Health & Human Services

Natividad Padea of Bridgeport receives an examination by nurse Laura Reigner of Weston, a volunteer with AmeriCares Free Clinics during a walk-in clinic in Bridgeport supported by the Foundation.

A Healthy Community Needs Healthy Citizens One out of ten Fairfield County residents lacks health insurance. As many as 5,200 children in Bridgeport suffer mental, emotional or behavioral disorders. Fairfield County teens' use of alcohol, marijuana and inhalants exceed national rates. Nearly 37% of seniors age 65 and over need help with bathing and dressing. What’s Being Done The Foundation's Health and Wellness grants support local, community-based primary health and dental care; mental health services; substance abuse treatment; home health care; respite care and hospice care. How You Can Help Its easy, just click the "Donate Now" button. You can make a tax deductible, online contribution to funds that support health and human services, other Foundation initiatives and regional grantmaking. To make a contribution by mail or fax, or for more information, contact Linda Franciscovich, Vice President of Development and Philanthropic Services, at 203.750.3200. For a sampling of Foundation funds supporting health and human services, please scroll down. Funds Supporting Health & Human Services      Fairfield County Community Foundation Fund for Health and Wellness The Fairfield County Community Foundation Fund for Health and Wellness promotes and supports health and mental health care services for uninsured, underinsured, or needy children, youth and adults living in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The Fund has a special interest in supporting efforts to increase: community-based primary health and dental care, including preventive care; community-based mental health services for children, youth and adults; substance abuse treatment services for children, youth and adults; home health care for needy individuals; and hospice care for needy individuals.   Interfaith Council Fund for Respite Care The Interfaith Council Fund for Respite Care supports respite care for qualified caregivers from Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan or Norwalk, Connecticut who care for a disabled family member of friend. The Fund was established by the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut. The Interfaith Council, together with the caregiver and designated local clergy member, works to identify an appropriate licensed health care provider who will provide the respite care.   Louis and Ruth Sternbach Fund for People with Disabilities The Louis and Ruth Sternbach Fund for People with Disabilities works to address the critical unmet needs of children, youth and adults with disabilities living in Fairfield County. The Fund was established with a bequest from the estate of Louis and Ruth Sternbach. Sight Handicapped Fund Established in 1988 by Jane T. Muhlethaler of Wilton, grants from the Sight Handicapped  Fund provide assistance to visually impaired individuals in Darien, Norwalk, Wilton, Weston and Westport Timothy Fund The Timothy Fund supports charitable organizations assisting and aiding the blind. The Fund was established in 1977 with a bequest from the estate of Mrs. Anna B. Timothy to the Stamford Foundation.

In the News Foundation awards $9.1 million in grants in fiscal 2009 List of 2009 Field of Interest and Competitive grants List of 2009 Donor Advised grants

Making a Difference "I was working at a fast food place, and knew..."

In Their Own Words “We are so impressed with the ability of the Foundation to identify the most pressing needs in our community, and then identify the organizations that most effectively address those needs.”   Ron and Renee Noren Fundholders