Cash Back to the Community

Newington Student Assistance Fund

The Newington Student Assistance Fund provides interest-free loans to Newington residents pursuing post-secondary education or training, helping to ease financial burdens and expand access to long-term opportunity.

“The Newington Student Assistance Fund Board is very excited and grateful to receive this award,” said Maura Stamm, Board President. “It is a wonderful affirmation that our community recognizes the value we bring to students and their families. The timing of the donation and recognition could not be better. We are currently experiencing an increase in the number of applicants, and this generous gift will help us achieve our goal of fulfilling every loan application. We know this donation will have a positive impact on many lives for years to come.”

Neighborhood Promise

Neighborhood Promise, based in New Britain, works to uplift individuals and families by providing essential goods through its Hand-Up Donation Center, including personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and clothing. 

“Neighborhood Promise is so grateful to American Eagle Financial Credit Union for their generous donation,” said Cheryl Liedke, Neighborhood Promise Board President. “This donation came at a perfect time for our organization and will help us maintain our Hand-Up Center, which serves over 100 clients (representing over 350 family members) each month. This donation will also help us launch our Empowerment Pathway Program, which will train peer navigators to connect people with the services they need.”

A Kinder Ground Nonprofit, Inc.

A Kinder Ground Nonprofit, Inc., located in Wallingford, supports differently-abled young adults through its program, Soup’s On, A Kinder Ground Café, which provides opportunities to develop job, social, and educational skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

“Our young adults who are developing their job & social skills at 'Soups On! at A Kinder Ground Cafe' will benefit tremendously with this very generous support from American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s Cash Back to the Community Program,” said Teresia O’Hala, Board President of A Kinder Ground Nonprofit. “These funds will allow us to expand and strengthen our ability to deliver our homemade soup in the community, at our schools, Town Hall, Central Board of Education Office, and large businesses. We will be able to purchase the necessary equipment to handle this type of endeavor. Our young adult Associates will have the opportunity to interact and develop their social skills in various places in our local community. Thus, the community will bear witness to their abilities.” 

The Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra, Bristol

The Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra providing classical music concerts and musical services for Connecticut communities. The Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra, collaborates with local schools and school systems to strengthen school music programs through performance.

“Compelled by the need to build the next generation of music lovers, Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra plans to expand the Children’s Music Program over the next few years with this generous gift,” said Jeffrey Myshrall, President. “A core program of the orchestra is its annual Educational Children's Concerts produced for elementary children from area school systems. These concerts serve up to 3,000 children. The Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition is available to high school musicians participating in the music programs of school systems in Hartford and Litchfield Counties.”

The Enfield Soccer Association, Enfield

The Enfield Soccer Association (ESA) focuses on developing youth soccer players of all abilities in a safe, fun, and positive environment. With more than 1,000 youth in their program, they strive to provide players with a high level of coaching by incorporating the best training available. ESA is also driven to help its players mature as productive members of society by encouraging the development of important life skills, motivating them to be the best version of themselves.

“In order to allow participation from families from a wide array of economic backgrounds, the Enfield Soccer Association aims to keep participation fees low. We rely heavily on sponsors and donations to help supplement our programs,” said Jeff Rousseau, President. “We have families in Enfield that can't afford costs associated with playing soccer. The Enfield Soccer Association will use portions of this donation to help defray costs for Enfield families that have experienced financial hardships. Additionally, we will plan on using portions of this donation for community soccer events, coaches training, and player training. The Enfield Soccer Association is very appreciative of this generous donation from American Eagle Financial Credit Union. This donation will positively impact our membership in very meaningful ways.”

Master’s Manna, Wallingford

Master’s Manna was established in Wallingford in 2006 to serve people experiencing homelessness, near homelessness, as well as low-to-moderate income families and residents who face food insecurity in the greater Wallingford/Meriden area. Its primary goals include: reducing food insecurity, providing intervention, mental and physical health support services, and making vocational & educational opportunities available to decrease poverty.

“This generous donation will enable us to continue to provide needed food for more than 500 families each week,” said Nancy Stockman, Executive Director.

Mary’s Place: A Center for Grieving Children and Families, Windsor

Mary’s Place provides a safe environment that encourages and supports children as they grieve in ways uniquely appropriate to their developmental stage. Through the use of tools such as art, music and movement, children can express themselves without feeling different or alone and connect with peers who have also experienced a death.

“This donation will allow us to continue providing critical, peer-led support groups and comprehensive services that bring comfort and healing to grieving children, families, and individuals throughout our community. With your generous support, we can sustain programs such as peer support groups for children, teens, young adults, and young widows and widowers; family support meetings that nurture healing across generations; educational workshops; confidential phone support; and more. Each of these services offers a safe and welcoming space where those facing loss can find understanding, hope, and strength. Because we operate without any state or federal funding, this donation is not only financial support, but it also helps us to continue our mission and reach those who need us most. All our programs and services are provided at no cost, making donations like yours vital. Thank you for helping us keep our doors open and ensure that no one must grieve alone,” said Brittany Sheehan, Executive Director of Mary’s Place.

CT Dog Gone Recovery, Inc., Canton

Dog Gone Recovery is committed to helping all lost dog owners in a timely, supportive and professional manner with consultation, collaboration and proven recovery methods which include boots on the ground, approved vendors and trapping equipment to help reunite dogs with their families.

“Your generous donations will help us enhance our kennel traps. We aim to design and construct larger kennel traps specifically for extremely skittish dogs, as well as stronger kennel traps using horse fencing for larger breeds. We also wish to acquire extra batteries for our drone, as it consumes power quickly. Having several batteries on hand will allow us to extend our search time for lost dogs by easily swapping them out during flights,” said Carol Ferrucci, President of CT Dog Gone Recovery.

Our Companions Animal Rescue, Manchester

Our Companions is dedicated to supporting the human-animal bond and helping keep pets and people together through training, education and prevention.

“We are so grateful to American Eagle Financial Credit Union for their generous support of Our Companions Animal Rescue. This gift will have a meaningful impact on our work at the Valerie Friedman Program Center in Manchester, where we provide a wide range of lifesaving services designed to keep pets and families together. Thanks to the donation, we can continue offering vital community-based programs such as behavioral support and training classes, veterinary assistance, feral cat support and our Animal Helpline. These services not only strengthen the bond between people and their pets, but also help prevent animals from becoming homeless. American Eagle’s commitment to our mission means so much—not just to us, but to the countless local families and animals whose lives will be improved through your generosity. Thank you for being a part of this important work,” said Susan Linker, Chief Executive Officer of Our Companions.