We want to give you an update to share how Klingberg is staying on mission and keeping clients and staff safe.

As we have shared before, even before the pandemic, many of our client families struggled to provide enough food for their children, and the pandemic made the problem more acute. With the financial help of many of you, we are happy to report that the Klingberg Family Pantry opened mid-September and we anticipate helping to feed over 100 families monthly.

At the beginning of the school year, Raymond Hill School began a hybrid program of in-school and virtual education. After a full three weeks, one of the RHS community tested positive for COVID-19, so the thorough safety protocol was followed, and after a two-week quarantine the school reopened on October 19. Our talented staff has found many ways to engage students in their classrooms and online simultaneously.

The Children’s Advocacy Clinic never shut down in-person treatment because they need to intervene with children who are in situations of severe abuse, and the majority of the work must take place face to face. Many referrals are through school personnel, as they become aware of abuse because of their daily contact with students. Our experience tells us that as schools reopen for in-person learning we will have an increase in referrals.

In mid-September we had an incredibly successful Drive-Thru Auto Show. Over 120 unique show cars were on display. Spectator cars, about 250 of them filled with families, drove through our campus on a predetermined route. Spectators remained in their vehicles to prevent the spread of COVID as they saw a very impressive array of show cars. The event raised significant funds for our programs from about 50 sponsors, and from spectators and show car owners at the event. We are so thankful for our staff and volunteers who worked that day and to all who participated and supported us.  

On October 16 the governor held a news conference at Klingberg to recognize and thank foster care workers and other employees who have continued to work and meet the needs of children throughout the pandemic. The news conference was organized by The Children’s League of Connecticut. The DCF commissioner, Vannessa Dorantes, and State Senator Gennaro Bizzarro  also attended. 

We will never have the words to express our sincere appreciation for the encouragement and support we have felt from so many of you, especially in the past 7 months. 

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