Animals for All at nature center
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is holding “Animals for All,” a free program series designed exclusively for neurodiverse children and their families.
Two different program formats are offered: Heckscher Farm Open Evenings, which allow families to visit Heckscher Farm after-hours at their own pace and order, and Caring for Critters, which provides kids a chance to work with farm animals in a small group environment.
“We are always striving to make our site and programs more accessible to all visitors,” said Lisa Monachelli, director of education for SM&NC. “These programs allow for small group, hands-on experiences and a sensory-friendly atmosphere.”
While staff is on hand for questions during the open evenings, there is no formal program.
“Instead, we encourage families to experience Heckscher Farm in an order of their own design knowing that the farm and our restroom facilities are fully accessible throughout their visit,” Monachelli said.
“It’s vitally important for us to share our therapeutic resources with the community in this special way,” said Melissa H. Mulrooney, CEO of SM&NC. “We are profoundly thankful to our grantors, the Dorr Foundation and Generation Impact, for enabling us to make these experiences free of charge for families who benefit so greatly from the nurturing environment at Heckscher Farm.”
Spring 2022 sessions span April to June. Preregistration is required at www.stamfordmuseum.org /animals-for-all/.
Micro-Grant Program deadline approaches
Those interested in applying for the 2022 Community Micro-Grant Program — formerly the Neighborhood Grant Program — have until April 29 to submit their applications for projects to improve the community.
The mayor’s office and city’s Community Development Office will consider applications from nonprofit and for-profit neighborhood associations, individuals, grassroots organizations and community groups interested in improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods.
According to information from the mayor’s office, the program has $75,000 in grant money available with plans to offer grants between $1,000 and $10,000.
Applicants will be expected to match grant funds with their own funds or in-kind products, services or labor.
Winning projects will be selected on the basis of several criteria, including that it address specific issues, create concrete improvements, have community support and will have a long-term impact on the community.
Grant priorities include sustainable projects, including investments in physical spaces, tools, equipment and the like that will help the community long-term; ideas or initiatives that have a long-term or multi-year impact; and new projects that include start-ups and pilot programs.
Announcements of the winners will be made May 18; funds will be distributed June 3, project completion date is June 30 and a final grant report will be due July 29.
The application is available through the mayor’s office or by logging onto the city’s website.