Boys & Girls Village Receives Seven Grants to Help At-Risk Youth and Families

Boys & Girls Village (BGV) received $65,500 in grants for the 2023 fiscal year to support programs aiming to serve children and families in at-risk situations by giving them tools for success.

Nearly half of the grants were provided to support the Connecticut-based organization’s “Work to Learn” program and its Vocational Learning Center. Both initiatives provide underprivileged youth with educational and vocational services that ease the transition into adulthood.

The Henry Nias Foundation, which aims to uplift those in need through self-help opportunities and education, provided $25,000 in grants in November 2022 specifically for equipment purchases and support for BGV’s Vocational Learning Center. In December of 2022, M&T Charitable Foundation, a division of M&T Bank that supports non-profits through financial assistance, donated $3,000 to BGV’s Work to Learn initiative.

Another $20,000 of grant funding focused specifically on assisting families in need. In November of 2022, The Dammann Fund, a New York City-based foundation that develops parenting skills programs for young parents, provided $15,000 for BGV’s Parenting Support Services Program for first-time and young parents. The NewAlliance Foundation, a community-building and inequity-dismantling foundation, provided $5,000 in September of 2022 for BGV’s Reunification and Family Therapeutic Time Program.

“Boys & Girls Village is very pleased to receive these grant awards in support of our programming and services to create meaningful impact for at-risk children and families within our communities,” said Kim Shaunesey, Ph.D., President & CEO of Boys & Girls Village. “We greatly appreciate these many organizations’ generosity; this funding will directly impact thousands of children’s lives and set them up for long-term success.”

Two grants were awarded for general operating support. The Goodnow Fund, a Fairfield County-based family foundation dedicated to primarily supporting projects that help vulnerable children, provided $10,000 in March of 2023. Additionally, Near & Far Aid, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating poverty in Fairfield County, provided $5,000 in April of 2023.

Finally, in May of 2023, The First County Bank Foundation, which contributes generously to nonprofit organizations throughout our region, donated $2,500 for Boys & Girls Village’s STAR residential home program.  STAR provides a safe haven and services for boys removed from their homes by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families due to abuse, neglect, or other high-risk situations.

This support for Boys & Girls Village will further the organization’s work as a leading provider of behavioral, educational, vocational and permanency planning services for at-risk youth and their families. BGV provides services to more than 900 boys, girls, young adults, and caregivers each year throughout Connecticut. To learn more, visit BGVillage.org or call 203.877.0300.