Tag Archives: Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Pledges up to $10,000 for Animals Rescued in Old Lyme

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The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut (CFECT) is stepping in to support numerous animals under the control of Old Lyme Animal Control after they were rescued from a home in Old Lyme.

NEW LONDON–In response to injuries sustained by 27 animals seized by Old Lyme Animal Control in an alleged hoarding situation in Old Lyme, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut (CFECT) has announced an emergency grant of up to $10,000 to support ongoing veterinary care, rehabilitation, and adoption efforts. 

The Foundation in a press release said it reached out to Old Lyme Animal Control Officer Lynn Philemon to offer urgent assistance after hearing the animals had been seized. 

The CFECT is matching the $4,500 raised by community members during an Oct. 4 fundraiser and will continue to provide support as needed to help cover veterinary treatment and recovery costs.

Maryam Elahi, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, said the full cost of the harm done to the animals is not yet known. 

“Our donors and Board have long prioritized the well-being of animals and the health of our shared environment,” she said. “We are matching local fundraising efforts to ensure that every animal rescued from this heartbreaking situation receives the medical attention, care, and compassion they deserve — and ultimately finds a safe, loving home.”

The 20 dogs, along with several birds and chinchillas, were rescued in July from unsafe living conditions and are now under veterinary care or in foster homes awaiting adoption. The animals continue to require extensive medical treatment — from tumor removals and dental surgeries to spay, neuter, and heart evaluations — with total costs estimated at more than $20,000.

The Foundation’s support for this effort builds on its longstanding commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship across its 42-town region. Since 2015, CFECT has advanced the work of environmentally focused and animal-protective nonprofits. These funds have enabled the Foundation to invest in conservation, rescue, education, and policy reform throughout Eastern Connecticut.

“Our role is to listen, respond, and mobilize resources when our community—including its most vulnerable beings—needs us most,” Elahi said. 

So far in 2025, the CFECT has provided more than $86,000 in grants specifically dedicated to animal welfare, supporting veterinary care, adoption services, spay and neuter programs, and community-based rescue initiatives across the region.

Op-Ed: This Wealthy State Must Invest in School Meals to Ensure Children, Families Have Opportunity to Thrive

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Editor’s Note: This op-ed was submitted to us by Maryam Elahi, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

Maryam Elahi, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

At this moment, when all eyes are on the impact of federal budget cuts on our communities, it is important to highlight one of the most successful accomplishments of this last legislative session here in CT – the Early Childhood Education Endowment. We thank Governor Lamont for listening to advocates and residents who testified, and for demonstrating leadership, compassion and wisdom.

This was no small feat. Our state is now a national model. By supporting the Endowment Fund, our elected leaders put their arms around our youngest residents and their families. Working families won’t have to make a Hobson’s Choice between caring for their children (and not making a living wage) or working to earn a living (just to spend it all on childcare).

This is the role of responsible and responsive government – to use resources and revenue wisely, ensuring all residents can thrive and contribute back to their communities. Those of us in philanthropy have traditionally played a partnering role by providing grants and other support to the nonprofits that are the backbones of our communities. We are prepared to step up today, as we did during the pandemic. We aspire to do our best in these times to ensure that every one of our residents is supported.

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has led a campaign to “End Child Poverty Now” in our state for the last two years, with about 120 partners ranging from universities and nonprofit organizations to think tanks and municipal partners. We embarked on this campaign believing that we could do so much better in our wealthy state. We believe that every child should have what they need to reach their utmost potential.

Providing childcare for families who can’t afford it is an essential step in creating strong communities. But we need to do more. All school children should be provided with healthy school meals. Best practices in the United States and other nations demonstrate that providing nutritious meals for children and youth, especially those in struggling households, enhances their performance and reduces stress on families and teachers. Investing in school meals is a smart investment in our future generation.

As our elected leaders head into the Special Session this Fall, we ask that they build on the success of the last session and invest in structures that can protect those who are vulnerable and promote the basic rights of all our residents. We know that the federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and other programs will be devastating.

Difficult choices must be made. Strategic choices should be made.

Investing in school meals will ensure that children perform well in school. It will support families’ economic stability. No child should suffer from hunger and malnutrition on account of their parent’s economic status. After all, we are one of the wealthiest states in this nation. Let’s ensure that our children are well fed so that they and their families have the opportunity to thrive in this great state.