Every month in Stamford offers a new reminder of what partnership can accomplish. When schools, nonprofits, city agencies, and families show up in the same room, resources move faster, voices carry further, and children benefit in ways that no single organization could deliver alone.

Here is a look at what our community has been working on, celebrating, and planning.

Expanding Access at the 2nd Annual Housing Fair

Housing stability is one of the most important foundations for family well-being and student success. That is why we were proud to partner with community organizations and city agencies last month to host the 2nd Annual Housing Fair at J.M. Wright Technical High School.

Dozens of organizations came together under one roof to offer:

• Housing resources for renters, owners, and families facing transitions
• Financial guidance and planning support
• Legal services for tenants and homeowners
• Community support programs connecting residents to ongoing assistance

For many Stamford residents, navigating the housing landscape can feel overwhelming. Bringing all of these services into a single location made it easier for families to get real answers, real referrals, and real help on the spot. Events like this show how cross-sector collaboration can turn complicated systems into accessible support.

Interested in learning more about the Housing Fair or partnering on future events? Reach out to Talyn Cook.

Celebrating Black History Month at Rippowam Middle School

As one of Stamford’s Full-Service Community Schools, Rippowam Middle School continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to engage with culture, history, and leadership. This year’s Black History Month celebration brought together students, families, educators, and community partners for performances, storytelling, and community reflection.

The event was more than a commemoration. It was a reminder that inclusive learning environments help young people feel seen, valued, and empowered. When students encounter the contributions and legacy of Black leaders and changemakers inside their own school community, they build a stronger sense of belonging and a clearer picture of what leadership can look like in their own lives.

Representing Stamford at the State Capitol

On March 3rd, leaders from Stamford Cradle to Career joined partners from across Connecticut at the State Capitol for the Connecticut Cradle to Career Coalition’s first Legislative Briefing.

Representatives from five cradle-to-career partnerships shared how communities across the state are aligning education, workforce, and family supports to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. The conversation underscored a simple truth: when early childhood, K-12 education, workforce pathways, housing stability, and family economic security connect, opportunity and economic mobility follow.

We were also honored to welcome Jennifer Saenz, Director of State Policy at StriveTogether, who connected Connecticut’s local work to the broader national movement advancing cradle-to-career systems.

Learn more about the Connecticut Cradle to Career Coalition

Rooted in Impact: Leading Through Service

The newest episode of our Rooted in Impact podcast explores what it means to lead by showing up for your community in every space you occupy.

Host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Damika Richardson, Associate Group Practice Manager at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Captain in the Air National Guard. Damika shares how leadership behind the scenes helps systems function so people can thrive, drawing on her experience across federal healthcare, military service, and community volunteering. It is a thoughtful conversation about why modeling service for the next generation matters now more than ever.

Listen to the episode

What’s Coming Up

There are several ways to stay engaged with the work happening across Stamford.

Funding Our Future

April 1, 6:00 to 7:30 PM, Welcome Center

As part of Civic Learning Week, residents and partners are invited to learn how civic engagement shapes decisions that impact education and the future of our neighborhoods. Learn more about Civic Learning Week.

RAPID-CT Community Voices Survey

Parents of children under age six living in Connecticut are invited to share their experiences through this 15-minute survey. Your responses help inform policies and programs that support families statewide. Parents are encouraged to participate even if they have taken previous surveys.

Take the survey

School-Based Health Centers Virtual Info Session

Join us to learn how School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) make medical care more accessible for students by bringing services directly into schools. The session will cover available services, how the program works, and how to enroll.

Register for the info session

Funding Forum

Stay tuned for details on our upcoming Funding Forum, where community partners can connect, learn, and explore new opportunities to strengthen support for Stamford families.

Thank You for Showing Up

None of this work happens in isolation. Every housing fair table, every classroom celebration, every podcast conversation, and every trip to Hartford represents partners choosing to show up for Stamford’s children and families.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to building brighter futures for the young people who will shape what this city becomes next.