Spotlight on Community Partners
COMMUNITY PARTNER VOICES
CANTON FOOD BANK
Jennifer Herbek, Director Canton Food Bank
“We talk regularly about recipes and creative ways to use the donated food items in meal prep and planning. Having fresh fruit and produce options brings out our client’s creativity, fuels healthy, nutritious meals and lightens the spirit.”
Canton Food Bank Client
“The fresh produce is opening new doors to me.”
HEALING MEALS COMMUNITY PROJECT
Sarah Leathers, Founder & CEO Healing Meals Community Project
“Since 2016, we’ve stayed true to our mission & provided meals, made with love. None of these meals could be made or delivered without the incredible support of our dedicated volunteers – including more than 25 youth from throughout Farmington Valley & beyond.”
Healing Meals Community Project Client & Volunteer
“Everyone at HM truly believes & understands their mission to help & support anyone who is ill & needs a special meal. This is so evident in the care each person puts into their part of the process. My family was on the other side of receiving when my husband was ill. It’s a pleasure to work side by side with such caring volunteers & staff.”
CANTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Andrew Schiffer, Canton Police Captain
“All Canton Police cruisers are now outfitted with Life Vests & Throw Ropes so that Officers will be better equipped to help in any water rescue. In addition, Canton Police Dept purchased Stop the Bleed Kits that will now be standard equipment on all cruisers. These ‘enhanced model’ Kits include vital lifesaving tools that can be tossed to individuals who are unable to evaluate immediately due to an ongoing threat or injury and prior to EMS personnel being able to reach them.”
FAVARH
Sean McCarthy, FAVARH Development Director
“FAVARH’s gliding bench is a great example of how a small gesture of support can make a big difference in people’s lives. The rocking motion of the bench and the opportunity to be outdoors offer a peaceful and relaxing experience, allowing participants to unwind from their daily activities and connect with nature.”
TOWN OF CANTON FIRE & EMS DEPT
Gerry Holland, Canton Fire & EMS Department Executive Officer
“CCHF’s support has paved the way for the Department to engage modern technology as we respond to threats to people’s safety, property loss and environmental risks. In effect, contributing to the health, safety & well-being of the Canton Community.”
CANTON PARKS & RECREATION
In 2024, two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), were installed at Bicentennial Park, at the DPW 50 Old River Road, & at Mills Pond Park, by the pool at 14 East Hill Rd. These life-saving tools not only enhance public safety, but also increase accessibility & emergency preparedness for both Canton’s First Responders & Good Samaritans.
SPIRITHORSE RIDING CENTER OF CANTON
Cheryl Cleaves, SpiritHorse Riding Center oof Canton President/CEO
“At SpiritHorse the focus is on the individual student, to the best of their ability, from the basics of grooming and saddling their horse before or after their lesson, to leading, walking and riding their horse. SpiritHorse’s equine therapy includes programming that addresses speech, sensory, balance, behavior, cognitive processing and more, for individuals with autism, spectrum disorder, ADHD, depression, impaired vision, Cerebral Palsy, veterans and others with PTSD, Down’s Syndrome, to Traumatic Brain Injury & developmental delays.”
SpiritHorse Riding Center of Canton Participant’s Parent
“When he first started riding with SpiritHorse, he wasn’t very conversational. Though SpiritHorse, he was provided with opportunities to communicate without necessarily having to speak. Ten years later his confidence and ability to communicate have grown to the point that he recently became a published author of poetry.”
SUMMIT ADAPTIVE SPORTS, INC
Summit Adaptive Sports Coach
“I’ve had many SAS athletes tell me how much being involved in adaptive sports has changed their lives. They say it has increased happiness; challenged them to participate in new activities they thought weren’t accessible to them; developed friendships and community; improved their physical coordination and overall mental health.”
