Essex Bank 2026 Community Investment Program Ballot Participants

"The American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) Lower CT Valley Branch (LCV) was established in 1972 and currently has 125 members.

We pride ourselves on our members’ commitment to making LCV an active and strong organization that offers engaging programs featuring nationally known authors and speakers, and a wide variety of activities for members to enjoy.

Supporting AAUW National…. We strongly support national AAUW’s mission to promote education and equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research."

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"ACT II Thrift Shop has been a 100% volunteer non-profit organization in Madison for over 21 years. We are proud of our goal to provide quality used merchandise at affordable prices.

ACT II succeeds in partnership with the community. We depend on the generous donation of top-notch items from the public. We embrace the growing importance to recycle and work diligently to find new homes for all suitable goods. Monetary contributions are gratefully accepted to defray operating and reinvestment costs.

The primary mission of ACT II is to support youth in need through the gifting of our net proceeds. Since its inception, ACT II has been a significant contributor to the Madison A Better Chance (ABC) Program, among many others."

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"Bikes for Kids is a Connecticut based organization that brings smiles to children one bike at a time. Our volunteers collect, repair and safety test donated used bicycles. The refurbished bicycles along with new helmets are given away to individuals of all ages and needs.

Most donated bicycles remain in Connecticut, but some have reached children in other states and countries. More than 1,000 bicycles are given away annually.

As we are a needs-based organization, requests for bicycles come from individuals, local and state social service organizations, churches, school counselors, non-profits, and many civic minded groups."

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"Bushy Hill Day Camp is the ideal place for curious campers eager to explore the outdoors and learn about the natural world!  Each day, campers are immersed in nature, building community, self-confidence, and a deep respect for themselves, others, and the environment.

Every session features a unique theme that inspires daily activities, such as hiking, team building, wildlife exploration, learning about diverse habitats, trees, and plants, developing outdoor living skills, campfire cooking, nature-based crafts, games, canoeing, swimming, water adventures, storytelling, creative and free play in nature, and much more. 

On our beautiful Incarnation Center property, campers can explore more than 700 acres of woodlands and wetlands, splash into our private, mile-long lake every afternoon, take on our low ropes challenge course, help care for animals at the farm, and learn from caring, passionate staff who bring the natural world to life."

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"Camp Hazen YMCA is committed to helping youth develop valuable life skills through camping experience that build healthy bodies, open minds and awakened spirits.

Camp Hazen is truly the place where kids can grow through the years.  With Day Camp programs that begin in 1st grade, Overnight Programs that start in 3rd grade and a world-class leadership program for 11th & 12th graders, Hazen has a unique ability to become just like home for kids of all ages.  Families feel great about choosing a camp for their child that will become theirs forever.

Today, we continue to build strong kids. With an exceptional summer camp program and a school group program that is unlike any other, Hazen remains committed to the growth and development of kids."

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"Cappella Cantorum emerged from the belief that a need existed for a continuing opportunity for the Lower Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline community to participate in the fellowship of choral singing.

True to its original intent, all of the Cappella Cantorum choruses welcome new members without audition.  The organization’s primary purpose is to give singers of all ages the opportunity to learn, perform and share great choral music.  To that end, it offers music education and coaching to improve sight-reading, understanding of music theory and vocal production.  Workshops with professional singers are also offered periodically, and singers are encouraged to augment learning on their own with a variety of rehearsal aids."

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"The Chester Elementary School PTO is a nonprofit, volunteer parent-teacher organization whose membership includes all parents, legal guardians, teachers and staff at Chester Elementary School. 

The CES PTO Mission is to promote open communication, understanding and involvement between parents and staff of CES, and to help provide supplemental resources to enhance or complement the curriculum.

Members of the PTO volunteer in many capacities: they volunteer as room parents, join event committees, serve as officers, and donate supplies or their time for PTO functions. Our volunteers also help brainstorm and create new activities or solutions that enhance the students’ educational experience."

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"In a typical year 2,500 people of all ages enjoy free-admission events including our award-winning Chester Museum at The Mill thanks to donations by individuals and the Essex Bank Community Investment Program. 

Some recent free public programs include The Native Americans of Chester, The Enduring Legacy of the Leatherman, How Chester Became a Destination for Artists, and A Guided Tour through Chester’s West End Cemetery

We invite you to attend our programs, visit our museum and enjoy our online videos. All at no cost." 

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"The Chester Hose Company, located along the west bank of the Connecticut River in central Connecticut, has been protecting the lives and property of those living in and passing through the town in addition to providing fire, rescue, hazmat, and EMS services to the residents of the 17 square mile town, since it's founding in 1912.

In addition, we have mutual aid agreements with departments in Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, and the South District station out of Middletown. Additional services from Guilford can also be called upon for Hazmat and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)."

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"The Chester Land Trust is a volunteer non-profit organization established in 1987 for the purpose of protecting the unique natural resources of Chester.

Our community is fortunate to have a diverse environment of freshwater streams, protected forests, the Connecticut river, wetlands and wildlife habitat. These wonderful spaces need to be protected and enhanced for your enjoyment, and for future generations.

Currently the Land Trust owns approximately 94 acres of land, and has monitoring duties for an additional 18 acres of protected conservation easement land. There is more land to be protected to keep our unique town resources from disappearing."

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"​The Common Good Gardens mission is to grow and deliver fresh vegetables, to improve the nutritional quality of food available to the needy, and to educate the public about gardening by, including but not limited to, sharing gardening expertise and providing hands-on experiences.
 
