EQUITY AND RACE IN THE VALLEY
Seeing the value of investing in city youth By Lisa Heavner Special to Today Magazine
THE DUAL CHALLENGE of the pandemic and the legacy of racism have brought to the forefront the cracks and inequalities in our society and within our state. For too long, there has been a gap been two Connecticuts — one of opportunity and one without. Last winter, long before the world knew George Floyd’s name, state Rep. John Hampton reached out to Alan Kreczko, a Simsbury resident and chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford (BGCH), to discuss how to bridge that gap through closer collaboration between Simsbury and BGCH. Hampton’s call was prompted by his concern over several racial incidents at our schools and by the optimism that we could start to undo stereotypes and create opportunities for both communities if we could connect our communities more. BGCH was receptive and a small contingent of Simsbury officials — Hampton, First Selectman Eric Wellman, school board member Sharon Thomas, former state Rep. Linda Schofield and I —
Residents partner with Boys & Girls Clubs went to BGCH on Asylum Hill to discuss possibilities. We toured the facility and learned how critical BGCH is in Hartford. Last year, the clubs served nearly half of Hartford’s school-aged children, ages 6-18, at multiple city locations. BGCH provides a safe and nurturing environment
essential pathway to opportunity and is closing the gap. Kreczko and BGCH CEO Sam Gray asked that we consider forming an advisory committee of Simsbury community leaders to meet periodically with BGCH, learn what the clubs are trying
We know Simsbury’s success depends upon Hartford’s success, which depends upon its kids succeeding for 8,000 children. BGCH prepares children to become productive adults through programs that focus on good character and citizenship, academics and career preparation, and healthy lifestyles. The impact is documented and dramatic: higher graduation rates and lower substance abuse, juvenile crime and teen pregnancy. Eighty percent of the children are from single-family homes, and support from the clubs allows parents, mostly moms, to work full-time. BGCH provides an
to achieve, and suggest new approaches, ideas and partnerships to enhance their programs. I am proud our community responded with a resounding yes. Nearly everyone we asked joined the BGCH Simsbury Advisory Committee: politicians, public and private school officials, businesspeople, ministers, students. Our first meeting produced offers to involve BGCH kids in activities that are readily available in our town, but not in most Hartford neighborhoods, like camping, crew, art camp, even
YOUR RESOURCE FOR RECOVERY Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation Physical Therapy • Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy 860-693-7777 • 102 Dyer Avenue, Canton, CT 06019
We offer complete cremation services at
FARMINGTON VALLEY CREMATORY The only on-site crematory in the Farmington Valley The Vincent Family caring for yours for over a Century, since 1902 880 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT 06070 (860) 658-7613
◆
120 Albany Turnpike Canton, CT 06019 (860) 693-0251
www.vincentfuneralhome.com 14
SEPTEMBER 2020 – www.TodayPublishing.net – TODAY MAGAZINE
WELDEN HARDWARE Your hometown hardware store serving all your seasonal needs Serving Simsbury and the Farmington Valley since 188 10 Station St., Simsbury • 860-658-4078 • weldenhardware.com