Government Shutdown Freezes Federal Food Assistance: Nearly 10,000 Norwalk Residents Without SNAP Support

With the federal government shutdown halting the release of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds, nearly 10,000 Norwalk residents are suddenly without the food assistance they rely on each month.

Carver’s role in food support is limited to our annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive, which provides full holiday meals for Norwalk families. In this moment of widespread hardship, we join our city partners in urging community members to support the local food charities and organizations listed here and in the graphic below. These programs on the front lines are there to ensure Norwalk households can access food during this temporary—but deeply disruptive—pause in federal assistance.

The Norwalk Food Alliance’s comprehensive Food Guide lists dozens of pantries, mobile distributions, and meal programs available to residents, along with SNAP enrollment support for those seeking help once benefits are restored. Services include:

You can explore the complete list, in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, at www.norwalkct.gov/meals — or contact any of the agencies shown below to volunteer, donate, or share the guide with neighbors who may need help.

Carver stands with our community partners, our city, and every family facing this crisis. Together, we can ensure that Norwalk’s long tradition of caring for one another endures—even when national systems falter.

Sign Up for Thanksgiving Food Baskets!

Carver Kids Harvest Fun at Silverman’s Farm: A Day of Animals, Apples, and Autumn Adventure

Carver’s youngest students from the Community Center’s CASPER program kicked off the fall season with a joyful field trip to Silverman’s Farm in Easton, Connecticut—a local favorite known for its hands-on, family-friendly farm experiences. The K–5 students were treated to an unforgettable day surrounded by nature, animals, and classic New England charm.

From the moment they arrived, the Carver kids were immersed in the sights and sounds of the farm. Each child received a colorful gourd to take home—a bright reminder of their autumn adventure. They spent time exploring the petting zoo, where over 100 animals roam the scenic hillsides. With feeding bags in hand, students delighted in meeting buffalo, llamas, goats, sheep, alpacas, fallow deer, and even the famously friendly bunnies in Silverman’s large free-range rabbit enclosure.

After their animal encounters, the group enjoyed Silverman’s famous homemade donuts—a sweet reward after a morning of exploring—and gathered for snacks at the picnic tables overlooking the orchards. The farm’s welcoming staff shared insights into the animals and life on a working farm, making the day both educational and fun.

While fall is peak season at Silverman’s, the farm offers year-round activities that keep families coming back: scenic hayrides through the orchard, a wooden tractor and train playground, fruit picking from June through October, and special seasonal events like pumpkin challenges and holiday festivals. The Carver students especially loved seeing the rows of apple trees, home to 25 varieties, and learning how fruit grows and is harvested.

By the end of the visit, students were brimming with excitement, laughter, and sticky fingers from donuts—an autumn day well spent. Trips like this give Carver’s CASPER students a chance to connect classroom learning with the natural world, building lasting memories and an appreciation for the region’s agricultural traditions.

Carver Awarded Two State Grants in Governor Lamont’s $5.3 Million Investment to Expand After-School Programs Across Connecticut

Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced this week that the State of Connecticut has awarded $5.3 million in new funding to expand high-quality after-school programs serving students across 30 municipalities. Among the 41 grants awarded statewide, Carver stands out as one of only a handful of organizations—and the only Norwalk-based nonprofit—to receive two separate grants through the Connecticut State Department of Education’s competitive After-School Grant Program.

Carver’s two new grants will support after-school programming at Nathan Hale and West Rocks Middle Schools as well as Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and Roton Middle School, strengthening Carver’s long-standing partnership with Norwalk Public Schools. Each grant totals $153,880, representing a combined state investment of more than $300,000 in Carver’s middle school after-school programs.

These grants were awarded through a highly competitive process evaluating local need, program design, academic enrichment, student wellness, and family engagement. The recognition reflects the state’s confidence in Carver’s evidence-based approach to youth development and its record of producing measurable academic gains and social-emotional growth for Norwalk students.

“High-quality after-school programs create opportunities for students to receive the additional academic and social supports they need to thrive,” Governor Lamont said in announcing the awards.

Carver’s programs provide daily academic support, literacy and STEAM enrichment, mentoring, wellness activities, and family engagement opportunities. Each site operates four days per week throughout the school year, offering safe, structured environments that extend learning beyond the classroom while supporting working families.

