In Litchfield County it truly does take a village—and in each village there are organizations that do a wonderful job helping people and animals in our community. These nonprofits need our help in a range of ways. Of course, there are numerous food pantries, land trusts, schools, arts organizations, pet shelters, and libraries that also need a helping hand. Reach out to your favorites to see how you can help.
Housatonic Youth Service Bureau
Strengthening the emotional health of youth and families through free behavioral health services and empowerment programs in the Northwest—hysb.org
The Little Guild
For more than 60 years, The Little Guild has been dedicated to rescuing, healing, and individually nurturing homeless dogs and cats.—littleguild.org
Habitat for Humanity of NW CT
Building stronger communities, helping families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Donate or volunteer.—habitatnwct.org
Sharon Audubon Center
A nature education center with four nature sanctuaries and more than 2,100 primarily wooded acres, a Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, trails, exhibits, summer programs for children and more. Donate or volunteer.—sharon.audubon.org
Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County
Health and hospice care services to Litchfield County, including home nursing, and clinics for blood pressure, vaccinations, and more.—vnhlc.org
ASAP!
A nonprofit fostering creative learning through the arts for diverse families across 100 towns since 1999.—asapct.org
Steep Rock Association
Protects more than 5,500 acres of land, promoting healthy ecosystems, preserving natural resources, and providing recreational opportunities.—steeprockassoc.org
Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust
Protects open space and natural resources in Woodbury, actively identifying future land preservation opportunities.—flandersnaturecenter.org
Animal Welfare Society
Since 1965 has rescued hundreds of homeless cats and dogs, providing care and finding them loving homes.—aws-shelter.org
Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition
Promotes science and education to ensure high-quality water in the Pomperaug Watershed through collaboration and community engagement.—pomperaug.org
FISH: Friends in Service to Humanity of NWCT
Supports the homeless with a 35-bed shelter, and meets food needs for 643 families at the FISH Food Pantry year-round in Torrington.—fishnwct.com
Helping Hands for Wildlife
Dedicate themselves to rehabilitating injured or orphaned native wildlife, releasing them back into their natural habitats.—helpinghandsforwildlife.org
Greenwoods Counseling & Referrals
Offers affordable mental health services in Litchfield County, matching individuals with resources for emotional and psychological support.—greenwoodsreferrals.org
JP Farm Animal Sanctuary
A safe haven for rescued farm animals, the sanctuary promotes compassion, shares inspiring stories, and fosters deep connections with visitors.—jpfarmsanctuary.org
Project SAGE
Works to create a community free of domestic violence, providing a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, and education.—project-sage.org
Food Rescue US/NWCT
Mission is to fill plates, not landfills. Involves 39 donors, 130 volunteers, and 28 food pantries serving 20,000 food-insecure residents in Litchfield County.––foodrescue.us
Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House
For more than three decades, New Milford’s Loaves and Fishes has provided daily meals, inspired by the motto “Feed the hungry, empower the weak.”––loavesandfishesofnewmilford.org
Susan B. Anthony Project
Offers 24/7 crisis and support services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Support their efforts this holiday season.—sbaproject.org
Litchfield County Creating Hope Corp
LCCH helps those affected by suicide and raises mental health awareness, providing financial assistance to families and scholarships for education in Connecticut.—lcchcorp.org
New Milford Hospital
Join New Milford Hospital’s team of volunteers to make a difference. Opportunities include animal assistance, music therapy, hospitality, and more. Email volunteer@nuvancehealth.org or call 203-739-7277.
Camella’s Cupboard
Provides year-round hunger relief to children, seniors, and vulnerable populations in Greater New Milford, without bias.—camellascupboard.com
Chore Service
Since 1992, Chore Service has provided essential non-medical support for seniors and disabled residents in northwest Connecticut, fostering a healthy community.—choreservice.org
Literacy Volunteers on the Green
Offers free English literacy instruction to adults in Litchfield and northern Fairfield Counties, promoting independence through reading, writing, and speaking skills.—lvg-ct.org
The Donkey’s Cross Rescue and Sanctuary
Rescues and rehabilitates unwanted donkeys. Their mission now extends to helping special needs children through their “Read to a Donkey” program.—thedonkeyscross.org
Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy
Protects more than 12,000 acres of natural and working lands, including 23 public preserves and 30-plus farms.—ctland.org
Housatonic Valley Association
A Tri-state nonprofit dedicated to conserving the Housatonic watershed’s natural character and health, through land and water protection, water quality monitoring, and trail development.—hvatoday.org
CJR Impact
Providing the necessary therapeutic treatment, education, and support for young people and their families to promote positive change and transform lives. —cjrimpact.org
Fundación Perros Sin Nombre
Mission is building a shelter, rescuing animals, providing medical care, and promoting responsible pet ownership.—perrossinnombre.org
Housatonic Habitat for Humanity
Support Housatonic Habitat’s Aging in Place program to provide free, crucial home repairs for low-income seniors and veterans, helping them live safely and independently at home. —HousatonicHabitat.org