Blogs

Every year, about 1,200 individuals who are released from prison come to  New Haven. Some are at the end of their sentence, while others are serving out criminal convictions in the community under the supervision  of parole or probation officers. When provided the right level of  support and opportunities, these ex-offenders can successfully become law-abiding and productive members of society. But a complex set of  factors make them highly vulnerable to relapsing to criminal activity and going back to prison.

Many ex-offenders have no place to go besides a homeless shelter or to  stay with friends or family in the poorest, most crime-ridden neighborhoods. They most likely lack a high school education and have limited work experience. The result is a disturbingly high recidivism rate. This cycle is devastating to families and neighborhoods and exacts a high cost from taxpayers. As successful reentry programs in New Haven and around the country have demonstrated, however, it is a cycle that can be broken.

Visit www.cfgnh.org to read The Community Foundation's latest issue brief on this topic.

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the region's largest grantmaker and permanent charitable endowment, is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Disbursements Associate for the Finance, Investments, Administration & Technology Department. The Community Foundation’s mission is to create positive and sustainable change in Greater New Haven by increasing the amount of and enhancing the impact of community philanthropy. The deadline to submit an application is December 20, 2013.
Visit http://www.cfgnh.org/About/News/EmploymentOpportunities/tabid/391/Default.aspx for details on the position and how to apply.

Good Day To All,

This is now a period of hibernation for the earth. All is quiet. However, if during this period of hibernation and quiet, anyone needing information for any of the Grove Street Cemetery residents, or information concerning touring of the cemetery for next year I am always available by my e-mail p.b.i.newhaven@att.net, or by telephone 203.389.5403.

Until we meet again, please enjoy the quiet and winter views for this season.

For all who visited the cemetery this past year, I thank you for including Grove Street Cemetery in your plans and hope to see everyone again.

Happy New Year to One and All!!!

All the best,

Patricia B. Illingworth

Chief Docent

On the eve of November 19, among 200+ nonprofit partners, community leaders and friends, The Community Foundation excitedly celebrated its 85th anniversary.

"Turning 85 could make one feel old," remarked  Foundation president Will Ginsberg.   "But in this proud, old community, in the City of New Haven’s 375th year, where Yale University is in its fourth century, where Clifford Beers Clinic held a year-long 100th birthday fete this year and this great theater [the Shubert] will join the centennial party next year, 85 actually begins to feel maybe not-so-old.  So at The Foundation we ask ourselves: are we eighty-five years old this year, or eighty-five years young? For The Community Foundation, this question has particular resonance, for in a very real way The Foundation exists to refashion the commitments and aspirations of prior generations to meet the challenges of today and create the opportunities of tomorrow. Everyday, in our work, we draw on both the experience that comes from being eighty-five years old and the exuberance that comes from being eighty-five years young."

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to songs by Music Haven's String Quartet (pictured above) and the Greater New Haven Community Chorus - Chamber Choir. Highlights of the evening included a short video presentation (below), expounding on The Foundation's What Inspires You? campaign. The video depicted inspirational stories of individuals and organizations working with The Foundation to create a stronger community.

Read more here.

I am pleased to provide you with information to help you connect with local healthcare resources and I can provide in-person enrollment assistance for the Access Health CT at Agency on Aging of South Central CT. We have the expertise to enroll people in the healthcare plan, we are happy to refer you to resources that will help you enroll and/or answer your questions. Most people who apply will pay lower monthly premiums than those shown here. Households with yearly incomes up to about $46,000 for individuals or $94,000 for a family of 4 will qualify for lower costs. You'll get final quotes for specific plans based on your income and household after you complete a Marketplace application.

Q: WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD INSURANCE?  

A: When you fill out a Marketplace health insurance application, you’ll find out if you can get lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs, or get free or low-cost coverage. Most people who apply will qualify for lower costs of some kind. You can save money in the Marketplace in three ways, depending on your income and family size:

1.   You may be able to lower costs on your monthly premiums when you enroll in a  private health insurance plan.

2.   You may qualify for lower out-of-pocket costs for copayments, coinsurance, and  deductibles.

3.   You or your child may get free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Q: WHAT IF I HAVE A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION?

A: Starting in 2014, being sick won’t keep you from getting health coverage. Insurance

Companies can’t turn you down or charge you more because of your condition. You can apply for Marketplace insurance when open enrollment starts on October 1st, and coverage starts as soon as January 1, 2014.

