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10/17/2019 12:01 AMHe’s the neighbor who always greets you with “Have a sparkling day!” She’s the one who answers your “Will you help?” with “Of course I will!” They are friends who give of their time, expertise, and energy to make Middlesex County even better than it already is. Meet the At Risk Boys Fund volunteers who just want to lend a helping hand to the young men and boys in our region.
Established in 2013 at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, the At-Risk Boys Fund’s mission is to provide grants to nonprofit organizations offering programs that help young men and boys reach their full potential. The fund committee is particularly interested in programs that focus on prevention, education, self-respect, self-confidence, and skill development. At-Risk Fund volunteers raise money through donations from local businesses and individuals that share the same enthusiasm, and through diverse fundraising events and festivals. This September they held the fifth annual Cruise Blues & Brews Festival with 100 percent of the proceeds going to support nonprofits in Middlesex County.
Wildly popular and well-attended by people of all ages, the festival offers something for everybody, with craft beer, upscale food vendors, local merchants, and cars, cars, and cars, all while some of the best blues bands in Connecticut perform. The continued success of the event rests on the hard work of the At-Risk Fund volunteers and their passion for providing our most vulnerable youth with the support they need to face some of life’s greatest challenges.
Working in partnership with local nonprofits, the At-Risk Boys Fund has helped hundreds of boys grow up to be strong productive members of their communities—our communities. To date, more than $80,000 has been awarded to positive youth development programs. Recent grants have funded legal services to help homeless youth and families reduce barriers to permanent housing. Support has been given for the advocacy of children in foster care and who are victims of neglect, ensuring that each child in Middlesex County has a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. Thanks to the grant awards to arts and theater production programs, teens have outlets to voice their opinion, express their feelings, and work through issues that impact them every day. In addition, young men and boys exposed to adversity are empowered by one-on-one, community-based mentoring programs and thus experience success and the ability to navigate life’s obstacles.
A round of applause goes to the incredible individuals who give of their time and talent to support our young people. A heartfelt “Thank you” goes to Bill Guerra and Barbara Simone, Steve and Jackie Denison, Tom Gezo, Clyde Hartson, Dave Williams, Tom and Nancy Gerson, Bill McMinn, Debra Calamari, Gary Parrington, and Suzie Balestracci and so many others who work and play hard—all for our future generations. Each and every individual effort is proof that we can make a big impact when we work together to improve the quality of life for all. We salute the many caring and dedicated individuals who are making great things happen throughout Middlesex County. We encourage you to learn more about what’s happening in your community. Give the Community Foundation of Middlesex County a call at 860-347-0025 or visit MiddlesexCountyCF.org.