Bank foundation announces grant finalists

CROMWELL » Liberty Bank Foundation recently announced nine finalists, from an initial field of 82 entrants, that will be competing for three $20,000 grants in three categories. Middlesex Habitat for Humanity of Connecticut’s ReStore located in Cromwell is among the finalists. It will be competing against two other organizations in the affordable housing category: Capital for Change and Columbus House.

“It’s not very often that we have the pleasure of making grants of this size,” said Liberty Bank President & CEO Chandler J. Howard, in a written statement. “The three grants, totaling $60,000, will be awarded at the foundation’s 20th anniversary celebration on Oct. 3. Given the milestone in our history, we wanted to do something special for the communities we serve.”

“Just like the help we provide to our partner families-this grant is such an opportunity for us; it allows us to take the next step in becoming a stronger and more sustainable organization, said Christopher Aresco, Director of Finance and Operations.

The winner in each category – affordable housing, basic needs, and education that leads to economic success – will be selected by public voting. The public is invited to sign onto libertybankfoundation.org beginning today to watch the finalists’ videos, which explain each agency’s project and how they would put the funds to work. From September 5 to 15, the public is invited to vote (up to once per day) for their favorite organization in each of the three categories.

Sue Murphy, Liberty Bank Foundation executive director, said, “Our goal with this competition was not only to fund some great ideas, but also to call attention to the wonderful work our nonprofit partners are doing in our communities.” She suggests that voters visiting the website take an extra minute to view videos from the 74 other agencies not making it to the finals. “Every one of these agencies deserves support. They’re all addressing critical needs for our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Finalists for the 20th anniversary grants in the other categories are:

Education for Economic Success: Adelbrook, New Haven Works, Windham Regional Community Council

Basic Needs: Connecticut Veterans Legal Center, Valley United Way, Windham Regional No Freeze Hospitality Center

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Liberty Bank Foundation has awarded over $10 million in grants to nonprofit organizations within Liberty Bank’s market area since its inception. The foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for people of low or moderate income by investing in three areas: education to promote economic success for children and families; affordable housing; and basic human needs, such as food and shelter. Along with its grantmaking, the foundation strives to foster the convening and collaboration of nonprofits, funders, business, and government to address community issues.

CHC receives $338 K grant

MIDDLETOWN » Community Health Center, Inc., (CHC), has received a $338,389 grant from the U.S. Human Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in recognition of its excellence in providing high quality care to patients and in support of its ongoing quality improvement initiatives, according to a press release. CHC received the largest of 16 grants totaling $1,788,762 awarded to community health centers in Connecticut for quality improvement work.

It was recognized particularly for achievement as a quality leader and for achieving recognition as a PatientCentered Medical Home.

“Quality improvement is at the core of CHC’s mission to provide outstanding care daily to each of our patients,” says Mark Masselli, CHC president, CEO and founder. “We’re especially pleased that HRSA’s award is based on our full electronic health record, not just a sampling. We’re very proud of our work in quality across the spectrum of care we provide throughout Connecticut.”

Since 1972, Community Health Center, Inc. has been one of the leading healthcare providers in the state of Connecticut, building a worldclass primary healthcare system committed to caring for uninsured and underserved populations. CHC is focused on improving health outcomes for its more than 145,000 patients as well as building healthy communities. Recognized as both a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and a Primary Care Medical Home by The Joint Commission, CHC delivers service in more than 200 locations statewide, offering primary care in medical, dental and behavioral health services. For more information, visit www.chc1.com.