Dear friend, 

After a very productive district work period, I am writing with your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in the district and highlights of my work.

Last week, I hosted and joined community conversations throughout the district in Kent, Bethel, and Newtown. Also, on Wednesday, I was thrilled to attend the grand opening of the CJR Pole Barn in Litchfield, part of the expansion of the CJR Agricultural Education Center. The pole barn was made possible by Community Project Funding I secured in Fiscal Year 2023.

More from the week: End Hunger Connecticut hosted its 25th anniversary celebration. I was honored to receive the Advocacy in Action Award for my efforts to keep our communities fed. Also, I joined the Wolcott community for the arrival of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall.

I am also including an update on Dia de Portugal in Danbury.

For my full recap, please read below.

Community Conversations

Last week, I held a series of community conversations throughout the district.

On Tuesday, I was in Kent for a Northwest Corner Community Forum. Residents are concerned about the erosion of our institutions and attempts by the administration to cut critical programs. I am continuing to use every tool available to push back against these unlawful actions.  

On Wednesday, we had another full room in Bethel. Our conversation spanned several key topics, including immigration, Medicaid, government reform, humanitarian aid to Gaza, education, support for federal employees, and food security.

I was invited to Newtown to  join CT Mirror In the Room, a monthly interview series moderated by John Dankosky featuring elected officials throughout Connecticut.

I was thrilled to join this engaging conversation that focused on the unique aspects of the Fifth District and the role of public education in shaping vibrant, thriving communities.

Thank you to CT Mirror for having me.

CJR Pole Barn Grand Opening 

Formerly known as the Connecticut Junior Republic, CJR provides wellness, education, residential, and community-based programs to youth and families at multiple locations in Connecticut. In 2022, I visited the facility to learn more about the services provided by the organization.

During the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations process, my office secured $750,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) for CJR to further Agricultural Education and Behavioral Health Services for Youth.The funding supported repairs, maintenance, and renovations to CJR's existing farm facilities, and expanded the Agriculture Education Center.

In October 2024, I joined local leaders for the groundbreaking of the project.

On Wednesday, I was thrilled to be back at CJR for the ribbon cutting of a new pole barn that will offer agricultural education to young people throughout our state.

Programs like the Agricultural Education Center at CJR are critical to bolstering Connecticut agriculture and expose young people to new career pathways.

It is not often that you see a product move from concept to completion. This was an exciting journey.

End Hunger Connecticut 25^thAnniversary Celebration

Founded in 2001, End Hunger Connecticut! (EHC!) is a statewide anti-hunger nonprofit in Connecticut dedicated to eliminating hunger and promoting healthy nutrition through outreach, public education, and legislative and administrative advocacy.

On Friday, the organization celebrated 25 years with a reception and benefit event. I was honored to receive the Advocacy in Action Award, which “recognizes fearless leadership and lifelong commitment to championing equity, opportunity, and food justice for all.”

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Opening Ceremony

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

On Friday, I joined the Wolcott community for the arrival of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. Also known as “The Wall that Heals”, the traveling memorial is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., standing 6 feet tall at the center and covering nearly 300 feet from end to end.

The memorial provides people who might otherwise be unable to make the trip to Washington the opportunity to visit the memorial. Connecticut residents had the opportunity to visit the memorial May 29^th through June 2^nd. The memorial now heads to its next stop in Ohio. 

Dia de Portugal

On Sunday, residents in Danbury gathered for the Dia de Portugal – Portuguese Day. 

It was great to join Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, members of the Danbury state delegation, and the Danbury Portuguese community for a celebration of culture and tradition.

And that’s a wrap!

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Please be assured I will continue to advocate for your priorities.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress