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Fund Drive 2/14 to 3/19

A fuel crisis exists in Guilford. Costs to heat our homes are higher than ever, and more and more people are approaching Guilford Department of Social Services (GSS) for help: In 2010-11, GSS took 372 household applications for energy assistance, a jump from 349 the previous year. From 1991 to 2008, the maximum number of household applications in a year was 220.

In addition to the increase in costs and demand for services, the Federal and State government have made serious to cuts in funding for energy assistance programs. As a result, residents in our communities who cannot afford to heat their home face severely limited options for help.

Recognizing the devastating impact this will have on our neighbors, the Guilford Foundation is leading a fund drive to address the shortfall. The Guilford Foundation has pledged a challenge grant of up to $10,000 that would match—dollar for dollar—every dollar raised for fuel assistance. Every single dollar raised (plus the match) will be given directly to Guilford Social Services to help families in need.

If you can help, please donate online or send your check made out to Guilford Foundation, PO Box 35, Guilford, CT 05437. In either case, please write “Fuel” in the memo. Gifts are fully tax deductible.

Contact Liza Janssen Petra, Executive Director of the Guilford Foundation, at lizapetra@gmail.com with questions or comments.

Thank you for your support!

82979-GF Fuel Pstr 11×17

A fuel crisis exists in our communities. Costs to heat our homes are higher than ever, more people are asking for help, and–due to cuts in funding for energy assistance program–residents in our communities who cannot afford to heat their home face severely limited options for help. Recognizing the devastating impact this will have on our neighbors, the Community Foundations in Branford, Guilford and Madison are each spearheading fundraising efforts in their communities to address the shortfall.

Each foundation has pledged a challenge grant of up to $10,000 for each town that would match every penny donated to this effort. Every single dollar raised will go to the local town organization responsible for emergency fuel assistance (Branford Counseling Center, Madison Youth and Family Services via Madison N2N Fund, and Guilford Social Services).

Please join us to show your support for this effort and to learn more. Contact Liza Janssen Petra, Executive Director of the Guilford Foundation, at (203) 824 1827 or lizapetra@gmail.com with questions and to RSVP.

At its December Board meeting, the Guilford Foundation Board of Directors approved $20,012 in grants to 8 local nonprofit organizations.

“We were impressed with the scope and quality of applications,” said John Crawford, Board President. “We believe these grants will make a real difference to Guilford residents across a broad spectrum of needs, from arts to addiction services to domestic violence.”

The Board considered each applicant’s proposal for its potential impact on families, cultural life, and access to resources, as well as the project’s general influence on the well being of Guilford residents. Applications were also reviewed for collaborative and inclusive practices and for demonstration of best practices or innovations.

The Cove Center for Grieving Children

$2,500 to support a 22-week peer support group for grieving children and their families at their Guilford Family Site.

Guilford Interfaith Ministries

$1,897 to invest in computer technology for the purposes of increasing effectiveness and efficiency in their Food Bank, Friendly Visiting, and Charlie’s Closet programs.

Guilford Preservation Alliance

$2,000 for costs relating the creation of a walking map/guide of Guilford’s historically and architecturally important sites.

Lifelinx Corporation

$4,800 for new, bi-monthly recovery management support groups for residents of Moose Manor, a transitional supportive sober house in Guilford.

Mystic Aquarium and Guilford High School

Through a joint grant with the Guilford Fund for Education, $440 for a traveling science class that will teach 200 Guilford High School students about endangered ecosystems.

New Haven Symphony Orchestra

$2,375 for 6 Musician Preparatory Visits (90 minute blocks) to Guilford schools and a Mozart Guitar Hero Program to be held at the Guilford Library.

Warm the Children

Under the recommendation of the Guilford Interact Student Advisory Group, $1,000 to purchase winter clothing for needy children in Guilford.

Women & Family Life Center

$5,000 for domestic violence support services.

In addition to these grants, the Board also approved a challenge and matching grant of $2,500 to the Guilford Keeping Society to encourage fund raising efforts for the completion of an Archives Room at the Medad Stone Tavern Museum.

The Guilford Foundation’s next application deadline for funding is on March 1^st, 2012. For more information on the grant application process, go to www.guilfordfoundation.org or email Liza Janssen Petra at lizapetra@gmail.com.

• Girl Scout Group 62179 (pictured above), to support their efforts to “Green the Green” with attractive recycling bins. See them in the Guilford Courier.

• The Guilford Garden Club, to support their tree fund (in new demand thanks to Hurricane Irene). See picture in the Guilford Courier.

• Guilford Youth & Family Services for “Guilford’s Got Talent,” a talent show that took place on September 25th that provided youth with an opportunity for positive risk taking. 20 finalists were given a chance to perform at the show, which took place on the Guilford Green. One audience member reported, “All the performers were wonderful and brave! The community (families and friends) are thrilled to be here to cheer them on. It’s awesome to promote self esteem!” See picture in the Guilford Courier.

Check out YAG in the news:

• The New Haven Register on 9/23/11
• The Guilford Courier on 9/29/11

The Guilford Foundation recently awarded SARAH, Inc. a $2500 grant to help grow SARAH Recycles.  One of the many different work opportunities offered by SARAH, SARAH Recycles converts donated returnable bottles and cans into paid employment for SARAH supported workers.  SARAH Recycles used the grant to purchase two additional recycle collection bins now located at the Guilford Town Dock and near the basketball courts at the Guilford Public Safety Complex.

Thanks to the support of the Guilford Foundation, and many other organizations in the community, the SARAH Recycles team collected and redeemed over 621, 000 returnable cans and bottles over the past year. Every nickel collected supports SARAH Employment Services.

“SARAH appreciates the Guilford Foundation for their generous partnership, “said Jim Lamb, Business Development Coordinator for SARAH Employment Services. “With their support, we help our environment, provide paid employment for our workers, and keep our beautiful shoreline community clean – a winning combination for all!”  Founded in 1957, SARAH, Inc. supports over 500 children and adults with intellectual and other disabilities throughout the shoreline.

The bin at the Guilford Town Dock

The nine students (as well as their colleges) are as follows:

• Elizabeth C. Adams Fund: Dara Davis (Vassar College) and Eric M. Veitch (University of Maine)
• Stephen A. Looney Fund: Erica DePalma (Fordham University) and Jake X. Slade (University of Colorado, Boulder)
• Carl A. Balestracci, Jr. Humanitarian Fund: Nina Haddad (University of Massachusetts, Amherst) and William G. Greco (Georgetown University)
• Stuart D. Burt Fund: Austin Braumann (Bryant University)
• Elizabeth M. “Lizzie” Schwanfelder Scholarship Fund: Jessica E. Penman (University of Delaware)
• Al and Gene Bishop Fund for Vocational & Industrial Arts: Patrick Conrad (University of Maine)

The Guilford Foundation salutes these community members and their families for this special recognition.  TGF also gratefully acknowledges the Guilford High School Guidance Office for their assistance in identifying these students.

Eric Veitch, Joan Shrewsbury, and Dara Davis

Jake Slade, Sharon Durham and Erica DePalma

Nina Haddad, Carl Balestracci and William Greco

Austin Brauman and Stephen Page

Elisa Milano, Jessica Penman and Jennifer Harmon

Patrick Conrad and Gene Bishop