Leadership Class of 2020 to Perform Community Service Project for The Light House

Each year a new class of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT's Leadership Program picks a service project to benefit a local non-profit organization. The 2020 class is excited to announce that it has chosen to support The Light House by renovating and improving the outdoor area of the Community Campus to allow participants to spend time outside and participate in outdoor activities.

The Light House has three different campuses that serve over 100 individuals with mixed disabilities each year. The Community Campus is an individualized and participant-driven adult “day service option” that focuses on life skills instruction, community engagement, and vocational training. These transition programs help guide participants from school into adulthood, allowing them to become active members in the community. Improving access to and utility of the outdoor space will allow participants to enjoy time outside, which has been shown to improve mental and physical well-being. Studies have found that even five minutes spent outside can improve self-esteem and mood as well as decrease depression.

"The work that the Chamber Leadership Group is doing at our Community Campus will have a huge impact on the participants that we serve by expanding access to green space at our facilities and giving participants opportunities for social and recreational activities and spending time outdoors," said Kassidy Brown, the Executive Director of The Light House.

To ensure the success of this project, the leadership class needs your help. They are seeking donations to defray the cost of the awning, building supplies, and other related expenses. In kind donations would be welcome also. Ideally, contributions will be received by April 1, 2019. Contributions, in any amount, will be very appreciated.

All funds raised will directly benefit The Light House, a 501(c)(3) organization. Checks can be mailed and made payable to Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation, Attn: Megan Cronin, 914 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, CT 06385. On your check, please reference ECCOC – Leadership Lighthouse Project. Please direct questions to Heather Harris, Fundraising Committee Chair at (860)822-3246 or email katecaristoscalora@gmail.com.