Life and Relationship Coaching near Hartford, CT

The Connecticut NAA Tax Credit Program is accepting applications now through April 24.

Submitted

Applications are being accepted now through April 24 for the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program, which provides funding to municipal and tax-exempt organizations through a corporate business tax credit for businesses that make cash contributions to these entities.

The community programs must be approved by both the municipality where the programs are conducted and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS).

Credits range from 60-100% of the cash invested. Qualifying community programs include energy conservation projects, neighborhood assistance, job training, education, community services, crime prevention, construction or rehabilitation of dwelling units for families of low and moderate income in Connecticut, donation of money to an open space acquisition fund, child care centers and services, community-based alcoholism prevention or treatment, comprehensive college access loan forgiveness programs, and more. (Click here for a complete list).

Complete the 2026 Neighborhood Assistance Act Program NAA-01 form and submit a paper copy by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, to: Neighborhood Assistance Act Program, 50 South Main Street, Room 128, West Hartford, CT 06107

Please ensure your form is accurately completed and includes all required documentation before submission.

For questions or assistance, contact Luan Ceka at 860-561-7562 or luan.ceka@westhartfordct.gov.

For additional information, please visit the State of CT’s Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program website.

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HARTFORD, CT— A new grant awarded to a city hospital aims to improve access to health care for locals, especially as it relates to the treatment and prevention of hypertension-related illnesses.

Saint Francis Hospital, located at 114 Woodland St., Hartford, has received a $250,000 grant from The Cigna Group Foundation to expand programs aimed at reducing health disparities and improving access to care in underserved communities, hospital officials announced Feb. 26.

The funding, awarded through the foundation’s Health Equity Impact Fund, will support a new hybrid care initiative focused on hypertension management and preventive health services.

“This grant enhances our ability to advance equitable health outcomes in the communities we serve,” said Valerie Powell-Stafford, president of Saint Francis Hospital. “With this support, we will expand evidence-based initiatives that address barriers such as access to preventive care, nutritious foods, and culturally responsive services.”

Hospital leaders said the funding will launch “Together for Wellness,” a program designed to improve blood pressure management through a combination of virtual care and in-clinic support.

The initiative targets patients with high blood pressure or uncontrolled hypertension and aims to reduce barriers to ongoing care.

The program will incorporate remote monitoring, nutrition education, and coordinated care, while embedding community health workers within primary care practices.

Officials said the approach is based on care models developed by Trinity Health of New England, which integrate clinical services with social support.

“Whether at home or in the clinic, Together for Wellness ensures patients are never alone in their journey to better blood pressure,” said Carolyn Alessi, regional director of community health and well-being. “By integrating technology, community outreach, and clinical expertise, the program strengthens access, equity, and long-term cardiovascular wellness.”

Foundation officials said the grant is part of a broader effort to address systemic health inequities in cities like Hartford, where residents face higher poverty rates, lower life expectancy, and barriers such as limited transportation and reduced access to primary care.

“Progress toward health equity requires us to confront disparities at their source and partner closely with organizations that truly understand their communities,” said Andrea Nelson, a board member of The Cigna Group Foundation. “We are proud to support Saint Francis Hospital as they work to eliminate structural barriers and broaden access to essential health resources.”

Research cited by the hospital indicates that social factors — including housing, education, transportation, and food access — account for up to 80 percent of health outcomes, contributing to disparities in chronic disease and life expectancy.

The grant is part of a larger philanthropic initiative by the foundation, which has committed more than $27 million over three years to nonprofit organizations addressing mental health and health equity nationwide.

Hospital officials said the “Together for Wellness” program will roll out in phases, with a focus on expanding access to preventive care and improving cardiovascular outcomes across Hartford communities.

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town's zoning board is mulling an application for a proposal that just might come in handy for local parents looking for a place to take their kids.

The West Hartford Town Plan and Zoning Commission voted unanimously on March 2 to schedule a public hearing on a proposal to open a children’s indoor playground at 2523 Albany Ave. in the Bishops Corner area.

Commissioners voted 5–0 to place the application on the agenda for an April 6 public hearing at Town Hall.

The application, filed by West Hartford resident Sojung Jacobskind on behalf of Bishops Corner Realty, seeks a special use permit to operate “Little Wanderers,” a sensory-focused indoor playground and café for young children.

The proposed facility would occupy about 3,500 square feet and serve children ages 0 to 7.

Plans call for sensory-based play areas, seating spaces for parents, and rooms that could host birthday parties, baby showers, and other small private events.

According to the business narrative submitted with the application, the facility would accommodate up to 20 children at a time and expects to serve about 25 children daily on average.

Little Wanderers would also offer classes for children and adults, summer camps, and drop-in child care services.

The proposed half-day summer camp program would run weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon between June and August for children ages 3 and older.

The operator said the camps would last no more than four hours and would not provide food.

Plans also call for selling bottled drinks, coffee, and prepackaged snacks sourced from local bakeries and markets.

The West Hartford‑Bloomfield Health District has indicated that the business will need a Food Grade I permit before opening.

If approved, the business expects to open in April and operate year-round. Proposed hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The commission’s April 6 hearing will allow the public to comment on the proposal before commissioners consider whether to approve the special use permit.

The university, whose campus is located in West Hartford, Hartford, and Bloomfield, is building a new $2.4M athletics complex.

WEST HARTFORD/HARTFORD/BLOOMFIELD, CT — A $2.4 million outdoor athletics and recreation complex honoring former NBA All-Star Vin Baker will be built on the residential side of the University of Hartford campus, university officials announced this week.

The new facility will include six tennis courts — one lined to accommodate four pickleball courts — and a basketball court, with lighting for evening play.

UHart's campus is located in three separate towns: West Hartford, Hartford, and Bloomfield.

The project is intended to expand recreational opportunities for students while also supporting the university’s NCAA Division III athletic programs.

University leaders said the complex reflects ongoing investments in student life and athletics following the school’s transition to Division III competition after years in Division I.

Baker, widely considered the most accomplished men’s basketball player in the university’s history, will have the complex named in his honor.

He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1993 and played for seven NBA teams over a 13-year career, earning four All-Star selections and winning a gold medal with the U.S. men’s basketball team at the 2000 Olympics.

The Old Saybrook High School graduate currently serves as an assistant coach with the Bucks.

“I am deeply grateful for this incredible honor,” Baker, 54, said in a statement. “It has truly exceeded my imagination, and I am beyond excited. The university is very special to me, and there is no bigger honor I've ever received or been prouder of in my basketball career than this.”

The Bucks organization is also supporting the project, with its marketing team assisting in the complex’s design.

UHart Athletics Director Alicia Queally said the facility is intended to serve both varsity athletes and the broader student body.

“We envision this as a space not just for our incredible student-athletes, but for everyone to be able to stay active, compete in a friendly atmosphere, and create lifelong memories,” Queally said. “We’re investing in athletics, recreation, and club sports in a big way for more students to benefit from what those opportunities offer—leadership, teamwork, and dedication. I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor Vin’s legacy.”

The complex is being funded in part by two lead donations.

One gift comes from alumnus Loic De Kertanguy, a former Hartford tennis player whose contribution will name the tennis facility within the complex.

Another donation focused on the basketball court is being led by alumni Anthony Assante and Mike Daglio, who are encouraging fellow members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity to support the project.

University officials say the complex will also help accommodate growing demand for intramural and club sports.

The school currently offers 10 intramural leagues and 12 club sports with more than 200 student participants.

The project follows several recent athletics investments on campus, including the opening of a new track and field facility in fall 2025. Construction timelines for the Baker complex have not yet been announced.