DANBURY – The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) this year has delivered 260 programs to prevent and treat interpersonal violence that has reached about 26,000 people statewide thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Union Savings Bank Foundation.
The former Women’s Center of Greater Danbury used the funds on community impact, outreach, and prevention education, comprising more than 22% of its total community impact programming.
According to Samantha Flynn, the organization’s chief development officer, the impact of these USB-funded programs is extensive. It begins with age-appropriate curriculum in kindergarten through “Care & Kindness” lessons and continues through middle and high school with dating abuse prevention. And to extend its outreach and prevention education to higher education, CEE partners with Western Connecticut State University and CT State Naugatuck Valley. CEE also provides specialty services for organizations like Ability Beyond.
“Education is a key pillar for Union Savings Bank and our Foundation, and it truly begins with our youth,” said Chelen Reyes, USB president and CEO. “We are proud to support CEE with their vital community impact prevention education initiatives and pleased to learn how this grant has enabled them to reach so many of our Connecticut neighbors.”
For 50 years, CEE has provided no-cost, confidential services to survivors of interpersonal violence in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield counties. While the organization is widely recognized for its crisis intervention and emergency shelter, the USB Foundation grant supported CEE with a critical part of its mission — stopping violence before it begins through education.
As a result of its consistent outreach, CEE has observed a notable shift in the community.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this prevention education piece we’ve seen is that students arriving at college are becoming more equipped because they’ve participated in our programs since youth,” Flynn said.
Flynn shared some examples of CEE’s impact on the community.
Beyond the statistics, the USB Foundation grant’s true impact is measured by the safe, supportive environments it is helping CEE to create, where individuals feel empowered to share their stories and seek help, she said. And because CEE educators are also certified counselors, these educational sessions often lead to crucial breakthroughs and disclosures that connect participants with long-term healing resources.
She cited two recent experiences from CEE programs:
- During a Spanish-language prevention education session with parents, one participant shared how her own childhood abuse shaped her parenting. She expressed a deep desire to protect her children from similar harm. The facilitator from CEE validated her experience, provided resources for healing, and ensured she knew support was available through CEE’s counseling services if she ever needed it.
- In a local classroom, a student reflected on their own experience and realized that a past relationship had been unhealthy and abusive. They shared that the program helped them understand what healthy love should look like and gave them language to name what they had experienced.
The relationship between CEE and Union Savings Bank extends beyond financial support. USB staff are active members of CEE committees and volunteer at various events, while Reyes serves on the CEE Board of Directors.
“We are deeply grateful for USB’s grant and support, which recognizes the vital role prevention education plays in addressing interpersonal violence,” Flynn said. “It allows us to collaborate more closely with partners and communities to foster safer environments where everyone can thrive.”
As part of their ongoing commitment to the region, Union Savings Bank has announced that the next annual USB Foundation Grants program will be open for applications from March 1, 2026, through April 1, 2026. Area nonprofits are encouraged to visit https://www.unionsavings.com/community/how-we-give/ for more information and to apply.
