The Program Officer will play a critical role in working with other funders, both in the South and nationally, to increase support for LGBTQ communities in the South.
The Program Officer will be supervised by the Executive Director and will work out of LGF’s office in Durham.
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Location: Somerville, Massachusetts
Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) provides leadership for sustaining the city of Somerville as a vibrant, diverse and tolerant community. SCC is working to ensure opportunities for people in Somerville: to live in stable and affordable housing, to work in decent jobs with fair wages and to take on leadership in shaping the community’s future.
Organization and Programs
To achieve its mission and vision for Somerville, SCC:
- Increases the supply of affordable housing across the city through direct development and by advocating for public policies that support affordability and stability in the housing market;
- Expands employment programs that connect workers to good jobs, advocating for employment standards and public policies that support the creation of good jobs;
- Builds the leadership of residents across the city, and helps to raise the voice of immigrants and other underrepresented constituencies; and
- Grows its own organization and impact through partnerships and relationship-building, intergenerational membership growth, program development, and organizational financial strength.
Real Estate Development
In order to keep Somerville economically diverse, SCC builds affordable rental housing, creates homeownership opportunities and develops retail spaces. SCC owns and operates 219 units of rental housing and more than 9,000 square feet of commercial space. SCC has also developed over 125 affordable homeownership units. In the last two years SCC, with Community Preservation Act funds, has purchased 70 units in existing single family and two- to 16-unit properties through the 100 Homes program, a partnership with the City of Somerville, to permanently preserve the affordability of the existing housing stock in an escalating Somerville housing market.
Economic Opportunity
In addition to real estate development, in 2006, SCC expanded its focus on the other side of the affordability equation – helping residents sustain themselves in Somerville with sufficient incomes and increasing assets. To those ends, programs currently offered include Financial Literacy, First Time Homebuyers classes and the First Source Jobs Program.
Community Organizing and Planning
SCC works to empower Somerville residents to become active leaders in the community. SCC members organize for affordable housing, local jobs, and grassroots planning and have the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Residents can participate in the Affordable Housing Organizing Committee, Union United, Jobs for Somerville and SCC’s Leadership Development Institute. In addition, SCC runs a mediation program that works with students in the Somerville high school and elementary schools to help peacefully resolve their disputes, while also working with the court system and community agencies to help others solve conflicts.
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About the Organization
Episcopal City Mission (ECM) is a justice organization that works with Episcopal communities (parishes, chaplaincies, missions etc.), grassroots organizations, and faith-rooted organizations that are addressing racial and economic injustice.
The mission of ECM is to build relationships and collective power across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for racial and economic justice as the expression of God’s transforming love. The organization does this by developing, convening, mobilizing, and funding prophetic leaders in Episcopal communities, grassroots organizations and faith-rooted organizations.
Founded in 1844, this well-respected, trusted organization has a strong history of successfully partnering with Episcopalians, faith-rooted communities and grassroots organizations and movements. ECM demonstrates its organizational commitment to social justice by integrating spirituality and justice in its internal practices and external partnerships. The organization has a strong commitment to embodying its organizational values of liberation and equity, transformational learning, purposeful action, collaboration and partnership, and spirituality and faith.
ECM exists at the nexus of grassroots community organizing, movement building and faith-rooted justice engagement. ECM builds capacity, resilience, and active participation in movements for social justice. The current activities that support the work include grantmaking, convening, leadership development training, and mobilizing for action. ECM is most known for a strong track record of grant making through Burgess Urban and Parish Partnership Funds.
In recent years, ECM has made many internal strategic updates to better serve its community and constituents. In addition to tripling its staff size since 2014, ECM merged with the Leadership Development Initiative (LDI), an organization that specialized in values-centered leadership training through the teaching of community organizing tools.
Current three-year goals for ECM include:
- Activate and support a base of Episcopalians across Massachusetts who work for economic and racial justice in partnership with the Diocese and Episcopalian Communities.
- Increase resilience of organizations and leaders in ECM’s social justice network.
- Build an accompaniment network for immigrant justice in the Bristol region through collaboration with local partners.
Reflective of ECM’s values-centered leadership approach, this learning organization offers a highly-relational, reflective workplace that is committed to excellence. Staff enjoy a welcoming culture of balance and collaboration and are encouraged to be their whole, authentic selves. ECM’s environment is one in which staff and staff leaders work together to “roll up their sleeves” and get the work done and contribute to the emerging culture and strategy.
