Blogs

More people will be eligible for health insurance as of January 1, 2014 because of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Nonprofits, small businesses, faith organizations and others will be able to apply for funding to support the training of a staff member to help members of their communities learn about the new options and enroll in Medicaid and new subsidized insurance, as appropriate. This is part-time, temporary support intended to supplement an existing staff position.

The purpose of the program is to reach community members where they are most comfortable as health insurance is a very personal topic. You don't have to be a health-related organization to do this work. It is another way to provide value in the community.
 
In Person Assisters (IPAs) help people who wouldn’t be likely to sign themselves up for insurance online.

It is expected that hundreds of IPAs will be housed in community-based nonprofit organizations across the state or in small businesses that already focus on helping the community. There will be small grants of up to $6,000 to cover expenses for each IPA these organizations provide.

To help design the program, nonprofits are encouraged to complete the online survey, which will register them to receive the Request for Proposals (RFP).  Organizations that do not wish to fill out the survey but want to receive the RFP should submit their contact information to kgervais@strategicmanagementconsulting.org

Continuing its commitment to service and social justice throughout the New Haven community, Black Student Alliance at Yale (BSAY) has renewed its “First Steps, Second Chances” campaign. BSAY will award a $1000 scholarship to a New Haven student that has either been
previously incarcerated or has a parent who has been or is currently
incarcerated. 

The application deadline is March 8, 2013. If you know of anyone or group that could benefit from this scholarship, please pass it along! More information and the application itself can be found here: http://www.bsay.org/#/first-steps-second-chances/4559610113

Message me or email me at Maya.Torain@yale.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks! 

Maya

SEEKING someone interested in teaching an Environmental Science course at Norwalk Community College this summer (late May through June). Please have them contact Eric Gribin as soon as possibleegribin@ncc.commnet.eduegribin@ncc.commnet.edu>.

Course description:
Environmental Science - 4 credits
An introduction to the problems of physical resources management and aspects of ecological concern in our natural environment, with emphasis on our demand for energy, the consumption of our natural resources, resource pollution, and waste management. Alternate sources of energy are explored. Class: 2 hours per week plus Laboratory: 3 hours per week.

Eric Gribin
Director, Building Efficiency & Sustainable Technology Programs
Norwalk Community College
188 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
203-857-7345

Men's Basketball Jersey Night
Friday, February 15th - 7pm vs. Cornell
Wear your favorite basketball jersey and get one (1) FREE General Admission Ticket!

Gymnastics Youth Day
Saturday, February 16th - Bulldog Invitational (1pm) vs. West Chester, Springfield, and Bridgeport
FREE Admission
FREE Drawstring bags to kids 12 & under
Post-meet autograph session with the team  

Women's Hockey Youth Day
Saturday, February 16th - 4pm vs. Union
FREE drawstring bags to kids 12 & under
Post-game autograph session with the team

Want to know what else is coming up? Check out Yale University's Fan Zone.

Today’s Readers are Tomorrows Leaders

Reading aloud to children is beneficial on a number of levels. It increases vocabulary, literacy skills and comprehension. It is the foundation of literacy development. (Kathleen Childress 2011) Once children possess these skills, it opens up a whole new world of learning and development, especially inner city children. More importantly, children love being read to. The need for successful literacy skills for Connecticut’s children is urgent.

In 2010, Connecticut had the highest achievement gap in academic performance between high income and lower income students in the nation: 34 points. New Haven lagged between 25 and 35 points behind the state average on the Connecticut Mastery Tests. (New Haven Independent, 7/15/11).  Despite these statistics, LEAP has a powerful impact on the children we serve. Recent program results show that:

• 93% of children maintained or improved reading levels from Fall 2011 into Spring 2012.  63% showed improvement on assessed literacy skills.

• 84% of children maintained or improved reading levels from Spring 2012 over the summer into Fall 2012 – beat the “summer slide.”

• 83.1% of children said they liked to read. Only 67.6% said that they liked to read before LEAP.

And our counselors read to our children daily! You can help LEAP develop children who are confident and successful readers. We invite you to join us as a guest reader at LEAP’s afterschool program on the first Tuesday of the month beginning in February 2013. Spend an afternoon reading aloud to a small group of boys or girls and share your love of reading.

To register as a guest reader, contact Aida Melendez, at 203.773.0770 or amelendez@leapforkids.org. To learn more about other volunteer opportunities at LEAP, and to complete the application, visit www.leapforkids.org/Volunteers.

