Supporting Our Community: A Year of Connection and Compassion
December 20, 2024We are deeply committed to providing exceptional care to our patients, and being an active and supportive presence in our community. This year, we had the privilege of participating in and hosting a wide range of community events that brought us closer to those we serve. These events have allowed us to connect with individuals and families, strengthen partnerships with local organizations, and continue our mission to improve the health and well-being of all. Here’s a look at just a few.
HFSC Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp
The HFSC Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp provides a free day camp for children with disabilities, thanks to generous donors and sponsors. Over 40 participants from all over the Northeast come to participate in sports, build friendships, and develop skills they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. This year, the camp hosted an Autism Track for the first time, with sports and other activities made accessible for children on the autism spectrum. Our goal is always to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has access to the positive benefits of sports and camaraderie.
Autism Families Touch-A-Truck
Supporting families with a child with autism is a cause close to our heart. This year, we hosted a sensory-friendly Touch-A-Truck event, featuring local public safety vehicles, fun, accessible activities for children, and resources for parents and caregivers. The event gave children a chance to engage with their community and fostered greater understanding and inclusion for those with sensory sensitivities. It was a celebration of acceptance, understanding, and inclusion, and we are grateful to our community partners who helped make this a success.
Center for Cognitive Health Lunch & Learns
The Center for Cognitive Health organized and hosted a series of health and wellness workshops designed to empower community members and caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to support and improve their cognitive health. Topics ranged from cybersecurity and the aging population to the language of dementia behaviors, safe driving, and more. These workshops were led by a team of medical professionals who provided valuable insights and practical tips for maintaining physical and mental well-being. We believe that education is a key component of health, and we are proud to offer these free resources to help individuals live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
DEIA Training for Engaging Neurodiverse Individuals
Members of our autism team had the privilege of hosting a DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) training session for the staff at the Connecticut Science Center. The session focused on strategies for engaging neurodiverse individuals and ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors, particularly children on the autism spectrum. We are incredibly grateful to the staff at the Connecticut Science Center for their commitment to creating accessible and inclusive spaces that cater to the needs of neurodiverse children in our community. This partnership is a meaningful step toward fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.
A Year of Giving Back
Our hospital team has also been involved in countless smaller but equally impactful efforts. We’ve collected food for local food banks, sponsored families during the holiday season, and provided financial assistance to families in need. These acts of kindness, big and small, remind us of the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together.
Looking Ahead: A Stronger Future Together
As we reflect on a year of community engagement, we are inspired by the many ways we’ve been able to give back and the connections we’ve made along the way. We are excited about the opportunities ahead to continue supporting the health and well-being of our community through even more events, partnerships, and outreach initiatives. Together, we will build an even stronger, healthier future for all.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. We look forward to another year of service, support, and community spirit.