Norwalk ACTS

At the launch of CT 359 last year, we presented with the University of Hartford a progress update on our 5-year, foundation-funded Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Initiative. Our Early Childhood Development Manager, MJ Chironna, MSW, is presenting today with Wes Younts of the University of Hartford Center for Social Research, on Friday, March 21st at 9:30 AM to share the most recent research. Norwalk Community Health Center (NCHC) received a 2-year Federal HRSA grant to improve developmental screenings for Young Children. Kenneth Waller, CEO of Norwalk Community Health Center will also present and speak about the collaboration between Norwalk ACTS and NCHC. Register for this Informative Session via Zoom: https://lnkd.in/eg84Uk4m

The Summer Youth Employment Program, administered by the Mayor's Office provides jobs for the young people, ages 14-18, so they can learn to navigate in a business environment, contribute to the community, gain life skills, explore a specific profession and earn money. For more information contact Darlene Young at [email protected] Applications due: March 30th 11:59 PM Hourly Rate: $16.35 Minimum Qualifications: ??Be at least 14 years old as of May 1, 2025;? ??Not be older than 18 years old as of July 1, 2025;? ??Be a Norwalk resident. ??Have a valid Social Security Number in order to participate and ensure proper payroll process. ??UNEXPIRED documents that establish identity and employment authorization will be REQUIRED during training

Meet our newest Board Member, David Heuvelman! David has worn many hats in the community and currently is a Special Education Attorney at Keller Law, LLC. in Norwalk. Thank you David for your commitment to the children and families in Norwalk.

At the launch of CT 359 last year, we presented with the University of Hartford a progress update on our 5-year, foundation-funded Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Initiative. Our Early Childhood Development Manager, MJ Chironna, is back with Wes Younts of the University of Hartford Center for Social Research, on Friday, March 21st at 9:30 AM to share the most recent research. Norwalk Community Health Center (NCHC) received a 2-year Federal HRSA grant to improve developmental screenings for Young Children. Ken Waller, CEO of Norwalk Community Health Center will also present and speak about the collaboration between Norwalk ACTS and NCHC. Register for this Informative Session via Zoom:

The CT Immigrant Support Network (with support from CTData Collaborative, CT Nonprofit Alliance, and others) have put together a webinar on data security. This session should be helpful for any nonprofit and especially those who work with immigrant communities. Data Security Training Webinar ?? Date: March 19 ? Time: 3:00 - 4:30 PM (ET) ?? Virtual – https://lnkd.in/e2xHAeTM ?? What We’ll Cover: Understanding Data in Your Organization – What counts as data? How is it stored and shared? Identifying risks in informal practices. Legal Protections – What must (or must not) be shared with ICE? Key laws like HIPAA & FERPA, plus considerations for advocacy groups. Best Practices for Data Security – Secure storage, encryption, access controls, staff training, and policies to prevent breaches. ?? Interpretation will be available in multiple languages.

Mark your calendars for March 22nd in Norwalk or March 24th via Phone for a Town Hall with US Congressman Jim Himes. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns and hear updates directly from Congress! Stay tuned for more information or subscribe to Rep. Himes Newsletter for upcoming details:

Our Early Childhood Development Initiative (ECDI) had a great morning at the Early Childhood Celebration at the SoNo Collection! We promote collective impact and engage Early Childhood Providers to achieve community wide improvements and effective partnerships between families, schools, local and state government agencies. Our Community Advocates shared resources such as the Sparkler App, The Basics, and our upcoming Play Group event at SoNo Library on March 18th! More info here: https://lnkd.in/e7gJiRXQ

Our Youth Community Advocates spent some time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. This week the team: ?? Discussed takeaways from the Community Forum on Norwalk Public Schools' Cell Phone & Social Media Use Policy ?? Brainstormed outreach efforts for the 4th Annual NorWALK Mental Health Walk (Save the Date - Saturday, May 3rd ??) ?? Gained all the mental health benefits of walking and spending time outdoors Hope you're enjoying the sunshine! ??

Last night we held a Community Forum with Norwalk Public Schools to discuss the development of the districts' Social Media & Cell Phone Use Policy. This forum was facilitated by our Social Emotional Health Manager, Anamilena Moreno Lonergan, LMSW. Our Social Emotional Health Initiative is working with the district to ensure the community is involved in the development of a policy that will impact all students and their families. This innovative approach involving the students, parents, and the greater community will create policies that are thoughtful and appropriate for the current times. Missed last night, view the forum here: https://lnkd.in/eRc3SrVe Thank you to our panelist for your time and expertise.? Robin Gredinger - Social Worker, Norwalk Public Schools Margaret Watt - Prevention Director, Positive Directions and Co-Chair of The Norwalk Partnership Tom Dougherty - Victim Support Assistant, Juvenile Review Board at City of Norwalk Youth Services Nick Jarema - Parent, Marvin Elementary School Katelan Heslop - NPS Digital Instructional Coach, Center for Global Studies Jamie Garcia - Senior, Norwalk High School Andrea Valedez - Senior, Norwalk High School Aislinn Seiler - Senior, P-TECH Norwalk, Student Council Member and Norwalk ACTS Youth Advocate

Starting soon! Join for the NPS Community Forum on Social Media and Cell Phone Use Policy Find below the zoom link to join us virtually. If you are in need of translation services, please register through zoom and click on the More option with the 3 dots and select your language. This discussion will be recorded and also live streamed through the NPS YouTube Channel. https://lnkd.in/eG_TG2kg You can find that link here to share with others. Anyone else can hop on the zoom directly. All translated zooms will be uploaded as well, post the discussion. Zoom Link: https://lnkd.in/edH-TrJf