We have the following office furniture available:

* three metal desks with wooden tops (various drawer arrangements)

* one wood-veneer desk (one file- and one-regular drawer)

* three, three-drawer lateral files

* one wooden project table (has seen a lot of hard use, but might be right for a workshop or warehouse)

Free to any non-profit that can cart it away by Jan. 31st! Please contact The New Haven Preservation Trust at 203-562-5919 or email info@nhpt.org for more information.

If you haven't had a chance, please check out a video I made explaining Charter Revision and making the case for a Hybrid Board of Education - partially elected and partially appointed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdQCZGE9YRg

New Haven Neighborhood Grant Funding Announcement

The Neighborhood Leadership Grant Program works with resident leaders in New Haven neighborhoods to make our community a better place. We believe that resident leaders have the power to influence what happens in a neighborhood and the ability to build community where they live. We believe that all communities have assets, which include neighborhood residents, local institutions, and private and public resources. Furthermore, we believe that by supporting neighborhood leaders we facilitate their ability to inspire other residents to act in their own self-interest and the well-being of their community.

The New Haven Neighborhood Leadership Grant Program provides grants up to $3,000 and Leadership Workshops to help you to contribute to positive change in your neighborhood. This year, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven will prioritize activities that enhance student achievement; support a college going culture; help reduce violence; and promote infant health. 

The Application and Guidelines are attached.  These documents are also available online on our website.  Visit our Grants page here and click on the option New Haven Neighborhood Leadership Grant Program to download the Guidelines and the Application.

Check out the tutorial to complete the application, click here.  There is also a link to a video explaining what we are looking for in an application to the right, under “related video”.

Applications must be received via email by 12:00 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra is looking for a Director of Development. Please see the job description below for details.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Job Summary

The Development Director is responsible for building the capacity of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra by overseeing a comprehensive year-round fundraising program. A member of the senior management team reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director plans, implements, manages, and evaluates all fundraising activities related to maintaining and growing earned income to ensure the financial stability of the NHSO.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all fundraising initiatives to achieve annually budgeted goals ($1.2 million for FY2013). Efforts include annual fund, corporate sponsorship, foundation and government grants, trusts management, planned giving, endowment campaign, special events, in-kind donations, and special projects.
• Assist the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in establishing annual and long-range goals, budgets, projections, and plans for all fundraising campaigns and initiatives. Provide monthly reports and financial statements.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with current donors, sponsors, funders, and business and community leaders. Develop new prospects in each category. 
• Work closely with the Board, and in particular the Development Committee, to continuously research, cultivate, and solicit new sources of revenue.
• Direct development staff, interns, and volunteers in all fundraising endeavors.
• Recruit committee members for fundraising campaigns and special events.
• Supervise and complete grant applications and sponsorship proposals, acknowledgment of gifts, and tendering of required reports and follow-up. 
• Monitor fulfillment of donor and sponsor benefits, events, and recognition. 
• Oversee maintenance of donor files and records and the timeliness of donor communications.
• Manage creation and production of print and electronic fundraising materials. 
• Research new opportunities for arts funding at the local, state, and national levels.
• Work with the Board and volunteers to plan fundraising events and benefits, including an annual Gala, and oversee the execution of each event. Coordinate auctions and raffles to supplement each event.
• Represent the NHSO by attending civic and cultural events in the community and making presentations as requested.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree preferred. 
• Minimum seven years of direct fundraising experience. Proven leadership and success in development areas of campaigns, donor cultivation, membership development, grant writing, and organizational coordination.
• Knowledge of laws related to donations, financial planning, and IRS regulations. Strong commitment to fundraising ethics. 
• Familiarity with database management tools such as Raiser’s Edge. Superb communication skills, both written and oral.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to cultivate strong interpersonal relationships and to articulate the NHSO’s mission to a wide range of audiences in a variety of ways. 
• Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with a dedicated team.

Hours and Compensation

• This is a full-time position with competitive benefits. Some evening/weekend hours required. Positive and flexible team environment. Salary commensurate with experience.

About the Organization

Mission Statement:
Through its live performances of classical music and education programs, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra aspires to exceed expectations, unite communities, challenge, delight, and inspire. We change lives, for the better.

Vision Statement: 
The Vision of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra is to celebrate our classical music heritage, enriched through new American compositions, by expanding opportunities for symphonic performances and music education. We will celebrate this Vision through:

1. Live performances centered on symphony and pops concerts, supplemented by chamber and ensemble performances by orchestra members and guest artists;
2. Promotion of new works by American composers-in-residence and composers well-versed in Asian, African and Latin traditions, including performances of their works;
3. Support of youth and community orchestras and classical music education;
4. Performances for children and families that introduce the classical music heritage and the major forms of its presentation; and
5. Social networks and other media that enhance accessibility to classical music and its interpretation.

