Coleman Brothers Foundation

Coleman Brothers Foundation
http://www.westportsoccer.org

What they do: Founded in memory of two Westport brothers, Keith and Scott Coleman, who died in the 9/11 World Trade Center attack, the Coleman family and the Westport Soccer Association “support soccer players and others actively involved in youth soccer programs, who demonstrate a meaningful commitment to sportsmanship, leadership and integrity on and off the field.

Support provided by the Foundation includes college scholarships to graduating high school seniors and grants to provide opportunities for boys and girls from families with financial needs to participate in travel and other youth soccer programs, coaching or refereeing.” (website)

Who they are: “Keith and Scott Coleman grew up in Westport, Connecticut, playing soccer, baseball and wrestling. As adults, Keith and Scott worked together at Cantor Fitzgerald as colleagues, brothers and friends. Keith and Scott died in the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001.

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Association of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

http://www.holeinthewallgang.org

When asked why he created Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, Paul Newman replied, “I wanted, I think, to acknowledge Luck; the chance of it, the benevolence of it in my life, and the brutality of it in the lives of others, made especially savage for children because they may not be allowed the good fortune of a lifetime to correct it.”

It gives me goose bumps, too.

Paul certainly had luck but, more important, he was a good man and a hard worker. To credit luck with his achievements wouldn’t be giving him enough credit, and his camps are further proof of his success and largesse.

What it is: Movie buffs may recognize “Hole in the Wall Gang” from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, referring to a “ragtag group of bandits.”

Each camp is for “children diagnosed with cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, hemophilia and other serious and life-threatening conditions enjoy more than they or their parents ever thought possible. Activities include archery, mini golf, swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, sports, theater and camping; all are designed to include every child and ensure that no child will fail. A zero-entry pool provides water fun for all campers, regardless of any mobility challenges they may have. A special warming room or ‘French fryer’ allows children with sickle cell anemia to enjoy swimming – many for the first time in their young lives. An exceptional tree house, mini golf course and multiple trails are specially designed to be wheelchair-accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all youngsters.”

All campers attend free of charge.

Fresh Air Fund

http://www.freshairfund.org

Last year my husband and I decided to host a 6 year old boy, Eddie*, from the Fresh Air Fund. For two weeks that summer I became the mother of 4 instead of 3. It was a living hell. Imagine a playdate that lasts 334 1/2 hours too long, riddled with late-night bouts of homesickness.

However, I liked Eddie. So, despite all reasons to the contrary, we invited him back this year. When my husband picked him up in New York, he exclaimed, “I can’t wait to see Miss Robin!” He ran into my arms as though his whole year culminated in being with us once again. This time, we delighted in being together: the arguing mitigated dramatically, as did his homesickness. Eddie swam every day with us, went to the playground, went to parties, played baseball, and was genuinely and visibly thrilled with every thing we accepted as part of our normal summer routine. As difficult as the past visit had been, through it we had learned how to interact and succeed as a “family.”

Toward the end of his visit he popped his head out of the swimming pool and I saw he was drooling. He laughed and wiped his face and exclaimed, “I slobbered on the tire swing yesterday, too! I slobber when I’m having fun.” With that, he popped back into the water. I never thought I’d be so happy to see someone slobbering in my pool. That must be why God created chlorine.

The day before we drove him back to the city, he said, “Miss Robin, wouldn’t it be fun if I could stay here all summer?” Well, maybe. But I can’t wait to see him again next summer.

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IHA/Homes With Hope

49 Richmondville Avenue, Westport

Who they are: “Homes with Hope provides facilities and supportive services in a structured environment that enable homeless people in the communities we serve to achieve an independent and self-sufficient life.”—ihawestport.com

What they provide: “Permanent affordable supportive housing, casework and supportive services, emergency shelter, food and meals and the life skills training critical in preventing homelessness from reoccurring.”—ihawestport.com

Robin’s note: The IHA Board appoints two high school student members, a junior and a senior, who serve for 2 years.

Approximate number of employees: 400

Biggest fundraising efforts:
Annual May Bandfest organized by student board members
Annual stand-up comedy show, starring Bill Cosby in 2009
Annual sand castle event at Compo Beach, Westport

http://www.ihawestport.com

SCORE

Counselors to American’s Small Businesses, Fairfield Chapter
http://www.scorenorwalk.org

It was the late ‘90s. Like most young women in the free world, I decided to start a handbag business. Because I had no clue what I was doing, the handbag venture sort of fizzled. (I did get to tour creepy manufacturing facilities in New York and Fall River, though, so that was a plus.)

In retrospect, I did two things correctly with my business: 1. Consulted a retired businessman through SCORE, who gave me very helpful advice, 2. Folded.

Given today’s economy, thousands of people are starting their own small businesses. I advise them to consult SCORE for help. (Not to be confused with Scores. Biiiig difference.)

What they do: “SCORE… was established by Congress in 1964 as a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and formation, growth and success of small business. … SCORE volunteers use their expertise and energies to implement proven business practices in accomplishing your business objectives.” (website) Counselors offer expertise in almost every skill (IT, General Management, Marketing, PR, Strategic & Growth Planning, etc) and in almost every interest area (Photography, Retailing, Traveling, Gardening, etc.).

Who they are: “The Fairfield County Chapter has 50 volunteer professionals with a very broad mix of senior executive and small business experience. These dedicated men and women include both working and retired executives and business owners.” (website)

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A Better Chance

http://www.abetterchanceofwestport.org
http://www.abchouseofnc.org

My kids’ weekday morning routine is as follows: wake up at 5:45 AM, rub lotion into the carpet/watch popsicles melt on the kitchen floor/pour my organic toner in the bathtub, spend 45 minutes sprawled at the bottom of the staircase instead of getting dressed, feign illness, pick at breakfast, repeatedly voice preferred breakfast and school snack options, complain about school until school starts.

