Kent Community Fund

WHAT WE DO

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The Kent Community Fund was established in 2006 “to help individuals living in Kent meet emergency needs, and to support community charitable programs serving Kent residents.”  The Fund provides grants for the emergency needs of individuals and families in Kent, paid directly to service providers or vendors – fuel and utility companies, medical providers, etc. The Fund is available after other sources such as fuel banks, government and special programs are utilized. 

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As of the end of 2023, the Grant Committee has approved over 740 grants totaling more than $585,000. Assistance has been provided for rent, home and auto repairs, medical and dental care, a wheelchair purchase, ramp construction, car registration, child care and summer camp tuition, gas cards, payment of fuel and utility bills and other emergency needs.  All grants are strictly confidential.

 

KCF also provides financial support for the weekly Kent Food Bank. As a non-profit organization, KCF is a member of the Connecticut Foodshare and accesses free or low-cost foods and related items for the Kent Food Bank. In 2023, almost 8 tons of food was provided to the Kent Food Bank by its CTFB membership.

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As a result of our merger with the Kent Nursing Association in 2018, KCF cooperates with Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County and RVNAhealth, as well as other local visiting nurse associations that serve our area.

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As an example, RVNAhealth provides a Health Promotion Program that aims to keep residents - especially elders - health at home.  Those services may include:

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• A once a month head-to-toe assessment to monitor potential changes in conditions that might necessitate a higher level of care.

• Medication review and education regarding medications.

• Disease management and education

• Assistance in obtaining a Lifeline Emergency Alert System, if warranted.

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The Health Promotion Program is supported by funding from the Kent Community Fund, and there is no fee to the patient.  For further information contact please contact RVNAhealth at 203-438-5555.

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KCF's efforts in support of our community's health are in keeping with our mission to “assist and improve the community’s health and welfare through the utilization of resources available to the organization….and to identify and financially support families living in Kent, Connecticut to help them meet their health care needs and financial emergencies.” 

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Additionally, in 2023 KCF continued to support the Imagination Library Program in cooperation with the Kent Memorial Library, providing free monthly books to more than 25 pre-school children in Kent.

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Referrals are accepted from various sources.  Most come from the Town’s Director of Social Services/Municipal Agent for the Elderly, Samantha Hasenflue - but some come from local clergy, school & hospital social workers and other medical and social service providers.  KCF has developed a list of more than 40 area-wide social service and health agencies – and has hosted information sharing sessions for those resources.  

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Grant Requests are reviewed by the three-member KCF Grant Committee.  Every grant is strictly confidential - a policy that is especially important in our small town.

 

Types of grants include:

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      •  Medical expenses including prescription medications and dental treatment.

      •  Heating fuel

      •  Home and auto repair

      •  Electric and telephone bills

      •  Wheelchair and medical appliance purchases

      •  Housing emergencies and rental assistance

      •  Scholarship assistance to Camp Kent

      •  Scholarship assistance for the After School Program at Kent Center School

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Support for the Kent Community Fund, a non-profit organization under Section 50l (c) (3) of the I.R.S. code, comes from hundreds of full-time and part-time Kent residents who generously assist neighbors in need, as well as from local churches and organizations.  Contributions and bequests are welcomed throughout the year and can be mailed to K.C.F. at P.O.B. 262, Kent, Connecticut 06757.  Additionally, online donations can be made at  https://www.kentctcommunityfund.org/donate-1

                                                                             

www.kentctcommunityfund.org    2023

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