July 27, 2024

Christmas in July: Beacon Prescriptions donates to Prudence Crandall

Claudia Hilario; New Britain Herald; Jul. 27, 2024

NEW BRITAIN — In a warm gesture to his community, Todd DeGroff, owner of Beacon Prescriptions New Britain and registered pharmacist, made a $2,500 donation to support the Prudence Crandall Center. “We couldn’t be more grateful for his support. Financially, he rallies his community to support us every single year,” Carolyn Jasper, chief development officer of Prudence Crandall Center, told the New Britain Herald. “This gift of $2,500 to celebrate Christmas in July is so perfect. I had no idea why I was coming here before today; I was told to wear red, so it was a surprise. He is a tremendous supporter of our Prudence Crandall Center and the families we serve.”

The center reaches 5,000 individuals, adults and children, in New Britain and the surrounding communities yearly, “but about 10,000 through our direct services and our community engagement and outreach offerings.”

This special gift is especially welcome as the agency begins a new fiscal year each July and must raise more than $1 million annually to continue providing essential programs and services to domestic violence survivors and their families. Jasper said the donation will support essential services such as emergency safe shelter, supportive housing, counseling services, support groups, court services for civil and criminal matters, education and outreach programs.

DeGroff presented the surprise contribution to the local domestic violence agency at Beacon’s unique “Christmas in July” event, designed to encourage support for local family-owned businesses, show appreciation for staff, and give back to the local community in a creative way. “I thought it would be great not only to support local businesses but also to show my employees appreciation,” DeGroff said. “I went out and bought gift cards from local restaurants, all family and independent-owned businesses.” The registered pharmacist said each member of his staff had the opportunity to choose a gift card from a hat with a value between $50 and $100. “Those restaurants are independently owned; you can walk, and you can see the owner,” DeGroff said.

DeGroff is a long-standing supporter of local businesses and encourages the community to support them instead of the big store chains where the consumer is treated non-personally. “All independent businesses such as those restaurants and us don’t have millions of dollars and a budget for advertisement. We come to work every day because we are passionate about it,” said DeGroff, who also supports different organizations and events throughout the city.

DeGroff is a long-time Prudence Crandall Center board member, providing dedicated leadership and ongoing critical financial support. In addition to his board service, he is also a member of the organization’s Bright Futures Giving Society. His family participates annually in their Adopt-A- Family holiday program, and Beacon Prescriptions New Britain is a continuing sponsor of Prudence Crandall’s fundraising efforts.

“It is the generosity of individuals, businesses and community organizations like Todd and Beacon Prescriptions New Britain that help us to keep the lights on and the doors open each year,” Jasper said. “Each gift is deeply appreciated and makes Prudence Crandall’s impact possible.” DeGroff and Beacon Prescriptions New Britain’s generosity and partnership in Prudence Crandall’s work continue to inspire others and make a lasting impact for survivors and families throughout central Connecticut.

Call Carolyn Jasper at 860-259-3817 to discuss opportunities to support or partner in Prudence Crandall Center.

Art Exhibit Radiates Hope for Sexual and Domestic Violence Survivors

Kaily Martinez; we-ha.com; Jul. 19, 2024

The West Hartford Art League Club House Gallery held an opening reception on Thursday, July 18, for ‘The Stories of Bravery, Healing and Hope: Survivors Art Exhibition’ produced by Amanda Mendoza.

Art can connect souls in a more profound way than communication can. From July 19 through Aug. 4 at the West Hartford Art League Club House Gallery, visitors will see and feel the “Stories of Bravery, Healing and Hope: Survivors Art Exhibition” produced by artist Amanda Mendoza. At the opening reception on Thursday, July 18, the art gallery became crowded with loved ones and visitors within minutes. The support and admiration for the artists and their work could not only be seen, but it was deeply felt.

Through various mediums, such as films, photographs, poems, or oil on canvas, each artist shares their stories of how they faced sexual violence or domestic violence but are on their healing journey. Next to each art piece is a title card that presents the artist, the title and story behind each piece and details on how art has contributed to them and their healing, inspiring hope and optimism. The exhibit also featured two tables for the Prudence Crandall Center and YWCA New Britain Sexual Assault Crisis Service, where advocates provided resources and support.

Read the full story here.