Are you ready for an unforgettable summer adventure while positively impacting young minds? Look no further! The Carver Community Center and SoNo Summer Camp are thrilled to announce that applications for summer employment are now OPEN!
Join us at the most affordable and high-quality summer programs in Norwalk, designed for students aged 5 through 13. With enriching activities such as field trips, wellness programs, swimming, and personalized learning projects, you'll be part of an experience that fosters growth, fun, and memories that last a lifetime.
Key Details:

• Location: Carver Community Center at 7 Academy Street & SoNo Summer Camp at 46 Concord Street
• Duration: July 1st to August 9th, 2024 (Closed for 4th of July)
• Requirements: Applicants must be 16 or older by July 1, 2024, and available for the entire camp program.
• Application Deadline: April 19th, 2024
• Background Check: Required for all applicants

Don't miss this chance to be a part of something special. Whether you're passionate about education or recreation or love working with kids, we want to hear from you!
Apply now and kickstart your most rewarding summer yet. Together, let's make Summer 2024 unforgettable for Norwalk's youth!

February 7, 2024

Beth El Norwalk Special Screening of Disney's "Ruby Bridges" to Benefit Carver

In a heartwarming collaboration that bridges communities and histories, Beth El Norwalk is joining hands with Carver to present a special screening of the Disney movie "Ruby Bridges." This event (register here) promises an enriching cinematic experience and a profound opportunity for dialogue and understanding.
Beth El Norwalk, steeped in a rich tapestry of tradition and community engagement, finds a parallel in Carver's legacy. Both institutions have long been pillars in their respective communities since the late 1930s, fostering education, unity, and social progress. We come together on Saturday, February 10th, to shine a light on an important chapter of history through the lens of Disney's poignant portrayal of Ruby Bridges' journey.
The "Ruby Bridges" screening is more than just an evening at the movies. It's a chance to delve into the themes of courage, resilience, and the fight for equality that resonate through Ruby's story. Following the screening, Pastor Moreland and Rabbi Paskind will guide a conversation that delves deeper into the film's significance and relevance to our present-day struggles and aspirations.

This event is not just about watching a movie; it's about coming together as a community to reflect on our shared past and envision a more inclusive future. It's about recognizing the power of storytelling to inspire empathy and drive positive change.
We invite you to this special event at Beth El Norwalk, where history and community converge to celebrate the indomitable spirit of Ruby Bridges and the enduring partnership between Beth El Norwalk and Carver. Let's honor the past, engage with the present, and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Ruby Nell Bridges was the first African American child to attend formerly whites-only William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis on November 14, 1960. For the first year, she needed federal protection every day since protesters were always at the school gates, including a woman with a doll in a coffin. Bridges had to bring her lunch every day for fear of being poisoned. White parents withdrew their children from the school, and the staff refused to teach Bridges, except for one teacher: Barbara Henry, who had come from Boston. It has become one of the defining images of the civil rights movement, popularised even further by Norman Rockwell’s recreation in his 1964 painting The Problem We All Live With.
February 6, 2024

The Carver: Nurturing Dreams, Building Futures Since 1938

The Norwalk Historical Society Museum produced an exhibition in 2017 that featured Carver’s role in “The Second Migration” (1940-1970), when five million black Americans from southern states traveled north to the urban industrial centers, including and especially to Norwalk.
In 1938, against the backdrop of societal challenges and economic uncertainty, a group of compassionate souls in Norwalk embarked on a mission that would shape the destinies of countless young lives. Parents, concerned citizens, clergy, and community leaders converged with a shared goal: to provide youth with the support and opportunities they needed to flourish. Thus, the Carver initiative was born.
Named in honor of the esteemed George Washington Carver, whose dedication to education and innovation inspired generations, this all-volunteer endeavor sought to bridge the gap for underprivileged youth, offering them a pathway to success through education, growth, and career readiness.
Fast forward to the present day, and Carver is a beacon of hope and possibility in the community. What began as a modest initiative has blossomed into a cornerstone of Norwalk's educational landscape, touching the lives of nearly 3,000 K-12 students each year.
The legacy of Carver is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the next generation. It is a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives and the enduring impact of individuals who dare to dream big. As Carver continues to expand its reach, touching every school in Norwalk and beyond, it reaffirms its commitment to nurturing dreams and building futures for generations to come.