Dear Friend of BGV,
For more than 80 years, BGV has been a trusted resource for children and families across Connecticut. With your help, we’ve provided safety, healing, and opportunity for thousands of youth facing trauma, abuse, or behavioral health challenges.
Since I started here twenty years ago, Hayden School has doubled in size and number of students. What was once ten programs has grown to 24! We have constructed four new buildings or building expansions and now address a more diverse range of needs such as substance misuse, problem sexual behavior, and vocational training.
Historically, most of the funding that fuels this incredible growth has come from state and federal partners. This support, along with your contributions, have allowed us to keep all these programs open, even when some did not have sufficient funding. But as we look ahead, we know that changes in Medicaid, federal priorities, and state budgets could jeopardize the programs that families depend on.
What gives us confidence despite the unknown is you, our community. Every year, we hear from you wanting to help. People reach out offering books, blankets, and equipment. As the holidays approach, we see our community come together to make sure our children experience the simple joy of a wrapped toy, new clothes, or a game. Your kindness reminds them they are not forgotten.
This season, we ask you to take that generosity one step further. A financial gift of any amount helps sustain the care, counseling, and educational support that change lives all year long. Your donation keeps our programs running at the highest quality possible and guarantees that, no matter what happens in the future, the children and families we serve have a place to turn.
Together, we can ensure that everyone in Connecticut has safe and positive path to success… today and always.
Best wishes,
Kim Shaunesey, Ph.D. President & CEO
Dear Friend of BGV:
Every child is unique. The challenges they face don’t fit neatly into boxes so no one program fits neatly either. It’s the generous funding from our donors that allows us the freedom to be flexible and innovative while shaping programs to meet the needs of our families.
Some recent examples of ways your help is allowing us to adapt are:
Hayden School Upper School Renovation
The number of Charles Hayden students has increased 74% since 2020. The students who come to Charles Hayden have experienced abuse, neglect, loss, trauma, and have often been bounced around foster homes. They deserve a safe, comfortable school that offers them the space to express themselves and that makes them feel valued.
Whether they respond to stress by retreating inward or acting out behaviorally, BGV staff have the expertise to help these youth manage the emotional responses that prevent them from being successful. This level of specialized care requires specialized space and because of that, BGV is embarking on a 3,253 square foot addition to the Upper School that includes additional classrooms, updated facilities, and increased resources that foster a positive learning environment (rendering below).
Other unfunded adaptations that have been added to BGV programming include:
- Staff training in Motivational Interviewing to better communicate with youth and Accelerated Resolution Therapy to help children suffering from trauma
- A meditation room in BGV residencies to decrease anxiety
- Forklift and backhoe simulators to teach skills in a fun, recreational way
- A home-like environment including a mock family room with couches and a TV; a fully equipped kitchenette; and an art/rec room for our Family Reunification programs
While the State is incredibly supportive of BGV in its endeavors, the extra steps we must take to treat each child holistically cannot be done without your support. Thanks to you, last year:
BGV served more than 1,000 children and their families
92% of youth in intensive in-home services had improved symptoms and were able to reduce their level of care
80% of children in the Kraft House psychiatric step-down residence successfully moved on to reduced care
Twelve Hayden School students were successfully certified in ServSafe, giving them a valuable job skill
Our goal is to help our children and families overcome challenges, learn new skills, and achieve victories. It is within the victories that clients gain empowerment to set higher goals for themselves, stay motivated to take additional steps forward, and aspire for a brighter future.
Thank you for being a partner with BGV in working to build successful pathways for children in Connecticut. We ask you to please consider supporting us again this year as we continue our important work.
Best wishes,
Kim Shaunesey, Ph.D. President & CEO
