The Kaplan Family Fund

Seven years after establishing the Kaplan Family Fund in memory of her parents, Faye and Harry, and the giving spirit they exuded, Heidi Kaplan is continuing her family's legacy of providing resources that enrich the lives of those in the Valley community. Her parents called Derby home for more than 50 years and this fund, created with Valley Community Foundation (VCF), will impact local organizations' serving the region for generations to come.

A retired teacher, Heidi has a special appreciation for children and desire to develop their love of learning. The programs she supports through the fund include the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, TEAM, Inc.'s Diaper Bank, and the Derby Public Library.

"I have very fond childhood memories of bringing home books to read from the Derby Public Library and I still love walking through those doors today," says Heidi. "I was a reading consultant and developing a love of reading is still very important to me. I hope every child has the opportunity to read a good book."

In addition to finding ways to support educational needs, Heidi wants to provide basic needs through effective programs such as the Diaper Bank at TEAM, Inc. She explains, "When I heard David Morgan, TEAM's CEO, speak at VCF's 2015 Annual Reception about the many families in the Valley that struggle to afford diapers for their children, he impressed me with how the program can positively impact and contribute to the overall well-being of those in need. In addition, Diaper Bank recipients can access a range of comprehensive services that support other challenges the family may be experiencing."

Over time, Heidi intends to continue to support the areas she's funded and is open to other efforts to involve children and early experiences that disenfranchised youth would otherwise not receive.