Carver is proud to represent Norwalk in this new round of state investment—and to be recognized twice among only 41 funded proposals statewide. The dual awards underscore Carver’s position as a statewide leader in out-of-school time programming and its ongoing commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed in school, career, and life.

Art as Activism: Norwalk Art Space Students Turn Personal Concerns into Creative Action

At The Norwalk Art Space, creativity meets conscience. In this five-week “Art as Activism” program, Carver students are learning how to turn their personal passions and concerns into art that speaks — and sometimes shouts — for change.

During the first week, students are brainstorming the issues that matter most to them: bullying, littering, freedom to practice religion, and other challenges they see in their schools and communities. Through discussion, sketching, and exploration, they’re discovering that art can be both a personal expression and a public statement.

Over the coming weeks, young artists will study how creators throughout history have used art to make people think, feel, and act. They’ll research the topics they care about, experiment with materials and media, and create original works that reflect their voices and values.

Each session builds toward a final public exhibition at The Norwalk Art Space, where students will present their finished pieces — visual statements that explore how creativity can challenge injustice, promote empathy, and inspire action.

The program’s message is simple but powerful: art can change the way we see the world, and young people have the power to lead that change.

From a sculpture made from discarded litter to a mixed-media portrait confronting bullying, every work will represent a step toward understanding how activism can begin with awareness — and how awareness can begin with art.

Carver Invites the Community to Its Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors on November 19

🎭 From Quesadillas to Costumes: Naramake After the Bell Students Learn Through Creativity and Play

At Naramake Elementary School, Carver’s After the Bell program is serving up imagination and life skills in equal measure. Two recent hands-on enrichment activities—Acting Out with Ms. Karen Hall and cooking with Mrs. Miranda—show how after-school experiences nurture literacy, confidence, and joy in learning.

In Acting Out, local author and storyteller Ms. Karen Hall brings her famous trunk of interactive props—lovingly known as “Chester”—to inspire students to step into the world of storytelling. Dressed in costume, students performed a play about fall and Halloween, learning how to use voice, movement, and imagination to bring stories to life. Ms. Karen’s program, ideal for children ages 2 through 8, transforms storytelling into a full-body, laughter-filled experience that builds vocabulary, confidence, and empathy.

Meanwhile, down in the school cafeteria, Mrs. Miranda led a group of young chefs through the art of making quesadillas—measuring, spreading, folding, and toasting their creations to perfection. Beyond the delicious results, the children practiced teamwork, fine motor skills, and following directions while learning about ingredients and cultures.

These joyful experiences highlight what makes after-school programs like After the Bell so transformative. Unlike traditional classrooms, after-school environments create safe, pressure-free spaces where learning feels natural and personal. Children are encouraged to explore who they are and what they enjoy—whether through writing a story, performing one, or cooking something new. There are no grades, only growth.

At their best, after-school programs help children discover their voices, build confidence, and develop literacy skills that last a lifetime. At Naramake, the recipe is simple: imagination, encouragement, and a dash of fun.

Bankwell Brings Financial Literacy to Life for Carver Middle Schoolers

L-R, Back Row: Carver Manager Waid Ramsubhag; Carver staff member Cherae Kingwood; Estephany Rivera-Munoz, Bankwell AVP, Retail Support Office at Bankwell; Abby Lemus, Bankwell Assistant Branch Manager, Darien; and Kevin Cardona.

Yesterday, Carver’s Youth Development Program (YDP) middle school students at the Carver Community Center got a hands-on introduction to financial literacy, thanks to our longtime partner Bankwell. This interactive workshop is part of Bankwell’s deep commitment to empowering young people with real-world financial knowledge through community partnerships.

Bankwell has stood beside Carver for years, sponsoring programs that help our students grow academically, socially, and personally. Just last month, the bank announced a new financial literacy course tailored for middle school students—a natural extension of its mission to equip youth with the tools to succeed. Yesterday’s session brought that mission into action.

The workshop began in a playful but purposeful way: students were given (play) “twenty-dollar bills” and asked simple but powerful questions:

• What is money?

• How do you save it?

• What is an ATM?

• What are loans?

From there, facilitators guided lively discussions about the difference between checking and savings accounts and the importance of saving versus spending. Using relatable examples—such as whether it’s smarter to buy a fourth pair of sneakers or save money for future goals—students were challenged to think critically about their choices.

Several students proudly shared that they already have bank accounts, while others filled the room with questions about banking, money, and even interest. The facilitators also shared their own career journeys in banking, demonstrating to students what it takes to build a professional path in the financial services industry.