How to Apply:
Submit a resume and cover letter detailing experience with the requirements described above to:

Development Director Search
New Haven Symphony Orchestra
105 Court Street, Suite 302
New Haven, CT 06511
ecarroll@NewHavenSymphony.org

Our Speak Life! youth programs are reaching out to community members to be guest speakers & come out to talk with New Haven youth on the following topics:

• Communication and presentation when job developing - Mon. Tues. or Wed. from 12:45 pm - 1:15 pm

• Innovative ways to overcome bullying from students, teachers, or adults in a young person's life. - Tues or Thurs. between 2:30 - 4:30 pm (doesn't have to take the entire 2 hours...even 20 min - 1/2 is fine)

• Being respectful to your friends and peers - In a relatable type of presentation/conversation for middle school aged youth. (Young people between the ages of 16 - 23 yrs old. to come and speak preferred) Mon or Thurs. 6 pm - 8 pm (can be as short as a 1/2 hr presentation)

If you are interested, please contact Sheeva at 203-654-9226 or email snelson@breakthru.us thanks, GNH Community!

New Haven Promise is a program and component fund of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. This position will articulate, develop, implement and manage the digital and technology strategy for New Haven Promise. Working with the Executive Director. Additionally, the goal is to insure that systems are established to effectively and proficiently meet the needs of the program.

Title: Digital Systems Manager

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Championing the digital strategy, the outcomes and ongoing results with constituent audiences (educators, students, parents, sponsors, alumni and nonprofits).
• Exhibiting strong understanding of the digital space, web 2.0 technologies, event management software, supports online management of learning communities.
• Keeps abreast of latest technology trends.
• Develops best-in-class capabilities for integration across platforms, plans through establishing system requirements, process, procedures and digital platforms.
• Ensures that digital and technology initiatives are consistent with the expected social ROI and key goals.
• Participates in and represents the NHP’s vision and mission in related meetings in schools, with community groups and in all related venues.
• Leads cross-functional projects within the area of digital strategy and engagement.
• Able to work with and oversee key outside vendor relationships.
• Manages all reporting systems and analytics.
• Identifies and resolves impediments or potential problems with implementation.
• Demonstrates commitment to the continuous improvement and advancing the achievement of higher education for New Haven youth.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree and 4 years’ of related experience or 8 years’ experience.

- Demonstrated record of outstanding project management/performance management results.

- Strong analytical, technical and communication skills.

- Experience in working with diverse communities.

- Demonstrated competency in CSS, HTML, Adobe Creative Suite, jQuery and Javascript.

- Must also be skilled with Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint.

- Strong attention to detail required.

Please submit letter of interest, resumes and other supportive document via email to jobs@newhavenpromise.org Applications accepted up to January 14, 2013.

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Summary

The Development Assistant is responsible for administrative support of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s comprehensive year-round fundraising program. The position reports to the Development Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide administrative support for all fundraising activities; General office support, maintain records, acknowledge donor gifts and prepare direct mailings. Assist in the completion of grant proposals. Fulfill donor benefits. Assist in the production of fundraising materials.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Strong commitment to fundraising ethics.
• Ability to learn database management tools such as Raiser’s Edge.
• Superb communication skills, both written and oral.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with a dedicated team.

Hours and Compensation

• Full-time position with benefits. Some evening/weekend hours required. Positive and flexible team environment. Salary commensurate with experience.

New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s
Through its live performances of classical music and education programs, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra aspires to exceed expectations, unite communities, challenge, delight, and inspire. We change lives, for the better.

How to Apply
Learn more at www.NewHavenSymphony.org. 

Submit a resume and cover letter to:

Development Assistant Search, New Haven Symphony Orchestra
105 Court Street, Suite 302, New Haven, CT 06511
ecarroll@NewHavenSymphony.org

The Salvation Army will be holding its "Fill the Truck" charitable collection event on Dec. 8th at the Saw Mill Rd. Walmart Store in West Haven. Volunteers, Incl. Rotary's President-Elect, John Karavas will be there to receive your donations from 10 AM - 3 PM.  For more details go to http://www.jkaravas.com/Message_Board.html - the Message Board page for johnkaravas.comhttp://www.jkaravas.com/Message_Board.html

Reports To:  Director of Grants and Scholarships

Position Summary:

This position supports the Foundation’s scholarship program, the neighborhood leadership training and grantmaking program as well as other responsibilities as assigned.

