First County Bank Foundation Grants $277,000 to Stamford Nonprofits

First County Bank Foundation has announced that 35 Stamford-based nonprofit groups have been awarded a total of $277,000 in grants to support these organizations with their mission to provide needed services in local communities.

“Unfortunately there are so many people and families in this area who are in need. Businesses and individuals should partner to support our community so all members of society can have at least their basic requirements met,” Karen Kelly, vice president of First County Bank Foundation, said in a statement. “The Foundation is proud to support these worthy charitable organizations which provide essential services to improve the lives of people in the local communities they serve.”

Since its inception in 2001, the First County Bank Foundation has awarded individual grants totaling more than $6 million to nonprofit organizations located in Stamford, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk and Westport.

AmeriCares Free Clinic — $5,000 for free quality affordable health care to low income uninsured residents of greater Norwalk. They see about 800 patients.

ARI — $7,500 for the Individualized Home Supports/Emergency Fund Program (formerly the Supported Living Services/Emergency Fund Program).

Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, Inc. — $10,000 for its seven week summer camp for 285 to 300 youth. Education enrichment in the morning, recreation in the afternoon.

Catholic Charities of Fairfield County/New Covenant House of Hospitality — $5,000 for New Covenant House of Hospitality to strengthen its ability to deliver three important services to needy and vulnerable men, women and children in Stamford.

The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education — $5,000 for strengthening the community through sexual assault crisis counseling, advocacy and education program.

Child Guidance Center of Southern CT — $12,000 for its Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services (EMPS) program.

Childcare Learning Centers — $15,000 for its Teacher Education Initiative (TEI).

Domestic Violence Crisis Center — $5,000 for its Safe House and Housing Advocacy programs.

The Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse — $10,000 for the Crisis Parent Aide general operating fund.

Ferguson Library — $12,000 for Make Way for Makerspace: Bringing Makerspace Technology for Tweens and Teens @ the Ferguson Library.

The Food Bank — $15,000 to help pay for part of the cost of repaving the driveway/parking lot.

Future Five — $1,500 for the College Prep Workshop. General operational support for the weekly programs, specifically our College Prep Workshop which currently has 44 enrolled seniors.

HomeFront — $5,000 for its Housing Rehabilitation Program.

Housing Development Fund — $15,000 for its First Time Homebuyer program.

Inspirica — $10,000 for General Operations in support of residential and non-residential programs.

Jewish Family Services of Stamford — $5,000 for Family Support Services/Case Management.

Laurel House — $5,000 for IT Equipment.

Mill River Collaborative — $20,000 Grant money used to develop the Mill River Park and area.

Neighbors Link Stamford — $5,000 for Expanding Opportunities for Low and Moderate Income Immigrants.

New Neighborhoods, Inc. — $15,000 for the Tenant Advocacy Program (TAP) for residents at the Atlantic and Belltown, two NNI developed, owned and managed properties for low and moderate income seniors and disabled in Stamford.

Rebuilding Together Fairfield County — $5,000 to Rehab homes and nonprofit facilities.

Saint Joseph Parenting Center — $3,000 for a 20-week parenting program in Spanish.

The Salvation Army — $5,000 for its Back to School Back Pack Program to purchase backpacks and other supplies for low income students when they return to school.

Senior Services of Stamford — $10,000 for the Senior Medical Transportation Program.

Shelter for the Homeless — $10,000 for Emergency Shelter Services. Infrastructure upgrades – for replacement & upgrade of the computer server and for replacement and upgrade of the phone system.

Soldier Socks — $2,500 that will be split between 3 programs: purchase personal hygienic items to ship to military units in Afghanistan, to our Veterans College Grant Foundation and for research for skeletal suit.

SoundWaters — $10,000 for its Camp SoundWaters program.

Stamford Center for the Arts — $5,000 for its Triple Threat Performer Intensive (TTF) Summer program.

Stamford Emergency Medical Services — $10,000 for a Stryker Power-Load. Support the ambulance cot throughout the loading and unloading process.

Stamford Jewish Community Center — $7,500 for its Hand in Hand Summer Camp Program.

Stamford Public Education Foundation — $3,000 for the Stamford Mentoring Program. Partners college and corporate volunteers for weekly one on one mentoring sessions with students in grades 6 - 8 and biweekly mentoring sessions for those in 9 -11.

Stamford Senior Center — $3,000 for its Health and Wellness Promotion Program for seniors.

Starfish Connection Inc. — $2,500 for Enrichment Programing with funds to help pay the costs of support and enrichment for 40+ Starfish children.

Technology Solutions for Non Profits — $2,500 for needs assessment and hosted services migration. Grant will fund for assessment and the first year of subscription and migration costs.

United Way of Western CT - Stamford — $15,000 for various Stamford programs.

Photo: Bob Granata, president and COO of First County Bank and Marc E. Jaffe, interim executive director of Childcare Learning Center.