Fairfield County Forward - Fairfield County's Community Foundation

Standing together for a stronger community

When we create a community where all our neighbors have an opportunity to succeed, we all thrive. But we have work to do to achieve this vision. In Fairfield County, race is highly correlated with outcomes in education, health, housing, income and wealth generation. These racial disparities are the result of racist systems and structures that were created decades and centuries ago, and have been reinforced over time.

Together, we have the power to change systems and dismantle the structures that have created these disparities to create a stronger, more prosperous community. When we do that, we will help our local economy thrive, build a larger skilled workforce, and promote health and safety in Fairfield County.

Fairfield County Forward is the Community Foundation’s new strategic plan for achieving this vision — developed in partnership with the Fairfield County community.

A True Partnership

Learn more about our commitment to partnering with our community to create a Fairfield County where every person has an equitable opportunity to thrive.

“We are committed to showing up with a spirit of humility and courage, and engaging you collaboratively in every effort to make our county an even greater place to live.”

Mendi Blue Paca ∙ President & CEO ∙ Fairfield County’s Community Foundation

Why is This Work Needed in Fairfield County?

Stark racial and ethnic disparities exist in Fairfield County due to systemic and structural barriers like racially discriminatory practices, restricted access to resources and prohibitive public policies. In fact, a 2019 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that Fairfield County was the most economically unequal metropolitan area in the country.

fccf-infographic-2023-general_updated_11.28.23

Download the 2023 Fairfield County Equity Profile to explore more data.

the results we seek

Equitable Opportunities to Thrive

As we partner with our community to close the opportunity gap and advance race equity in education, income & wealth, health, and housing, we aspire to create a community where:

All Fairfield County students graduate with a high school degree and are prepared for post-secondary education and/or employment.

All Fairfield County residents have equitable access to entrepreneurship and employment skill-building opportunities to achieve financial self-sufficiency and build assets.

All Fairfield County residents have equitable access to high-quality, culturally-competent physical and mental health services.

All Fairfield County residents have safe, stable and affordable housing in communities of opportunity.

an evolving approach

A Focus on Trust and Collaboration

The Community Foundation is reorienting how we approach our work as we focus on addressing the structural and root causes of persistent racial inequities in our community.

our values

Aligning Our Actions With Our Mission

The Community Foundation has adopted six core values that guide our work.

Equity

We commit to fairness and justice in our work and are accountable to the highest standards.

Inclusivity

We work to share power and amplify systematically excluded voices to advance equity.

collaboration

We create solutions through transparency and authentic relationships, harness Fairfield County’s diversity, and partner with our community to accelerate change.

Humility

We practice humility by listening first, respecting different voices, and searching for ways to continually learn.

Respect

We honor every person’s basic human rights and treat each person with dignity.

Courage

We seek the bravery and conviction to live our organizational values, confront wrong, take strategic risks, and pursue solutions that advance positive social change.

practicing our values

Translating Values Into Action

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation is here to serve you – and, in turn, our entire community. What does it look like when we’re living our values? By committing to these values, the Community Foundation will:

Get Involved

Together we have the power. Learn how you can join the journey to move Fairfield County forward by ensuring every person has an equitable opportunity to thrive.