Opinion: Norwalk ACTS director’s weekly shout outs

Anthony Allison is the executive director of Norwalk ACTS. 

Shout Out to Norwalk ACTS’ member, Norwalk Community Health Center, Inc. (NCHC) for holding a National Health Care Week celebration, full of health awareness-raising programming designed to lead everybody who lives or works in the Greater Norwalk Community toward their best possible health. Programs have included mental health awareness activities, meditation sessions, yoga at the beach, lunchtime Fit Walks and pediatric dental screenings. Nutritionists have also been on hand to answer questions and provide healthy eating tips, and more. The celebration will culminate Saturday, Aug. 19, with a Taste of Health/Family Fair Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NCHC.

NCHC also held a donation drive to collect food pantry items, clothing and children’s books and toiletries for community members in need. Health and wellness are important outcomes in Norwalk ACTS’ work across the continuum, as research shows that healthy, active and well-nourished children are happier, more alert and ready to learn.

Shout Out to Norwalk ACTS’ member, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF) for providing a $25,000 grant to the Academic Support Program to Inspire, Reinforce and Empower (A.S.P.I.R.E.) to provide tutoring for English Language Learners (ELL) at Norwalk High School beginning in October. A.S.P.I.R.E was created by English Learner Support Services in collaboration with Norwalk Public Schools’ English Language Learner Education Department.

The four day per week tutoring program, led by two ELL specialists, will replace a study hall model and offer students small-group instruction in English and other subjects, enabling them to catch up with their peers faster and position them for graduation and future learning. A.S.P.I.R.E.’s goal is to secure additional investment to bring the program to Brien McMahon High School next year.