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This Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024, You Can Change Lives!

Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity that has inspired millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate nonprofits since its inception in 2012. Falling on the heels of Thanksgiving and the busy shopping days of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, it’s a powerful reminder that the holiday season is about more than buying gifts—it’s about giving back.

This year, Carver invites you to join us in making a lasting impact on our youth and community. Every contribution you make will directly support the more than 3,000 students we serve in all Norwalk K-12 schools and beyond. From academic support and STEAM enrichment to college prep and wellness initiatives, your generosity fuels the programs that help our students thrive.

Why Support Carver?

  • We provide academic support tailored to meet every student’s needs.

  • Our STEAM programs ignite creativity and critical thinking.

  • We prepare students for bright futures through college prep and workforce development.

  • Wellness programs ensure every child has the tools to succeed in mind and body.

This Giving Tuesday, your generosity can:

  • Fund STEAM supplies for students exploring science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

  • Support paid internships that equip 11th and 12th graders with essential career skills.

  • Provide transportation for students attending Carver’s after-school programs, ensuring accessibility for all.

How You Can Help:

  1. Donate: Every dollar counts. [Insert donation link/QR code]

  2. Spread the Word: Share our Giving Tuesday message with your friends and family.

  3. Volunteer: Your time and talents make a world of difference.

Join the Giving Tuesday movement and be a part of a global community working to create change. Together, we can empower our youth, strengthen our community, and build a brighter future for all.

2024 Carver Annual Meeting: A Celebration of Progress, Community, and Commitment to Excellence

Carver student John Akbar standing with his proud mother

The Carver Community Center hosted an inspiring Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors yesterday evening, highlighting The Carver’s dedication to education and community engagement. Here is a copy of the 2024 Annual Meeting program and report.

The event brought together a diverse group of supporters, including esteemed guests such as Senator Bob Duff, Secretary of the State of Connecticut Stephanie Thomas, Norwalk Common Council President Darlene Young, Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Shannon O'Toole Giandurco, Norwalk Historical Society Executive Director Diane Jellerette, and NAACP Norwalk Connecticut Branch President Brenda Penn-Williams, alongside dedicated parents, enthusiastic students, committed staff, and passionate volunteers.

This pivotal gathering served as a platform to reflect on the past year’s progress and reaffirm The Carver's mission of transforming lives through education. Key moments included the reconstitution of the Board of Directors and the announcement of goals for the current fiscal year, reinforcing The Carver’s relentless pursuit of continuous improvement.

A Carver high school student, John Akbar, shared how Carver impacted his life. Here is a copy of his story, excerpted below, which he told the Annual Meeting guests.

Carver has transformed me from a timid, unsure freshman into someone confident and driven. It’s been a journey of self-discovery filled with challenges, growth, and new passions. As I continue forward, I’m eager to keep learning, exploring, and making the most of every opportunity. Thank you to the Carver community for showing me that with support and courage, anything is possible.

Carver Board President Phil Butterfield and Carver board member Jillian Kaminski

The organization’s thorough preparation for the meeting, including a comprehensive review of critical policies and plans, highlights its commitment to excellence.

Amidst the formalities, the evening maintained a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Guests enjoyed refreshments and heartfelt conversations, strengthening the sense of community at the heart of The Carver’s mission. Attendees shared stories, celebrated achievements, and connected with new and old friends, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.

As The Carver looks ahead, events like the Annual Meeting underscore its steadfast commitment to empowering individuals, building community, and harnessing the transformative power of education. Together, The Carver and its supporters continue to write the next chapter in its remarkable story of impact and growth.

Norwalk Public Schools and Board of Education Receive Prestigious CABE Board of Distinction Award

For the second year in a row, Carver celebrates Norwalk Public Schools (NPS) and the NPS Board of Education for earning the 2024 Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Board of Distinction Award. Established in 1998, this prestigious honor is awarded to boards of education and superintendents demonstrating exemplary leadership and teamwork in service to their students and community.

CABE’s recognition underscores the effective collaboration between NPS leadership and the Board of Education, who work tirelessly to enhance educational outcomes for all students. As a critical partner of NPS, Carver is inspired by their commitment to fostering academic excellence and community engagement.

At CABE’s recent annual convention, NPS was further honored with the Bonnie B. Carney Award of Excellence for Educational Communications. The district’s Communications Department received accolades for 11 outstanding programs across eight categories, highlighting its ability to effectively connect and engage with the Norwalk community.

These achievements reflect NPS’s dedication to innovation, transparency, and a student-centered approach to education. Carver is proud to partner with a district that continuously raises the bar for educational leadership and communication excellence.

Congratulations to Norwalk Public Schools, the Board of Education, and the Communications Department for these well-deserved honors! We look forward to continuing our collaboration to create brighter futures for every student.

