This first issue of Acent features seven carefully vetted, high-impact charities serving Middletown and the greater Middlesex County region. These organizations aren't asking for much; just your awareness and whatever support you can offer, whether that's $5 from your coffee fund or an hour of your time. Every contribution, no matter the size, creates real change in your community.

Location: Middletown, Connecticut

What They Do:
For 45 years, St. Vincent de Paul Middletown has operated as the cornerstone of hunger relief and emergency assistance in Middlesex County, serving as both a lifeline for families in crisis and a model of community-driven compassion. Their comprehensive programming includes the Amazing Grace Food Pantry providing groceries to over 1,600 households annually, a daily soup kitchen serving nutritious hot meals, emergency financial assistance for utilities and rent, a supportive housing program, and a community clothing program that ensures dignity alongside basic needs. Operating with the motto "Meeting Needs, Offering Hope," SVDM has built deep partnerships throughout Middletown while maintaining their commitment to serving anyone who walks through their doors, regardless of circumstances.

Why It Matters:
Food insecurity and housing instability affect people across demographics in Middletown, including students and recent graduates entering a competitive job market. SVDM's comprehensive approach addresses both immediate crisis needs and longer-term stability through wraparound services that recognize the interconnected nature of poverty. Their location in downtown Middletown makes them accessible to both Wesleyan students and community members, while their volunteer-driven model creates meaningful opportunities for civic engagement that builds understanding across social and economic lines.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://svdmiddletown.org/

Location: Middletown, Connecticut

What They Do:
Since 1972, Community Health Center has operated with an exceptional 94% four-star rating from Charity Navigator while building one of the most innovative primary healthcare systems in the country, serving 130,000 patients at over 200 locations across Connecticut. Founded by Mark Masselli and Wesleyan students as a free clinic in a walk-up apartment, CHC has evolved into a comprehensive healthcare network providing primary medical care, dental services, behavioral health, HIV treatment, obstetrics, and specialized programs like diabetes education and nutrition counseling. Their core mission remains unchanged: healthcare is a right, not a privilege, with services available regardless of ability to pay.

Why It Matters:
Access to affordable healthcare creates stronger communities while supporting individual and family wellbeing. CHC's location on Main Street in Middletown makes quality healthcare accessible to Wesleyan students, community members, and families throughout Middlesex County. Their comprehensive approach addresses both physical and mental health needs while providing services in multiple languages and culturally competent care that serves diverse populations. For students interested in healthcare access and social justice, CHC represents a successful model of community-controlled healthcare that prioritizes patient needs over profit.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://www.chc1.com/

Location: Middletown, Connecticut

What They Do:
MARC Community Resources operates with an impressive 94% four-star rating from Charity Navigator while providing comprehensive services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Middlesex and Hartford Counties. For over 50 years, MARC has empowered people with disabilities to live their best lives through residential services, employment support, day programs, and community integration services that emphasize choice, dignity, and maximum independence. Their mission centers on ensuring that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are integral and valued members of the community, with programming that recognizes each person's unique strengths and aspirations.

Why It Matters:
People with disabilities deserve opportunities to live independently, work meaningfully, and participate fully in community life. MARC's person-centered approach recognizes that each individual has unique goals and preferences that should drive their support services. Their work creates more inclusive communities while providing essential services that help people achieve their highest level of independence. For Wesleyan students interested in disability rights and inclusive communities, MARC demonstrates how comprehensive support can enable people to thrive in integrated community settings.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://marccommunityresources.org/

Location: Newington, Connecticut (serving Middlesex County)

What They Do:
Connecticut Humane Society operates as the state's oldest and largest animal welfare organization, maintaining a three-star rating from Charity Navigator while providing comprehensive services including animal adoptions, low-cost veterinary care through their Fox Memorial Clinic, emergency medical treatment, and community programs that keep pets with their families. Founded in 1881, CHS serves pets and families throughout Connecticut with a mission that recognizes the human-animal bond as essential to community wellbeing. Their programs ensure that financial barriers don't force families to surrender beloved pets while connecting adoptable animals with loving homes throughout the region.

Why It Matters:
For students dealing with stress, pets provide crucial emotional support and companionship. CHS ensures that financial hardship doesn't force families to surrender beloved animals, while also providing affordable veterinary care that keeps pets healthy and families together. Their work creates stronger human-animal bonds that enrich community life while addressing pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programming and responsible pet ownership education. Supporting CHS means investing in both animal welfare and the relationships that provide emotional support to people throughout Connecticut.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://cthumane.org/

Location: Middletown, Connecticut

What They Do:
Celebrating 90 years of community impact, Middlesex United Way coordinates resources and funding throughout Middlesex County while focusing on four key areas: healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency. They've provided over $300,000 in grant funding while their 211 service handled 13,634 calls in Middlesex County, connecting people to essential resources and support. Their comprehensive approach includes supporting local nonprofits through strategic funding, operating volunteer income tax assistance programs that returned $787,000 to community members, and coordinating disaster response and community resilience initiatives.

Why It Matters:
As a coordinating organization, Middlesex United Way amplifies the impact of individual donations across dozens of local programs simultaneously. Their strategic approach means one donation supports comprehensive community services from youth development to senior support, while their local knowledge ensures funding reaches the most effective programs. For students who want broad community impact, United Way provides a way to support multiple causes while leveraging community partnerships for maximum effectiveness in addressing systemic issues that affect everyone in Middlesex County.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://middlesexunitedway.org/

Location: Middletown, Connecticut

What They Do:
The Connection Inc. operates the Eddy Shelter as Middlesex County's primary emergency shelter for homeless adults, providing not just emergency housing but comprehensive rapid re-housing support while helping guests identify and plan for long-term housing solutions. As part of a statewide network serving individuals with histories of chronic homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders, The Connection provides individualized case management and life skill building services designed to help people maintain housing and improve daily functioning. All referrals come through Connecticut's coordinated 211 system, ensuring that the most vulnerable community members receive priority access to services.

Why It Matters:
Housing insecurity affects people across demographics in Middlesex County, including recent college graduates entering competitive rental markets. The Eddy Shelter provides essential services that address both immediate crisis needs and long-term stability through professional case management and coordinated community support. Their comprehensive approach recognizes that homelessness often results from multiple intersecting challenges, requiring wraparound services that address root causes while providing immediate safety and shelter.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://www.theconnectioninc.org/

Location: Middletown, Connecticut

What They Do:
Since 1935, The Rockfall Foundation has promoted environmental education and conservation throughout the Lower Connecticut River Valley, awarding 447 grants totaling $739,134 to support community environmental initiatives. Operating from the historic deKoven House in Middletown, they provide grants for environmental projects, offer educational programming about invasive species management and watershed protection, and maintain forest lands that serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental education. Their work spans from supporting high school environmental leadership through scholarships to funding community organizations working on climate resilience and conservation projects.

Why It Matters:
Environmental challenges affect everyone, but education and local action can create meaningful change. The Rockfall Foundation provides practical ways for community members to engage with environmental issues while building connections to local ecosystems. Their grants support both established organizations and emerging environmental initiatives, making them ideal partners for students interested in environmental justice and sustainability. For Wesleyan students passionate about environmental issues, Rockfall offers opportunities to learn, volunteer, and advocate for environmental protection in the Connecticut River Valley.

Link to Donate or Learn More:
https://rockfallfoundation.org/

These seven organizations represent decades of proven community impact, financial transparency, and effective programming in the Middletown area. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or simply share awareness with friends, you're contributing to a stronger, more supportive community that benefits everyone, including current and future Wesleyan University students who call this region home.