Sixty years of offering aid

Newington Student Assistance Fund seeks support

By Mark Jahne

Editor

It started with the simple idea of helping residents pay for college, trade school or other post-secondary education. That’s still the mission six decades later.

As today’s officers and board members reflected on 60 years of giving away money, they can see the fruits of all that labor. NSAF has granted more than 1,500 interest-free loans to more than 1,000 residents since its founding in 1966 by a partnership of the Newington Jaycees, school PTA members and civic leaders.

The total amount awarded is $1.6 million.

Among the leaders of the Newington Student Assistance Fund are, from left, President Maura Stamm, Treasurer Neal Callahan, Vice President Colleen Boccaccio and Secretary Jeri Lynn Turkowicz. Photo by Mark Jahne

NSAF solicits contributions from businesses and the public. As loans are paid off, the money is reinvested in new loans. Donations may be made on its website or by mailing a check to Newington Student Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 31026, Newington, CT 06131.

It is registered as a 501c3 nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. Individual loans are available for as much as $1,500 and can be renewed the following school year.

Despite this 60-year history, “we seem to have gone under the radar,” President Maura Stamm said.

She added that much of that can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a financial challenge right now because more money was loaned than is currently being paid back. That is expected to remedy itself over time but the officers are still concerned.

“We paid out a lot of money but most of those kids are now in school” and have not yet begun making payments, Secretary Jeri Lynn Turkowicz said.

“We’ve given out $200,000 over the past three years,” Stamm added.

“We’ve never had to say no” to an applicant but there is a risk that this could happen now, Treasurer Neal Callahan said.

Vice President Colleen Boccaccio had an NSAF loan when she was in school. So did her two children, so she knows firsthand the value of this organization. The number of second-generation family members seeking loans is increasing.

“We also give scholarships every year. Our history is very impressive,” she added.

“Our goal is to raise $60,000 for our 60th anniversary. We’re only temporarily cash strapped,” Stamm said.

She added that those interested in supporting NSAF should ask their employer if it has a matching grant program. People can make direct contributions or donate appreciated assets such as stocks and estates.

“We get donations from people’s retirement accounts,” she said.

Those who become involved in this organization tend to make it a longtime commitment.

“The average tenure of our board members is over 15 years,” she said.

Turkowicz said it is always rewarding when they hear students and their families talk about how this money will help fulfill their dreams.

“Our goal is to support their goals, their educational path. It doesn’t have to be a four-year college, it can be trade school,” she said.

Students are required to sign the loans and their parents must also sign.

NSAF works closely with the administration and guidance department at the high school. Two new board members are Newington Public Schools staff members.

Longtime member and treasurer Maura Stamm recently became the president of NSAF. Other officers are Vice President Colleen Boccaccio, Secretary Jeri Lynn Turkowicz and Treasurer Neal Callahan

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Serving on the board of directors are Maureen Callahan, Phyllis DiCara, Ernie Field, Ann Harter, Gary Harter, Dan Henry, Pam House, John Kelly, Maria McGoldrick, Pamela Muraca (new), Carol Miller, Janet Nahorney, Nancy Petronio (new), Robert Randich, Robert Stubbs, Max Turgeon and Christine Veilleuz (new).

Everyone involved is a volunteer.

NSAF also administers two annual scholarships that are awarded to a male and a female student at Newington High School. Scholarship awards are based on criteria developed by the NSAF board of directors with emphasis on school and community service plus academic achievement.

This scholarship was originally administered by the directors of the Indian Hill Country Club and was transferred to NSAF in 1994. In addition, NSAF presents the Cammy O’Connor Book Awards to a member of each class. NL

For more information see nsafinfo.org.