The recent state budget passed by the State Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont includes $610,316 for four West Hartford-based nonprofits.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford’s legislative delegation shared Tuesday that four of the town’s nonprofits will receive grant funding totaling $610,316 over the next two years.

According to an announcement from state Sen. Derek Slap and state Reps. Kate Farrar, Tammy Exum, Jillian Gilchrest, Bobby Gibson, and James Sánchez, the following organizations will receive grants:

• $160,000 for West Hartford Pride
• $170,000 for Futures Inc.
• $130,316 for Playhouse on Park
• $150,000 for the Turning Points program at The Bridge Family Resource Center

“It’s the best news ever,” Playhouse on Park Co-Founder and Executive Director Tracy Flater told We-Ha.com regarding the unrestricted grant funds.

Flater said the grant represents Playhouse on Park’s DLF (Directed Local Funds) for FY26 and FY27 in support of the professional theater that offers high quality entertainment at affordable prices – providing an accessible experience to residents of West Hartford and surrounding areas.

“When we were first added to the budget as a line item, we received $25,000 each year from the State of Connecticut. We were fairly new and our budget was much smaller than it is now,” she said. “It was a fair annual grant.” But, she noted, the budgets were cut during Gov. Malloy’s tenure and Playhouse on Park’s grant was reduced to $15,158 while their budget grew substantially – and other theaters with similar budgets were receiving anywhere from $68,000 to $75,000 per year.

“Thanks to the support from and advocacy by my legislators in addition to my testimony where I simply asked for additional funding in line with other theaters my budget size, our line item was increase to $65,158 per year,” Flater said, specifically thanking the legislators for standing behind the request.

“Where the federal government is cutting funding for the arts, I am please and proud that Connecticut is investing in Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc.,” Flater said.

“The Board of Directors at West Hartford Pride is grateful to our delegation for fighting for, and providing resources that will help us connect our community with vital services and to provide the spaces where we can experience joy,” Barry Walters, founder and co-chair of West Hartford Pride said in a statement.

The announcement notes that “West Hartford Pride celebrates, supports, and protects members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Greater West Hartford area through a number of initiatives and events. West Hartford Pride hosts an annual Pride Festival in June which serves as an opportunity to amplify the voices of the community, resist hate, and center love and acceptance.”

Darlene Borré of Futures Inc. shared in a statement that “Futures Inc. continues to prioritize purpose and employment for individuals with disabilities of all levels of  support needs through their MicroBusiness program. This grant will allow an expansion of the co-op program to allow individuals community and guidance as they work on self-employment endeavors.”

The West Hartford-based Futures Inc. organization “seeks to empower members of the disability community by creating growth opportunities and offering personalized supports for young adults and adults with disabilities,” the announcement notes. The Futures School is also located in West Hartford and is the state’s first community-based special education school, available to individuals ages 14-22. Futures also offers adult programming including employment and career training, as well as activities and socialization.

Some of the products created by micro-businesses that Darlene Borre has helped launch. The ideas for the businesses are built upon individuals’ passions and skills. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

The Turning Points program offered by the Bridge Family Center “is a life skills program that provides critical interventions for at-risk youth from ages 4-20 to help them lead lives free from violence,” the announcement states. “The Bridge serves an estimated 800 youth that are supported by this program located at the West Hartford Teen Center, the Bridge’s Family Resource Center, and additional community settings. The Bridge provides age appropriate interventions and corresponding life-skills to the high risk youth in the community and the impact this funding has on those they serve goes beyond words.”

Members of the legislative delegation shared statements regarding the funding.

“West Hartford has so many incredible organizations that provide invaluable services to our community,” said Slap. “I am so pleased that my colleagues and I were able to bring home over half a million dollars to further the mission of four critical nonprofits that cultivate community, bolster the humanities and create a sense of belonging for everyone.”

“West Hartford’s diversity and commitment to inclusivity, ensuring everyone and anyone is welcome, is among its many strengths,” Exum said. “I think the funding designated for these nonprofits only serves as a confirmation of who and what the town is. I could not be more pleased to have worked alongside my colleagues to secure these funds.”

“These projects reflect a range of quality-of-life initiatives that are vital to many residents of West Hartford. Organizations such as Playhouse on Park, Futures Inc., West Hartford Pride, and The Bridge Family Center provide essential services – from arts and entertainment to health and personal well-being. I’m grateful that funding for these important programs was prioritized,” Gilchrest said.

“West Hartford is home to so many remarkable nonprofits. These organizations meet essential needs, cultivate community, create a true sense of belonging for every resident, and contribute to our robust economy,” said Farrar. “This investment is about more than dollars. it’s about recognizing the heart and soul of West Hartford and ensuring our community continues to thrive.”

“I’m thrilled to see the funding coming to some of our amazing West Hartford nonprofits,” Sánchez said. “This funding provides support and opportunity to our most vulnerable residents, backs our local arts and entertainment community, and prepares children for the future through mental health counseling, development programs, and much more. Thank you to all of my legislative colleagues for helping secure these critical funds for our community.”

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