News and Views

The Power of a Helping Hand

June 10th, 2020

In honor of Partnership for Strong Community’s Heroes of Housing and Homelessness Week, we share this story of the difference a helping hand and a little persistence can make in the lives of our neighbors. “Lena” came for breakfast at our Community Meals Program and reached out in a panic for help with her housing […]

With an Aching Heart and a Renewed Commitment

June 4th, 2020

I simply can’t let another day go by without acknowledging the pain around the horrific murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, another senseless loss of life in a too long list of lives cut short. I know I’m not alone at Hands On Hartford in feeling the profound heartache and anger over racism and ongoing […]

Prudential Financial Supports Hands On Hartford

May 26th, 2020

Hands On Hartford has received a $28,000 grant from Prudential Financial to support the agency’s mission and recognize its “heroic efforts” to address the needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  “We are so grateful for this very generous support from Prudential Financial,” said Barbara A. Shaw, Executive Director of Hands On Hartford.  “In […]

COVID 19 Report: Monday on the Front Lines at Hands On Hartford

March 29th, 2020

COVID 19 Report: Monday on the Front Lines at Hands On Hartford So much is going on at our Center for Community, it’s hard to know where to start.  As I walk through the building on Monday this week, I am proud of the team that’s helping so many of our neighbors and simply grateful […]

Update In Light of COVID-19 Pandemic

March 18th, 2020

Dear Hands On Hartford volunteers, donors and friends, We have seen an incredible outpouring of support for the most vulnerable folks in our community over the past several days.  Thank you all for reaching out with such generosity.  We know how much you care about our Hartford neighbors and coming together and acting in solidarity […]

Holiday Happenings

January 6th, 2020

Dear Friends, Does anyone feel breathless from the holidays?  We certainly do here at Hands On Hartford!  What a wild and wonderful ride the holidays have been for our team as we gathered in the community to make things brighter for our neighbors.  And we are so grateful for the support of our sponsors, donors […]

Dash for a Difference:  Businesses Compete through Community Service in Hartford

October 4th, 2019

On Friday, October 4, 2019 nearly 200 volunteers from businesses throughout Hartford participated in a Dash for a Difference, an innovative community service initiative to foster team building and explore Hartford’s historical and cultural gems through a friendly corporate competition. Sponsored by Prudential Financial, in partnership with Hands On Hartford, Dash for a Difference offers […]

Reflection of a YASC Member

August 20th, 2019

This August, we bid a fond farewell to Kyle Williams, who served with Hands On Hartford as a Young Adult Service Community member, sponsored by First Church of Christ in Simsbury.  Kyle reflected on his time with us recently: It is hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since I first started at […]

Hands On Hartford Receives Hartford Community Food Security Award

April 11th, 2019

We were absolutely thrilled to receive the Hartford Community Food Security Award for a non-profit at a ceremony held on April 10, 2019, and especially proud to receive this recognition in this special year – our 50th year serving our Hartford neighbors. While everything we do at Hands On Hartford is the result of a […]

2019 Volunteer Recognition Event

March 8th, 2019

Yesterday’s Volunteer Recognition Event was both fun and moving, as we celebrated the tremendous accomplishments and commitment of the many devoted Hands On Hartford volunteers.  Award winners this year were Meghan Chasse (R. Regner and Carolyn S. Arvidson Exemplary Volunteer Award), Prudential (Corporate Volunteer Award), The Gengras Center School (School Volunteer Award), Temple Beth Hillel […]