Community Services/Non-Profits near Wallingford, CT

“The Connecticut Street Rod Association (AKA the CSRA) was founded in 1967 by a group of (then) young men who had a mutual love of building and driving their street rods, or hot rods, if you will. That grew and evolved over the years since, to what the CSRA is today. Many of those same young men and many others who have joined the group have aged and matured, but their love of building and driving cars with potent engines hasn't diminished. The Association long ago joined the American Street Rod Association, and now not only gives the guys AND gals with hot rods a venue to meet and share their hobby, but those folks put on several shows a year, to showcase their cars and others that have restored muscle cars, drag race cars, and hot rods. They very generously donate a lot of time and money to local causes and charities. That money is from the very modest entrance fees at their various shows during the year. The Association also sponsors two very large automotive swap meets each spring and fall, with some portion of the entrance fees donated to those same various charitable organizations. Once a year in June, they organize a very large car show called The Connecticut Dragway Nostalgia Night, celebrating the now defunct drag strip by that name. Here again, the proceeds go to local charities. The highlight of the evening is the "cackle fest", where those old drag race cars are fired up, and rev their engines to the delight of the crowd, who have to plug their ears from the loud exhaust noise. It's a great time, enjoyed by all, and always a great bargain in entertainment at $5.00 per spectator. Participants are ASKED for a $5.00 donation, but it's not required. That former drag strip is now owned and operated by Consumer Reports, to test vehicles. For more information on all their activities, check their website, www.csra.org”

“Gaylord Rehab Hospital was the GREATEST experience that ever happened to me. What a place! They treat the whole person when you’re there, not just bits and pieces. The staff were all so wonderful. They went above and beyond in everything they did. They were terrific at getting you going whether you wanted to or not. I took advantage of so many wonderful services they offer such as I’ve never seen anywhere else. They have a great recreation department with lots of activities, a library where you can check out books, a Starbucks, a cafeteria, and a beautiful gift shop! I was in heaven. I came home wanting to go back. They whipped me into shape after my surgery. The therapists are excellent at what they do and at what they help you to achieve. I had to fight my insurance company to go to Gaylord and I’m glad I got it approved. Thanks again to all the beautiful staff. Forgot to mention, the food was just delicious as well. ?”

“got my first cat from here and a buddy for her recently! always super easy to work with and they genuinely care about their animals. would recommend to everyone!”

“Everything about the team is purposeful, meaningful and charismatic even under our duress they take the time to work into our situations work with us and develop our efforts into something with value and virtue.i am grateful and hopefully every member who guests like the hostel america needs, sometimes esp when parents or friends or others don't participate or don't love or respect you for who you are, or what your going through, there's a team that is patiently waiting to love you or who you are or what to become in life,in that worse case scenario and make it better and offer combat support like legends do. Shout-out to Kelly, Jim, Tanya, Rodney, Dudley, Alexis Rodriguez, Jose Acosta,Francis,Rosalie Sherrie, Rob, Tim,RIP.and Jacqueline. Love you all”

“This is a fantastic place, been going there for 15 years and it only gets better especially since I have been able to take my boys to the gym with me. Google review is not a place for disgruntled ex-employees to leave nasty messages--I have worked and interacted with the staff myself and everyone is kind and nurturing. If you were fired from the Y and you're not able to get along with folks there, that means you have something seriously wrong with you. I hope other employers look at these reviews and take it into consideration when you apply for another job. Be fair and don't be nasty!”

“We went to the shelter today to meet a cat we had seen on petfinder. I was very happy that they responded so promptly to schedule the meet and greet. They were very welcoming and let us spend an hour and a half just getting to know her better. We fell in love—it only sucks that we can’t take them all home because every animal there is so wonderful in their own way. Highly recommend if you’re looking to adopt.I think the negative reviews here are just people who are disappointed they were not approved to adopt. Of course they’re not going to adopt a cat to somebody who lets them roam outside, or a dog that they want to leave in the yard or tied up on a leash. They want the best for their animals and you can see how much they really care. Michelle was amazing and you can see how dedicated she is to getting good homes for all the animals in their care. We are grateful to you guys and all that you do. Can’t wait to bring our little girl home.”

“New haven reads has helped my daughter so much!! Myself and her teachers all notice a huge improvement in her reading. Thank you so much New Haven reads for all that you do!!Highly recommended.”

“The Stretch & Strengthen class with Wes is one of the best exercise classes I've ever taken. I'm grateful to have Arts in CT in the community. I wish I could fit in more classes. Prices are also very reasonable!”

“I had a quick and easy experience here adopting my kitten. They set up a meet and greet and had my kitten spayed and at home with me in less than a week! Mary and John were so friendly and able to answer all my questions. My kitten’s paperwork/medical records were sent right to my email after the adoption. Highly recommend!”

“I been hiking here since I been a kid. Nice hidden forest on the Middlefield/Middletown Border. The trails are always maintained. The State made a couple of structures throughout the trails - bridges, walkways, and signs. Great place for a hike, photography, and dog friendly :)”

“Can someone here tell me if the mortgage loans offered with them have a lower interest rate than the market? What would be the pro of getting their help, and having a conventional loan? if I am a moderate income person. thank you”

“We adopted 2 kittens from the Animal control. They were well taken care of, and the officer Cystal was very helpful and a pleasure to talk to. We now have two happy, healthy kittens. Thank you.”

“I dropped off several bags of clothes, and Joe was a great help. He met us at the door and insisted on taking the bags from our car even though we tried taking them to the door for him. He is an excellent asset to Goodwill, and I wanted to ensure he was recognized.”

“Enjoyed my lucky finds of pottery on my birthday and found some great hoodies for my son but passed on the painting that I’m regretting still! I hope someone scooped it up!”

“Hands down one of the best shelters in the area in my opinion. We adopted a cat from there 3 years ago and it was the best decision we could have made. While other shelters turned us away or couldn't get back to us for weeks & months at a time they contacted us right away. The shelter itself was very clean and the animals were clearly kept up on. The adoption fees are absolutely reasonable and ensure they can help countless other animals that truly need it . The staff members are genuinely caring and are very thorough when making sure the animals get the best quality care and match for potential adopters. They want to make sure that no one has ill intentions or will be neglectful. They also host several community events and fundraisers all year long. I recommend them any chance I get :)”