2011 Reflections and Gratitude

There is much to be grateful for in 2011.  It is the time of year to reflect, celebrate with friends and family and to be hopeful for the future.  We have done our reflection and we are grateful to live and work in Greater New Haven.

The school reform effort in New Haven has gained tremendous momentum during the past year.  The leadership of our community understands that education is the key to future success and the entire community has become engaged in making the changes we need to ensure educational success for all of our children.  In July, 110 students were granted college scholarships through Promise, a component of the school change initiative.  Going forward, students that graduate from a New Haven public school and meet the eligibility requirements, including a 3.0 grade point average in high school, 90 percent attendance rate, a record of good behavior and completion of 40 hours of community service will have their college education paid for by Yale University. 

Seventy non-profit organizations have offered to partner with United Way and the school district on Boost! to provide behavioral health services, enrichment programs, tutoring, and afterschool activities.  We have seen improvement in the CMT scores, our principals are learning new leadership skills and our teachers are being evaluated on their performance.  We are grateful for what has been accomplished and hopeful for what is to come.

The New Haven skyline has changed as several new projects have come along.  360 State Street houses hundreds of young professionals within its 32 floors.  The new Gateway Community College is more than 50% finished and it will be the first building people see when they visit New Haven, reflecting our commitment to education.  The Smilow Cancer Hospital is complete and we now have a world class cancer treatment and research center providing care and hope for hundreds of patients and their families. Yale University continues to keep the campus modernized and has moved hundreds of people to Science Park creating an atmosphere for entrepreneurism and economic growth.  We are grateful for what has happened and we are genuinely hopeful for a new and vibrant economy built around higher education, medical research and the new startups created by our young talent.

Our vibrant non-profit community has demonstrated extraordinary resolve and resilience during the economic downturn and has provided help and support for thousands of our residents during 2011.  All Our Kin continues to create jobs while providing high quality early childhood education to hundreds of inner city children.  The Diaper Bank provides families with a basic necessity allowing moms to continue to work or pursue higher education.  The Shoreline Family Y and the Jewish Community Center provided showers and shelter for hundreds of families victimized by the hurricane.  Clifford Beers supports our most vulnerable children with counseling that turns around young lives.  New Haven Reads tutors hundreds of students and mobilizes scores of volunteers.  We are grateful for the hundreds of dedicated staff and the volunteers that selflessly support our community and we are inspired by all of the donors that make these services available

We have much to be grateful for this year.  However, for many in our community, 2011 has been a very tough year.  The challenges families face have been difficult as economic conditions have strained household budgets and in far too many cases created a downward spiral that has disrupted stable families.  We cannot deny the challenges we face and we are coming together as a community to help those in need.  When you reflect on the blessings you and your family are grateful for this year, please keep in mind those that are not as lucky and are not as fortunate and know that there are many of us that are working hard so that they can also be hopeful about their future.

Have a wonderful holiday,

Jack Healy

President & CEO