Core Responsibilities:

•  The AA will be part of, and support, a team of grantmaking professionals in the execution of department goals;

•  The AA will provide service to multiple Foundation audiences and communicate through various methods, including phone, email, and written communications;

•  The AA will support internal and external meetings and events, including scheduling, attending, providing logistics, managing reservations, and recording, as required;

•  The AA will use state of the art technologies, including data entry into The Foundation’s relational database, FIMS;

•  The AA will be called upon for collaboration with all Foundation staff members;

•  The AA will be assigned special projects;

•  The AA will support the reception area,  as needed;

•  The AA will provide administrative support, as needed.

The Ideal Candidate will have the following qualifications:

•  Demonstrated administrative and data entry skills and highly skilled in technology and office software including; Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel;

•  College degree;

•  Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment, with positive customer service expectations and with diverse populations;

•  Individual should be self-directed and a team player; 

•  Attention to detail, ability to track schedules, organize meetings, generate reports, and produce presentations;

•  Demonstrated ability to direct and participate in teams;

•  A commitment to an inclusive environment;

•  Excellent written and oral communication skills;

•  Superior organizational skills and eagerness to multitask.

Please submit letters of interest/resumes and other supportive documents to jobsearch@cfgnh.org by December 3, 2012.

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 Administrative Assistant (AA) for the Grantmaking and Strategy 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 for applications is December 3, 2012.

I'm still learning the Art of Connecting. Reclusive by nature, but a lover of Community and Humanity, and am always willing to help.

Yale University seeks placements from nonprofit and public sector agencies in the City of New Haven for the 2013 President's Public Service Fellowship. President Richard Levin created the Fellowship in 1994 as part of the University’s partnership with the City and citizens of New Haven.  More than 400 Yale University undergraduate, graduate, and professional students have contributed close to 200,000 hours of community service to New Haven nonprofit and public sector agencies as President’s Public Service Fellows since 1994.

The Fellowship places student Fellows in positions designed by community partners like you.  Yale University pays the student Fellows directly for their full-time work during the summer.  You can consider a meaningful full-time employment opportunity for the summer of 2013 that would benefit from the work of a Yale student.

To apply to be a Fellowship site, you can obtain an Agency Application online at www.yale.edu/ppsf.  A completed application should be submitted by email to ppsf@yale.edu no later than Friday, November 16, 2012.  Please note the actual number of placements is limited.  Not all proposals will be chosen as potential sites to which students may apply, and not every placement will be filled.

We look forward to your application!  Please feel free to contact Karen King with any questions you may have.

Karen King

Director, Yale University President's Public Service Fellowship

Yale University Office of New Haven and State Affairs

Telephone (203) 432-8412

The Ideal Candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Strong research and analytical skills, critical thinking skills;
• Ability to write clear, succinct, cohesive reports;
• Ability to make well-organized verbal presentations;
• Passion for Greater New Haven a plus;
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment, with positive

customer service expectations and with diverse populations and sense of community;

• Individual should be self-directed and a team player;
• Demonstrated ability to direct and participate in teams;
• A commitment to an inclusive environment;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Superior organizational skills and eagerness to multitask;
• Knowledgeable in excel, database software and data analysis tools;
• Although  this is a junior position, a Masters Degree or several years professional experience preferred

Please submit letters of interest, resumes and other supportive documents via email to

jobsearch@cfgnh.org by Friday November 9, 2012.

HAVE YOU HAD ENOUGH OF TALKING ABOUT THE ISSUES??

ARE YOU READY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THEM?

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE????

Christian Community Action, Inc.’s

Advocacy & Education Project

invite you to join 

 Parent Leadership Training Institute

Please visit www.plti-ct.org for more information

Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI)

trains, inspires and empowers parents and

others who care about children to become

effective advocates for children.

It is a statewide initiative created to improve the lifelong health, safety, and learning of Connecticut’s children by helping you develop the leadership skills to make real change-in schools, communities and state and local governments.

The program begins with a Saturday, January 2013 retreat.  Classes will be held for 18 weeks Tuesday evenings at a New Haven location TBD. Children ages 5-12 may attend the on-site Children’s Leadership Training Institute. There is NO COST for the program. Family dinner provided.

For more information or to schedule an interview,

contact, Merryl Eaton (203) 676- 3110

merryleaton@ccahelping.org

The New Haven Symphony is looking for a Development Director to join its team.  The Development Director is responsible for building the capacity of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra by overseeing a comprehensive year-round fundraising program. A member of the senior management team reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director plans, implements, manages, and evaluates all fundraising activities related to maintaining and growing earned income to ensure the financial stability of the NHSO. Full time, competitive salary and benefits.   Details at http://www.newhavensymphony.org/page/employment-144.htm  Elaine Carroll, Executive Director, ecarroll@NewHavenSymphony.org