Carver Future Readiness Coordinators Inspire College Dreams at NYUL’s 37th Annual HBCU Fair

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Carver’s four full-time Future Readiness Coordinators (Iman Laborde, Isaiah Gaddy, Rayshonda Mitchell, and Candace Wright) proudly led Carver high school students to the 37th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair, hosted by the New York Urban League (NYUL) at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in New York City. This highly anticipated event continues to be a pivotal moment for students exploring their academic futures at HBCUs, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal connections and life-changing decisions.

Founded in 1938, Carver was an early leader in the national movement to provide students with support after school. Once Carver expanded beyond its community center into Norwalk’s schools, It began to receive very competitive 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grants. This is the only federal funding source supporting local after-school, before-school, and summer learning programs. Today, this funding supports many Carver initiatives, such as this HBCU college fair, STEM education opportunities, college tours, workforce development, and social and emotional support.

Carver spotlights HBCUs as part of its annual Spring Break College Tours, encouraging students to consider these historic institutions' powerful legacies and unique educational offerings. Many Carver alumni have proudly chosen HBCUs for their higher education journey, and events like this fair provide a vital connection between prospective students and the possibilities ahead.

This year's HBCU Fair was no exception, offering students access to:

  • Admissions Representatives from numerous HBCUs are ready to answer questions and guide the application process.

  • On-Site College Applications, allowing students to apply directly to schools.

  • Scholarship Resources that open doors to financial aid opportunities.

  • Workshops designed to prepare students for academic and career success.

  • HBCU Entertainment celebrates the vibrant culture of these institutions.

The fair, co-organized with the Malcolm Bernard HBCU College Fair, Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, and the NYUL Young Professionals, has a proven record of success. Last year alone, the event welcomed over 5,000 attendees, waived 2,350 application fees, and awarded over $2 million in scholarships on-site.

This year, Carver student Rodelin Constant, a Brien McMahon High School senior, received an incredible five admission offers from HBCUs, underscoring the transformative impact of events like this. Rodelin’s success story is a testament to the potential unlocked when students are given the tools and opportunities to pursue their goals.

The HBCU Fair is a bridge to brighter futures. By connecting students with institutions that celebrate heritage, foster community, and champion excellence, the fair empowers students to dream big and take actionable steps toward those dreams.

At Carver, we remain committed to fostering these opportunities for the students we serve. Whether through our college tours, after-school programs, or events like the HBCU Fair, we work tirelessly to ensure that every student has the chance to achieve their fullest potential.

Congratulations to Rodelin and all the Carver students who attended the fair! Your journey begins, and we can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish.

Join Us for Carver’s Annual Meeting: Celebrate Our Impact and Shape the Future

We are pleased to invite you to Carver’s Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, which will take place at the Carver Community Center on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 6:30 PM. This important gathering will bring together Carver’s leadership, partners, and community members to reflect on our achievements, review the outcomes of FY 2023-2024, and elect a new slate of directors who will help guide our mission forward.

The meeting will feature updates from our board committees, sharing insights into our programs, impact, and strategic priorities as we continue our commitment to empowering Norwalk youth and families. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with our Board members, learn about our vision for the year ahead, and celebrate our incredible progress together.

We encourage all members of the Carver community to attend and share in this special event. Your presence and support are vital as we look to the future with optimism and a renewed focus on making a positive difference.

Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Carver Community Center, 7 Academy St, Norwalk, CT

We look forward to seeing you there!

Help Carver Reach Our Goal to Support 125 Families This Thanksgiving! 🍁

Carver’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is in full swing, and we’re committed to ensuring 125 families enjoy a festive, fulfilling holiday meal. As we work toward our goal, we need your support more than ever! Your generosity will help families across our community gather around the table and celebrate with gratitude. Whether it’s a donation of turkeys, financial contributions, or simply spreading the word, every bit makes a difference. Together, we can make this Thanksgiving a season of hope and warmth for those who need it most. Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact!

Please get in touch with Brian Allert (brian@the-carver.org) or Nikki LaFaye (nikki@the-carver.org) to volunteer or for more information.

Moffly Media Profiles Carver Volunteer Andrea Moore: A Westport Philanthropist Dedicated to Making a Difference

Moffly Media Photograph by Andrea Carson

We are proud to share this feature by Moffly Media, our exclusive event media sponsor, highlighting one of Carver's dedicated volunteers, Andrea Moore. In their latest article, Westport's Fierce Philanthropists, Andrea's inspiring service journey, alongside her daughters, takes center stage through the National Charity League (NCL) Westport/Weston Chapter. Other chapter volunteers organized this fall fun day for our children at the Carver Community Center just a few days ago.

