On Thursday, January 13th Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW) met with members of the Killingly Target Human Resources team to celebrate grant funds that were recently awarded to NOW. The funds, totaling $1,000, will support NOW scholarships for children participating in local soccer programs in 2021.

NOW applied for funds from the Target Youth Soccer Grants Program which are available through the Target Corporation. As part of the program, Target provides annual grants on behalf of each Target store and distribution center in the U.S. to federally tax-exempt section 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, accredited schools, or public agencies located in the U.S.A. preference is given to programs serving in-need communities. The grants are intended to provide support for player registration fees, player and field equipment, and training and professional development for volunteer coaches.

Throughout the year, NOW partners with local youth serving organizations focused on sports and other healthy activities. NOW has a long history of supporting soccer in the region and is currently partnered with Canterbury Athletic Association, NECONN Soccer Club, and Plainfield Youth Soccer Club. NOW provides financial assistance for children in the region to play youth sports through the NOW “We Pay. You Play!” scholarship program. In addition to scholarship funds, NOW hosts a variety of free youth sports clinics, including three individual soccer clinics throughout 2020.

NOW Executive Director, Tayler Shea commented, “NOW is so thankful for the Target Corporation and this $1,000 soccer grant. These funds will be used to ensure that all children in Northeast Connecticut have the opportunity to engage in soccer. Participation in youth sports and activities, such as soccer help children to develop an array of lifelong skills. Soccer not only enforces the importance of fitness, nutrition, and overall wellbeing but also skills such as communication, discipline, and teamwork. Thank you, Target Corporation for investing in the lives of children in Northeast Connecticut!”

Pictured from left to right: Analia Correa (Target HR Expert), Patricia Hedenberg (NOW Board & Programming Committee Member), Tayler Shea (NOW Executive Director), Valentine Iamartino (NOW Board, Grants & Programming Committee Member), and Alyssa Rainey (Target Executive Team Leader)