Inside Norwalk ACTS

fall 2026

a quarterly look at what we're building together in norwalk

Turning Ideas Into Action

Fall has a way of bringing renewed focus.

Across Norwalk, students are settling into a new school year, community partners are reconnecting around shared goals, and important work is moving forward on behalf of our children and young people.

In this issue, you'll see what that looks like in practice. You'll meet our newest Youth Advocates, a group of young leaders who are helping ensure that youth perspectives continue to shape community decisions. You'll learn about efforts to advance youth mental well-being through community-led implementation teams. You'll also read about opportunities for civic engagement and the role each of us can play in helping shape the future of our community.

Each of these stories reflects something we believe deeply at Norwalk ACTS: the people closest to the challenges are often closest to the solutions. When residents, young people, educators, service providers, and community leaders work together, we build stronger pathways for children and families.

This fall, our team also had the opportunity to learn alongside communities from across the country at the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network Convening. We returned with new ideas, renewed energy, and a reminder that meaningful change is possible when communities stay focused on a shared vision and hold themselves accountable for results.

Thank you for being part of this work. Whether you contribute your time, expertise, advocacy, or support, you help make progress possible. We are grateful to be working alongside so many dedicated partners as we continue building a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

In partnership,

AnaVivian Escalante

CEO, Norwalk ACTS

NORWALK ACTS AWARDED

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT

Norwalk ACTS has been awarded a significant three-year grant through Connecticut's Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program to launch the Norwalk Youth Employment Collaborative. The initiative will bring together schools, employers, workforce partners, and young people to strengthen pathways from education to employment and expand access to career opportunities. Learn how this investment will help shape the future of workforce development in Norwalk.

CLICK TO READ MORE. . .

FROM PLANNING TO ACTION: Youth Mental

Well-being in Norwalk

A community-wide effort to improve youth mental well-being is entering a new phase. Learn how residents, young people, and local partners are turning shared priorities into action through newly formed implementation teams.

READ ALL ABOUT IT . . .

ARE YOU READY FOR A RESET?

Join us on Monday, October 5 for our monthly meditation program for Norwalk caregivers at the SONO Library!

Remaining 2026 program dates:

November 2

December 7

SHAPING NORWALK'S EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMUNITY PLAN

After a year of community engagement, data review, and collaboration, families, providers, and partners have identified three priority areas that will guide Norwalk's Early Childhood Community Plan: Inclusion & Mental Wellness Supports, Prenatal & Early Childhood Well-Being, and Early Literacy & Language Development.

READ ON to see how community voices are helping shape the next phase of this work.

DAY OF TRAINING

More than 70 youth-serving professionals and community partners joined us this summer for our largest community-wide Day of Training to date. With 17 workshops focused on topics ranging from trauma-informed care and crisis prevention to youth development and well-being, the event provided valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and strengthen support for Norwalk's children and families.

Registration for our next Day of Training on November 6 will open soon. Stay tuned!

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

October 10 is World Mental Health Day.

Strong relationships can make a lasting difference in a young person's life. World Mental Health Day is a reminder that families, schools, and communities all play a role in supporting mental well-being. Learn how small actions and meaningful connections can help children and youth feel supported, valued, and connected.

CONTINUE READING. . .

LEARNING WITH PEERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

What happens when community leaders from across the country come together to tackle shared challenges? At the 2026 StriveTogether Convening in Baltimore, Norwalk ACTS' backbone staff connected with peers, explored promising practices, and brought home ideas to help move our community's work forward. READ ON . . .

CT CRADLE TO CAREER COALITION STATEWIDE CONVENING - OCT. 29

Norwalk ACTS and the CT Cradle to Career Coalition are pleased to invite you to a statewide breakfast and conversation dedicated to promoting early childhood development and kindergarten readiness throughout the state.

The program will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Ronald Ferguson, Founding Executive Director of The Basics, Inc., followed by a panel discussion exploring strategies, innovations, and shared opportunities to improve early childhood outcomes statewide.

To register for the event CLICK HERE.

A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE COLLECTIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Join us for Impact in Focus, Norwalk ACTS' signature collective impact fundraising event, on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at HMTX in Norwalk.

This special evening will bring together community leaders, partners, advocates, and supporters who believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. Together, we'll celebrate the power of collective action and invest in the partnerships, shared goals, and community-driven solutions that help create pathways to success from early childhood through career.

Our featured guest performer, Jeremiah "Jermaine" Paul—known to many as "Pastor J"—is a vocalist, minister, and community builder now serving as pastor of Golden Hill United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Before ministry, he sang with Alicia Keys on her Grammy-nominated single "Diary," earned two Grammy nominations, and won Season 2 of NBC's The Voice.

Cocktails and light fare will be served. Business chic attire.

Reserve your tickets today: CLICK HERE

Sponsorship opportunities available: CLICK HERE

MEET OUR 2026-27 YOUTH ADVOCATES COHORT

A new group of Youth Advocates is ready to make its mark on Norwalk! Representing schools across the city, these students bring fresh perspectives, diverse interests, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Get to know the young people who will help elevate youth voice and contribute to community conversations throughout the year.

CLICK HERE TO GET ACQUAINTED . . .

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT STARTS WITH CURIOSITY

Resources for Staying Informed

With early voting beginning October 19 and Election Day on November 3, now is a great time to learn more about the people and offices that help shape our community. We're sharing a helpful guide to state and local leaders, information about candidates running for office, and even a fun election-themed coloring book for younger community members. EXPLORE these resources and discover simple ways to engage in the election season.

Did you know??

Through partnerships across education, health, and community organizations, Norwalk is building a connected system to ensure every child enters kindergarten ready to thrive. Whether you’re looking for preschool, childcare, parenting supports, or early learning opportunities, the city offers a wide range of resources for families with young children.

👉 Check out the most recent Early Childhood Update to explore programs and opportunities for you and your family.

Norwalk ACTS' approach is rooted in the Collective Impact model, recognizing that no single entity or organization can solve complex challenges alone. By using data to guide decisions, we advance equitable solutions that are measurable, meaningful, and lasting for our community.

For more information about Norwalk ACTS, visit www.norwalkacts.org.

Did someone share this newsletter with you?

Subscribe here to get our next issue delivered directly to your inbox.

Subscribe to the CT Cradle to Career Coalition Newsletter