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2006 Beneficiaries
Windsor Chamber of CommerceThe Windsor Chamber of Commerce provides business services to members businesses in and around Windsor CT to increase the economic vitality of the region. The Chamber also provides community development and educational programs, working with the Town of Windsor and the Windsor school system to prepare Windsor's youth for tomorrow's world of business. |
Windsor Police ExplorersThe Windsor Police Explorers, established in 1981, is a community oriented, non-profit organization, dedicated to developing responsible youth; encouraging academic excellence, leadership, teamwork, and volunteerism; and offering young men and women insight into the field of law enforcement. The program operates year-round under the direction of Officer Bernard Petkis, as well as, several civilian and sworn advisors.
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Windsor Public Library AssociationThe Windsor Library Association, founded in 1901, is a nonprofit volunteer organization. Although the town finances the day-to-day operations of the library, the Association provides financial support for many of the library's programs. The Association's "Building Expansion Fund" will help pay for special items for the new Main Library such as artwork, equipment and additional library materials. |
Windsor Public Schools Fifth Year Program |  | |
The Windsor Prep Program is a community based program for special education students who have completed four years of high school and will benefit from further experience in the community to prepare them for independent living. The program is part of the Windsor Public Schools and is in its second year of full time operation, facilitated by teacher Andrew Giza and paraprofessional, Ira Swaroopa. The program curriculum includes 21 goals for personal and vocational growth. Life skills, such as shopping, meal preparation, household chores, public transportation, money management, banking, decision-making, and community resource knowledge are all part of the daily curriculum. Recreation, exercise, job internships, social skills, and building relationships in the community are an integral part of the daily routine in the program.
The home base for the program is the Pierson House on 115 Palisado Avenue located near the center of Town. This community home like atmosphere provides wonderful opportunities for the students to engage in several of the activities outlined in the curriculum. Most recently, the students successfully started and operated two small business enterprises one involved washing and detailing cars for teachers and other members of the community. The second activity centered around the preparation and sales of homemade foodstuffs. The program raises its own money for items such as YMCA memberships, field trips, and stipends for the students for working. It is the vision of the program to expand business enterprises allowing the program to become more self-sustaining.
Students have volunteered their time to perform yardwork and basic landscaping for elderly citizens and at the Board of Education. The community has been very supportive of this program, especially those who have met the students and witnessed their activities and daily progress. Some of our students have internships within the community. The Beanery, Furry Feet Pet Grooming, Restoration Enterprises, Loomis Chafee School, the Chamber of Commerce, and Sam's Club are all supportive community businesses that are currently working with the program, providing the students with valuable work experience. Other civic groups in Windsor, such as Civitan and the African American Women's Association have made generous donations to the program. These donations were used to buy equipment for the program, such as a video camera used as a self-help educational tool to tape mock job interviews and actual student on-the-job performance.
Mr. Giza and his students are always planning future learning activities and experiences. It is his goal to have each student in the program has the opportunity to acquire every life skill possible and be provided with a variety work experience and exposures. Each student will start life after school with a strong foundation of personal growth and strength coupled with a community based communication and support system |
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