Grant Helped Kennedy Center Summer Program

BRIDGEPORT — Children with disabilities had a fun and memorable summer, thanks in part to the Fairfield County Community Foundation. The Kennedy Center was recently awarded a $22,000 grant from The Fairfield County Community Foundation to support its work in the Lighthouse summer programs in Bridgeport.

The Kennedy Center provided expert staff and trained interns for families with children ages 5–13 with disabilities who participated in the Lighthouse program. The full- day, five-week program operated Monday through Friday with early drop off and late pickup options for the convenience of working parents. It offered summer reading success and math curriculum program as well as a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Children participated in a variety of extracurricular activities, including music, arts, sports, computers, and trips.

The Kennedy Center is a nationally accredited, nonprofit, community-based rehabilitation organization that serves 2,000 individuals throughout Fairfield County annually, including children with physical and behavioral disabilities.

The Kennedy Center offers innovative, comprehensive service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years. The center operates 24 community experience programs, 16 group homes, an industries program composed of six businesses, supported and competitive employment and job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training, and a variety of children’s programs. For more information, visit TheKennedyCenterinc.org.

The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds and contribute to existing funds.

The foundation provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The foundation has awarded more than $135 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For additional information, visit FCCFoundation.org.