Westport, Ct. – When Rachel Gordon, a regular shopper at the Westport Farmers’ Market, realized that countless students at the New Beginnings Family Academy in Bridgeport, Connecticut, were showing up to class without coats despite frigid temperatures, she knew she had to act. She approached Lori Cochran-Dougall, director of the Westport Farmers’ Market, who was more than willing to organize a coat drive. Cochran-Dougall immediately sent a newsletter to members and vendors of the market requesting donations through the end of December. And the community has responded in spades.
In less than two weeks, shoppers, vendors, and community members have donated countless coats to students at the school. New Beginnings Family Academy C.E.O. Ronelle P. Swagerty, is beyond appreciative.
“At New Beginnings Family Academy, we have been watching some of our students, across all grades, come into school scantily dressed these past few really cold days. Starting last week, the Westport Farmers Market has been hosting a coat drive to support our school that runs through the end of the year. Thanks to the generosity and support of the farmers market and its community, we have been able to match many of our students with warm coats. On Friday alone we handed out 20 coats to our students! Thank you just doesn’t seem to be enough.” Lori Cochran-Dougall simply said “this is what we do. We are a community and we believe in helping our neighbors.”
New Beginnings Family Academy is a Pre-K through 8th grade public charter school in Bridgeport. It is Connecticut's first progressive school to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of its students through emotionally responsive practices. New Beginnings Family Academy provides students a meaningful, high-quality education through experience-based learning that helps develop essential social, emotional and critical-thinking skills. This gives all children a foundation to achieve their full potential at every stage of life. This student-centered approach is steeped in child development, experience-based learning, and encourages children to make meaning of the world around them by engaging in hands-on activities, both inside and outside the classroom.
The mission of the Westport Farmers’ Market is to create and maintain a regional hub where real farmers connect with consumers over real food. In facilitating these interactions, the Westport Farmers' Market strives to help food producers and food consumers forge lasting relationships that celebrate education, sustainability, healthy living, and just plain delicious food!
For more information www.westportfarmersmarket.com or email director@westportfarmersmarket.com