First Niagara Foundation Supports Healthy Development and School Success for Children

The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut (CGC), a local nonprofit mental health outpatient center for children and adolescents, was awarded a $1,000 grant from the First Niagara Foundation to support mental health treatment for youth struggling at school in Stamford, Greenwich, Darien and New Canaan.

Recognizing that academic achievement and the capacity to learn are instrumental in a child’s ability to thrive, CGC works with local schools to promote early identification and prevent the consequences of untreated mental health problems. Youth referred for treatment have difficulty paying attention in class, trouble socializing with peers, poor grades and attachment issues affecting their eagerness to attend school.

By attending to children’s challenges early on, they are able to get back on track and attain key developmental milestones, leading to improved academic, school and peer functioning.

“We are proud to support these essential services for local families,” noted Matthew Fair, First Vice President, First Niagara Risk Management. “Children’s mental health is so important to their ability to achieve in the classroom and beyond.”

The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut (CGC) serves children, from birth to 18. CGC’s clinical staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other clinicians work with over 2,500 children annually, providing culturally competent and sensitive care to families. Preventative services are provided to youngsters, parents and professionals through community education and consultation programs. If you would like to get help for your child or learn more about professional mental health services, please call the Child Guidance Center at (203) 324-6127 or visit www.childguidancect.org. You can also find CGC on Facebook and Twitter.

About The First Niagara Foundation

The First Niagara Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable entity. Founded in 1998, the First Niagara Foundation is committed to supporting organizations in the communities in which we live and work, with specific focus on Youth and Education, Community Development and Neighborhood Revitalization. In 2014, First Niagara contributed more than $10 million in charitable grants and sponsorships to community partners across the bank’s four-state footprint. For additional information on First Niagara, visit us at www.firstniagara.com, follow us on Twitter @FirstNiagara, or like us on Facebook at FirstNiagaraBank.