Below are stories about people's collaborative efforts to make the Valley a better place to live, work and play.
Smart Investment Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) »
08.09.2021
The VCF Board recently met to discuss DE&I in the Valley and what can get in the way of that.
Smart Investment: COVID-19 Response and Recovery »
09.04.2020
As needs quickly change and the community, like the rest of the country, has found itself in the midst of a global pandemic, The Valley has come together with compassion, creativity, and conviction.
Smart Investment: Disaster Preparedness »
05.21.2020
Disaster planning and emergency preparedness in the Valley.
Smart Investment - Census 2020 »
03.02.2020
Complete count efforts are meant to encourage participation and demystify misconceptions. to make sure that everyone particpates.
Smart Investment: Using Data to Create Community Impact »
12.12.2019
The 2019 Valley Community Index uses data to create community impact in the Valley Region.
Smart Investment: Community Spirit »
06.05.2019
Explore how residents and visitors to the Valley can share experiences that strengthen the fabric of the Valley, deepen relationships and build community spirit.
Smart Investment: Addressing Youth E-cigarette and Vaping Use »
02.13.2019
In a time where cigarette smoking has generally declined, youth are turning to alternative nicotine delivery methods and are using e-cigarettes and vaping devices more so than ever before.
Smart Investment: Civic Engagement »
12.05.2018
Throughout the Valley, civic engagement is learned young and practiced for a lifetime.
Smart Investment: Responsive Health Measures for Children and Families »
09.18.2018
The Naugatuck Valley Health District helping kids in the Valley breathe easier.
Smart Investment: Early Childhood Development »
06.15.2018
Community support prepares Valley students for future success.
Smart Investment: Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence »
03.15.2018
Learn more about how local nonprofits are supporting victims of sexual violence as the "Me Too" Movement picks up steam across the nation.
Smart Investment: Addressing Chronic Absenteeism »
12.19.2017
Learn more about the root causes of chronic absenteeism in the Valley and how it is being addressed.
Smart Investment: Using Local Data to Create Impact »
09.21.2017
Since the release of the 2016 Valley Community Index a year ago, Valley organizations are using its data to stay informed about the region's overall wellbeing.
Smart Investment: Food Security in the Valley »
06.20.2017
Nonprofits, corporations and individuals tackle food insecurity in the Valley.
Smart Investment: Social (Media in) Philanthropy »
03.31.2017
With the growing popularity of social media, learn how different nonprofits are using the various platforms to expand their reach digitally.
Smart Investment: Local Journalism »
12.20.2016
Explore one of the most widely used ways that people are connecting and staying informed in the Valley: hyperlocal online journalism.
Smart Investment: Conservation Efforts in the Valley »
07.20.2016
Remediation, reclamation, and redevelopment could be considered the 3Rs of economic expansion in the Valley
Smart Investment: Valley Workforce Training »
03.15.2016
In many cases, developing a competent and ready workforce takes a holistic approach
Smart Investment: The Importance of Valley Libraries »
01.15.2016
From special events and programs year-round to free Wi-Fi and digital technology resources, libraries in our region are about much more than books.
