It takes a village, and Litchfield County has quite a few of them! We’ve shared a handful of organizations that are helping people and animals in our county every day. Of course, there are numerous food pantries, land trusts, schools, arts organizations, pet shelters, and libraries that are always in need. These organizations need our help in a range of ways…feel free to reach out to see how you can contribute.
ASAP! is a social profit organization reaching families of diverse backgrounds from over 100 different towns. Founded in 1999, their mission is to foster creative, hands-on learning through the arts. Their programs provide opportunities for children and adults from all walks of life, allowing everyone to explore possibilities for new experiences. Through honoring children’s imaginations and creativity, they will become the compassionate adults the world needs.—asap.org
Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition
Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition is a 501c3 organization founded in 1999 in response to the increasing threats to local water resources. Today they are a nationally recognized model for scientific investigation, municipal assistance, stakeholder collaboration, community education, and volunteer engagement with a mission to promote the use of science and education to maintain and ensure the availability of high quality water in the Pomperaug Watershed communities.—pomperaug.org
FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of NWCT
‘Tis the season, yet FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of NWCT, serves our region’s homeless at the FISH Shelter (35 beds—families, individuals, and vets) and meets the food needs of the hungry at the FISH Food Pantry (643 families) year round. Support is greatly appreciated! Located in Torrington.—fishnwct.com
Helping Hands for Wildlife is a fully certified and state licensed non-profit organization that devotes their time, energy, and hearts to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing healthy animals back into the wild in their natural habitat when they are ready for a second chance at life. They also focus on raising public awareness about the role we all play in nature.—helpinghandsforwildlife.org
Greenwoods Counseling & Referrals provides access to effective and affordable mental health services in Litchfield County, easing the stress of emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues by providing one-on-one assessments to match people to the resources that can help.—greenwoodsreferrals.org
Creating a safe haven that heals and nurtures animals has been the mission of Clover Ridge Animal Sanctuary since its inception in 2016. Despite a global pandemic, sanctuary life goes on as usual: the barn still needs to be mucked, senior dogs rely on life-saving medications, and dozens of semi-feral cats await neutering. Can’t take a pet home with you? A tax-deductible donation to this nonprofit supports the sanctuary’s lucky residents and allows for the gift of shelter to even more animals in the New Year.—cloverridge.org
Domestic violence affects individuals from all socioeconomic, cultural, educational, and religious backgrounds. The mission of WSS is to create a community free of domestic violence and abuse through intervention, prevention, and education. Donations to this nonprofit go towards staffing the 24-hour hotline; providing emergency shelter, counseling, and safety planning; offering support groups and legal advocacy; as well as teaching violence prevention education for students in preschool through grade 12.—wssdv.org
When it comes to food, bridging the gap between excess and access isn’t just possible—it’s simple. The nonprofit’s mission—to fill plates, not landfills—is alive and well in the Northwest corner. A trio of moving parts—including 39 donors, 130 volunteers, and 28 food pantries—are working together to feed the 20,000 people in Litchfield County who are currently food insecure.—foodrescue.us
Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House
‘Feed the hungry, empower the weak, nourish the soul’ has been the inspiration behind New Milford’s Loaves and Fishes for more than three decades. The non-profit has been open for a daily meal—every day of every year—since 1984 thanks to a team of dedicated and faithful volunteers.—loavesandfishesofnewmilford.org
Susan B. Anthony Project provides crisis and support services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Give the gift of safety, healing, and growth this holiday season by supporting their efforts on behalf of all survivors.—sbaproject.org
