Meghan Voisine Kindness Matters Summer Grants Awarded:
In October 2021, The Meghan Voisine Fund was established at Suffield Community Aid to benefit youth in Suffield. Meghan was a student in Suffield Public Schools and was known among her friends and the community as a caring person who would always make the effort to make everyone around her feel happy and included. She brought joy and laughter to any situation and could brighten anyone’s day with her infectious smile and kind words.
Parri and Mike Voisine are pictured at the SCA with the first recipients of the Meghan Voisine “Kindness Matters” Grants. From the left: Elias Andre, Patrick Dugan, the Voisines, Ryan Caroon and Patrick Graham.
The find was intended to support summer grants for proposed projects that would benefit the Suffield community. This year, Suffield Community Aid awarded two $500 grants to students in grades 5 – 8 and two $1,000 grants to students in grades 9 -12. In keeping with Meghan’s values, these projects were selected because they promote kindness, friendship, and inclusion. Nineteen Suffield students submitted proposals for a wide range of summer projects. Many great ideas were submitted by a creative group of applicants, and on June 15, at a celebration at SCA, the following grant recipients were announced:
• Elias Andre, Suffield Middle School, $500
• Patrick Dugan, Suffield Middle School, $500
• Rylan Caroon, Suffield High School, $1,000
• Milo Graham, Suffield High School, $1,000
We’d like to thank all of the students who applied for these summer grants. Over the summer months, the grant recipients will work on their projects and will report back on their progress. We hope to share their success stories with you in the fall.
James F. Coggins, Jr., Community Service Award:
Congratulations to Grace Karam, who was chosen to receive 2022’s Community Service Award, in memory of the beloved James Coggins, Jr., in the amount of $1000. Thank you to all the wonderful applicants who applied!
What’s Happening at SCA This Month?
SCA’s Food Bank in Need:
SCA needs non-perishable food and hygiene items for our Food Bank. Please drop off any donations at 450 South Street.
School Supply Collection Needs Your Donations:
We are collecting only NEW items for the “Return-to-School Backpack Program” to assist qualified school-age children in Suffield. One-inch and two-inch 3-ring binders, Post-its, calculators, ear buds, page dividers, glue sticks, White Out, erasers, colored markers (fine and broad tip), dry-erase markers, pencil sharpeners, highlighters, scissors, index cards, and pencil pouches are needed. We have plenty of backpacks! Please drop off your donations at 450 South Street.
SCA Seeking Volunteer Gardeners:
Our garden received a tremendous makeover over the last several months and will be ready for harvesting over the summer. SCA is looking for youth volunteers to help with garden maintenance. Call SCA today if you’re interested.
Utility Financial Assistance:
Funds are available through Operation Fuel to help subsidize emergency fuel needs. Call SCA for more information.
Some Ongoing Programs and Updates
Nutmeg Senior Rides:
In conjunction with Nutmeg Senior Rides, Suffield Community Aid has funding to assist financially qualified Suffield residents, age 65 and older, or persons with a disability, get to their desired destination. Call SCA to see if you qualify.
Lunch Subsidies at the Senior Center:
SCA continues to offer lunch subsidies to cover the cost of two meals per week at the Senior Center for financially eligible residents. With food costs continuing to be on the rise, enjoy a home-cooked meal on us! Call SCA to see if you qualify.
SCA has Camp Subsidies for Qualified Suffield Residents:
The maximum subsidy is 80% of the camp cost, not to exceed $350 per child per summer. Subsidies can be used for any camp that works best for you and your child.
Rental Rebate Program for Elderly & Disabled Residents:
The State provides a reimbursement program for renters who are elderly or disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Rebates are based on percentage of income versus rent & utility expenses. SCA is scheduling appointments now.