A local nonprofit was praised Saturday for helping to break the cycle of poverty.

The Norwalk Housing Foundation is a college scholarship program developed by the Norwalk Housing Authority.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal praised the organization for raising money to send kids who grew up in public housing to college.

Members Harry Carey and Adam Bovilsky were honored for helping to lead the initiative.

Officials say over the past 20 years, the Norwalk Housing Foundation has raised $2 million to send kids to college, with every penny going directly to the students.