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Barbara White presents the Litchfield Aid’s 2009 contribution to CJR Executive Director John Boyd

The Litchfield Aid of CJR recently held its annual meeting at the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR). President Barbara White presented checks exceeding $56,000 to CJR Executive Director John F. Boyd, representing proceeds from the Aid's 62nd Annual Open House Day Tour, as well as funds from the Aid’s endowment and contributions from members.

Approximately $53,000 will be used to make important improvements to CJR’s Litchfield campus and education programs; to purchase equipment for the CJR farm and vocational agriculture program; to furnish the organization’s new office in Torrington; and to make improvements to its group homes in East Hartford and Winchester. The Litchfield Aid’s gift will also be used to support CJR’s community programs in Danbury and Waterbury. An additional gift of approximately $3,500 is restricted for CJR’s Alumni Scholarship Fund, which assists with the education of former students. $200 was contributed to purchase books for the CJR library in memory of Lynn Gouverneur, Janet “Betty” Katzin and Carol Lancaster, members of the Litchfield Aid who passed away over the past year.

Janice D’Orio, chairman of the nominating committee, presented the slate of officers for 2009-2010. Those continuing their terms of office for the coming year include Barbara White, President; Kim D’Andrea, First Vice President; and Ruthann Olsson, Second Vice President; Marie Wallace, Recording Secretary; Nancy Schuler, Corresponding Secretary; and Carol Bramley, Assistant Treasurer. Martha Bernstein is the newly elected Treasurer. Ellen Ebbs and Doreen Hampton are Members-at-Large. Ruthann Olsson resides in Norfolk; all of the other officers reside in Litchfield.

The date for the 2010 Open House Day Tour of Litchfield was announced: Saturday, July 10, with the Preview Tour and Party on Friday, July 9.

Mr. Boyd extended gratitude to Mrs. White and the members of the Aid for their efforts on behalf of the Junior Republic. “The Litchfield Aid continues to be the Connecticut Junior Republic’s staunchest and most generous friend, and this year marks 98 years of service to CJR and the boys and girls we serve,” he stated.

generous friend, and this year marks 98 years of service to CJR and the boys and girls we serve,” he stated.

Mr. Boyd noted that members of the Aid have supported CJR, both financially and as advocates in the community, since 1911.

“The funds donated by the Litchfield Aid are critical to our work with boys and girls, and the role that Aid members fulfill as goodwill ambassadors in the community is increasingly important to the Junior Republic,” he stated. “Over the years, many of our most important supporters have been introduced to the Junior Republic through the Litchfield Aid’s House Tour, and these introductions have ultimately resulted in millions of dollars of additional support to the Junior Republic,” he continued.

Mr. Boyd expressed particular appreciation to Mrs. White for her outstanding leadership and service during challenging financial times and throughout a year of change at CJR. “The Connecticut Junior Republic is deeply grateful to Barbara White and to those who served as officers and committee chairmen for the 2009 event,” he said. “The comments we have received about this year’s House Tour and Preview Party have been exceptionally positive,” he noted.

A voluntary organization comprised of approximately 150 active members, the Litchfield Aid was established seven years after the founding of the Connecticut Junior Republic, for the sole purpose of supporting CJR programs and facilities. Since its formation in 1911, the Aid has raised millions of dollars to benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic and the children served by the organization.

Every year, members of the Aid approach homeowners in the area to participate in the Annual Open House Day Tour of Litchfield. Five houses are selected based on historic, architectural, or other notable characteristics, including location. A Preview Party is held at a sixth site, creating a festive opening to House Tour weekend.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) has provided residential and community-based care, treatment and education for troubled and at-risk young people for more than 100 years. Today, the organization’s combined programs serve approximately 1,000 boys and girls from communities throughout Connecticut. CJR operates group homes for boys in East Hartford and Winchester, a short-term residential program for girls in Waterbury, and community-based programs serving boys and girls in the Danbury, Torrington/Northwest Connecticut and Greater Waterbury regions. Special, alternative and vocational education programs, as well as transition and related services, are provided for boys on CJR’s Litchfield campus.

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). CJR is supported by contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and by Connecticut’s public schools. For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org.