Leonard & Hilda Kaplan Charitable Foundation Awards $20,000 Grant in Support of Child & Family Services’ Caring Network Program
NEW BEDFORD, MA (July 29, 2026) — Child & Family Services is proud to be awarded Leonard & Hilda Kaplan Charitable Foundation’s grant for $20,000. These funds directly support our Caring Network program, which has been in service since 1996 to guide children aged 4-14 through trauma induced by witnessing or experiencing violence in their home, school, or community.
“The Leonard & Hilda Kaplan Charitable Foundation has a long-standing history of supporting Caring Network’s mission,” said Larissa Correia, Program Director of Caring Network. “Their contribution enables our team to continue offering groups to children exposed to violence at no cost to their families. We are grateful for their continued dedication to supporting the wellbeing of children in the Greater New Bedford area.”
Stationed in New Bedford and Fairhaven public schools, the Caring Network provides free weekly psycho-educational groups for children to share their experiences, improve their self-esteem, and develop healthy ways to resolve conflict and tension. Each child in the program receives individual and developmental guidance to work through their physical and emotional conflict, as they often experience flashbacks, fear, anxiety, anger, and trouble eating and sleeping stemming from the trauma they have faced. Some children may emotionally withdraw, while others may repeat aggressive behaviors. Through the Caring Network, children learn how to identify and manage their feelings, create safety plans to mitigate future conflicts, and build a network of peers and adults they can trust.
We are incredibly grateful for the Leonard & Hilda Kaplan Charitable Foundation’s contribution. These funds ensure that the mission of Child & Family Services—to strengthen and heal the lives of children and families—continues to be achieved. Through this generous effort, children’s minds and bodies will be comforted as they process their trauma.