New Canaan CARES

New Canaan CARES New Canaan CARES is an independent, non-profit community organization whose purpose is to advance the health and well-being of youth and families.

Founded in 1979, CARES acronym stands for Community, Awareness, Responsibility, Education, Services.Over the years, CARES has grown from a small, narrowly-focused organization into a broadly-focused, responsive organization supported by a wide cross-section of community leaders and led by a highly-qualified professional staff.

A new school year is a fresh start filled with possibilities!To all of the students heading back to class, families sett...
08/27/2026

A new school year is a fresh start filled with possibilities!

To all of the students heading back to class, families settling into new routines, and educators and school staff welcoming everyone back, we’re cheering you on every step of the way.

At New Canaan CARES, we feel so lucky to work in such an incredible community, one that shows up for one another, supports our young people, and values connection, kindness, and growth.

Here’s to a school year filled with confidence, curiosity, friendship, and plenty of moments to celebrate. Wishing our entire New Canaan community a happy and positive start to the year! 💙💚

Just a few spots left!Registration is open for CARES Fall 2026 High School Leadership Program!Designed for motivated stu...
08/27/2026

Just a few spots left!

Registration is open for CARES Fall 2026 High School Leadership Program!

Designed for motivated students ready to grow as leaders, this 7-week program helps teens build confidence, develop life skills, and make a real impact—in and beyond the classroom.

Mondays | September 28–November 16
2:45–4:00 PM at NCHS

• Hands-on experience
• Public speaking, goal setting, conflict resolution & more
• Supportive, team-focused environment

Know a High School student ready to lead? Learn more and register through the link in bio!

Save the date! We are excited to share, that his fall, New Canaan CARES is proud to partner with  for a special evening ...
08/26/2026

Save the date! We are excited to share, that his fall, New Canaan CARES is proud to partner with for a special evening with Dr. Shefali and Allison Williams.

Join renowned clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and founder of the Conscious Parenting movement, Dr. Shefali, as she shares insights from her two new books, Raising Conscious Daughters and Raising Conscious Sons. In conversation with actor, parent, and New Canaan resident Allison Williams, they'll explore how we can raise children with greater connection, resilience, and emotional well-being.

And the conversation doesn't end there! Join us the following week for CARES Continues the Conversation, a community coffee where we'll reflect, share ideas, and discuss how to bring these parenting insights into everyday life. Whether you've read the books or simply want to listen and learn, all are welcome.

Conversation with Dr. Shefali & Allison Williams at New Canaan Library
Wednesday, September 16 | 7:00–8:00 p.m.

CARES Continues the Conversation Coffee
Friday, September 25 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Tate Room, New Canaan Library

Register at newcanaancares.org (link in bio).




As summer winds down and we enjoy these last few weeks before school starts, it's also okay if this time of year brings ...
08/18/2026

As summer winds down and we enjoy these last few weeks before school starts, it's also okay if this time of year brings unexpected emotions. Whether you're watching movies on a rainy day, bingeing a new show, or simply spending more time together as a family, the stories we watch can sometimes hit closer to home than we expect.

If something you watch sparks difficult conversations or brings up big feelings, know that you don't have to navigate them alone. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional is always a great place to start.

If you or someone you know needs support, these community mental health resources are here to help.

If you need additional support, these resources are available:

• 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988.
• Mobile Crisis Intervention Services: Call or text 211 (24/7). Professionals can come to your home or community site during a crisis.
• Kids In Crisis Hotline (for teens): 203-661-1911.
• New Canaan Youth & Family Services: 203-594-3076. Support for mental health, substance use, and domestic violence.
• The Assessment Program at Silver Hill: 1-866-542-4455. Free program connecting New Canaan residents to mental health treatment.
• New Canaan Parent Support Group: ncparentsupportgroup.org. Support for parents of loved ones affected by addiction.

Seeking support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. Save these resources, you never know when they might help you or someone you care about.💙💚

As Back-to-School season approaches, stay connected with New Canaan Cares! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to...
08/16/2026

As Back-to-School season approaches, stay connected with New Canaan Cares! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming CARES events, valuable resources, and volunteer opportunities. Join our community and stay informed all year long!

