Sweet Creativity at Carver: Jr. YDP Students Build Gingerbread Magic for the Holidays

Carver Middle School students in our Jr. Youth Development Program (Jr. YDP) filled the Carver Community Center with imagination, teamwork, and the unmistakable scent of holiday cheer this week as they designed and built their own gingerbread houses.

What began as a simple seasonal activity quickly turned into an afternoon of creative problem-solving, engineering, and joyful collaboration. Students sketched ideas, experimented with structure and balance, and discovered that icing can make a surprisingly effective adhesive. With candy shingles, pretzel fences, gumdrop pathways, and plenty of laughter, each gingerbread house became a unique expression of its young creators.

Activities like this are more than just fun—they build confidence, fine motor skills, and a sense of accomplishment. They also give students a chance to unwind, bond with peers, and feel the magic of the season in a safe, supportive environment.

We are so proud of our Jr. YDP students for embracing both the challenge and the joy of building something together. Their gingerbread masterpieces—and the smiles that went with them—are a sweet reminder of what makes Carver such a special place for young people to grow and thrive.

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Carver!

Sparkling Creativity: After the Bell Students Make Their Own Holiday Ornaments

There is something magical about creating a keepsake with your own hands—especially during the holiday season. This week, with support from Mrs. Laura, in The Carver’s After the Bell program, elementary students stepped into that magic as they designed and decorated their own holiday ornaments under the joyful guidance of Monica Cervantes, one of Carver’s longtime program leaders who brings boundless creativity to every activity she leads.

What looked like a fun afternoon of glitter, paint, and tiny treasures was also a meaningful learning experience. As students chose colors, patterns, and materials, they practiced creativity, explored self-expression, and took pride in making something uniquely their own. Every careful brushstroke and glued-on detail helped strengthen their fine motor skills, building confidence through hands-on problem-solving.

But perhaps the best part came at the end—when each child held up their finished ornament and imagined where it would hang. For some, it will brighten the family Christmas tree. For others, it will become a cherished gift. And for all of them, it will serve as a small, handmade reminder of a happy moment spent learning, laughing, and creating together after school.

Monica and the entire After the Bell team design activities like this to help students build memories that last far beyond a single season. These ornaments may sparkle for the holidays, but the skills and joy behind them will carry our students into the new year and beyond.

How a Community Creates Holiday Magic: The Making of Carver’s Annual Holiday Party

Joan and John de Regt with Carver Chief Advancement Officer, Kailee Scales

Every December, something extraordinary happens at the Carver Community Center. What begins as a gymnasium or multipurpose room transforms into a holiday wonderland—bursting with color, joy, and the unmistakable feeling of being cared for. The Carver Holiday Party is one of our most heartwarming traditions, not because of any single moment, but because of the hundreds of generous acts that make it possible.

This year’s celebration, taking place on Friday, December 12th, is made possible by a community of volunteers and partners who bring the spirit of the season to life for Carver kids and their families. Today, longtime Carver volunteers and champions Joan and John de Regt delivered a mountain of new donated gifts to the Carver Community Center—bright packages that volunteers will wrap and that children in our community will soon unwrap. Their delivery is just one part of a beautiful tapestry of giving.

For more than a decade, the 11th-grade class at St. Luke’s School has been at the heart of this celebration. Each year, these students arrive ready to spread joy—with Santa himself in tow—leading games, dancing with kids, helping with crafts, serving snacks, and, most importantly, handing out gifts with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. Their presence brings a magical energy that children look forward to all year long.

Behind the scenes, volunteers help sort and wrap hundreds of gifts to ensure that every child aged 13 and younger receives something special. These gifts represent the collective kindness of neighbors across Norwalk and Rowayton, including a treasured annual effort that has shaped this tradition for years: the Mike Barbis Santa Toy Drive.

Co-founded by Joan DeRegt and named in honor of the late Mike Barbis—Rowayton’s former commissioner and a beloved advocate for Carver—the Santa Toy Drive continues to shine as one of the most meaningful acts of community generosity during the holidays. In partnership with the Rowayton Civic Association, the Rowayton Fire Department gathers an abundance of toys, books, sports equipment, and gift cards each year. Their drive ensures that not only the Carver Holiday Party, but several additional holiday events, are filled with gifts and good cheer.

Today’s delivery from Joan and John de Regt is a reminder of the power of this beloved tradition. The gifts they brought reflect more than holiday fun—they symbolize generosity, connection, and a community united in love for its children.

As we prepare for Friday’s celebration, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributes to this magical season. Whether you donated a toy, wrapped a gift, volunteered your time, or helped share the joy, you are part of what makes this holiday party—and this community—shine.

Thank you, Rowayton. Thank you, St. Luke’s School. Thank you to every volunteer and donor who keeps the spirit of giving alive—not just during the holidays, but all year long. The magic you create will stay in the hearts of Carver children for years to come.

Celebrating Community Generosity: Altar’d State’s SoNo Store Donates Over $3,500 to Carver Through Mission Monday

Carver is honored to be the beneficiary of Altar’d State’s Mission Monday campaign, a three-month giving initiative that ran this fall at The SoNo Collection. This partnership was made especially meaningful by the leadership of Samantha Tiano, Store Manager at Altar’d State’s SoNo location—and a proud graduate of Norwalk Public Schools. Samantha and her colleagues shared that they were thrilled to support Carver, an organization close to their hearts and deeply connected to their own Norwalk community.

Thanks to their effort and the generosity of their customers, Carver recently received a donation of just over $3,500 to help power our academic, enrichment, and youth development programs.

A Boutique With a Mission

Altar’d State at The SoNo Collection is more than a women’s fashion boutique. True to its “fashion-focused, cause-motivated” identity, the store pairs its retail experience with a commitment to local philanthropy. The brand’s give-back philosophy is woven into every location, including Norwalk, where staff intentionally support programs that strengthen the community they call home.

What Is Mission Monday?

Mission Monday is Altar’d State’s signature philanthropic initiative. During each campaign period, 10% of all net proceeds from Monday sales are donated to a selected nonprofit. Each store chooses organizations within its own community—ensuring that local dollars support local impact.

For three months this fall, the SoNo store selected Carver as its Mission Monday partner. Shoppers were welcomed with in-store signage spotlighting Carver’s mission, and many visited specifically on Mondays to ensure their purchases helped Norwalk students thrive.

Standing Out for Good

The SoNo team lives the Altar’d State mantra of “standing out for good” by forming genuine relationships with the organizations they support. The partnership with Carver reflects their commitment not just to donate, but to engage. From conversations with staff to learning more about Carver’s programs, the store embraced the opportunity to give back to a nonprofit serving Norwalk’s youth through academic support, wellness, leadership, and college- and career-readiness initiatives.

A Heartfelt Thank-You

Carver extends its deepest gratitude to Samantha Tiano, the entire SoNo Altar’d State team, and every shopper who made Mission Monday a success. This gift helps ensure that Carver students have access to the opportunities, enrichment, and encouragement they deserve.

Together, we are strengthening our community—one Monday, one act of generosity, and one young person at a time.

Carver and GivingTuesday, December 2, 2025

Celebrating a Global Movement of Radical Generosity

Tomorrow's Giving Tuesday began as a simple idea: a day that invites people everywhere to practice generosity in all its forms. Today, it has grown into a global movement that inspires millions to show up for one another and strengthen their communities. At Carver, this spirit is woven deeply into everything we do—and into the thousands of students and families we stand beside each year.

GivingTuesday imagines a world built on shared humanity and everyday generosity. That vision is alive in every Carver classroom and every after-school program, where students discover their strengths, build confidence, and thrive because of people who believe in them.

Whether it's making someone smile, helping a neighbor, mentoring a student, or giving resources to lift up families, every act of generosity counts. And everyone—everyone—has something to give.

On GivingTuesday 2025, Carver joins the world in celebrating this movement of radical generosity. Your support makes it possible for Carver students to access academic help, STEAM enrichment, wellness activities, college and career support, and caring adults who walk with them every step of the way.

When you give to Carver, you are not just supporting programs—you are opening doors. You are fueling futures. You are telling young people that their dreams matter.

On this year’s Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in making the world a little brighter for thousands of young people.

Thank you for believing in Carver. Thank you for believing in generosity. And thank you for all you make possible, today and every day.

Together for a Season of Joy: Join Carver’s Holiday Party December 12

Honoring 87 Years of Growth and Community, Thankful for Every Bright Future We Build Together

As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we pause to celebrate something truly special: the Carver community that has grown, strengthened, and lifted generations since 1938.

Carver began 87 years ago as a place for young Black youth in Norwalk to learn, grow, and find opportunity. From those humble beginnings on Ann Street in South Norwalk, Carver steadily became a home for all young people—a place defined not by limitations, but by possibility. Year after year, families, neighbors, educators, volunteers, board members, and partners have worked shoulder to shoulder to keep that promise alive.

Today, across more than 65 programs in every K–12 Norwalk public school—and now in Bridgeport as well—Carver continues to reflect the heart of what Thanksgiving is all about: community, generosity, and shared purpose. Whether it is a teacher helping a student master a new skill, a volunteer reading with a child after school, a high school intern discovering a career path, or parents trusting us with their children each day, we see reminders everywhere of how much we accomplish together.

This year has brought both challenges and bright new opportunities. Through it all, our Carver family has shown the same strength and resilience that have carried this organization forward for nearly nine decades. We are grateful for every student who walks through our doors with hope, every family who partners with us, every educator who inspires, and every supporter who believes in the power of young people.

From our Carver family to yours, we wish you a joyful, restful, and love-filled Thanksgiving. Thank you for being part of a legacy defined not by what Carver has built, but by what our young people become.

Happy Thanksgiving! Thankful for Today. Inspired by Tomorrow.

With gratitude, All of us at The Carver.

Carver’s Annual Meeting Highlights Community Strength and a Clear Path Forward

Novelette Peterkin, CEO, and Phil Butterfield, President

Carver’s Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, held Wednesday evening at the Carver Community Center, brought together board and staff members, volunteers, community partners, families, and supporters for a night of transparency, celebration, and shared commitment to Carver’s future. This annual public board meeting fulfills essential governance responsibilities and honors the students and families who inspire Carver’s work every day.

Board President Phil Butterfield opened the meeting, welcoming the community as the agenda was officially adopted. The entire 28-page Annual Meeting booklet is linked here.

The meeting began with an Alumni Spotlight from Isiah Gaddy, who reflected on his journey from student to Carver Future Readiness Coordinator and offered a powerful reminder of Carver's long arc of support.

Nathan Hale Middle School Principal, James Crouch (watch a video about him here), spoke of Carver’s long and successful partnership with his school, students, and families

Approval of the prior year’s minutes followed, along with the Treasurer’s Report, which highlighted both Carver’s “clean” financial audit and the real fiscal challenges of the past year, including increased demand, rising operational costs, and temporary revenue shortfalls.

Facing Challenges, Strengthening Carver

The past year brought meaningful challenges—growing student needs and the complexity of managing programs across four districts. We sharpened the organization’s focus, encouraged more strategic planning, and accelerated improvements in governance, staffing, data systems, and financial structure.

Throughout the evening, committee reports reinforced Carver’s commitment to fulfilling its mission:

The Fundraising & Marketing Committee, led by board members Brooke Sorensen and Drew Seath

• The Fundraising & Marketing Committee, led by board members Brooke Sorensen and Drew Seath, detailed new donor engagement efforts, expanded events, and the hiring of a Chief Advancement Officer to strengthen Carver’s long-term revenue pipeline.

• The Governance & HR Committee report delivered by board member Deborah Brennan outlined improved board onboarding, expanded leadership staffing, and stronger HR practices—part of the ongoing effort to ensure long-term sustainability.

• The Program Committee showcased strong student outcomes, expanded summer programming, and the nineteenth consecutive year of 100% on-time high school graduation for Carver seniors.

Together, these committee updates painted a picture of an organization that not only learned from last year’s pressures but used them to become stronger, more resilient, and more aligned with best practices.

Diaghilev Lubin-Farnell, Connecticut Assistant Attorney General, Carver alumna, and board member

Looking Forward With Confidence

CEO Novelette Peterkin shared heartfelt remarks reflecting on the year’s enhancements, including improved academic outcomes, stronger school-based partnerships, and significant capital investments such as the transformative $3.5 million Community Investment Fund award. She expressed deep gratitude for Carver’s staff—more than 500 strong—whose commitment ensured continuity and quality across all programs.

President Phil followed with remarks that blended candor with optimism. He reminded the community that:

• students who achieved at exceptional levels,

• families who trusted Carver day after day,

• staff who gave their all, and

• partners and donors who stood with Carver during a challenging period.

Longtime Carver Social Worker, Jackie Roberson, and Novelette Peterkin, Carver CEO

Phil emphasized that Carver has never been an organization that chooses the easy road—it chooses the right one, always staying focused on the children and youth in our care. And this coming year, Carver is taking targeted steps to strengthen its financial position, expand partnerships, complete major facility upgrades, and build the Advancement and Marketing capacity needed for long-term stability.

A United Board and a Shared Mission

Before adjournment, Deborah Brennan presented the proposed slate of officers and directors for 2025–2026, which the Board approved unanimously. This new slate reflects a strong, experienced, and engaged leadership team ready to guide Carver into its next era.

Phil closed the meeting with gratitude—for the board, for the staff, for the families, for the programming, many partners and donors, and especially for the students who remain the reason Carver exists.

As Carver steps confidently into the new fiscal year, one truth is evident from the Annual Meeting: Carver is stronger with the community behind it.

Explorer Badges Earned! Carver Students Dive into Jane Goodall’s World with Volunteer Erika Smith

Carver’s After the Bell students at Naramake Elementary School set off on another adventure of scientific discovery this week, guided once again by the endlessly creative and dedicated volunteer Erika Smith. Fresh off her recent lesson on the art of beekeeping—where she introduced students to the vital world of pollinators—Erika returned to Naramake to lead students into the life and legacy of one of the most influential scientists of our time: Dame Jane Goodall.

