Community Service Award Acknowledges Horizons’ Impact

Coveted award is presented to a local organization dedicated to making positive change in the community

The Greater Bridgeport Section of the National Council for Negro Women (NCNW) honored Horizons at Sacred Heart University (HSHU) with this year’s Marie W. Morgan Community Service Award.

The award is bestowed upon a local group dedicated to making the community it serves safer and healthier. It was given to Sacred Heart’s affiliate of the national Horizon’s organization at the NCNW’s annual founders’ lunch on March 22.

Horizons at SHU is an educational organization that provides academic support, enrichment activities and social-emotional development to Bridgeport students in pre-kindergarten through high school. Ashley Nechaev, HSHU executive director, said the award recognizes the difference that SHU students are making through the program.

“It is a profound honor to accept the Marie W. Morgan Community Service Award on behalf of HSHU,” Nechaev said. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team and highlights the impactful role HSHU plays in the Bridgeport area. It inspires us to push forward with even greater dedication to our mission.”

Nechaev believes that in today’s rapidly changing society, the need for programs like HSHU has never been more critical. “Horizons at SHU is a powerful out-of-school-time program, providing pivotal bridges for our young scholars to reach their full potential and emerge as tomorrow’s leaders,” she said. “The award motivates us all to continue our dedication to this vital work, affirming that every effort we make is a step toward building a stronger, more empowered community.”

Photo: National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Greater Bridgeport Section Secretary Ellen Morgan, right, announces Horizons at SHU as this year’s honoree of the Marie W. Morgan Community Service Award during the NCNW’s Annual Founder’s Day Celebration on March 22, 2025. Accepting the award was Horizons at SHU Executive Director Ashley Freeman, second from left.