​The all-volunteer gardens were founded in 2002 by passionate gardeners who wanted to benefit others by providing fresh, naturally grown produce for those in need on the shoreline. Dedicated gardeners, drivers, farm stands, and the Grace Episcopal Church make this all possible.

Our produce, along with donations from farm stands, is delivered weekly to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries for distribution. The Common Good Gardens, located behind Grace Episcopal Church in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is dedicated to the common good."

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"Community Music School (CMS) is a nonprofit arts organization that has been building community through music since 1983. CMS offers innovative music programming for infants through adults, building on a 40-year tradition of providing quality music instruction to residents of shoreline communities. CMS programs provide students with a thorough understanding of music so they can enjoy playing and listening for their entire lives.

Founded in Essex in 1983 by Patricia Hurley, a local high school music teacher who saw a need for high quality music instruction, CMS has grown steadily over the years and now occupies a 5,000 square foot building with 14 studios and small group performance spaces. Through a given year, we serve over 700 students of all ages from Essex and 17 surrounding towns throughout Middlesex, New London and New Haven counties from Guilford to Niantic."

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"​Con Brio is a classical, auditioned, chorus, with more than 80 dedicated choristers. It is known for the variety of its repertoire, sparkling programming and excellent musicality. Since it was founded in 1997 Con Brio has performed regularly to a growing and loyal local audience.

The choir has made nine overseas concert tours, with the most recent to Germany, France and Switzerland in 2025.

Con Brio has been under the musical direction of Dr. Stephen Bruce, who retired in June 2025. Con Brio’s incoming Music Director is Dr. Chris Shepard."

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"The Connecticut River Foundation at Steamboat Dock was established in 1974 as a small, all-volunteer organization dedicated to the dream of establishing a museum that would preserve the history of the Connecticut River and its people.

The Connecticut River Museum currently plays an important role in collecting and protecting manuscripts, books, art and artifacts of regional significance. It also delivers high-quality exhibitions and educational programming to visitors and local residents alike, and each year introduces thousands of school children to the important stories of the River and its people. We maintain our National Registered buildings on Steamboat Dock in Essex, and provide a spectacular waterfront park as a venue for museum functions, community events and quiet reflection."

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"The Country School honors our students’ creativity, sense of wonder, and intellectual curiosity. Our integrated curriculum aligns rigorous academics with a commitment to character and leadership development. We nurture every student’s unique role in the community, empowering each to serve the common good. Graduates of The Country School face the future with confidence and an education that lasts a lifetime.

Guided by our mission statement, we affirm that inclusion and equity are essential to our caring community and exist as natural components of our educational program. Developing empathy allows us to embrace our common humanity by respecting all individuals for who they are. Country School students are leaders and listeners who, through their compassionate actions, can change the world."

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"The Connecticut Cancer Foundation is a non-profit foundation whose mission is to provide financial assistance and compassionate aid to Connecticut cancer patients and their families. Unfortunately, once the cancer treatments start, the bills begin to increase and the illness begins to take its toll on the patient.

At CCF, we use our funds to try to ease some of the financial stress that comes with the trauma of a cancer diagnosis, which allows patients to focus on fighting their battle with cancer."

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"Deep River Ambulance Association, located in Deep River, Connecticut, is a volunteer Emergency Medical Service organization. Founded in 1957, the association is headed by the DRAA Board of Directors, and operated by a crew of approximately 30 First Responders, EMTs, EMRs and Drivers, all volunteers from Deep River and its surrounding towns.

We are always looking for committed volunteers to serve on either the crew or the Board of Directors. Crew members may receive certified state training, paid for by the Association, and are expected to be on call for at least one 12-hour shift per week. Members may be residents of, or work in, Deep River or its neighboring towns."

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"The Deep River Fire Department is a volunteer fire department serving the town of Deep River through fire prevention, emergency response, and community service.

We are dedicated to the protection and preservation of life and property in Deep River while providing community education, support to our neighboring communities, and community service."

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"The Deep River Historical Society collects, preserves, and communicates the rich history of the Town of Deep River to the public through exhibits, programs, research collections, and publications. Founded in 1938, it is a private non-profit corporation, governed by a board of trustees drawn from the membership. Membership is open to all interested persons.

Ongoing Society activities include the maintenance of the Stone House, the Carriage House and the Bleach House, the preservation of the historic collections and research resources, regular visiting hours for members and the public, an annual calendar of social, educational and cultural programs, outreach projects with schools and senior groups, and collaborations with other community organizations."

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"We are a nonprofit conservation organization that seeks to protect and preserve open-space land in Deep River for the use and enjoyment of Deep River residents and visitors. By acquiring and maintaining land, the Trust protects wildlife habitat, scenic views, Connecticut River and Pratt Cove frontage, upland forest and other valuable land by holding properties in their natural state for the benefit of residents now and in the future.

Since it was founded in 1975, the Land Trust has preserved more than 230 acres in Deep River as land donations and conservation easements. The Trust now owns and maintains 15 properties and continuously seeks additional land preservation opportunities.

The Deep River Land Trust is an independent, non-profit organization supported by donations and managed by volunteers. Funding for stewardship of our preserves, as well as our on-going operations, comes from our members and donors."

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"Deer Lake Outdoor Center is owned and operated by Pathfinders Inc.  Pathfinders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was formed in 1997 to help run programming at Deer Lake but was expanded in the fall of 2021 to concentrate on saving and preserving the property. Today, the organization consists of a Board of Directors, staff, and countless volunteers."

