Diana Napier is the Carver Board President and serves as a Program Manager at The WorkPlace. 

See the letter at Norwalk's HamletHub here.

Dear Editor:

As the Carver Foundation of Norwalk celebrates its 80th year anniversary this year, I am proud to reflect on my 10 years of service on the Board of Directors and second term as President. During this time, I have had the privilege of being a part of the organization’s exciting growth and have witnessed again and again the shining academic achievements of our students and alumni. Carver is Norwalk’s largest provider of after-school and summer programs for middle and high school students. We are also expanding our K-5 programs and forging creative collaborations with a variety of community partners.

Today, in partnership with the Norwalk Public Schools, the Carver Foundation of Norwalk offers programs for children and youth across eleven sites in Norwalk that prepares them for graduating on time, college-ready and well-equipped to become lifetime achievers. We encourage our young people to set high expectations and we provide the tools and resources for them to reach them. In fact, since 2005, 100% of our seniors have graduated on time from high school.

At the heart of our work is addressing the Achievement Gap and ensuring a level playing field for all students. Carver’s contributions to the children and families of Norwalk – and the community at large – are vast and priceless. Our success over the decades is in large part due to our motivated alumni and generous supporters across all sectors. Both are a source of great pride for the entire Carver community.

In my role as Program Manager at The WorkPlace, the regional Workforce Development Board, I see all too often what happens to young adults who do not receive the interventions they need at a younger age, who have limited educational opportunities and little encouragement to develop their skills. The Carver Foundation of Norwalk provides a positive path forward so that our children can reach their greatest potential. We have deep gratitude for our wide community of partners through the years. I invite your readers to learn more about Carver at www.carvernorwalk.org and to support our worthy mission – our young people and future leaders.

Sincerely,

Diana Napier