Together, with support from generous donors, CHR served over 170 families in Connecticut through the 2024 Adopt-a-Family Program
WINDSOR, Conn. – More than 170 families in need, representing nearly 500 individuals, received holiday gifts this season thanks to a heartwarming program coordinated by nonprofit behavioral healthcare provider Community Health Resources (CHR).
CHR’s annual Adopt-a-Family Program matches donors with families served by CHR who would not otherwise have holiday gifts to share with loved ones. Receiving families are clients served by CHR who are nominated by a CHR staff member, including individuals to families with multiple family members.
As a result of this year’s program, families were not only able to bring joy to their homes, but some were able to concentrate on providing necessities for their families, such as paying their electric bills, buying groceries, and focusing on their healthcare needs.
“Sometimes all we need in this world is a little kindness,” said Maggie Jaksina, LMFTA, LMFTAD, Outreach Therapist for CHR’s Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) program. “Adopt-a-Family provides families the opportunity to experience the miracle of giving, helping others, and connecting during the holiday season. Families continue to express their gratitude for the kindness and generosity of the donors who are shining lights.”
This year, 90 generous donors from across Connecticut participated, including individuals, families, and teams, such as company departments and committees. Just a few of our incredible donors this year
Hartford Wolf Pack Team
included: Levine Distributing Co., 360 Federal Credit Union, Phoenix Environmental Laboratories, Business Risk Partners, Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation, Lincoln Financial, Ben & Jerry’s CT, the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Hartford Yard Goats Foundation, Johnson Brunetti, Ultimate Staffing Services, Centreville Bank, Crum & Forster, Raymond James, CHUBB, and many more.
“One of the families I visit weekly reached out to see if I had any donated blocks for her baby who had just begun to sit up and eagerly reach for toys. Little did she know, I had already nominated her for CHR’s generous Adopt-a-Family Program,” said Dacia Ball, Parent Support Specialist for CHR’s Parenting Support Services (PSS) program. “The next day, I was called for pick up and found brand new blocks in the bags! When I showed up to deliver the gifts, the baby began playing with such adoration. It was true holiday cheer!”
“Adopt-a-Family has had a huge impact on the mental well-being, as well as the emotional welfare of our clients in this program,” said Sarah Hareld, RSS, Recovery Support Specialist for Pathways OTP Enfield. The feeling we get when seeing the smiles these gifts bring to our families is indescribable. Many of the families show their gratitude and thankfulness throughout the year for the generosity given by the donors.”
“This was our most successful year ever and truly brought joy to hundreds of people in our community,” said Heather Gates, President and CEO of CHR. “Many of the individuals and families we see at CHR are low income so the outpouring of support from the community was deeply appreciated.”
CHR is incredibly thankful to the donors and staff that made this program possible this year. For additional information about how to become involved in CHR’s 2025 Adopt-a-Family Program, please visit our webpage at www.chrhealth.org/adoptafamily or contact the Adopt-a-Family Team directly at AdoptAFamily@chrhealth.org.
About CHR: With a broad range of services for children, families, and adults whose lives have been touched by mental illness, addiction, trauma, and homelessness, CHR is the state’s most comprehensive nonprofit behavioral healthcare provider. In addition, CHR was the first nonprofit in CT to meet all the rigorous federal criteria as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic and has repeatedly been named among the Top Workplaces in the state. Learn more at www.chrhealth.org.
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