2023 IMPACT FFC GRANTEES
Catholic Academy of Bridgeport
Grant Awarded: $100,000 Impact FFC Core Mission Grant
Bridgeport, CT
Mission: Provide an academically rigorous education to 900+ PreK through 8th grade students in a values-oriented setting where cultural diversity is welcomed and celebrated. Students are nurtured, encouraged and challenged in preparation for a successful life of leadership and service.
Project Funded: CAB’s St. Raphael campus, located in one of the most dense and violent neighborhoods in Bridgeport (“The Hollow”), educates 243 PreK through 3rd graders. 43% of the students are English Language Learners, and most spend 10 hours per day on campus before going home to small multi-family homes and apartments with limited access to safe outdoor spaces. Through the Happy Hollow Outdoor Learning Center, CAB will provide a safe, educational outdoor environment for its current and future student body. The children will benefit from sensory play areas, an outdoor classroom, age-appropriate playground equipment, and a sports court for teamwork, social problem-solving, and gross motor skill development. The Happy Hollow Center will also host a summer camp to support year-round programming.
The Center for Empowerment and Education
Grant Awarded: $100,000 Impact FFC Core Mission Grant
Danbury, CT
Mission: Break the cycle of interpersonal violence through empowerment, education, and support services utilizing inclusive, trauma-informed, and client-centered practices for all individuals in the community. CEE offers its programs at no cost to the participants, schools, and communities it serves.
Project Funded: CEE’s prevention and training services increase participants’ knowledge relating to all forms of violence and teaches skills that help reduce the risk of becoming vulnerable to assault and predatory behavior. Their Prevention education addresses topics with age-appropriate delivery, empowers students, and educates them about bullying, respect, boundaries, body safety, and healthy relationships. By supporting proactive solutions and providing education in schools surrounding these topics, CEE acts before the violence can manifest. Since the beginning of 2023, CEE has provided over 600 programs impacting 13,000 participants. With the Impact FFC grant, CEE will be able to attain the goal of providing programming to 100% of Fairfield County schools while also increasing outreach and training for professionals in the community.
