Norwalk Recreation and Park Services’ Teen Alliance (TAP) was honored with the Helen Putnam Award at the Cal Cities conference on Oct. 8, city officials said. The program, which serves youth ages 13 to 18, offers volunteer hours, monthly meetings and community projects.

City officials hosted the annual State of the City event on Oct. 17, where residents, business representatives and local officials gathered to review recent work and look ahead. Karen Spilsbury of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and Capt. Richard Conte of the Norwalk Sheriff's Department were listed as guest speakers at the event.

The Helen Putnam Award recognizes outstanding efforts and innovative solutions by city governments, the city said. Norwalk’s announcement described TAP as a youth empowerment program that promotes leadership and skill building through community service and projects that benefit the city.

Details provided by the city note TAP serves youth ages 13 to 18, offers regular volunteer opportunities and holds monthly meetings; further specifics about program enrollment, funding or staffing were not specified in the announcement.

At the Oct. 17 State of the City, organizers thanked attendees and noted participation by residents, business representatives and local officials. The city did not announce specific follow-up actions tied to the award or the State of the City remarks in the provided text.