Representing their organizations as they accept this year's Leadership Circle awards are Lynn Davies (at left), Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers on the Green and Carrie Lee Bunblasky (at right), Executive Director of Wheels of New Milford.
2026 Leadership Circle Awards Announced
The Leadership Circle of Connecticut Community Foundation announced its 2026 Leadership Awards at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting and Summer Social on September 16. Originally established as the Trustee Fund in 2014 and comprised of current and former members of our Board of Trustees, the group transitioned recently to a new name: The Leadership Circle. With a vision of expanding eligibility, refreshing its giving model, and anchoring grantmaking to the Foundation’s strategic priorities, the Foundation is excited to breathe new life into this cherished tradition.
Like the Trustee Fund, the Leadership Circle was proud to present $5,000 awards to two local organizations:
Wheels of New Milford. Through a large and dedicated network of volunteer drivers, The Wheels Program provides older adults and disabled with a free, safe transportation option for medical appointments. By addressing a critical gap in transportation for this population, the program helps individuals maintain their health, independence, and dignity while allowing them to remain safely in their own homes and staying connected to the medical services they rely on. Based in New Milford, The Wheels Program also services individuals in the surrounding communities of Bridgewater, Roxbury, Washington, Kent, Sherman, and Brookfield.
Literacy Volunteers on the Green. Based in New Milford, Literacy Volunteers on the Green provides English language literacy to adult learners in northwestern Connecticut. Programs include English language learning, reading, writing, and US citizenship prep to immigrants and undereducated adults. As the English language learner population in the region continues to grow, Literacy Volunteers has kept up with the demand by hiring a full-time tri-lingual coordinator. With this increase in staff support, the organization has seen a noticeable improvement in outcomes and now supports over 185 learners. What makes this program stand out is that this is more than simply teaching someone literacy skills – it is giving these individuals the foundation to pursue vocational training, obtain employment, gain self-confidence, and access other community supports.