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"Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all Madison residents by providing access to information, fostering lifelong educational and cultural learning, and cultivating relationships among our residents through the exchange of ideas.

Our experienced library staff is ready to assist you with book recommendations, research, and homework questions, learning to use your electronic devices, job search help, acquiring multiple copies of books for your book group, and much more. Stop by or explore our website to see all the ways we’re here for you!"

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"Founded in 1964, the association operates three ambulances, is composed of both paid and volunteer personnel and responds to over 900 service calls each year.

Operated by a Volunteer Board with representatives from Essex, Centerbrook and Ivoryton, our mission is to raise much of the 97% of the Essex Ambulance Association annual budget not funded by the town of Essex.

Dedicated to serving the emergency health and rescue needs of Essex town residents, visitors, and businesses and providing mutual aid to all surrounding towns." 

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"The Essex Art Association, housed in a historic Essex building, has served the Shoreline area as a nonprofit seasonal art gallery since 1946. We were the first local art association to embrace all styles of art, from the traditional to the cutting edge. The excellence and variety of our shows have made the EAA an outstanding exhibition venue showcasing quality art.

We welcome you to be a part of this vital and growing community art organization.  We want to exhibit your work and give you the space to walk around, view the shows and perhaps purchase a piece of original artwork. Volunteer opportunities allow art lovers and artists to join in the ongoing life of our gallery. Your membership, participation and donations are essential to the achievement of our mission to promote art appreciation and artists’ recognition in the communities that we serve."

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"Essex Elderly and Affordable Housing fosters economic security for low-to-moderate income elderly, mobility impaired handicapped, and families by providing affordable housing. The organization manages a 22-unit housing complex in Centerbrook, CT, where residents are limited to those who meet the income, age, and mobility impairment criteria. Its ongoing mission is to generate a sense of well-being and economic security for its residents."

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"The purpose of the Essex PTO, doing business as Friends of Essex Elementary School, shall be to promote the education and to enhance the welfare of children at home and in the school and in the community of Essex, as well as provide the forum for communication and cooperation among and between the teachers and parents of the community.  Each year, Friends of EES raises money, through grant writing and fundraising efforts, to spend the following year on the enrichment of our children’s school and community experience."

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"Essex Fire Engine Company #1 is a fully volunteer department serving the Town of Essex. Our mission is simple: protect lives, property, and the community we serve. Our firefighters respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous conditions, marine incidents on the Connecticut River, and major weather events throughout the region. We work closely with the Essex Fire Marshal’s Office to improve life safety for every resident through prevention, inspection, and public education programs.

We are seeking funding for an LED public emergency notification sign at the firehouse. This sign will deliver fast, high-visibility emergency alerts to all residents, especially neighbors without reliable internet or cell service."

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"Essex Historical Society (EHS) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to engaging and inspiring the community in Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton.  In addition to programming in all three villages, EHS serves the public through two historic structures, its offices, library and collections storage at Hills Academy (1832), and free guided tours of the Pratt House (1732), Essex's only historic house museum. 

EHS collaborates with over 30 programming partners annually, including education programs for multiple grades, walking tours, speaker series, group tours, community events, research projects, digital and printed public history publications, and much more."

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"The Essex Land Trust is an all volunteer environmental conservation organization that acquires and maintains open space in Essex, CT. 

Our location in the Lower Connecticut River Estuary is recognized by The Nature Conservancy as one of the “Last Great Places” in the Western Hemisphere and by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as a unique wetland of international importance. As residents of this area, we have a responsibility to protect this vital habitat.

The land trust owns or has easements on 770 acres and collaborates with the Town of Essex in managing some of its open space as well. As the largest landholder in the Town of Essex, accounting for nearly 70% of all open space, the land trust committed to promoting passive recreation for the enjoyment of the community."

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"The Essex Library Association provides free and equal access to library resources for all residents of the town and endeavors to stimulate curiosity, nurture discovery, and inspire individuals of all ages. In autumn of 2025, the library began construction intended to better provide programming and resources to respond to emerging community needs. The Essex Library strives to offer an array of services, vital resources, access to technology, educational programs and assistance that may otherwise be out of reach to those in the community.

The Essex Library has been a vital community institution since 1889. Its beginnings were humble – a collection of approximately 500 donated books housed in rented space that was managed by a small group of volunteers. Since that time, the Library has grown to become a modern, professionally staffed organization with a collection of nearly 50,000 items in a beautiful, 9,500 square foot facility."

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"For nearly 50 years, the nonprofit Essex Winter Series (EWS) has dedicated itself to bring the finest music, in live performance, to the Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline regions during the winter months and to cultivate its appreciation to the widest audience possible. This mission is one we strive to expand through each season.

Every year, EWS presents at least four musical events of a high artistic and professional level, which have included concerts by individuals, chamber groups and symphonic orchestras as well as opera and choral performances. The majority of the EWS offerings are classical, one of which during a season will feature young, talented artists … rising stars in the classical music genre. Jazz from the 1920s to 1930s is highlighted in the annual Stu Ingersoll Jazz Concert."

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"We offer Meals on Wheels for home-bound clients, congregate meals in our various cafes, and grab & go meals. Meals are supported by Senior Resources Agency on Aging with Title III funds available under the Older Americans Act.

As you explore The Estuary, be inspired to join our community where every day is an opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest. Dive into this journey with us and redefine what it means to live vibrantly at any age!"

