To the Editor:

On behalf of the planning team for the Community Connections event held on June 11th at the Newtown Congregational Church, I would like to thank several individuals and groups for their assistance in making the event a success. Thank you to Gerry Capaldo and Boy Scout Troop 270 who were fantastic in setting up the room for us the night before our event.  Warm thanks also goes to Eunice at Bagel Delight for donating coffee and delicious bagels for the morning session. And appreciation also goes to the Newtown Congregational Church for always being willing and supportive hosts. 

Community Connections is a group of organizations who have come together with the shared understanding that we heal only when we connect with one another and work collaboratively. The event brought together dozens of brain health and wellness providers and other organizations working to support community members.  We appreciate all of the time these providers spent answering questions and sharing information about their important work.  A wonderful Resource Guide of Treatment Options was distributed to community members.  We urge residents who could not attend to contact the Newtown Recovery & Resiliency Team at 270-4612 or www.onenewtown.com to receive a copy of this valuable resource guide. 

Finally, we are incredibly grateful to Nelba Marquez-Greene, mother of Ana Grace, for volunteering to join us to share her thoughts on community healing. As Nelba so eloquently stated when encouraging community members to seek the support they need, “we are only as strong as our weakest member, and I invite you to keep yourself strong.”  We encourage all members of the community to continue connecting with one another and look forward to helping provide additional opportunities to do so in the future.

With gratitude,

Jennifer Barahona

Executive Director, Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, Inc.

19 Church Hill Road, Newtown                    June 16, 2015