Q: WHO IS ELIGIBLE DEPENDENTS

1.            Current spouse or domestic partner

2.            Children (natural, adopted, domestic partner's, or step) up to age 26

3.            Certified disabled dependent children of any age

4.            Children, up to age 26, if you have assumed a parent-child relationship and are considered the primary care parent.

I hope that you find this information useful. We have Spanish-speaking service available to assist individuals at the Agency On Aging of South Central CT. As soon you have all documents completed, or collected, please do not hesitate to call my office for your appointment to enroll.

• Easier to afford!    • Easier to understand, compare, choose, then use!

• Easier to access –NO limits for pre-existing conditions and NO lifetime maximums! 

What information do you need to provide?

• Birthdates for all family members who need coverage
• Social Security numbers for all family members who need coverage (or document numbers for legal immigrants)
• Citizenship or immigration status
• Tax returns for previous years employer and income information for every member of your household who needs coverage (for example, from pay stubs of W-2 forms – wages and tax statements)health care coverage information (policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household)

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Adjunct Instructor

The Department of Public Policy seeks an adjunct instructor to teach Grantwriting and Fund Development for Nonprofit Organizations. This graduate course will be taught face-to-face in a classroom at the University of Connecticut Greater Hartford campus in the Spring semester 2014 (January 21-May 13, 2014). The course will be offered once a week in the evening (either 4pm-6:30pm or 6:30pm-9:00pm). The class is planned to be converted to online in future semesters.

Grantwriting and Fund Development for Nonprofit Organizations

This course provides the student with essential knowledge and practice fundamentals for developing a revenue portfolio for a nonprofit organization. This includes the capacity to assess revenue needs and discern between revenue stream options in order to match and support the mission and structure of the nonprofit. Along with instruction of key philanthropic vehicles, specific emphasis will be placed on grant writing and government contracting.

Planned Key Learning Objectives of Course

Strategic Thinking

• History of nonprofit funding, assessment of current state of affairs and future trends.
• Strategic thinking in creating a healthy revenue stream portfolio for a nonprofit.
• Assessing revenue needs and options of a nonprofit.
• Incorporating marketing and community reporting into a revenue development plan.
• Implications (legal and tax) and benefits of fee-for-service, cause marketing, business partnerships and social enterprise unrelated income ventures.
• Ethics, communicating with donors and other issues in fundraising.

Philanthropy

• Philanthropic revenue strategies; including individual mass appeal donations, direct response, online giving and giving circles.
• Individual donor philanthropic strategies; including planned giving, endowments and other major gift vehicles.
• Capital and Annual Campaign management.

Government Contracting

• Understanding the implications (pros and cons) of government contracting.
• Effective government RFP and grant research strategies.
• Strategies in responding to a government contracting RFP

Grant Writing (private foundation and corporation)           

• Research strategies and understanding of donor software options.
• RFP response strategies.
• Grant writing skills and strategies.

Evaluation

• Basic principles of evaluation and assessment of revenue plans and strategies.
• Developing evaluation criteria and rubrics for grant applications.

Core Student Learning Assessments Planned

Students demonstrate competencies by:

• Developing a revenue assessment and strategy plan for a nonprofit.    
• Researching and writing a response to a private or government grant or RFP.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and teach course.
• Participate in teaching evaluation and assessment activities.
• Be available for meetings with students.
• Be prompt and responsive to student inquiries.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• MPA, MBA or master degree in related field with five years or more of demonstrated expertise in the field of nonprofit resource development, with specific expertise in grant writing and state/federal government contracting.
• Bachelor degree with ten years of the above experience and expertise will be considered.
• Excellent teaching skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest and or experience in teach online.
• Ph.D. in philanthropy, nonprofit management, public affairs, public administration or other terminal degree in related field.

COMPENSATION

Compensation is $5,000 per course for each semester taught.

HOW TO APPLY

Please contact Dr. David Garvey by email with a resume and statement of interest.

David Garvey, Ph.D.

Director, Nonprofit Leadership Program

Department of Public Policy

University of Connecticut

Greater Hartford Campus

Ph. 860-570-9087

david.garvey@uconn.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community. We actively encourage women, people with disabilities, and members of minority groups to apply.