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"During the winter of 2005, Miner Vincent was doing something he considered part of his weekly routine - gathering food and goods for The Clinton Food Pantry by way of petitioning members of his church and setting up a central collection location.  This was fulfilling and gave everyone involved a sense of community and solidarity but Miner then realized he wanted to go bigger.  And by "bigger" he meant not only increase ongoing donations to The Pantry, but identify and fill in other gaps within the Clinton community that were leaving friends and neighbors in need.  It was then Families Helping Families was born. 

We believe when a community comes together to help those in need, powerful things happen.  As a grassroots organization with members entrenched in our small town, we strive to bring out the best in people by identifying where needs exist then building bridges, facilitating Clinton families helping families."

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"FISH provides free transportation to and from medical, dental and physical therapy appointments in the area roughly bounded by Middletown, New London and Guilford. The service is available Mondays through Fridays (except holidays) from 8 AM to 5 PM for ambulatory residents of Essex, Centerbrook, Ivoryton, Deep River and Chester who have no other means of transportation."

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"Forgotten Felines, Inc. was founded in 1992 to help meet the growing needs of the homeless cat population on the Connecticut shoreline. We are a 100% volunteer-operated, 501c3 non-profit organization. To fulfill our cats and tour the facility, contact: info@ or call 860-669-1347.  We are open to the public most Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 pm, with no appointment necessary.

Located in Westbrook, CT, our 4000 square foot facility has multiple cat rooms where the cats freely roam.  Each room also has a large catio, where our cats can enjoy the fresh air and wildlife.

Our service area includes Centerbrook, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Guilford, Ivoryton, Killingworth, Madison,Old Saybrook, and Westbrook."

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"Fountain Hill Cemetery is a serene, park-like landscape sculpted with rolling hills and lush greenery. Our history is heavily rooted in the Deep River community, and we are honored to continue to provide caring and professional services to our families for many more years to come."

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"This family-friendly fair showcases many agricultural fair traditions while highlighting top local music talent and entertainment. The intimate size of the fair makes for easy navigation, parking, and crowd control. Visitors will enjoy Carnival rides and games, food concessions, pony rides and entries, and exhibits for farm, animal, crafts, fruits, vegetables, and more. "

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"Please help us with your votes so that we can continue our work funding Park improvements such as the recently installed model osprey nest and the adjacent viewing scopes on the rear deck of the Meigs Point Nature Center. The viewing scopes are positioned to permit observation of the actual osprey nest platform located in the adjacent salt marsh, while the model osprey nest provides a wonderful platform for education about the life cycle of the ospreys and their young. As always, our work includes maintaining the Meigs Point gardens, providing environmental education, beach and trail cleanups, tree plantings, campground improvements, school education programs, bird and seal walks, star gazing and identification programs, wildlife care, as well as  other services supported by the Friends of Hammonasset every year."

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"The Acton Library Friends is a non profit organization who believe that the Library is an essential resource for the citizens of Old Saybrook. 

The Friends provide support to the Acton Public  Library in a variety of ways. Our fundraising efforts underwrite library programs and other items not covered in the town’s library budget.  The Friends organize and run the popular Used Book Sale every summer and various pop-up sales throughout the year.    We also engage in special projects that enhance the Library’s mission." 

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The mission of the Lyme Public Library is to serve the Town of Lyme as a community center for lifelong learning, discovery, and literacy; cultural and community gatherings and events; and evolving informational, technological and community needs.

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"The Westbrook Public Library is dedicated to supporting our community’s intellectual, cultural, and social needs. We offer a balanced collection of materials, information services, and programs for lifelong learners."

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"Our award-winning program has been pairing caring adults with Guilford's children for more than fifteen years. Now we mentor students in every school in Guilford, but we always have more children waiting. You can help us reach our goal of matching a mentor with every child who wants one."

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"The mission of The Henry Carter Hull Library is to provide an inviting and dynamic environment, where all members of our community may discover both information and inspiration."

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"For more than 50 years, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding has been transforming lives through the extraordinary bond between humans and horses. Founded in 1974 and based in Old Lyme, High Hopes is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens, and adults with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.

Support from Essex Bank’s Community Investment Program helps make all of this possible. These funds provide lesson scholarships, specialized adaptive equipment, essential horse care, and critical program support—ensuring that no one is excluded due to financial circumstances or ability level.

Your vote helps ensure that these life-changing programs remain accessible to all who need them. Together, we can keep hope moving forward—one rider, one horse, one powerful connection at a time."

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"We are a group of friends committed to finding homes for the thousands of dogs dying in kill shelters across the country every year. Please consider opening your heart and home to a shelter dog.

Homeward Bound CT is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.
All donations are tax deductible.

Our goal is to help rescues find loving homes for their dogs. We do this by creating adoption events for rescues and shelters to bring their dogs, all at no cost to them."

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"Incorporated in 2004 with the support of the United Way to address the shortage of affordable workforce housing in our area, HOPE is focused on finding housing solutions for low- and moderate-income people who suffer disproportionately from the housing crisis.

Our philosophy is to collaborate with town government, builders, and other private partners to build housing that is attractive, sustainable and appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood. It is these partnerships that form the dynamic that make this process successful."

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"Ivoryton Library is one of the oldest member libraries in the state. When the association was formed in 1871, each member paid $1 each, which was used to buy books stored in the Main Street home of Samuel Cheney. In 1889, the association had raised enough money to construct and dedicate the building we now know as Ivoryton Library. The Ivoryton Library functions as a private, non-profit association serving the greater community. The library loans books, other visual and audio materials and provides research assistance. It also creates educational, historical, cultural and civic programs of interest to the community."