Waid Ramsubhag, Manager of the Carver After School Program for Education and Recreation (CASPER) and Jr. YDP, reflected on the value of the experience:

“Workshops like these go far beyond financial lessons,” Waid shared. “They give our students opportunities to build character, ask meaningful questions, and engage with professional role models from the community.”

This month’s program is just the start. Later in October, the same group of middle schoolers will take a field trip to Bankwell’s Norwalk branch—with many already eager to see the vault(!).

Carver extends a heartfelt thank you to Nancy Caccia, FVP | Community Relations at Bankwell and the entire Bankwell team for bringing energy, knowledge, and care to our students. Their dedication demonstrates that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about empowering kids with the confidence and skills to make informed decisions for their futures.

Buzzing with Knowledge: Volunteer Erica Smith Teaches Carver Students About Bees and Beekeeping

Carver’s After the Bell students at Naramake Elementary School recently had the unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the fascinating world of honey bees from Erica Smith, a local volunteer beekeeper. With her passion for bees and the environment, Erica brought the world of pollinators alive through an engaging mix of science, storytelling, and hands-on discovery.

Bees are often called a “science class with wings,” offering insights into biology, ecology, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Erica shared with Carver students the critical role that bees play in sustaining Connecticut agriculture and ecosystems. She explained how honey bees help pollinate the foods we eat every day and why their declining populations are cause for concern across the globe.

Through interactive demonstrations, Erica inspired curiosity about the world’s 20,000 bee species and introduced kid-friendly ways students can help, such as planting pollinator-friendly gardens, providing clean water sources, and creating safe habitats. She also highlighted how environmental changes, pesticides, and habitat loss contribute to bee population decline—and how small actions can make a big difference in turning the trend around.

Erica promotes the advancement of scientific knowledge of beekeeping and helps welcome new people into the hobby, building awareness that Connecticut is not only a vital agricultural state but also a growing center for honey production. Her work mirrors the mission of organizations like the Connecticut Beekeepers Association (CBA), which provides resources and education to help communities learn more about pollinators and their importance to both farmers and families.

For Carver students, Erica’s visit was more than a lesson—it was an invitation to be stewards of the environment. With the help of local experts and community partners, Carver continues to spark curiosity and nurture a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.

🌱 Get Involved!

Carver’s programs thrive because of volunteers like Erica who bring knowledge, passion, and creativity to our students. If you’d like to make a difference by sharing your skills, time, or enthusiasm, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 For more information and to apply, please visit this Carver website VOLUNTEER page.

Carver Future Readiness Coordinators Lead Norwalk High School Students to Success at Black College Expo

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Carver’s Future Readiness Coordinators, Iman LaBorde-Mobley and Isiah Gaddy, brought 13 Norwalk High School students to the 14th Annual New York Black College Expo at Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus—home to Jay Z’s Rocnation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment.

The day proved to be transformative. Nine students received on-the-spot college acceptances and scholarships, a powerful affirmation of their hard work and potential. For many, this was the first time they experienced the possibility of a direct pathway to higher education becoming a reality right before their eyes.

The Black College Expo, organized by the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF), aims to close educational and economic disparities by connecting underserved and at-risk students with higher education and career opportunities. This year’s event featured more than 50 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as other universities, offering students the chance to:

• Receive immediate admissions decisions by bringing transcripts and test scores

• Benefit from waived application fees

• Earn on-site scholarships

• Explore job and internship opportunities

• Attend interactive seminars and enjoy entertainment, including a cash prize dance-off

The event welcomed students of all ages and their families, drawing thousands to LIU’s Brooklyn campus for a day of opportunity, celebration, and connection.

Since its founding, NCRF has helped more than 600,000 students secure college admissions and over $3 billion in scholarships. For Carver students, the Expo provided not only access to higher education but also encouragement to dream bigger and believe in themselves.

Carver’s Future Readiness Coordinators play a vital role in these life-changing experiences. By guiding students through college and career exploration, helping them prepare applications, and exposing them to opportunities like the Black College Expo, Iman and Isiah ensure that Carver’s promise—100% high school graduation and pathways to college and careers—remains strong.

This year’s trip to the Black College Expo is just one example of how Carver supports Norwalk’s youth in building brighter futures. The excitement and achievements from this day will ripple forward, inspiring not only the students who attended but also their peers, families, and the community.