Chamber Leadership Class of 2020 Chooses The Light House for Community Service Project

Eastern CT – The 2020 Class of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s Leadership Program is excited to announce that it has chosen The Light House for its community service project. The leadership program has been acquainting promising local leaders with issues that affect our communities, businesses and the public for over 25 years. An essential part of the program is a service project to benefit a local non-profit organization. The 2020 class has chosen to support The Light House with 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.

Light House Executive Director Kassidy Brown said, "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."

In order to ensure the success of this project, the leadership class is seeking contributions to help defray the cost of the awning, building supplies, and other related expenses. Ideally, contributions will be received by April 1, 2019. Contributions, in any amount, will be very much 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 Kate Caristo-Scalora at (860)822-3246 or at katecaristoscalora@gmail.com.

About The Light House:
The “Lighthouse Voc-Ed Center” is a disabilities service organization serving Eastern Connecticut. Divided into three “campuses”, The Light House has a broad range of programming including two state-approved private schools, residential and transitional services, and state contracted adult services.

About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut.  For more information, visit www.ChamberECT.com.