Maura Craig became involved with New Canaan CARES, a nonprofit, independent agency about five years ago. She wanted to link up with an organization that works with children at all school levels because her children - Jack, 8, Charlotte, 10, and Sarah, 16 are all at different school levels.
From its office above the Playhouse on Elm Street, CARES offers programs for children at all town schools. "It's about empowering youth, strengthening families and helping communities," she said. "It's trying to enhance the health and well-being of youth and families."
Among its services are a leadership program at New Canaan High School and the KidPOWER after-school mentoring program for elementary school students. The organization also brings in speakers to talk with parents about parenting skills and handling problems at home. Craig and the volunteer board of directors work closely with the professional CARES staff on programs and events.
"There are so many things I've learned. I think the parents in New Canaan are at a level where we're so educated by New Canaan CARES," Craig said. "It's given sort of a good foundation to be better parents and the kids get a lot from it, too."
The group also has professional development programs to help educate teachers about topics such as cliques and mean behavior, social networking, helping children in transition and sexual harassment inside and outside of the classroom.
"It's so interesting. You walk away with true tidbits of information," Craig said. "Other towns come to us and seek our resources. I don't know of any other organization that does what we do."
CARES hosts two fundraisers, including the Paddle Players tournament Oct. 22 at the Lake Club and Waveny Park. For more information, call (203) 966-7862.
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