Included among the eligible nonprofits is Opportunity Works Connecticut, located in Vernon but serving individuals from West Hartford and other towns with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Submitted
Opportunity Works Connecticut, a Vernon-based nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and physical disabilities, has been approved for the 2022 Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Grant Program, which allows the group to receive cash grants from businesses in exchange for tax credits.
Opportunity Works is seeking to raise $63,000 for replacement of its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Businesses that contribute a minimum of $250 are eligible for a tax credit valued at up to 100 percent of the donation amount.
“Opportunity Works provides meaningful opportunities to our friends, neighbors and relatives who benefit from its services,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “The Neighborhood Assistance Act, as its name implies, is a great opportunity for businesses to help local non-profits make a difference and receive a generous tax benefit for their charitable giving.”
Opportunity Works endeavors to foster a sense of respect and dignity, which enables individuals to have greater participation in the services the organization offers, said Rene Lambert, the executive director and co-founder of Opportunity Works.
“We are expanding the services we offer and expanding our office space, which is what brought about our need to upgrade our HVAC systems,” Lambert said. “The existing HVAC systems are 45 to 50 years old and some do not work. This project will ensure our clients and staff can work in an environment that is comfortable.”
To contribute to the Opportunity Works project, please visit the website. Donations must be made via the linked form between Sept. 15 and Oct. 3, 2022.
The organization’s Neighborhood Assistance Act proposal was facilitated by Matt Hellman, Vernon’s Social Services Director, and brought forward to the Town Council by Mayor Champagne. The Council unanimously approved the request after a public hearing.
“The Neighborhood Assistance Act gives businesses an opportunity to make monetary contributions to worthy non-profits and then receive a generous tax credit,” Hellman said. “The program is good for everybody involved.”
The Vernon Social Services Department locally coordinates the Neighborhood Assistance Act application for non-profits.
For more information about Opportunity Works Connecticut, please visit the website.
A listing of all organizations that have been approved for the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program, including several in West Hartford, can be found here.
About Opportunity Works Connecticut
Opportunity Works Connecticut has a large service area and works with individuals in most of eastern Connecticut and as far west as Bloomfield, West Hartford, New Britain, Newington and Cromwell. The organization is based in the Rockville section of Vernon, where it offers a variety of services and programs, including vocational skills training, individual employment support, culinary classes, health and wellness training, music therapy, recreation opportunities, community engagement and a bowling league. It also operates a store where people can purchase items produced in the group’s wood shop, greeting cards, jewelry and other crafts produced by participants. Opportunity Works also offers services, including bottle redemption and document shredding.
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