By Elizabeth Barhydt
When the Connecticut Bond Commission convenes on Friday, August 1, in Hartford, one item on its agenda carries uncommon bipartisan weight: $750,000 earmarked for the Greenwich YWCA. The funding, expected to be approved with the backing of Governor Ned Lamont, will address renovations and bolster security at one of the town’s most significant community institutions.
The YWCA’s funding has drawn advocacy from both sides of the aisle. Democratic Representatives Steve Meskers (150th District) and Hector Arzeno (151st District) have pushed persistently for the allocation, crediting coordination with the Governor’s Office and House leadership. “We are grateful for the funding allocated to support critical renovations and security enhancements at the YWCA,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “This investment ensures that the YWCA can continue serving our community safely and effectively for generations to come. We extend our sincere thanks to the House Leadership and Governor Lamont for recognizing the importance of this project and making it a priority. We look forward to seeing these much-needed improvements come to life, strengthening the YWCA’s ability to deliver vital programs and services well into the future.”
From the other side of the political spectrum, Senator Ryan Fazio and Representative Tina Courpas — both members of the legislature’s Finance and Appropriations Committees — echoed that sentiment. They described the YWCA as “a significant asset in our community, serving hundreds of people of all ages in Greenwich each year.” Their statement continued: “We are pleased to support the YW in continuing its vital work in our Town for all of our citizens.”
The convergence of support from Greenwich’s legislative delegation reflects more than goodwill toward a longstanding nonprofit. It underscores how certain community anchors — especially those providing services across generations — can transcend political divides in Hartford. The YWCA’s programming spans from early childhood education to domestic violence services, fitness, and aquatics, positioning it as one of the town’s few multipurpose institutions serving residents regardless of age or income.
The immediate priority, according to the statements, is security. In recent years, facilities serving children and vulnerable populations have faced mounting pressure to harden infrastructure — from entry systems to surveillance — while also maintaining a welcoming environment. For the Greenwich YWCA, built decades ago and operating at full capacity, renovations tied to safety are seen as essential to sustaining programming without interruption.
The Bond Commission’s role in this process is procedural yet decisive. Chaired by Governor Lamont, the 10-member body must approve state financing for capital projects ranging from transportation to community facilities. Friday’s agenda, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the Legislative Office Building, places the YWCA funding amid a broader package of municipal and nonprofit investments statewide.
The YWCA’s reach — from after-school programs to crisis intervention — means improvements ripple through families and neighborhoods townwide. If approved, the $750,000 will modernize the YWCA’s physical plant and signal that Hartford’s fractious politics can bend toward consensus.