Naramake, a school deeply committed to providing students with a 21st-century learning experience and proud to be an IB Primary Years Program candidate school, offered the perfect environment for this rich STEAM exploration. Erika’s lesson wove together science, history, and hands-on nature study to show students that discovery can begin with simple curiosity—just as it did for Goodall.

Students learned about Goodall’s remarkable journey from a young girl fascinated by animals to a world-renowned primatologist whose 60 years of research in Tanzania transformed our understanding of chimpanzees. Erika highlighted Goodall’s groundbreaking findings—such as chimpanzees using tools and exhibiting complex social behaviors—and how these discoveries reshaped what the world thought it knew about animal intelligence.

To honor Goodall’s lifelong habit of close observation, Erika brought students outside and into nature for a series of “mini expeditions” inspired by the ways Goodall herself learned to see the world:

• Bird watching, where students used keen observation to identify movement, color, and sound

• Leaf study, examining textures and patterns to understand how scientists classify plant life

• Seashell exploration, uncovering natural stories hidden in shapes, ridges, and worn edges

These simple but powerful activities helped students practice the same skills that fueled Goodall’s decades of discovery: patience, curiosity, and the willingness to look deeper.

The lesson concluded with a proud moment—each student received an Explorer Badge, symbolizing their achievement and their place in a long line of scientists, naturalists, and protectors of the environment.

Carver is grateful for volunteers like Erika Smith, whose passion for the natural world inspires students to imagine themselves as future scientists, caretakers of the planet, and lifelong learners. From bees to birds to seashells, Erika continues to show Carver students that wonder is everywhere—and every question is the beginning of an adventure.

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.

Learning to Open the Future: How One 5th Grader Found Her Confidence Before Middle School

When 10-year-old María Santiago started the 5th Grade Scholars program in elementary school, she described herself in one word: quiet.

She loved reading, sketching in the margins of her notebook, and sitting in the back row where she felt safe. But the thought of entering middle school—new teachers, new hallways, new expectations—made her stomach feel like it was full of jumping beans.

“I’m not ready for all that,” she would say to her mother. “Middle school kids know what they’re doing. I won’t.”

The truth is, María is like many 5th graders: bright, thoughtful, determined—and unsure of what comes next.

A Year of Small, Steady Steps

Throughout the school year after school, María began building relationships with her Carver 5th-grade scholars' teachers (daytime certified teachers in Maria’s school). They nudged her gently into new challenges: reading aloud in small groups, working with classmates in her Carver after-school program she didn’t know well, and trying assignments that required planning and independence.

Nothing dramatic. Just small steps that slowly grew her confidence.

“She didn’t need to become louder,” her teacher said. “She just needed to believe she could figure things out.”

The Locker That Wouldn’t Budge

That belief was tested the first week of Carver’s Summer Transition Program for rising 6th graders. The program, located in each of Norwalk’s public middle schools, gives students a chance to explore their future school before the first day of sixth grade.

One Tuesday morning, María and the other students gathered in the school hallway, staring at a long row of lockers. Bright blue. Shiny. Slightly intimidating.

The principal who proudly shows up for this program periodically as a volunteer handed each student a combination.
“Try it,” she said with a smile. “You’re going to do this every day in September. Let’s learn it now.”

María stepped up to her locker, placed her hand on the cold metal, and felt her heart speed up.
Left… right… left, she whispered, turning the dial.
Click.
Nothing happened.

She tried again.
Nothing.

She looked around. Other students were laughing, opening their lockers, slamming them shut again just to prove they could. María felt a familiar wave of doubt rising in her throat.

That’s when the school principal walked over.
“Locks are tricky the first time,” she said. “Let’s do it together.”

They tried the combination again. And again. And then—

Click.
The locker swung open.

María froze, then looked up slowly—eyes wide in disbelief.
“I did it,” she said softly.
“You did,” the principal said. “And you’ll do it again tomorrow.”

More Than a Locker

To an adult, opening a locker might feel like a small, trivial task. But for a child on the edge of a big transition, it can represent something much bigger:
I can do this.
I belong here.
I’m ready.

Over the next few summer weeks, something changed in María. She volunteered to lead her group during a middle school tour. She asked the science teacher on staff an extra question. She tried her locker without help—and opened it on the first try.

When her mother asked how program was going, María surprised her.

“It’s not scary anymore,” she said. “Middle school is starting to feel like mine.”

A Story of Courage, Not Programs

María’s journey is not a story about a curriculum or a schedule. It’s a story about what happens when a child feels supported, seen, and gently stretched toward her own potential.

It’s a story about courage—the quiet kind that grows slowly over time.

And it’s a reminder that every student deserves the chance to walk into middle school not with fear, but with confidence in who they are and who they can become.