kids gathering around a table with a gem craftlittle boy learning to swim with swim instructor in a poolgirl planting seeds in a flower potlarge group of kids standing together smiling on a basketball courtEvery child deserves to be wellNortheast Opportunities for Wellness_________________________________________________

We work to improve the lives of Northeast Connecticut youth by ensuring access to programs that promote social, emotional, and physical wellness – regardless of ability to pay.

Because with opportunities for wellness NOW, kids can be healthier and happier for life.

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5,000+

KIDS SERVED ANNUALLY

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14

YEARS SERVING NORTHEAST CT

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100+

PROGRAMS & EVENTS
EACH YEAR

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0 - 14

AGES SERVED

Explore Our Programs & Events

Physical Wellness

Activities that support physical fitness and opportunities to enjoy the many benefits of participation in sports.

Social Wellness

Fun activities aimed at building skills that help youth to develop trusting, respectful, and authentic relationships.

Emotional Wellness

Programs that cultivate the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times.

Upcoming Events

“We Pay, You Play!”
If the cost of any of our programs is a challenge for your family, we encourage you to apply for a NOW Scholarship >

Help Kids to Be Well NOW

Latest News

🎉 Get ready to MOVE, have FUN, and celebrate WELLNESS! 🎉

We're excited to launch a 3-month Kids Fun Run Series designed to get youth of all abilities up and active! 🏃‍♀️🦽🏃‍♂️ With 7 fun run events at different locations across the region, kids will have plenty of chances to run, walk, or roll their way to the finish line.

It all starts at 10 AM on Sunday, August 10th at the Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center during the PBA’s🦆Pluck-a-Duck event!🦆 T-shirts, medals, snacks, and tons of fun await! 🎽🎖️ The final mile will be completed at TackleJR on Saturday, October 18th at 8 AM, using the official Tackle the Trail finish line 🏁 Plus we’ll cap it off with medals and a special recognition ceremony! 🥳

This series is open to all children, including those with disabilities. We believe in movement for everyone; so let’s run, walk, or roll our way to better health, together! 💙 Sign up today and be part of this awesome community event! #nowinmotion

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Participant Feedback

“Each year I apply for the NOW youth sports scholarship program. I depend on NOW for my 5 children to play sports. The NOW staff are so friendly every season when it comes time to apply. Sports are important for all kids, but not all kids can afford to play sports. Thank you NOW for making this possible for my family.”

“My daughter participated in the NOW 2-Month Kids Marathon. She was absolutely inspired by the NOW staff who coordinated all of the runs, ran with the kids, taught running safety and nutrition, and moitvated all of the children. She ran over 26.2 miles in 8 weeks with encouragement and support from NOW!”

“My Son has always struggled to fit in. We have tried everything. I came across the NOW program on Facebook this year and enrolled my son in their STEM workshops at the Putnam Library. It was an instant success. The staff were so understanding of his disabilities and they were constantly aware of his comfort level during the groups. I can’t describe the weight that I felt come off of my shoulders…”