I daydream about my kids running into my room and jumping on my bed shouting, “Wake up Mommy! It’s a school day and I want to LEARN!” But… that will never happen.

However, there are kids who want to go to school. In fact, the only thing hindering their academic progress is the lack of quality public schools and the financial inability to attend private schools. A Better Chance in Westport and New Canaan has found a way to help.

What they do: “This program selects motivated students of color from educationally disadvantaged areas who demonstrate potential for academic excellence and leadership in life.” (website) Those selected live in town and attend either the award-winning Staples High School or St. Luke’s prep school. They become part of the community and the town, in turn, benefits from the diversity.

Who they are: ABC programs are run by area residents and community leaders. While each town’s program is a discreet entity, ABC is a national organization and individuals are selected from completed applications sent to its headquarters. Therefore, students come from all over the United States.

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Green Demolitions

15 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich
19 Willard Road, Norwalk

At first blush, it seems like a typical success story: suicidal drug addict recovers, makes a wad of cash, sells used kitchens. But wait – “used kitchens”?

Who they are: Founder and President Steve Feldman is a drug addict survivor. He began selling used, overstock, and showroom kitchens and appliances in 2005 to give back to All Addicts Anonymous (AAA), the program that saved his life, through Recovery Unlimited. To date, he owns 4 Green Demolition stores in 3 states and hires 37 people, 35% of who are recovered addicts or family members of recovering addicts.

What they do: In addition to kitchen cabinets and appliances, GD sells objects for the entire house: lamps, toilets, sinks, furniture, candlesticks, etc. Pretty much any decent donated item. But mostly kitchens and appliances.

How to donate: If you wish to donate, they’ll send over a truck to pack up your old kitchen, etc. and haul it to the nearest GD store. You don’t have to pay a dime in disposal or moving costs and you get a tax deduction and you get a warm fuzzy.

The good stuff they sell: They do a brisk business with Christian Clive cabinetry and Viking stoves. Their new “Luxury Room” and “Gold Mine” boasts pewter and silver plate accessories, Tibetan rugs, “finer” furniture and that ilk. And if you want a Viking stove, don’t buy it retail: GD gets a bunch of them. But it’s hit or miss, so be prepared to come back regularly to find what you want.

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The EQUUS Foundation

http://www.equusfoundation.org

“Therapeutic horseback riding” sounds like a contradiction in terms. If you’re not feeling well already, burning thigh-pain doesn’t seem like an effective remedy. But studies have shown strutting atop the equine helps handicapped and injured people develop balance, coordination and core strength. As well, the relationship with the horse helps challenged individuals on an emotional and mental level. So it’s actually a cool way to recupe.

Financing these therapy programs is just one way in which The EQUUS Foundation (TEF), founded in 2002, is helping people and horses in Fairfield County. For millions of years, horses have provided transportation, therapy, sports, friendship, recreation, and other innumerable services. TEF recognizes and supports horses’ critical role in our society.

Who they are: A impressive bunch of people and organizations who provide help and money to charities that focus on horses and horse-related causes. Their website states this more eloquently.

What they do: They create “a more compassionate America that values the role the horse plays in modern society through education and the award of grants.”

There are three types of grants and anyone may apply: public welfare grants, horse welfare grants, and sports welfare grant.

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Abilis

50 Glenville Street, Greenwich
1150 Summer Street, Stamford
http://www.abilis.us

Remember when Rain Man wins big in Vegas by counting numbers? What man didn’t wonder, “Wow. If I had autism I could be rich.” But then they see Raymond in the fire alarm scene a few minutes later and decide it may not be so fun after all. Men (sigh).

Because autism isn’t so great. But people with autism can be great with the resources and help they need; resources Abilis has provided since 1951.

What they do: Abilis (formerly known as Greenwich ARC) “has served people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area. We changed our name in 2008 to reflect all that people with developmental disabilities contribute to society.” Their support programs help adults, children, and families, through residential, employment, and community network services.

How they work: “…Abilis meets the myriad needs of people with developmental disabilities - not only in childhood, but throughout their lives.

  - Abilis works in schools, civic organizations and with families in Greenwich, Stamford, Darien and throughout Fairfield County and into Westchester County in New York state.
  - Abilis provides employment services for adults and residential support to adults in more than a dozen homes owned by Abilis in Greenwich and Stamford, as well as to people living more independently in apartments and condominiums.

Many families work with us for weeks or months. For others, the journey lasts years or even a lifetime… Abilis provides people with the support and advocacy they need to build able lives and strong communities.” Services are from birth through adulthood.

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National Cristina Foundation

500 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich

Robin’s note: In 1984, David Bruce McMahan donated a used Apple 2e computer to his daughter Cristina’s special-needs classroom. After seeing the enormous impact this “obsolete” hardware had on the social and educational development of the children, he partnered with Dr. Yvette Marrin and created this foundation to collect and distribute much-needed used technology. To date, computers donated through NCF have helped millions of people around the world.

Who they are: “The National Cristina Foundation provides computer technology and solutions to give people with disabilities, students at risk and economically disadvantaged persons the opportunity, through training, to lead more independent and productive lives.” (website)

What they provide: Donated computers and technology (from individuals and corporations) to charities, schools, and public agencies in the U.S. and other countries.

How to donate: The foundation accepts used laptops, desktop computers, software, peripherals, and other items. Log onto http://www.cristina.org for requirements and donation instructions.
http://www.cristina.org