We hope you had a wonderful Independence Day and are enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Over the past several weeks, we have celebrated family leadership, welcomed incoming kindergarten students, connected families with valuable resources, and supported opportunities that help young people learn, lead, and give back. Here is a look at where we have been and what is ahead.
A Day at the Zoo for Families with Young Children
Saturday, August 29 | 3:00 – 7:00 PM | Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Designed for families with children ages 0-5, this free community event features hands-on activities, early childhood resources, and opportunities to connect with local organizations supporting healthy child development and family well-being.
Families will also learn about Sparkler, a free app that helps parents and caregivers support their child’s early learning through developmental milestones, engaging activities, and expert-backed resources.
Space is limited, so be sure to register today to reserve your spot.
Register Now
Community Highlights
Connecting with Families Across Stamford
Our Parent Ambassadors and Community Engagement team have been out in the community connecting with families, strengthening partnerships, and sharing resources throughout Stamford.
Recent highlights included:
- Participating in Morning Without Childcare
- Collaborating with family leaders statewide during the Strengthening Family Leadership in Connecticut Communities Convening
- Celebrating with residents at Stamford Day
- Supporting families at the Community Baby Shower hosted by Liberation Programs
- Welcoming incoming students during Kindergarten Registration at the Stamford Public Schools Welcome Center
Every conversation, partnership, and event helps ensure Stamford families know about the resources available to support them.
Stamford Youth Voice: A Year of Leadership and Action
This year, Stamford Youth Voice empowered young people to become informed leaders through hands-on learning, advocacy, civic engagement, and youth-led initiatives.
Participants explored how government works, developed leadership skills, facilitated community discussions, and advocated for the issues that matter most to Stamford youth. Highlights included facilitator training, a Youth Town Hall, advocacy before city leaders, and the establishment of a Youth Leadership Board to help shape future programming.
Download the Annual Review
Upcoming Opportunities
Youth Summer Impact Series
The Youth Summer Impact Series connects Stamford youth with meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the summer. Participants can earn volunteer hours, build leadership and career-ready skills, strengthen their resumes, meet new people, and make a positive impact.
Getting involved is simple:
- Sign up using the link below
- Receive volunteer opportunities
- Choose the projects that interest you
- Earn volunteer hours while giving back
Whether you are looking to gain experience, meet new people, or make a difference, there is a place for you this summer.
Sign Up
Baby’s Social Club
Wednesday, July 9 | 10:30 – 11:30 AM | Ferguson Library
Parents and caregivers of children ages 0-5 are invited to join us. This session features Camp Sparkler 2026, a free 10-week virtual summer program filled with engaging activities for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Families will also hear from Sparkler Learning’s Family and Community Engagement Specialist, Tashi Shuler-Drakes.
Camp Sparkler
Know an expecting or new parent? Share Camp Sparkler with them. It is a free virtual summer camp, and this year’s programming focuses on the healing power of music.
Sparkler uses mobile technology to help parents and caregivers support healthy early learning and development for children from prenatal through age five.
See the schedule and book list for this summer here
Learn More About Camp Sparkler
CT Cradle to Career Coalition
Leaders from across the country recently gathered for the StriveTogether Policy Convening, creating space to learn, share, and reflect on the power of collective impact.
The CT Cradle to Career Coalition was well represented, reinforcing what we know to be true: when communities unite around a shared vision, we can elevate local voices, advance statewide priorities, share promising practices, and advocate for policies that support children from cradle to career.
We are grateful for the insights, connections, and renewed momentum this convening sparked as we continue this work across Connecticut.
Learn More About the Coalition
Rooted in Impact Podcast
What if one small act of connection could strengthen an entire community?
On the latest episode, host Ashley Gaudiano is joined by Araba Sapara-Grant, Senior Manager at Weave: The Social Fabric Project, for a conversation about belonging, relationships, and the social connections that help communities thrive. Together they explore why connection has become one of the most important issues of our time, how everyday people can make a meaningful difference, and why strong relationships are essential to building healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.
Whether it is introducing yourself to a neighbor, creating space for conversation, or helping someone feel like they belong, each of us has a role to play.
Listen to the Podcast
Thank You
Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we are creating opportunities for every child and family to thrive.
Want the full details? Read the complete June/July 2026 newsletter here.