The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.

source: Maryland Nonprofit Blog

In response to the Washington Post article this weekend entitled:"Inside the hidden world of thefts, scams and phantom purchases at the nation’s nonprofits," I feel it’s important for us to consider some important points: 

It's vitally important to understand that the real story here is that dishonest people will try to take advantage of nonprofits – These are NOT stories about nonprofits defrauding the public, but about how individuals have tried to defraud charitable nonprofits such as Legal Aid (theft by their Financial Director and accomplice) and the Bible Society (where a former secretary stole money using falsified checks and a misused credit card). What this data actually reveals is how transparent our nonprofit sector is. The list was compiled from information that nonprofits disclose publicly every year in tax returns that are available to the public 24 hours, 7 days a week...

http://www.marylandnonprofits.org/dnn/Blog/tabid/581/EntryId/76/Any-Nonprofit-Can-Become-A-Victim-of-Fraud.aspx

Good Day!!!

There have been several requests concerning the species of bird in the cemetery. Hence, to this end, if there are persons who would be interested in the birds of Grove Street Cemetery, please call Mr. William Cameron at 203.777.1443, Mr. Cameron will be willing to assist in all requests.

Thank you.....

Patricia B. Illingworth

Chief Docent

203.389.5403

Cheers to All!!!

Just a quick reminder concerning the Cemetery....all public tours will end the weekend before the Thanksgiving Holiday. So every Saturday at 11:00am and then every Sunday at Noon. Now, if you would prefer a private tour, please call me at 203.389.5403, or my e-mail p.b.i.newhaven@att.net. Looking forward to meeting new guests.

Just a quick closing remark -

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting  and autumn a mosaic of them all." -   Stanley Horowitz

Thanking all and Cheers!!

Patricia Illingworth

Chief Docent

The Rotary Club of New Haven is partnering w/ Rotary International and is offering a competitive grant for $30,000 for foreign studies. For details go to

http://www.ismyrotaryclub.org/Committee/Committee.cfm?D=7980&CommitteeID=800064590

We are looking for 12 people in New Haven who are activists and 

- who receive (or have received) SNAP or WIC benefits, or 
- who use (or have used) food pantries or soup kitchens, or 
- are seniors who are experiencing or are at risk of food insecurity.  

As you’ll see in the attached brochure, the training and internship are both paid.  The application for the training is attached to the brochure.  All applications are due by October 11^th.  Instructions for returning the application to us are included on the brochure. 

If you know someone who may be interested in this opportunity, please contact Billy Bromage, chair of the Food Assistance Working Group at billy.bromage@yale.edu, to get a brochure.  You can also print the brochure from the attached PDF and have the applicant send it in.

Public Allies Connecticut

September 24th, 2013

External Relations Associate (Public Allies Connecticut - New Haven)

About Public Allies:

Public Allies’ mission is to advance new leadership to strengthen communities, nonprofits, and civic participation. We are motivated by our conviction that everyone can lead, and that lasting social change results when citizens of all backgrounds step up, take responsibility, and work together. Public Allies is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since its inception in 1992, Public Allies has graduated more than 3,200 Allies from its signature model designed to expand the capacity of local nonprofits and to promote emerging leaders in the sector.

About Public Allies Connecticut:

Launched in 2003, Public Allies Connecticut (PACT) has placed nearly 200 AmeriCorps members at more than 100 nonprofit organizations in Connecticut, where they have helped to create, improve, and expand services to meet local needs. Public Allies Connecticut is affiliated with RYASAP, Inc. an urban/suburban collaborative for solving community problems throughout the state.

Position Description:

• Develop and implement communications strategy with support from Executive Director and Fund Development Coordinator
• Coordinate annual giving program, including mailings, list building and maintenance of donor database
• Support event planning, including 10th anniversary celebration in 2014
• Represent PACT at community events
• Produce written proposals, reports and other correspondence to funders
• Reports to Fund Development Coordinator
• Part-time (20-25 hours per week)
• Position based in PACT’s New Haven office

Qualifications and Experience:

• 1-2 years work experience at nonprofit in external relations (development and/or communications) capacity
• Ability to work and solve problems independently
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, Google-based applications and social media platforms; experience using donor management platform (especially E-Tapestry) a major plus
• Sense of humor and ability to contribute to a positive and welcoming work environment
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn and grow through coaching and feedback

While this description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, it is not necessarily exhaustive of all responsibilities, duties, efforts, requirements or expectations of this position.

