Accomplishments

2021

Communication: We continue to be guided by our mission and use the energy and knowledge of community members to promote the welfare of seniors in Newtown. FONS maintains an ongoing connection to our email subscriber base through our Constant Contact weekly mailings. We also effectively use the Newtown Bee to keep seniors informed of special events and programs.

Social: FONS returned to monthly social events at local venues and offered an opportunity to all to get together over dinner and catch up with others, especially important during the time of COVID. These events were well attended and well received.

Transportation: FONS applied for and received a grant to fund transportation for seniors in need. This grant was written in partnership with the Newtown Human Services Director, Natalie Jackson, and was funded in full. FONS provides funding for transportation needs on a case by case basis in cooperation with Newtown Human Services.

Chore Services: FONS has implemented Chore Services program that responded to 111 requests for assistance. Service requests included yard work, housecleaning, help with organization, snow removal, check-ins for shut-ins, minor home repairs, and major home repairs including roof replacements. Much of the work was accomplished by volunteers, some by paid professionals and in some cases by professionals who donated labor and material to complete the work.

Funding: FONS funding comes from three sources, grants, fundraising and donations. Grants have supported Chore Services during 2021 and grants are in place for 2022 for Chore Services and Transportation. Fundraising initiatives included a paper shredding event, Kettle Corn sales, and
coffee sale event. Donations are received, with much appreciation, through the generosity of our membership during our annual fund drive.

Gramts: Art Grant. Seniors were asked to write essays about their experiences during the pandemic, and then create a ceramic art piece that reflected their emotions, feelings, fears and joys of what they wrote. The essays were published in a book, and the ceramic art pieces were assembled into a larger display that is hung in the Newtown Senior Center.

Chore Services: This grant provided funding for Chore Services to help more than 100 seniors in need. Service included grocery shopping, railing addition, roof repair, leak repair, yard clean up, snow removal, holiday food baskets, and many referrals for assistance. Another grant is in place for next year.

Collaboration: FONS maintains productive working relationship with Human Services Department and the First Selectman’s office, as well other local business and nonprofit agencies. Two members of the FONS Board also served on the Commission on Aging, and officers of the COA are often included on communications within the FONS organization. All worked closely on the recently completed
transportation survey as one example of this ongoing collaboration. First Selectman, Dan Rosenthal, and Director of Human Services, Natalie Jackson, continue to review and discuss the Livable Community draft plan presented to the Town by FONS President John S. Boccuzzi Sr. We continue the process of plan development. Natalie attends FONS Board meetings and providing advice and guidance.

Up to and including 2020