Promoting Positive Assets

The Verizon Foundation recently provided a $5,000 grant to Hartford-based Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, Inc. The grant will help cover technology costs for the school-based mentoring program "Promoting Positive Assets" in the Town of Wallingford and throughout Windham County. Pictured here (from left to right) are Mike Murphy, public relations manager for Verizon Wireless, and Darlene Roberts, director of development for Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. The photo was taken at the Verizon Wireless Communication Store at 1479 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford.

Hartford-based Captiol Region Education Council (CREC) recently received a $5,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation in support of the organization's Transition to Employment education and job readiness program. The program serves more than 350 adults in the Hartford area annually. Pictured here (from left to right) are Andy Tyskiewicz, division director for CREC, Mike Murphy, public relations manager for Verizon Wireless, and Shirley Thomspon, grants coordinator for CREC. The photo was taken at the Verizon Wireless Communication Store at 1479 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford.

The Verizon Foundation recently provided a $5,000 grant to Bridgeport-based Mercy Learning Center. The funds support the Literacy and Life Skills project, which teaches important reading and writing skills to local women through one-on-one tutoring and full-time, classroom-based learning. Pictured here (from left to right) are Mike Murphy, public relations manager for Verizon Wireless, and Kathy Parisi, development director for Mercy Learning Center. This photo was taken at the Verizon Wireless Communication Store at 1201 Kings Highway in Fairfield.

The Meriden Children First Initiative, which supports childhood literacy, recently received a $2,500 grant from the Verizon Foundation. The grant was provided in support of the Senior Buddy Reading Program, an intergenerational volunteer literacy and mentoring program. More than 80 retirees from the greater Meriden community lend additional reading help to 1^st and 2^nd grade students. Pictured here (from left to right) are Jerry Chanterelle from Verizon Wireless and Cathy Lewis and David Radcliffe of the Meriden Children First Initiative.

The Bridgeport-based Cardinal Shehan Center recently received a $5,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation in support of the center's tutoring program for children ages six through 13. The Cardinal Shehan Center is a non-profit that offers recreational and educational programs and activities to local families and young people. Pictured here (from left to right) are Mike Murphy, public relations for Verizon Wireless, and Terry O'Connor, executive director of the Cardinal Shehan Center. This photo was taken at the Verizon Wireless Communication Store at 1201 Kings Highway in Fairfield.

The Verizon Foundation recently provided a $4,400 grant to FSW, Inc. in support of the organization's 21^st Century Employment Success Program. The program teaches essential workplace skills across Fairfield County. FSW helps families become economically self-sufficient. Pictured here (from left to right) are Mike Murphy, public relations manager for Verizon Wireless, and Debbie Gilbert Taylor director of development and communications for FSW. This photo was taken at the Verizon Wireless Communication Store at 1201 Kings Highway in Fairfield.

Hartford's Connecticut Institute for the Blind recently received a $5,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. The grant will help support the NEAT Center at Oak Hill where hundreds of members (including school districts, corporations/businesses, nonprofit organizations, clinicians, therapists, healthcare professionals and individuals) are provided access to equipment that assists people with day-to-day activities. Pictured here (from left to right) are Mike Murphy, public relations manager for Verizon Wireless, and Ruth Hayes, senior director of development and communications for the Connecticut Institute for the Blind. The photo was taken at the Verizon Wireless Communication Store at 1479 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford.

The Bloomfield-based Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program (CPEP) recently received a $6,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, toward supplies and support materials for the After School Program. CPEP strives to increase students' knowledge of careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Pictured here (from left to right) are Mike Murphy, public relations manager for Verizon Wireless, and Bruce Dixon, CEO of the Connecticut Pre Engineering Program. The photo was taken at the Verizon Wireless Communication Store at 1479 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford.