2 Stamford Nonprofits Receive Grants From New Canaan Community Foundation

STAMFORD, CT — Two Stamford-based nonprofits have received grants from the New Canaan Community Foundation.

The Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance and Fairgate Farm each received $5,000 to support their work in the community.

Founded in 2022, the Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance is a citywide network of more than 50 organizations working to improve access to mental health services for children and adolescents.

The collaborative aims to increase understanding of youth mental wellness, ensure care is accessible and inclusive, and support a comprehensive system of intervention and services for families across the community.

The grant will help strengthen youth behavioral health services in Stamford and lower Fairfield County by improving coordination among schools, health care providers, nonprofits and community agencies.

Fairgate Farm, located on Stamford's West Side, is a volunteer-powered urban farm that grows produce to address food insecurity and support a healthier local food system.

The grant will support core operations of the Fairgate Farm Mobile Market, which operates on a pay-what-you-can basis to reduce financial barriers to accessing fresh produce.

Funding will support staff to operate the Mobile Market, provide educational activities, source additional locally grown produce and manage distribution.

Both organizations are part of the Vita Health & Wellness Partnership, a collaboration that includes Charter Oak Communities, Stamford Hospital and other community organizations.

"Partnerships like this demonstrate what's possible when organizations come together to invest in community well-being," said Charter Oak Communities CEO Vincent Tufo in a news release. "This funding will help SYMHA and Fairgate Farm continue delivering programs that improve access to essential services while strengthening the health and well-being of Stamford residents."

For more information about either organization, visit www.vitastamford.com.