Group is looking for more ways to support the community

By Bina Thomson

Of the many monthly meetings held at the Norfolk Hub, perhaps some of the most needed are the meetings for NorfolkNET (Networking Everyone Together). NorfolkNET is a grassroots organization with the goal of alleviating poverty and strengthening community relationships. NET was born out of the needs of Norfolk community members, organized by Erick Olsen, pastor of the Church of Christ Congregational (UCC) in 2017.

NET has created a variety of initiatives since its formation, including the Norfolk Food Pantry, housed at UCC’s Battell Chapel and the now-defunct swap shed, Norfstroms, which was formerly located at the transfer station. The organization has also sponsored a mini-grant “Pay It Forward Norfolk” program where residents were invited to apply for $100 grants with proposals of projects that would improve life for others in Norfolk. This year, NET’s focus has expanded to address the opioid crisis and to strengthen community relations with Botelle Elementary School.  

One of this summer’s Friday Nights on the Green was co-hosted by NorfolkNET and focused on health and wellness. Attendees could tie-dye t-shirts with the Norfolk Lion’s Club while representatives from McCall Behavioral Health Network, Greenwoods Counseling, and the Winsted Youth Service Bureau shared information. From managing substance misuse to finding LGBTQIA+ therapists, the organizations offered a multitude of resources for individuals of any age and walk of life. At that event, representing Greenwoods Counseling was Julia Jagger, a Community Outreach & Recovery Navigator. 

Starting in November, Jagger has been coming to the Norfolk Food Pantry weekly, sharing counseling information and giving out Narcan. Narcan (naloxone) is an easy-to-use nasal spray which, when given in time, can reverse the effects of an otherwise fatal opioid overdose. Jagger recently held a Narcan training with the food pantry volunteers, teaching them the signs of a potential overdose and how to administer the spray. While it may be difficult to imagine the need for Narcan in Norfolk, Olsen assures that “the need is very real.” At a recent meeting, NET members were informed of a recent fatal overdose in Norfolk.

 NET is looking forward to hosting a film screening on Jan. 7 at 4 p.m. in the Battell Chapel. The film “Uprooting Addiction”, a local production, shares the story of six individuals and their struggles with substance misuse, trauma, and mental health. The film is suggested for viewers 12 years and up, and there will be a panel of speakers to discuss elements of the film and lived life experiences. NET especially hopes to see educators and parents at the screening. 

Although NET has had connections with Botelle for some time, that connection is more apparent this year. Lauren Valentino, principal of Botelle, says the efforts to better connect the school to the community are going well. Botelle’s anti-bullying campaign was supported by NET, and the UCC church. The Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department shined orange spotlights to support Unity Day against bullying on Oct. 18.  Students at Botelle came up with anti-bullying measures and Olsen incorporated one of them into his sermon recently, preaching on the importance of bringing calm into tense situations. Olsen praised the insightful responses from Botelle students, saying “these kids are brilliant.” 

Botelle has discussed at length the need for after-school programing, and NET is working to assist. Collaboration continues between NET, Botelle, and several other town organizations to devise a plan for such programs. Details of volunteers, transportation, and locations are still being worked out, but the groups shared their collective excitement at being able to meet this need.

Continuing to look toward the future, NET is surveying community members about restoring Norfstroms in a different capacity. Issues with maintaining the tidiness of the swap-shed impacted its success and better management is needed for a future iteration. Individuals looking to share their feedback on Norfstroms are invited to respond to NET’s survey advertisement in Norfolk Now, or to email NorfolkNetCT@gmail.com directly. 

Residents looking for support, either financial or social, or individuals with ideas on ways to help the community are welcome to contact NET at the email address above, or by coming to one of the Five Access points of NET. These current points are Botelle School, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Northwestern Regional High School, the Town of Norfolk’s Selectman’s Office, and the UCC church. “We recognize that building bridges between people in different circles takes trust and time,” Olsen says, “but such connections are essential for our individual and community well-being.”