The Board of Directors of the New Canaan Community Foundation recently approved a $10,000 grant for the Person-to-Person Campership Program.
For nearly 50 years P2P has been sending elementary schoolchildren from low-income households to summer camps in Fairfield County, thereby making a difference in the lives of families who struggle to stretch meager budgets to cover essentials like food and rent. “For people living in poverty, summer camp for their children isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity,” says P2P Executive Director Ceci Maher.
According to Maher, this generous grant from the Foundation will fund a full summer of camp for 16 students, giving their parents peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe and engaging environment. “Given the range of activities – field trips, computer labs, sports, arts & crafts, nature hikes and more – the benefits of summer camp extend into the school year.” Maher notes that teachers and social workers report that children come back to school engaged and ready for learning, which offers the children the opportunity to close the achievement gap between them and their more affluent peers.
“We are grateful for this grant and the positive impact it will have on the lives of people who come to P2P for assistance.”
About Person-to-Person: Person-to-Person, Inc. was established in 1968 to provide low-income individuals and families living in Lower Fairfield County with basic emergency services. A community-supported agency, Person-to-Person is committed to helping clients achieve self-sufficiency through practical help, advocacy, education and problem solving initiatives. Programs include Emergency Assistance, Campership and Scholarship. With offices in Darien and Norwalk, the Person-to-Person service area includes Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. More information may be found at the P2P website.