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Efforts to grow and diversify Connecticut’s healthcare workforce received a major boost when the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) made several significant grant commitments to support recruitment, retention, and diversification initiatives throughout the state.

Over $220,000 was collectively awarded to Stamford Hospital, the University of New Haven, and the Norwalk Hospital Association to implement a community health worker program, increase access to necessary dental hygiene treatments for underserved populations, and support career opportunities for individuals who might otherwise face barriers to employment.

Quinebaug Valley Community College and Capital Community College also received grants totaling over $120,000 to support and expand their allied health and nursing programming.

Betty Sugerman Weintraub, Manager of Grant Programs and Philanthropic Outreach stated “As one of the only statewide philanthropic entities that makes significant awards for capital and programmatic expenses, CHEFA is uniquely positioned to support nonprofit organizations and the constituents they serve throughout the state. These recent grant awards demonstrate CHEFA’s commitment to enhancing the prosperity and welfare of all Connecticut’s residents.”

Saint Francis Hospital received over $70,000 to support innovative interventions and hold evening cooking classes where patients and their family members will learn new recipes using prescribed ingredients and interact with other residents taking positive steps to improve their health.

The University of Bridgeport also received a major commitment of $75,000 to make improvements to its STEM on Wheels Bus. The new equipment and bus improvements will enhance STEM programming and the hands-on learning experiences offered to nearly 1,000 K-12th grade students in Bridgeport.

Jeanette W. Weldon, Executive Director for CHEFA stated “These recent grant commitments not only demonstrate the invaluable role CHEFA plays by providing philanthropic support to residents throughout Connecticut, but they also demonstrate the widespread impact CHEFA programming has in driving economic and social mobility for Connecticut residents on a statewide basis.”

Contact: Betty Sugerman Weintraub
CHEFA Manager of Grant Programs and Philanthropic Outreach
(860) 761-8428
bweintraub@chefa.com