Andrea was first introduced to Carver by board member Inwha Kim, who invited her to participate in a few Carver events, such as this recent West[port Connections party hosted by Clarendon Fine Art Gallery. It didn’t take long for her to become deeply invested in our mission and the success of the students we serve.

"Once I heard the student's success stories, I was hooked on the organization, their mission, and the significant impact they are having on young lives," Andrea shared with Moffly Media. "One of the most impressive statistics is since 2005, 100% of the Carver seniors have graduated on time from high school, and almost all have become first-generation college students. The impact is significant."

Andrea’s passion and commitment exemplify the spirit of volunteerism that powers Carver’s programs. Her involvement and daughters represent a family legacy of giving back to the community and supporting youth in their educational journeys.

We are grateful to Moffly Media for spotlighting Andrea and the incredible work of our volunteers. Their support helps amplify the stories of those making a profound difference in the lives of young people every day.

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering with Carver, visit Carver’s Volunteer Page. Together, we can continue to make an impact!

Warming Hearts with Yarn: Carver’s 5th Grade Scholars Crocheting Project at Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School

This fall, the Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program at Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School took on a unique and heartwarming project. Led by Jefferson’s crocheting expert teacher, Mrs. Liz Williams, students dove into crocheting, creating a cozy blanket for the school nurse’s office. The student’s experiences inspired the initiative, noting that the nurse's office can be chilly when they aren’t feeling well. Mrs. Williams, with her years of experience and passion for crocheting, turned this idea into a creative and educational project as part of Carver’s STEAM enrichment activities.

Mrs. Williams is a beloved teacher at Jefferson, known for her patience and creativity. Her approach in the classroom ensures that each student, regardless of skill level, receives personalized guidance. She demonstrates every stitch, providing a step-by-step tutorial. With individual support tailored to each student's needs, she nurtures a supportive environment where creativity thrives.

The students who participated in this meaningful project were:

  • Victoria A.

  • Audrey M.

  • Lianny

  • Adrianna

  • Yaxiel

  • Maria

  • Zuria

  • Arianna

  • Lixy

  • Maddy

  • Dailyn

  • Brihatna

  • Yaretzi

  • Kylie

  • Anusha

  • Selena

  • Kym

  • Kelly

These young scholars worked together, learning the intricacies of crocheting while contributing to a project that would comfort their classmates in need. The experience provided a wonderful blend of technical skill development and community service, hallmarks of the Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program.

The Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program is designed to provide a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience to prepare these 5th graders for middle school. It emphasizes academic support and enrichment, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. Under the leadership of Carver's Lead Program Coordinator, Julie Signore, a 5th Grade Teacher at Jefferson, the program offers diverse activities that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Carver’s commitment to supporting students at Jefferson includes providing after-school programming that helps them develop new skills, explore their interests, and build a strong foundation for future success.

Through this crocheting project, the students learned a new craft and experienced the joy of creating something with a purpose. This initiative is a beautiful example of how Carver’s STEAM enrichment programming goes beyond traditional academics, fostering practical and meaningful skills.

Fostering Responsibility and Curiosity: Carver’s Aquarium Inspires Young Stewards of Nature

At the heart of the Carver Community Center is a humble yet bustling aquarium that has quickly become a favorite among our K-5 students. Our aquarium is a hands-on learning tool that allows children to connect with nature, fostering a sense of responsibility, curiosity, and wonder. Maintaining an aquarium is no small task, and at Carver, we believe that teaching kids to care for these underwater ecosystems has lasting benefits that extend far beyond the glass tank.

Each week, our students rotate responsibilities for feeding the fish, checking the water quality, and observing the health and behavior of their finned friends. Through these tasks, children learn the importance of consistency, patience, and each individual's role in maintaining a healthy environment. We teach them to carefully measure the amount of food to prevent overfeeding and guide them in routine cleaning tasks to keep the tank clear and vibrant. By participating in these activities, our students gain hands-on knowledge about ecosystems, balance, and the needs of living creatures, skills that align well with our STEAM-based educational approach.

One of the highlights of our aquarium program is when the students share what they’ve observed about the fish during the week. This might be anything from noticing a fish’s unique behavior to observing how they interact with their environment. These discussions spark curiosity, encourage questions, and empower students to think critically about how small actions can impact the well-being of animals.

Our aquarium offers a peaceful, grounding experience in a world increasingly dominated by screens. Students can slow down, observe quietly, and care for creatures that rely on them, instilling a sense of empathy and stewardship that we hope will stay with them as they grow, whether it’s a first-grader gently feeding the fish or a fifth-grader taking charge of water quality checks, every student who contributes to our aquarium learns that they, too, have the power to make a difference, one small ripple at a time.

At Carver, we’re proud to see our students’ excitement and dedication grow as they care for our aquatic residents. The aquarium has become a symbol of our community’s commitment to nurturing minds and hearts.