Be a part of our mission to empower youth, strengthen families, and build community. Together, we can create a healthier, happier New Canaan! 💙💚

Sign up today through the link in our Instagram BIO or at newcanaancares.org

Safe medication storage saves lives.Did you know that securely storing medications is one of the easiest ways to help pr...
08/13/2026

Safe medication storage saves lives.

Did you know that securely storing medications is one of the easiest ways to help prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, and theft?

New Canaan CARES is offering FREE Medication Lock Pouches to anyone in the community who needs one. Whether you're storing prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, or other potentially harmful substances, a lock pouch helps keep children, teens, and loved ones safe while promoting responsible medication storage.

To receive your FREE lock pouch, email [email protected] with "LOCK POUCH" in the subject line.

Together, we can create a safer community, one simple step at a time. 💙💚

However you're spending your summer, we hope you'll find a few moments to explore resources that inspire, inform, and su...
08/11/2026

However you're spending your summer, we hope you'll find a few moments to explore resources that inspire, inform, and support your parenting journey.

At New Canaan CARES, we're committed to supporting parents with trusted, evidence-based resources that strengthen families and help children thrive.

This summer, we're sharing a reading list featuring books by some of the nationally recognized authors and experts who have joined us for New Canaan CARES programs over the years.

CARES Summer Reading List includes:
Mattering: Jennifer Breheny Wallace
The 5 Principles of Parenting: Dr. Aliza Pressman
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Dr. Lisa Damour
Thrive! Year One: Dr. James Geisler
How to Raise a Boy: Dr. Michael Reichert
Free-Range Kids: Lenore Skenazy
Never Enough: Jennifer Breheny Wallace
Slay Like a Mother: Katherine Wintsch
The Parenting Project: Amy Alamar
Rebound: Chris Herren
Raising Conscious Daughters: Dr. Shefali
Raising Conscious Sons: Dr. Shefali

Whether you're parenting young children, tweens, or teens, we hope these books offer practical guidance, fresh perspectives, and encouragement throughout the summer.

You can borrow many of these titles from the New Canaan Library or purchase them locally at Elm Street Books.

What book has helped you most as a parent or caregiver? Share your recommendation below!

Save the date! We are excited to share, that his fall, New Canaan CARES is proud to partner with  New Canaan Library for...
08/06/2026

Save the date! We are excited to share, that his fall, New Canaan CARES is proud to partner with New Canaan Library for a special evening with Dr. Shefali and Allison Williams.

Join renowned clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and founder of the Conscious Parenting movement, Dr. Shefali, as she shares insights from her two new books, Raising Conscious Daughters and Raising Conscious Sons. In conversation with actor, parent, and New Canaan's own Allison Williams, they'll explore how we can raise children with greater connection, resilience, and emotional well-being.

And the conversation doesn't end there! Join us the following week for CARES Continues the Conversation, a community coffee where we'll reflect, share ideas, and discuss how to bring these parenting insights into everyday life. Whether you've read the books or simply want to listen and learn, all are welcome.

Conversation with Dr. Shefali & Allison Williams at New Canaan Library
Wednesday, September 16 | 7:00–8:00 p.m.

CARES Continues the Conversation Coffee
Friday, September 25 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Tate Room, New Canaan Library

Register at newcanaancares.org (link in bio).




Starting preschool or daycare is a big milestone, for kids AND parents!  Join us NEXT WEEK for Navigating Your Preschool...
08/06/2026

Starting preschool or daycare is a big milestone, for kids AND parents! Join us NEXT WEEK for Navigating Your Preschooler's Transition to School, part of ECCO's Parenting Series.

Hear from local experts as they share practical strategies to help make the transition to school feel more positive, confident, and less overwhelming.

Wednesday, August 12
10:00–11:00 a.m.
New Canaan Library

PLUS, children ages 3–5 can enjoy stories, crafts, and games with Miss Rebecca while parents attend the panel. Registration is required. Visit newcanaanlibrary.org or use the link in our bio.

ECCO (Early Childhood Community Organization of Lower Fairfield County) brings together local educators, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to support young children and empower families through education, resources, and collaboration. Learn more at www.lowerfairfieldearlychildhood.org

Address

91 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT
06840

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+12039667862

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