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"The Ivoryton Playhouse Foundation is a non-profit organization, formed for the purpose of owning, restoring and operating the Playhouse, maintaining it’s cultural, educational, entertainment and service value to the community at large. The Foundation is committed to providing exceptional theatre experiences of high professional quality to enrich, enlighten, educate, and entertain the diverse audience in the Shoreline region and beyond. Strong education and training programs are central parts of our commitment to the local and national artistic communities."

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"The Ivoryton Village Alliance is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization committed to preserving the historic charm, cultural heritage, and welcoming spirit of Ivoryton. Our mission is to strengthen the local business community, foster creative and educational opportunities, and bring residents and visitors together through inspiring events and programs. We are proud to organize the Ivoryton Illuminations and the 4th of July Parade and support other community initiatives including the Pumpkin Festival and the welcome program for new Ivoryton residents."

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"The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center is a non-profit performing arts organization located in a historic theatre/town hall on Main Street in Old Saybrook. Originally opened in 1911, the building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After state-of-the art renovations, the center includes a 285-seat theatre that presents work in several genres including music, theater, opera, dance, comedy, film, and a variety of children’s programming. The Katharine Hepburn Museum, located on the first floor, is the only museum of its kind honoring Katharine Hepburn, Old Saybrook’s most celebrated resident. Exhibits feature costume and personal wardrobe items, photographs, home movies, awards, and other memorabilia."

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"We are a 501c3 which has been serving the residents of the Valley Shore area since 1978. We serve the towns of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Lyme, Madison, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. We support individuals in our community to improve their English Language skills through one-on-one free tutoring services. We help more than 220 community residents from more than 65 different countries. And we receive inquiries from potential students all the time. We also have a list of students waiting for tutors because the demand is ever-increasing. So, we always welcome new tutors. As we look to the future, we will continue to grow. With your help and support, we’ll continue to create the future — one student, one tutor, and one word at a time."

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"Formerly known as SARAH Inc., Lumibility has a longstanding history of providing high-quality support to individuals in our community with differing abilities. Founded in 1957 by three Guilford families, SARAH was created to provide individuals living with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities with quality educational experiences and access to meaningful employment opportunities. Over time, SARAH evolved to offer residential housing, independent living support, transitional services, and employment partnerships.

Lumibility is the fusion of illuminate and ability. This name signifies our capability to empower the individuals that we serve, foster positivity, and lead the way to a future where each person's unique abilities shine brightly."

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"We are an Academy of professional artists that encourages individuality and innovation through skills-based training.

With a faculty of internationally-recognized artists and scholars, we offer a comprehensive, multi-year program of disciplined study, integrating rigorous studio instruction in drawing and painting with anatomy, sculpture, and twenty-first century approaches to the histories of art. Our geography, located along the Connecticut River and in the heart of the celebrated Lyme Art Colony, and between the metropolitan centers of Boston and New York, is imbued with history, and remains an active site of progressive artists’ congregation and camaraderie.  Students at our Academy participate in this community, continuing an unbroken tradition of art education and practice while finding their own creative voice. From this unique vantage point and through their evolution, our legacy and future unites."

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"We are funded by the generosity of our fellow citizens who recognize the unique value of an Emergency Ambulance and First Responder resource that is entirely self-supporting. In other words, we are able to provide a critically important service without adding to our residents’ tax burden. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our town’s citizenry no matter what the emergency.

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"The Lyme Art Association (LAA) is a vibrant nonprofit arts center in the heart of Old Lyme, which was home more than a century ago to the Lyme Art Colony of American Impressionists. Our mission is to promote and cultivate an appreciation for representational fine arts by holding art exhibitions, conducting educational programs for the benefit of its members and the greater community and by owning, maintaining, and preserving a historic building and galleries in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Today we have 650 member artists who showcase their original art in seven juried exhibitions each year. We place a strong emphasis on our organization’s historic ties to American Impressionism as a framework for understanding contemporary fine art and its role in encouraging appreciation for diverse ways of seeing and interpreting the world around us."

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"The Lyme Fire Company, founded in 1949, has served the hamlets of Lyme, Hadlyme, and Hamburg, Connecticut, as a fully volunteer fire department for more than 75 years. Created in response to the town’s need for organized fire protection, the company has grown from a small, community-driven effort into a well-trained, dual-station operation with facilities in both Hamburg and Hadlyme. Over the decades, our volunteers have responded to structure fires, forest and brush fires, rescues, and other emergencies, while also providing fire prevention education and safety training. Rooted in civic pride and neighborly service, the company continues to rely on the dedication of volunteers and community support to uphold its longstanding mission of protecting life and property in Lyme."

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"The Lyme Public Hall, originally built in 1887, is a community gathering place dedicated to the appreciation of Lyme’s history, culture and people. With the help of volunteers, we host events throughout the year including music, art and history programs, exhibits, lectures, workshops and more. These are open to everyone: members and non-members, locals and visitors to our area. The Lyme Public Hall is also available to rent for local community activities and private functions."

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"The Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden grows and donates fresh produce to reduce food insecurity and support healthy nutrition in Lyme, Old Lyme, and surrounding communities.  Produce is donated to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens Food Pantry (SSKP), and the United Way's Gemma E. Moran Food Center.  The LOLFSG is a fully-volunteer nonprofit organization founded by Jim Ward in 2021.  Since its inception, the organization has donated thousands of pounds of vegetables annually."

