We are pleased to present The Thriving Youth Initiative of The Community Fund of Darien as the lead beneficiary for The 2016 Darien House Tour: Homes with Heart.
The Thriving Youth Initiative seeks to promote healthy development among Darien's youth in response to recent alarming trends evident in The Community Fund of Darien's survey of teens over the past seven years. Results show that substance abuse is on the rise among teens and that resilience/resistance skills seem to be declining. Tragically, over the past summer, Darien experienced an unprecedented number of untimely deaths of young adults and adults - five deaths in six weeks.
The Thriving Youth Initiative will dedicate $100,000 each year over the next five years to implement a strategic prevention plan to reduce substance abuse and improve mental health among Darien's 12- to 17-year olds and their parents. With the additional donation made possible by The Darien House Tour, The Community Fund of Darien will expand prevention efforts into the preschool and elementary school populations. The First Congregational Church of Darien is happy to support this effort to build in our children the skills needed, including resilience, self-esteem and coping, for a lifetime of healthy decisions.
ABC House
At Home in Darien
Carver Foundation of Norwalk
Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut
Domestic Violence Crisis Center
Elderhouse
Feed My Starving Children
Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County
iicon (International Institute of Connecticut)
INSPIRICA
International Institute of Connecticut
Laurel House
Liberation Programs
Neighbors Link
Neighbors in Need
New Covenant House
Open Door Shelter
Person-to-Person
The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis and Education
Shelter for the Homeless
STAR
Other beneficiaries include:
The Darien House Tour: Homes with Heart supports local non profits
which serve our youth, the elderly and the disadvantaged. These organizations are selected by The First Congregational Church of Darien's Board of Christian Outreach which: "puts faith into action by addressing the needs of others. Our first priority is helping those who lack the most immediate, basic necessities, whether locally, nationally or internationally. We promote permanent and systemic improvements in people’s lives by contributing both financially and physically to hands-up programs."
Jayme Stevenson, First Selectman, Emily Larkin, Thriving Youth Program Coordinator, Carrie Bernier, Executive Director The Community Fund of Darien.
The Darien House Tour: Homes with Heart is made possible by Ring's End
THANK YOU!