Creativity Connects Danbury, made possible by LIFEWTR
What fuels a vibrant, connected and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Danbury?
When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good.
Believe it or not, you discover creativity every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in Danbury.
Creativity connects us.
Meet Danbury native Kristin Goncalves.
Any place in town where you go for inspiration and creativity?
My grandmother’s house – she lives in the Aunt Hack area of Danbury, and has lived in Danbury her whole life……she has seen it all and has some great stories of growing up on Liberty Street. My grandfather ran his family’s business, Dimyan’s Market, on the corner of Elm Street and Beaver Street and I love hearing the stories of how he was so willing to help anyone who needed it – many times going out of his way to make sure his customers were taken care of (but not always the best business motto!) They both inspire me every day in the work that I do at the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield and walking into their house is a reminder of why I do it (plus, it’s always a good meal!) Hearing the screech as you open her kitchen door to step in makes all your worries melt away, and no matter how short or long your visit, you always walk away feeling energized and refreshed and ready to “fulfill your destiny” (as my grandmother always says!) I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded and loved by those that lead by example, and they inspire me every day to do that for the thousands of Club kids we serve.
Is there an organization in town that makes you feel good?
I was lucky enough to be involved with the Danbury Student and Business Connection for several years as a member of their Board of Directors, and I continue to stay updated on the amazing work they are doing in the Danbury community! Their mission is “to build the character and confidence of Danbury Students to achieve personal and academic success through business and community partnership.” DSABC’s primary program is a school based mentoring program that provides approximately 200 mentors to students in Danbury Public Schools, as well as Henry Abbott Regional Technical School. I always love reading their newsletters and mentorship stories – they have had some mentors and mentees that have been paired together for 10 years! They are doing truly amazing work and making a difference in the lives of hundreds of Danbury students a year. I highly recommend becoming a mentor if you aren’t already – it only takes an hour a week and I guarantee it will change your life as much as it changes your mentee’s life!
When I think of creativity in town I think of….
Escape to the Arts! Escape to the Arts is a wonderful program run by the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut that provides art education programs and youth development programs for middle school and high school youth. They provide so many different opportunities and outlets for youth in our community to express themselves - I always love driving by their front window on Main Street and seeing some of their member’s absolutely amazing and creative artwork on display! There have been a few times I have blown away by the work I’ve seen – it’s truly so impressive!
Creativity Connects Danbury made possible by LIFEWTR.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR.