BACKBONE UPDATES

Be part of a community coming together. Get your ticket today!

This special evening will celebrate the power of shared commitment that drives lasting change in Norwalk. Together, we’ve made great strides, but the need for collaboration and investment in Norwalk’s future has never been greater.

Your support helps us 

sustain, expand, and build cradle to career initiatives transform and community initiatives to ensure every child enters school ready to learn, every student achieves early reading success, and every young person gains the skills and opportunities for meaningful employment.

Join us as we reflect on our progress and look ahead to the next phase of transformation from vision to reality.

PARTNER FOCUS

Our partners at Horizons at CT State Norwalk are looking for mentors.

Your guidance as a mentor can inspire a young person to dream big, set goals, and achieve success, while building lasting bonds and opening doors as they prepare for college and adulthood. 

Contact Karen Marin, Program Director at 203-919-7152 or kmarin@horizonsncc.org

What We Are Reading

Chalk Talk: Norwalk's West Rocks Middle School cuts suspensions in half by focusing on feelings

Students Lead Insightful Discussion with BOE Candidates

In October we partnered with CTData Collaborative for the Data for Democracy Convening.

Check out CTData Blog for a recap of the event.

Thank you to our presenters:

Scott Gaul of CT Office of Policy and Management, Meeta Anand of The Leadership Conference Education Fund, Bonnie Smith of B.Weyland Smith Consulting, and Brian Weeks of the City of Norwalk Public Health Department.

We look forward to providing more opportunities for our partners and local organizations to strengthen their data-informed approach to achieve measurable outcomes for children and families.

CT General Assembly

Special Session (Nov. 12–13)

The General Assembly is expected to convene a brief special session focused on targeted fiscal issues:

• Medicaid and SNAP: State funds to offset potential federal reductions.
• Housing (HB-5002): A new version of the comprehensive housing bill previously vetoed.
• Other carryover bills that passed one chamber but not both, specifically HB-6951: An Act Concerning Children's Behavioral Health Services.

The CT Cradle-to-Career Coalition is monitoring developments closely.



Looking ahead to the 2026 Legislative Session

Our Coalition Policy Director is actively developing background for the statewide 2026 Policy Agenda, guided by ongoing System and Power Mapping to identify high-leverage opportunities across:

• Early Care and Education (ECE)
• Workforce Development

The Policy & Advocacy Subcommittee will begin focused work this fall and winter to prepare for the February–May 2026 short session.

Our framing continues to emphasize child care as essential, equitable economic infrastructure, a cornerstone for family stability and Connecticut’s long-term prosperity.

Social Media and Its Impact on Your Kids: Strategies for Help

November 12th, 7 - 8 PM

RSVP for this Virtual Event

The November Helping Kids Thrive is an engaging webinar exploring how social media shapes young people’s mental health, self-image, and relationships. Parents and caregivers will hear from experts who will share practical strategies to help teens build healthy online habits, manage digital stress, and use social media in positive, balanced ways.

NACTS Board Member Diamond Sead, Manager of Communications Brandalyn Fulton Williams, Photographer Richard Bonenfant, and NACTS Community Advocate Eve St. Surin

Congratulations to the Norwalk NAACP on the 22nd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet! It was a beautiful evening celebrating the diversity and culture of our city and a powerful reminder of the impact we can achieve when we come together as a community to create positive change in Norwalk.

Justice & Equity work requires rest.

Our partners at

Community Mindfulness Project can help!

The Youth-Led Board of Education Forum took place on Tuesday, October 21st. Our Youth Advocates in collaboration with the Center for Youth Leadership at Brien McMahon High School led a spirited discussion for Board of Education Candidates.

It was a well-attended virtual event and the recording is available on the Norwalk ACTS YouTube Channel.

Check out the CT Examiner and Nancy on Norwalk recap! Thank you CYL, Nancy on Norwalk, and the League of Women Voters for your collaboration.

Available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Ukrainian.

Early Childhood Providers

Be sure you are connected with an important news blast from the Local Governance Partner & CT OEC: Early Childhood Updates Newsletter This communication will go out monthly.

Reach out to Carol Carrozelli to be added to the email list

Norwalk READS Day

Our Community Advocates of the Early Childhood Development Initiative participated in Norwalk Reads Day this past weekend!

It was a fun-filled morning and a wonderful opportunity for families to build their home libraries. A big thank-you to the Read to Grow Book Mobile for making a stop at the Norwalk Family Center.

Our trusted partners help families access the resources and answers they need to thrive. A great collaboration and valuable resource for the families of Norwalk!