Public Allies Connecticut/RYASAP, Inc is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Lindsey Tengatenga (lindseytpact@gmail.com) by October 4, 2013.
Subject Heading: PACT External Relations Associate

The YoungArts Foundation is accepting application from  "...emerging artists (ages 15-18 or grades 10-12)." National Young Arts Foundation is an organization that provides serious training, mentorship and scholarship to youth artist in various disciplines. The accolades and awards are substantial and they have good list of alumni, Vanessa Williams, Kerry Washington and others who have become well known in their field. Refer to the link below for more information about the application process, award amounts, etc.  Anyway, I thought that I would let you know in case you know of young person that may be interested in applying. Feel free to share this with others. Application information at: http://www.youngarts.org/apply

Jacob Harold of GuideStar guest blogs about the over head myth for the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-harold/charity-overhead_b_3964460.html 

He will be in New Haven on October 1, if you would like to ask him a question join us: http://gnhcommunity.ning.com/events/convening-the-state-of-the-nonprofit-sector-in-greater-new-haven

We are looking for passionate, caring individuals who are interested improving the health of the Fair Haven community. For over 40 years, Fair Haven Community Health Center has been a leader in health care in Connecticut and is focused on providing excellent, affordable primary care, mental health, and support services to all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. FHCHC is proud to have a diverse and motivated team of professionals who are constantly seeking ways to enhance and improve the health and well-being of all patients.

We are currently recruiting for the following positions:

• Behavioral Health Clinician (bilingual required)
• Behavioral Health Patient Navigator (bilingual required)
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Community HealthCorps Member (bilingual required)
• Clinical Supervisor, Nurturing Families Network Program

To learn more about these positions, or to apply, click here: http://www.chcact.org/jobs.

 We look forward to having you join our staff!

The Rotary Club of New Haven is looking for a corporate or individual $300 event sponsorship at the Peabody Museum during the ¡Fiesta Latina Festival on Oct. 12th. - hours 10 AM to 4 PM. Your fee will be acknowledged by way of sponsor signage and the sponsor's name printed on ever card printed.

The fee will go toward offsetting consumable supplies during the event as well as toward funding wear and tear cost of the the computer, printer and camera equipment. NH Rotary will provide the volunteers to run the event, although any outside individuals who are interested in participating are welcome.

For details on this Rotary program originating here in CT, go to http://amberchildid.org/

John Karavas

President, NH Rotary 2013-2014

October is just around the corner and I thought I would give a brief bio on one of the noted Grove Street residents  - I chose Henry C. Flagg, a New Haven Mayor from 1834 to 1839. He was not only our Mayor but also a rector and a poet.

Henry C Flagg was noted for his involvement with The Citizen's Line - a steamship company which New Haveners felt was needed with the onset of the powerful railway-steamship industry would put New Haven businesses  in a compromising situation concerning pricing and fares.

Hence, with Vanderbilt as "The Commodore", price-cutting was interrupting the flow of business. So down the road with Seth Staples, Isaac Townsend, Henry Flagg, and Horace Hotchkiss established "The Citizen's Line" for the city of New Haven to keep New Haven a thriving city of its own.

What also is an interesting note concerning Flagg is he is related to James Montgomery Flagg. He is the artist and illustrator who developed the famous poster of World War I - "I Want You":

When the United States became involved in the First World War a group of artists, with Charles Dana Gibson, as chairman, established the Division of Pictorial Publicity. The group met once a week at Keene's Chop House in New York City, to discuss the government's requests for posters. During this period, Flagg designed 46 posters. This included the famous Uncle Sam poster with the caption "I Want You for the U.S. Army". (note from Sparacus Studies).

So to give a small honor to Henry C Flagg - I am including a lovely poem from Mrs. Sharp's Traditions by Sarah Ban Breathnach: The poet is K. Pyle. The poem is entitled "OCTOBER".

We went to hunt for chestnuts

 One fine October day,

And in the windy country

 We wandered far away.

We built a fire of brush-wood

 Beneath the sheltering hill,

Among the rustling corn-shocks

 The wind was never still.

We played that we were gypsies,

 Who never sleep in beds,

But lie beside their fires

 With stars above their heads.

But when the air grew frosty,

 Beneath the chestnut tree

We filled our bags and baskets,

 And hastened home to tea. 

Please come enjoy the October scenery at Grove Street Cemetery. Thank you for viewing this note on our Mayor Henry C. Flagg, from 1834 to 1839.

Patricia B. Illingworth, Chief Docent

203.389.5403

p.b.i.newhaven@att.net