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"Lymewood is a 24 unit community located in Old Lyme, Connecticut. The community is located in four cottage style buildings with each home having its own front entrance and rear patio door. There are 22 one bedroom units and 2 two bedroom units.

Lymewood is owned by Lymes Elderly Housing, Inc., a non-profit corporation. The community if funded by the USDA Rural Development office and as such the community does provide rental assistance for some of the units. The USDA-RD 515 program for the elderly is open to residents whose head or co-head is aged 62 or older or has a disability. The application packet includes more information on all eligibility criteria including income restrictions.

Some resident amenities include an indoor coin operated laundry, community rooms for resident activities and beautiful outdoor areas."

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"THE ORIGINAL MISSION OF THE LYSB STILL HOLDS TRUE TODAY:
To assist young people to become capable, contributing members of society. The LYSB works closely with parents, schools, churches, police, and the community to enhance the total environment for youth. We subscribe to the philosophy that in order for youth to develop into responsible adults, they must find opportunities for involvement, develop basic life skills required for participation, and recognize their own ability to choose and affect the outcome of their decisions.

Through the years, LYSB has become an integral part of the community serving as the principal youth-serving agency in Lyme and Old Lyme, and a rich variety of programs and services are offered to our youth and families. The communities of Lyme and Old Lyme have become deeply involved in supporting the young people through individual and organizational efforts. LYSB enjoys a strong, solid footing thanks to the hard work of our Board of Directors and the generous financial support of our community."

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"The annual 4th of July Concert on the Green in Madison will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026. The concert has been a part of Madison’s Independence Day festivities for over 40 years and is organized by the nonprofit organization, Madison Cultural Arts.

Madison Cultural Arts, an entirely volunteer organization, must raise approximately $50,000 through sponsorships, donations, and grants to
guarantee the success of the concert. To keep this important Madison tradition alive, the concert requires the support of our local businesses and individuals.

The free concert hosts about 4000 attendees. The music is provided by the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra (WSO), with an opening act to be announced. Please support us as we celebrate the anniversaries of the founding of the town of Madison, and the founding of our country with our special program titled - Echoes of Our Past in Spirit and Song - MADISON’S 200 AND AMERICA’S 250 CELEBRATION"

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"Madison Ambulance Association, Inc. dba Madison Emergency Medical Services is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) emergency medical service organization (not a town agency) serving the Madison community.  Madison EMS is designated by the State of Connecticut as the Primary Service Area Responder at the Basic Ambulance and Paramedic level for the geographic boundaries of the Town of Madison.  Madison EMS operates four ambulances and employs forty employees.  Madison EMS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community members.   Madison EMS is the only nonprofit non-fire-based career organization on the shoreline."

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"Mission: To connect donors to the causes they care about most to make Madison a better place to live today and in the future. To provide grants to organizations that serve our community’s social, cultural, environmental, educational, and recreational needs.

Vision: To encourage broad-based philanthropy for the betterment of Madison residents. To establish and grow endowment funds to support the needs of the community. To be an effective steward for donors who seek to provide a long-term legacy to Madison."

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"The Madison Historical Society preserves, interprets, and celebrates the stories of our town as told through its people, artifacts, architecture, and landscapes.

The MHS:

• Sponsors programs and maintains venues that enable public appreciation of Madison’s history and its relevance to all residents and visitors;
• Protects the historic character of Madison by being good stewards of the MHS properties and its collection and by advocating for preservation of Madison’s historic structures and places;
• Celebrates the elements of Madison’s cultural history that have created and continue to bind our community."

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"The MusicNow Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the support of live music to engage, enrich, and educate youth through musical workshops, programs, lessons, mentorships and performance opportunities making music accessible to all.

Nightingale's Acoustic Café, a charming acoustic music café, is home to the MusicNow Foundation, Inc., located on Lyme Street in Old Lyme, CT. 

Serving up the best in live, local and homegrown talent, Nightingale's has been attributed to many performance “firsts” of young teens and adults building confidence, talent, and opportunities. We serve as a springboard for future artistic development though our diverse programs."

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"OLCLC is a child care center centered in Old Lyme CT. We serve Infants, Toddlers, and School Age Children."

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"The Lyme Street station is the department’s main house in the center of the town with substations on Boughton Road and Cross Lane. The department remains fundamentally the same as the day it was created. We proudly continue to serve our community comprised entirely of volunteers, with each one of us as immensely dedicated to our service as our founding members."

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"In 2005 the Old Lyme Historical Society, Inc. (OLHSI) was established as a 501(c)3 non-profit to "collect, preserve, interpret and promote the rich history of Old Lyme" for the benefit of present and future generations.

In addition to objects and documents, our Archive also holds our Oral Histories, first-hand accounts of life in Old Lyme. We continue to publish works about Old Lyme and its area, hold lectures and events at 55 Lyme Street, and participate in town events. We welcome new members and look forward to meeting all who share our love of Old Lyme's history."

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"Today the Trust owns over 1,000 acres of conservation land. We hold conservation easements permanently protecting additional acreage as well. And we have partnered with other groups—the Nature Conservancy and the Town of Old Lyme, for example—in working toward a shared goal of preserving the rural character and natural environment of  Old Lyme. Initiatives with organizations such as the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, the Scouts, the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Environmental Club, and the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library have enhanced our preserves and helped in achieving the educational component of our mission.

The Trust has played a critical role in the preservation of open space in Old Lyme. We continue to actively seek available conservation land for acquisition. The need to protect the land and water resources of Old Lyme is as urgent as ever.

