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Sweet Learning After the Bell: Gingerbread STEAM at Brookside Elementary

At Brookside Elementary School, learning doesn’t stop when the final bell rings—it just gets a little sweeter.

Recently, Carver’s After the Bell students rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on gingerbread house activity led by Monica Cervantes, a dedicated Brookside daytime teacher and Carver staff member who manages the After the Bell program at the school. What looked like a festive holiday project quickly became an engaging STEAM experience filled with creativity, problem-solving, and joyful collaboration.

Armed with graham crackers, icing, and colorful decorations, students set out to design and build their own gingerbread houses. Along the way, they explored core engineering and design concepts—figuring out how to create stable structures, testing what worked (and what didn’t), and revising their plans in real time. Measuring ingredients, estimating quantities, and balancing shapes brought in math skills, while discussions about structure and materials introduced science thinking in an age-appropriate, accessible way.

Just as important, the activity encouraged artistic expression and teamwork. Each gingerbread house reflected a student’s personality and imagination, while shared supplies and group problem-solving fostered communication, patience, and cooperation. Monica’s warm guidance and classroom expertise helped create an environment where students felt free to experiment, take risks, and learn through play.

This is what After the Bell is all about: extending the school day with enriching experiences that make learning feel fun, relevant, and memorable. Thanks to caring educators like Monica Cervantes, Brookside students are discovering that STEAM learning can happen anywhere—even with a little icing on top.

Carver Thanks Near & Far Aid for Its Longstanding Partnership and a New $15,000 Grant Supporting Our Mission

Carver is honored to once again receive generous support from Near & Far Aid, an extraordinary all-volunteer fundraising and grant-making organization that makes a positive impact on thousands of people in Fairfield County by granting over $1 million each year to well-vetted local agencies addressing poverty and changing lives. They have been strengthening Fairfield County communities for more than 75 years.

This year, Near & Far Aid awarded Carver a $15,000 general operating grant, providing essential resources that directly support our year-round programs serving nearly 3,000 children and teens across Norwalk.

This gift continues a partnership that spans many years—one rooted in shared values, a shared commitment to families, and a shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Near & Far Aid’s steadfast support has helped Carver expand academic enrichment, STEAM learning, college and career readiness, family engagement, wellness initiatives, and workforce development—programs that depend on flexible funding to remain strong and responsive to student needs.

About Near & Far Aid

Near & Far Aid is a remarkable example of community generosity in action. Entirely volunteer-run, the organization raises and grants more than $1 million annually to over 80–100 local nonprofits working to eliminate the causes and effects of poverty in Fairfield County. Rather than providing direct services, Near & Far Aid acts as a powerful philanthropic engine—directing funds from gala events, house tours, golf outings, individual supporters, and corporate sponsors straight to frontline agencies creating long-term change.

Its mission focuses on both immediate needs and sustainable solutions, supporting work in:

  • housing and homelessness

  • hunger and food security

  • education and youth development

  • family services

  • programs empowering women and children

Like Carver, Near & Far Aid has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting exemplary accountability, transparency, and financial stewardship—qualities that have made it one of the most respected anti-poverty grantmakers in Fairfield County since its founding in the 1940s.

Why This Grant Matters

General operating support is among the most meaningful forms of philanthropy. It strengthens the core of Carver’s work—our people, our programs, and our ability to respond to the needs of young people and families in real time. This $15,000 grant will immediately help Carver continue delivering high-quality, research-informed enrichment and support programs across Norwalk’s elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as at the Carver Community Center.

With Gratitude

To Near & Far Aid’s dedicated volunteers, board members, donors, and event supporters: thank you. Your leadership and generosity have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of children and families across our community. Carver is proud to be one of the many local nonprofits strengthened by your compassion and commitment.

We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership and building brighter futures together.

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.

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.