The Opportunity
ECM is seeking a Director of Philanthropy, Learning and Evaluation (Director) to:
- Align the organization’s grantmaking purpose, process and practice with organizational values and strategy.
- Develop a learning agenda to guide the evolution of organizational strategy and culture that will eventually guide its measurement and evaluation practices.
- Support relationships across a broad network of grassroots, philanthropic and faith-rooted justice organizations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Partner with the management team to shape organizational strategy and culture.
The Director will be a part of the senior management team and will work collaboratively with ECM Staff, Board, Grant Committees, grantees, and philanthropic partners. This position reports to the Executive Director of ECM.
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The Organization
Community Housing Advocates (CHA) was established in 2018 to serve as the parent corporation and administrative services provider for its two affiliates, Mercy Housing Corporation and My Sisters’ Place. Mercy Housing was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, with the purchase of St. Elizabeth’s House on Main Street in Hartford in 1983, and My Sisters’ Place was founded in 1982 as a shelter for women with infants. Today, as affiliates of Community Housing Advocates, the combined organization has 75 staff, an annual budget of $9m and seven program sites in Hartford and West Hartford.
CHA is a leading provider of support services and housing solutions for men, women and children in the Hartford, Connecticut metropolitan area who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Its housing and support services, including the region’s primary homelessness Diversion Center, are a critically important part of Hartford’s fabric of services. On a given night, nearly 325 people are sleeping in a bed at one of Community Housing Advocates’ spectrum of housing options; and over the course of a year its Friendship Center serves more than 67,000 meals to community members in need. CHA’s affiliates are members of the Greater Hartford Coordinated Access Network and integral members of the region’s mission to end homelessness. CHA’s mission is to contribute to the elimination of chronic homelessness in the Hartford area.
The Opportunity
This newly merged nonprofit unites two complementary, well-regarded, champions of the fight to end homelessness in Hartford, and following the retirement and transition of prior leaders, CHA is currently led by the former Chief Operating Officer of My Sisters’ Place, serving as an interim executive to support operations during the transition.
The Board of Directors of Community Housing Advocates seeks a dynamic, inspiring professional with a collaborative leadership style, excellent communication skills and the passion and competence for engaged leadership both internally and with partners in the wider Hartford homeless services system. The board seeks an individual with a career history that demonstrates deep commitment to the values of its affiliates, and an entrepreneurial mindset to lead this highly effective organization as it plans to deepen its impact, grow its service offerings and fully manifest the benefits of the recent merger.
Programs and Services
Community Housing Advocates operates a broad portfolio of high-impact programs and services designed to effectively implement its mission and support key strategic aims, including:
- The Friendship Center at St. Elizabeth’s House served more than 67,000 meals in 2018.
- The Residential Program at St. Elizabeth’s House provides housing and intensive case management to 47 homeless adults for up to 90 days.
- The Rapid Re-Housing Program provides case management and housing services to assist individuals who are at risk of becoming homeless, quickly access and stabilize their housing.
- The Diversion Center connects households (individuals and families) with services that help them preserve their current housing situation or assists them in finding housing outside of shelter.
- The Community Respite Program provides short-term housing for adults experiencing mental health crisis, which allows them to avoid in-patient hospital stays.
- The Women’s Program and Catherine’s Place provide a 90-day housing and supportive services program for women in recovery. This program works to transition women from treatment into the community, or when awaiting another level of care in their treatment program.
- The Veteran’s Program provides case management services and housing for Veterans.
- The combined 64 units at Mary Seymour Place Apartments and Sue Ann Shay Place Apartments provide supportive housing for low-income individuals and families who were formerly homeless and unable to hold their own lease.
- The Scattered Site Housing Program provides supportive services to men and women with psychiatric disabilities, helping them to live in their own apartments, “scattered” throughout the Hartford area.
- Housing Coordination Programs provide a variety of resources including rent, subsidies, security deposits, loans and help with negotiating the local housing market for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
- The Youth Program supports 70-80 children resident in one of CHA’s housing programs through social, educational and cultural activities.
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New Haven Land Trust-New Haven Farms partners with people to care for our urban landscape so all people discover, access, and enjoy the lands and waters that provide food, health, and life.