Old Lyme Land Trust is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, independent of the Town of Old Lyme, and does not receive taxpayer funding." 

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"The Library is a private library association that serves as the public library for the town of Old Lyme. Our building is an historic landmark. It is a gathering  place for all our patrons. We provide traditional reading materials and educational resources, as well as the latest in popular books and movies. We stay current with technology trends both in access and formats such as downloadable audio books and ebooks.

Our goals are to meet the changing needs of our community, support education at every age, and be a community hub where discussions, lectures, movies, music, meetings, story times and many other activities bring us together to share ideas, be enlightened and entertained."

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"Old Lyme has deep roots in the sport of Rowing. Thanks in a great part to Mr. Fred Emerson who enthusiastically donated many hours of his life and financial support to the Blood Street Sculls. Our current boathouse is named after him, and the original boathouse still stands on Blood Street.

It is highly unusual for a public school to have crew and our Lyme Old Lyme High School Crew  is incredibly fortunate to have access to excellent equipment. The high school has a relationship with the Old Lyme Rowing Association. The rowing association’s primary mission is to support junior rowers. In addition, the association has a summer community Learn to Row program for adults and juniors and a competitive Master’s (adults) Level program that rows under the Blood Street name. High School Level Junior rowers can participate year round competitively with the Blood Street Sculls. This program has produced national champions, and enriched the lives of many."

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"The Old Saybrook Education Foundation (OSEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation and all monies support enrichment and excellence in the Old Saybrook Public Schools.

We promote student development through enrichment programs, activities, and recognition of student accomplishments. We aim to encourage creativity among employees by supporting unique growth opportunities and providing resources for creative teaching ideas. The foundation also provides ways for individuals and organizations to share resources with the schools to enhance learning and facilitate cooperative ventures among the school district."

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"SERVING THE TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK SINCE 1924

Our company has grown into a highly sophisticated fire fighting force with some of the finest equipment on the shoreline, whose members are trained to fight fires and handle emergencies ranging from boat rescues to motor vehicle extrications."

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"Thank you for inviting us to  the 2026 Essex Bank Community Investment Program. We are honored to be included, and are hopeful that bank customers are familiar with our work and appreciative of our efforts in Old Saybrook.

Since 1952 the OSGC, with a membership of over 70 men and women, has cared for and labored to beautify Old Saybrook’s public plantings, organize educational programs and provide local scholarships to high school students pursuing degrees in horticulture or environmental studies.

Wherever you look, Old Saybrook Garden Club members are working to make our town something very special."

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"The Society is a 501 (c)3, all-volunteer organization with members from all over the country.  The restored (1767) General William Hart House, the Frank Stevenson Archives, and the Heritage Public Gardens comprise the one acre “campus” on Main Street.

Through the help of dedicated, hard-working volunteers, devoted members and generous suppliers, we provide tours of our historic house/museum, which is well maintained and [provides displays of exceptional historic artifacts, plus genealogy research, outstanding exhibits and historic publications.

Programs vary and include historic publications, lecture forums, research opportunities, timely exhibits and summer music in the garden."

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"Old Saybrook, with its wealth of natural resources, is a beautiful place to live and to visit. The estuary of the Connecticut River has been both nationally and internationally recognized for its ecological significance, provides habitat for a number of rare and endangered species and is an important stopover for migrating waterfowl, as well as a critical spawning area for fish. Rich tidal wetlands fringe the town’s southern boundary along Long Island Sound, with two tidal river systems providing additional significant habitat. No less important are the forested uplands of the town, a complex of rocky outcrops interspersed with rich inland wetland habitat.

The Old Saybrook Land Trust is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, 100% volunteer-run organization. Our mission is to preserve open space and protect the town’s valuable natural resources for the benefit of the general public."

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"PJSA is an instructional sailing program for juniors, ages 8 and up. It is conducted from late June to mid-August at the Pettipaug Yacht Club. There are two three-week sessions during the season; each session is divided into morning and afternoon classes. Morning classes typically are for beginners and junior sailors ages 8 to 11, when the winds are usually the lightest. Afternoon classes are for older returning sailors.

PJSA is all about FUN on the water and teaching many important life lessons along the way – sailing/racing skills, adapting to the forces of nature, personal responsibility and sportsmanship to name a few."

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"The R4EF is a non-profit corporation organized to broaden and enhance the educational experience of students in Chester, Deep River and Essex."

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"We are a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) private foundation dedicated to the instrumental music programs at the Lyme-Old Lyme Regional School District 18 Middle and High Schools.

Monetary scholarships are awarded each year to assist students with private instrumental lessons."

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"The Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drum Corps is a nonprofit corporation. Our mission is to the preservation of American History through the presentation of historical music and education and perpetuation of the history of the British Raid on Essex Connecticut during the War of 1812.

Our Music is the history of the United States and is in the “ancient” fife and drum Style. The Corps has an extensive musical repertoire that is expressed in this style. The Corps plays all types of period music, including and not limited to, jigs, reels, songs of the sea & heartstirring patriotic music."

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Shoreline Arts Alliance has been the cultural leader in the central coastal region of Connecticut since 1980.  Partnering with local businesses and arts organizations, educators, institutions, and artists Shoreline Arts Alliance provides a multitude of services that strengthen tourism and the arts and cultural infrastructure in the region.

The functions of Shoreline Arts Alliance are broken down into two areas:
1. Support for internal operations of local arts, cultural and heritage organizations
2. Community outreach programming with a mission to Educate, Encourage, Enrich and Engage artists, organizations, residents, and visitors in the arts.

