DECEMBER news & updates
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DECEMBER 7th, 2021
Upcoming Events

See what's happening this month.
Member Spotlight

Human Services Council - The Norwalk Mentor Program

The Norwalk Mentor Program coordinates a structured one-on-one relationship between a student and adult volunteer. This unique approach provides participants in grades K-12 with an adult who can meet them for approximately one hour per week during the school year and engage in academic and/or social activities conducive to the school setting.

By sharing fun activities and exposing youth to new experiences, a mentor encourages positive choices, promotes high self-esteem, supports academic achievement and introduces the mentee to new ideas. Mentors act as friends and role models and spend each week having fun with their mentees — playing catch, reading a book, shooting some hoops, creating an arts and crafts project, or just talking.

Become a Norwalk ACTS member today!
CEO Corner
Jennifer D. Barahona, LCSW
I am sure this note finds many of you still shaken from the events of last week, both nationally from the latest school shooting in Michigan, and the scare in our community with the multiple lockdowns. Some of you know that I spent nearly six years leading much of the community recovery from the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I understand how terrifying it is to be a parent, student, teacher, administrator, and community member in these times. Although I've been a social worker for over 25 years, I still learned an enormous amount about trauma from my time working in Newtown. The biggest takeaway is that people (especially children and youth) need consistent, caring, and reliable communities of support. The number one protective factor for children is the relationship with a healthy, caring adult. The more of these consistent, supportive relationships, the better.

I was fortunate to work with Dr. Bruce Perry during my time in Newtown, and his latest book, What Happened To You (Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey), is extraordinary. I cannot recommend this book more highly to understand how the brain reacts to stress and the importance of relationships, particularly in early childhood. In the coming weeks, Norwalk ACTS will be launching a What Happened To You book club that will kick off in January. Collectively, we have the power to create a truly trauma-informed and relationally rich community. 

If you are looking for a way to make an immediate impact, I urge you to sign up with the Norwalk Mentor Program and mentor a child. I recently saw my mentee, in person, for the first time since the pandemic began. It was amazing, and we picked right back up where we had left off. If we each gave 1 of the 168 hours in a week, we could change the lives of countless numbers of children. Please see our "Spotlight Member" to learn more. 

I hope you have the opportunity to rest and restore with loved ones this holiday season. While our hearts may be heavy and our souls weary, we still have much to be grateful for, and I hope this season offers you a chance to count your blessings and start the New Year with renewed energy and hope. 
NORWALK ACTS UPDATES
Our December Quarterly Convening will be focused on our Policy & Advocacy Cornerstone. The Policy & Advocacy Taskforce will present our new cornerstone purpose statement, guiding principles, and what it means for Norwalk ACTS to lead, advocate, and support policies. We will be joined by The School and State Finance Project, who will facilitate an engaging workshop that will focus on demystifying policy, building individuals' public narrative, providing a framework for how to communicate with public officials, and empowering members to build relationships with public officials.
How does collaborative action help a community get better results for youth and families? We love this video from StriveTogether, featuring Norwalk ACTS!
We are thrilled that we are one of Fairfield County Bank December "Charity of the Month," and could win an additional $1,500 with your support. There are three easy ways to vote (daily!)

1. Visit this page to vote online.
2. ​Tell your banker your vote at one of our branch offices and drive-ups
3. Call the Customer Care Center at 203.431.7431 with your vote.

Thank you!
UPCOMING EVENTS
OUR WORK
SOCIAL JUSTICE & RACIAL EQUITY
Are you interested in being a part of our Equity Core Team? The Equity Core Team is a leadership team of members from across the Norwalk ACTS network who play a leading role in operationalizing the commitment to equity in all dimensions of the Norwalk ACTS ecosystem. The existing Core team is in discussions on how to best reconstitute the team and welcome new community members into the process. Be on the look for more information on how to get involved in January 2022!
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Advocates have been actively participating in NPS School Governance Councils and PTOs. Additionally, Equity Committees are being created at each NPS school. Community Advocates are currently participating in the Nathan Hale Middle School Equity Committee with other community members, students, parents, and NPS staff. 
PRENATAL TO 3RD GRADE
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL HEALTH
The Norwalk Partnership invites parents to an online event to hear about mental health and substance use in Norwalk families, based on our recent surveys, and to talk with local experts.
The Norwalk Partnership in collaboration with NACTS and other community partners released the first edition of the Wellness Bulletin for Norwalk Parents, to help parents with info, tips, and resources. Please share throughout the community!
OUT OF SCHOOL TIME
We are in the process of redesigning our OST portal to make it more user-friendly and add programs that are year-round and seasonal (rather than just summer). More to come in 2022!
COLLEGE AND WORKFORCE READINESS
FREE Virtual FAFSA workshops for students and their families. There will be more to come on the list below.
Financial aid professionals will be available to help students and families navigate the process of need-based federal aid. Those who sign up will receive a checklist of items that they will need to successfully complete the process. These events are open to high school students across the state.

VIRTUAL
Tues., Dec. 14 — 6 pm — Open to all, virtual. Click to register.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING MORE INVOLVED?
GIVE WHILE YOU SHOP: Are you an Amazon shopper? Set Norwalk ACTS as your selected charity on Amazon Smile, and a portion of every purchase will be donated to transform how community works. Get started here.
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