Progress in this work is never the result of one organization acting alone. It comes from partners across Stamford choosing, again and again, to show up for children and families. This month gives us a chance to celebrate that spirit and to recognize one of the people who has helped define it.

Celebrating Alice Knapp, 2026 Community Catalyst Award Honoree

We are proud to share that Alice Knapp, Executive Board President of Stamford Cradle to Career, will receive the 2026 Community Catalyst Award at the United in Impact Soirée hosted by United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut.

As President of The Ferguson Library and a longtime champion of this partnership, Alice has helped expand access to knowledge, opportunity, and critical resources across Stamford. Her leadership reflects the values that guide our work every day, and this recognition is well deserved.
Supporters can celebrate Alice by attending the Soirée, purchasing a tribute ad, or making a gift in her honor.
Learn More and Get Involved

Upcoming Events

2026 Stamford Early Childhood Fair

Saturday, May 2 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Mill River Park, Carousel Lawn
This free, family-friendly event brings arts and crafts, face painting, story time, games, and more to the Carousel Lawn. Families will also have the chance to learn about local preschool programs, family childcare options, and a wide range of health, education, and social service resources available across Stamford.

We encourage families to come out, connect, and explore what is available to support early childhood development.
Download the Event Flyer

2026 Stamford Partner Convening

Thursday, May 14 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | UConn Stamford
Under the theme One Mission, Many Hands, this convening will bring partners together to connect, share updates, and continue advancing our collective work across the cradle to career continuum. More details to come.

Advocacy Update: CT Cradle to Career Coalition

Connecticut’s legislative session is entering its final stretch ahead of the May 6 adjournment. Bills without fiscal impact continue moving through the chambers while the Governor and legislative leaders negotiate the state budget, including the volatility cap, education funding (ECS), tax relief for residents and municipalities, and the future of the Early Childhood Education Endowment.

Throughout the session, our Coalition has elevated a clear message: education sits at the center of Connecticut’s affordability challenge, and its solution. Rising costs and local budget pressures are closely tied to how we fund and support education from early childhood through career pathways.
Two priorities moved early this session:

• Public Act 26-1 established the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, reflecting a commitment to preparing students for active participation in their communities.
• K-12 Belonging and Engagement through a Community School approach continues to shape policy conversations by highlighting the importance of aligning schools, families, community organizations, and employers.

Proposals throughout the session reflect this systems approach: supporting innovation in schools, improving data alignment, expanding transportation access, and strengthening career-connected learning. These are lower-cost, high-impact strategies that can move now to improve student engagement and long-term outcomes, even as larger funding decisions continue.
We also remain focused on protecting foundational investments, including the Early Childhood Education Endowment and Care4Kids funding, and have sought support from our Stamford delegation as budget negotiations continue. Coalition partners engaged policymakers directly through Without Child Care Lunch and Lobby Days, reinforcing how access to child care is central to family affordability and workforce stability. Our work extends beyond the legislature as well, supporting the creation of the inaugural Connecticut State of the Babies Report through the CT 359 Network.
Learn More About the 2026 Legislative Session

Rooted in Impact Podcast

This month’s episode looks at what it takes to build a stronger culture of service across Connecticut. Andrew Ferguson shares how Redwood Endeavors, Redwood Fellows, and The Neighborhood are working to connect and empower the next generation of civic leaders.
If you care about leadership, volunteerism, and community impact, this episode is worth your time.
Listen to the Podcast

Thank You

Our progress is driven by a shared commitment across Stamford to create stronger pathways for children and families. Thank you for being part of it, and please join us in celebrating Alice.

Want the full details? Read the complete April 2026 newsletter here.