The Opportunity
This newly merged organization unites two nonprofits that have been leaders and innovators of New Haven’s urban environmental movement. The New Haven Land Trust (NHLT), Connecticut’s first urban land trust, has served the community for nearly 40 years by acquiring and stewarding over 80 acres of nature preserves city-wide and by supporting 55 community gardens throughout New Haven’s diverse neighborhoods. NHLT has grown significantly over the last five years to include programs for young environmental entrepreneurs and a marine and coastal exploration summer camp on Long Island Sound. New Haven Farms (NHF) burst onto the scene seven years ago with its innovative Farm-Based Wellness Program that partners with medical centers to engage people with diet-related chronic disease risk factors in planting, growing, and harvesting at their seven farms across New Haven.
Both organizations have a growing commitment to racial equity and community leadership and have taken strides in cultivating community ownership among its stakeholders. A large part of both organizations’ work, especially New Haven Farms, takes place in bi-lingual settings, with Spanish as the predominant language. The merged organization synergizes closely aligned missions, values, programming, and diverse support networks into a powerhouse leader for advancing engagement and stewardship of urban nature as a resource for healthy people and communities.
The board of this newly formed organization now seeks a courageous leader and enthusiastic fundraiser who can assemble the many combined strengths of NHLT-NHF to launcha new phase of development and growth. This is a tremendous opportunity for an innovative nonprofit leader to grow an organization that is working at the intersection of urban agriculture, public health, food access, participatory community development, environmental education and stewardship, and youth development. The successful candidate will be passionate about these expressions of the mission, will be able to guide the organization in implementing practices that ensure racial and economic equity, and will help transition it into an organization that is primarily led by the communities it serves. She/he/they will also have significant experience and success in raising funds from diverse sources and advancing the strategic direction and operations of a not-for-profit organization with multiple, interlocking program areas.
About New Haven Land Trust-New Haven Farms
These two organizations have been working closely together over a number of years and co-located their offices in 2018. A merger was discussed for the last several years and the two organizations decided to formally initiate the process with the legal combination scheduled for January 1, 2020. In the midst of this, New Haven Land Trust’s executive director, who had significantly grown the organization over the last six years, announced that he would step down from his post to pursue other interests. The Land Trust’s board engaged an interim executive director to lead the organization until the merger was completed and a new executive hired. The merger process has been smooth and supported by all, including staff and board members, program participants, and community stakeholders.
The new organization offers a platform of innovative programs that coactively impact the interrelated spheres of urban agriculture, public health, participatory community development, youth entrepreneurship, and environmental education and stewardship.
The seven farms and more than fifty community gardens managed by NHLT-NHF have a significant urban agricultural footprint in New Haven. The farms and gardens promote community development and public health, most notably through the innovative Farm-Based Wellness Program, which engages people with diet-related chronic disease risk factors in gardening and learning about nutrition and cooking healthy meals at one of the seven farms. All graduates of this program are invited to grow food in their own garden plots at one of the community gardens as part of the Incubator Garden Program, and exemplary graduates of the program become Community Health Ambassadors in their own communities through training in leadership and behavior change methodologies. Community Garden members are encouraged to serve on the Community Garden Committee, which supports the Garden Manager in stewarding the health of both the gardens and the community of growers.
Equally important is the organization’s focus on accessing the natural environment through education, land conservation and stewardship, recreation, and youth development and entrepreneurship. Its innovative Growing Entrepreneurs Program works with New Haven high school students to develop small-business ventures with a positive impact on the environment and the New Haven community. The organization manages six nature preserves,featuring important natural resources and habitats located throughout New Haven. It holds field trips and guided nature walks in the preserves to connect people to the abundance of nature in the city and reinforce the importance of conservation in urban areas. Schooner is a highly successful summer camp program that brings kids ages six to fourteen to the Connecticut shoreline to learn about the rich coastal habitat of the Long Island Sound through shore exploration and sailing. Fifty percent of all campers utilize a scholarship to attend the camp, and over the past two summers, more than half of the sailing program campers were experiencing sailing for the first time.
The organization is supported by a staff of nine full-time and three part-time members. It is governed by a 19-member board of directors comprised of community leaders from the fields of health, law, finance, public policy, non-profit management, and business. While the board is diverse along the dimension of gender and includes a member from their programs, it is committed to expanding racial, ethnic, and other dimensions of diversity to more fully reflect the community that it serves. The organization has a budget of just under $1M, with nearly $350,000 in reserves. Its revenue is generated from a mix of individual, corporate and family foundation, and corporate support, as well as earned revenue through Schooner and the sale of food through a farm stand and restaurant contracts.