As a Regional Service Organization of the Department of Economic and Community Development – Office of the Arts, Shoreline Arts Alliance is the regional arts council for 24-towns and is responsible for serving the broad cultural sector within the region and making the arts a part of the daily fabric of community life."

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"Our pantries located in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme and East Lyme provide enough food for three meals for three days for those who attend, and those in their household.  The food distributed includes both fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy and non-perishable canned and packaged food. Residents of the eleven towns served by SSKP are welcome to attend one distribution per week.

Our meal sites are located in Centerbrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Old Saybrook, Clinton, and Westbrook.  Hot nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers and served family style.  Those in need are welcome to attend all our meal sites.

We know that we could all end up needing a food pantry; that empathy makes us committed to being welcoming and caring. All our meals and services are free of charge."

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"Study Hall is not just a program; it is an essential resource that guarantees every student, regardless of their financial situation or learning challenges, has equal access to the educational support they need to succeed. 

Many middle- and low-income families avoid seeking educational support because they perceive it as unaffordable, especially when market rates for private in-person tutoring average around $100 per hour. In contrast, Study Hall offers subsidized tutoring sessions starting at just $35. We also offer programs such as SAT prep, free reading assistance, and math boot camps, as well as teacher-led executive coaching sessions for students struggling with skills such as organization or focus. All of Study Hall's programs are offered at well below-market rates, with additional financial support opportunities."

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"Our mission at Traveling Toys is to provide free access to high-quality, age-appropriate toys and games that promote play. By establishing toy lending libraries and play spaces, we seek to enhance the development, creativity, and learning of children and teens, regardless of family income.

You can help us continue to grow this impact and bring the power of play to more children and teens.

100% of your contribution supports our mission to establish and sustain toy lending libraries that serve children, teens, and families through trusted community spaces. These toy lending libraries help ensure that access to play does not depend on family income.

Traveling Toys, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is run entirely by volunteers."

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"Youth Service Bureaus began in the U.S. in 1972, using federal Juvenile Justice funds to prevent juvenile delinquency. In Connecticut, they were established by state law in 1975 to support youth and families. Founded in 1984, the Tri‑Town Youth Services Bureau serves Deep River, Essex, and Chester, CT. Our mission is to help young people build strong relationships with family, school, peers, and community.

Each year, we reach approximately 1,300 youth through prevention education, life‑skill building, and support programs. In FY 2024, more than 500 participants engaged directly in our workshops, trainings, and community events."

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Valley Baseball-Softball Booster Club is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to fundraising for Valley Regional High School Baseball and Softball.

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"At the Y, our purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together."

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Valley Regional Soccer Club is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that organizes a number of soccer programs for youth in the Chester, Deep River, and Essex area.

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"Since the TEAM Mobile Feline Spay/Neuter Clinic began in 1997, more than 225,000 cats have been spayed or neutered and vaccinated on-board.

Our small, but dedicated veterinary staff has spent over
25 years on the road in Connecticut, bringing affordable spay/neuter and vaccination services for cats to
residents statewide.

The TEAM spay/neuter package includes a brief exam, vaccinations (rabies, distemper, upper/lower respiratory infection), nail trim, and ear mite treatment (if needed).
We also offer a kitten package, booster vaccines, and parasite prevention and treatment to ensure your cat’s health and well-being."

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"The Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley, Inc. (VNLV) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Medicare- and Medicaid-certified, and consistently ranked among the nation’s best for home health quality and performance.
Since our inception in 1915, we have had the privilege of caring for patients in their homes throughout the Lower Valley townships and along the Connecticut shoreline. It is an honor to continue serving as your trusted community home health care provider."

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"Westbrook Project Graduation, Inc, is a group of volunteers whose primary objective is to provide a fun, safe, drug & alcohol-free overnight celebration for Westbrook High School’s graduating class.  We are independent of the Westbrook Board of Education and the Westbrook school system and operate without any taxpayer dollars.  Our committee works throughout the year to raise the considerable funds necessary to provide this safe graduation celebration through various fundraisers and community outreach."

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"Founded in 2001, Westbrook Youth and Family Services, Inc is a private non-profit organization serving Westbrook and the surrounding towns. We are committed to strengthening families and improving the mental health and well-being of all members of the community by providing family, individual, and couples counseling as well as a variety of programs in the schools and community.  Westbrook is strengthened through our diversity and WYFS celebrates the visible and invisible qualities that make each person unique, including race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity, and other identities."

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"In addition to our meetings, service projects and fundraising events, our members get together for activities throughout the year:

• Book Group: Meets every other month at the E. C. Scranton Memorial Library in Madison. Check our calendar for dates and what we’re reading.
• Walking Group: Meets on weekday mornings at locations in Madison.
• Knitting Group: Members knit or crochet afghan squares to create beautiful blankets that are then donated. Members can create at home or join our monthly knitting group at the library. Check our calendar for dates.
• Social Gatherings: Periodic get-togethers where members get to know one another."

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"Mission: To support and empower women and all families during challenging life transitions. Vision: Communities where women and all families are free from violence and harassment, are economically and emotionally secure, and have access to equitable opportunities."

WYFS provides support and therapy to individuals, families, and couples from Westbrook and surrounding communities. Clinicians are trained in various disciplines and include independently licensed, preliminarily licensed, and master’s level clinical interns. WYFS believes that mental health treatment should be accessible to all, regardless of health insurance or ability to pay."

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