Danbury’s Promise for Children Partnership and the United Way of Western Connecticut held a Community Report Out event Tuesday at the Danbury Police station.  They discussed the successes and challenges Danbury youth are facing and how to best support them. 

A Community Report Card on Young Children, a yearly baseline data report, was released. 

Partnership coordinator Megan Chrysler says despite low unemployment in Danbury, families are still struggling to meet basic needs.  She also cited data showing that students who face disadvantages early on often struggle to overcome them.  But she says there is a wealth of support programs and initiatives in Danbury to support families. 

Officials from both organizations hope their collaborative effort can be extended.  WestConn educational psychology professor Dr. Gabriel Lomas gave a keynote speech about the effects of toxic stress on young children, which could result in negative health outcomes in adulthood.