Caroline House: Building Bright Futures For Women & Children

After learning English and life skills at Caroline House in Bridgeport, Francisca is training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

For non-native English speakers, adjusting to life in a new environment often means facing a unique set of challenges. Bridgeport-based Caroline House, a grantee of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s Fund for Women & Girls, responds to these challenges with opportunities and empowerment to build brighter futures. For over 20 years, Caroline House has served as a sanctuary of education, providing English as a Second Language (ESL) and Life Skills Education to women and children in Fairfield County.

Empowering women with skills for meaningful careers

For women like Francisca, pictured here, learning ESL and Life Skills can lead to better employment opportunities and continued education. During her first days at Caroline House, Francisca knew only a few words of English. After class, she dropped her children off at a neighbor’s and walked to her job at a factory, where she worked from 3:30 pm to midnight.

Over time, the staff at Caroline House worked with Francisca to develop skills and knowledge that can support a meaningful career with advancement opportunities. Their focus on improving literacy, inspiring confidence and educating students on basic skills gave Francisca the tools to take the next step towards a stable financial future for her family. Today, she is enrolled in a class – taught in English – that will train her to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and earn a family-sustaining wage.

“Each day I learn to speak a little more English, and feel more comfortable expressing myself.”
-Maria, Caroline House student

Make a lasting impact for families in Fairfield County

We believe in Caroline House as a catalyst for change in our community, and support their mission to help women and children reach their fullest potential.

This work is funded in part by your generous donations to our Fund for Women & Girls. As local philanthropists coming together around a common vision of uplifting women and girls with tools for success, you are making a difference in Fairfield County – from funding programs that fill basic health and safety needs, to encouraging women and girls to pursue leadership roles and thriving careers.

Thank you for making an impact for women like Francisca, their families, and deserving grantees like Caroline House. Together we thrive.

Learn more and get involved with our Fund for Women & Girls.