Housatonic Community College Foundation Participates in Fairfield County’s Giving Day To Help Low-Income Students’ Critical Needs Amid COVID-19
With community college students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, the decision to participate in Fairfield’s County Giving Day has never been more important for the Housatonic Community College Foundation. The organization, which supports low-income Housatonic Community College (HCC) students in need, will join the collective giving event taking place on Thursday, February 25th.
“Our students are facing unparalleled financial pressures, hindering their ability to improve their lives through education. With generous support from the community, the HCC Foundation is able to help support their educational goals and provide assistance to students impacted by the crisis,” said Kristy Jelenik, Executive Director of the Foundation.
In addition to providing life-changing student scholarships, the Foundation provides technology for online learning and emergency assistance for students struggling to make ends meet. It provides basic academic needs that many students can't afford such as textbooks and test fees. Additionally, it provides child care assistance for parents enrolled at Housatonic, program enhancements for the college and supports the Housatonic Museum of Art.
Hosted by Fairfield County's Community Foundation, with lead sponsor Bank of America, Fairfield County’s Giving Day inspires and empowers our region to raise as much money as possible for local nonprofit organizations in just one day.
This year, the Foundation is fortunate to have two Board members contributing $5,000 each for a match grant, allowing individual Giving Day gifts to be matched up to $10,000. Additionally, to support the Housatonic Museum of Art, HCC Professor Stella Litwinowicz will match donations made between 10am – 11am up to $2,000, and the museum will have a chance to win an additional $2,500 grant if the Foundation receives the most gifts during this ‘Arts & Culture Matinee’ power hour.
HCC Students like Candace Thompson are proof that education transforms lives at Housatonic. Supporting the HCC Foundation on Giving Day, changes the trajectory of students’ lives.
“I put off going back to school for a long time because I didn’t know how I’d be able to handle it financially. The majority of the classes I needed were too expensive for me to handle on my own, especially since I’d have to cut down my hours at work. Receiving support from the HCC Foundation took a heavy burden off me and my mother and brought my educational goals to the next level," said Thompson.
“Making a donation of any amount will make a tremendous difference. I encourage all of our faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, retirees, and the greater community to support our students in need by donating to the HCC Foundation on Giving Day,” said Jelenik.
To donate to the Housatonic Community College Foundation, please visit https://www.fcgives.org/organizations/housatonic-community-college-foundation on Fairfield County’s Giving Day, Thursday, February 25.
Photo to accompany this release:
Caption For Photo Above: HCC student Candace Thompson credits the Housatonic Community College Foundation for allowing her to reach her educational dreams.