Community Conversation on Equity, Justice & Compassion for All

New Development Director for Valley United Way

SHELTON- Following months of strategic planning and then working with the community on Coronavirus Relief, Valley United Way is excited to announce the hiring of a new part time Development Director, Brian Mezzi of Clinton, CT.

Mr. Mezzi also currently works at United Way of Greater New Haven (UWGNH) as their Assistant Development Director.  Hearing of the good work he was accomplishing there, Interim President/COO of Valley United Way, David Kennedy, approached UWGNH to consider a work share scenario that would enable Mr. Mezzi to work for the Valley part time.  

“The shared services agreement we have entered into with UWGNH is the best of so many worlds,” Mr. Kennedy said. “We have been able to bring a very talented United Way development professional onto our team, while he continues to support corporate partnerships and United Way of Greater New Haven’s workplace campaign.”

With 10 years of non-profit experience, primarily with United Ways in Connecticut, Mezzi has spent most of that time cultivating and creating relationships with workplaces that are looking to contribute to local needs. Last year, Mezzi worked with a diverse portfolio of local businesses to successfully raise over $1 million for the greater New Haven community.

He is also no stranger to giving back to the community.  An avid fencer, Mezzi is the former Head Coach for the North Haven Fencing team and is the Co-Chair of the CT High School Fencing Association.  He has won awards for his roles in service and leadership through organizations like Americorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Though relatively new to the Valley community, Mezzi notes, “I look forward to engaging with individuals and partners throughout the Valley. I make it my goal to inspire others, both in and out of the workplace, to give and get involved in their community. I look forward to working together in a ‘United Way’ to change what's possible for the Valley. “

As Valley United Way is still working remotely due to Coronavirus, it was not the typical “orientation” for the new employee.  Brian Mezzi started at Valley United Way on Monday, July 13^th and will continue working remotely, along with other VUW staff until further notice.  

For any questions related to Development and Workplace Giving for Valley United Way, Mezzi can be contacted at:  Brian.Mezzi@valleyunitedway.org.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Ring Those Bells, Seymour!

Griffin Health Hosts 'Ask a Pharmacist' on March 4

DERBY –The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, invites the community to bring their medication questions to Griffin’s expert pharmacists on Wed., March 4 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the hospital.

Griffin Health Director of Pharmacy Services Lisa Jaser, Pharm D, and other members of the Griffin Pharmacy staff will lead a casual Q&A for any and all medication questions.

Medication errors injure hundreds of thousands of people every year in the United States. However, most medication errors can be prevented with open communication between the pharmacist and patient as well as the patient’s caregivers. Important information individuals should ask their pharmacist includes the name of the medication, what it is supposed to do, how to take or use the medication, what to do if a dose is missed, and what activities, foods, or other medications to avoid while taking the medication.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Have a Cup of Coffee with a Cop

Derby Parish to Mark Feast of Corpus Christi

DERBY - On June 23 following the 11:30 a.m. Mass, Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles Parish invites (St. Mary and St. Jude Churches) the community to join them, and Derby Catholics from St. Michael’s Parish, for a Eucharistic Procession through downtown Derby to commemorate the Feast of Corpus Christi.

The procession will leave from St. Mary Church, 212 Elizabeth St. at approximately 12:15 p.m. (immediately after 11:30 a.m. Mass) making seven stops: 

St. Mary-St. Michael School, Hallock’s Landing, the Derby Green, Derby City Hall, Derby Elks Lodge, Civil War Memorial on the Green, and returning to the steps of St. Mary Church for benediction. 

Individuals unable to walk the route are invited to meet the group at each of these places.Each stop will allow time for prayer and reflection. Following the procession, refreshments will be served in St. Mary Church hall.

For more information please call 203-735-3341.

Youth Connection to Present "Annie"

Ruth Parkins Receives Prestigious Humanitarian Award

SHELTON - Ruth Parkins received the 48th Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award May 31 at United Way’s 2018 VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION held at Villa Bianca in Seymour. 

The award is the Valley’s oldest and most prestigious community service award, named for the late editor of The Evening Sentinel. It has been presented annually since 1971 for a lifetime of service to the community.
 
Ruth is an active community volunteer, an Executive Board member and a past chair of Valley United Way’s Board of Directors. She is also a member of the Corporate Volunteer Council and a Valley Community Reviewer for the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven’s Responsive Grants Program.

Ruth is employed by the Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company where she manages community and government relations, stakeholder outreach and corporate giving. She graduated summa cum laude from Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and earned her Master’s degrees in Business administration and Public Administration from the University of New Haven.

She currently chairs the communications committee for the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), and is a member of the Northeast Gas Association’s Public Awareness and Communications Subcommittees.

As a community leader and volunteer, Ruth was an elected member of the City of Shelton’s Planning & Zoning Commission for 10 years, serving as its Chairman form 2009-2017. She currently represents Shelton on the Naugatuck Valley Council of Government’s Regional Planning Commission and also serves as an Executive Committee member on the Shelton Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors.

She was recipient of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Gold Seal Award in 2010, and the Shelton Economic Development Corporation’s 2014 Raymond P. Lavietes Award for Outstanding Leadership & Vison.

Ruth has been a resident of Shelton for over 40 years and has two grown daughters, Jessica and Sarah. Sharon Gibson-Ellis, Valley United Way President said, “Ruth is very deserving of this significant award”.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Fundraiser to Benefit Valley Children

Ansonia to Hold Block Party

Earth Day Clean-up in Ansonia

Community Forum Slated on School Safety in Seymour

Shelton School District/Police to Host Safety Forum

SHELTON -The school district will hold a Community Forum on School Safety at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St.

Leaders from the school district and police department will discuss current practices and hear concerns from families. 

Church to Host Awareness Event on Human Trafficking/Child Exploitation

DERBY – Walnut Hill Community Church, located at the corner of Smith and Ninth Streets in Derby is hosting a community awareness event at 7 p.m. March 1 in order to help raise awareness of the human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children in the Valley, Connecticut and around the world.  

Pastor Walt Mayhew from Walnut Hill’s Valley Campus spoke of the reason the church decided to get involved.

“The sexual exploitation and human trafficking of our children is rising dramatically. Yet many in our community are unaware. Our hope is to raise awareness by having experts in the field of social services and criminal justice share what it taking place.” Mayhew said. 

According to statistical information provided by the church human trafficking and sexual exploitation is a world-wide 99-billion-dollar industry. In CT, just since 2016 referrals to DCF of suspected domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) has risen by 7,000%. The state is broken up into six regions for statistical reporting purposes.

The region in which the Valley is located is tied for the highest rate of referrals. Since 2008 (as of third quarter, HART Data 2017) more than 800 children have been referred to Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families as being suspected of being victims of human trafficking, the youngest just being 2 years old.

“The time is at hand to raise awareness and mobilize out communities so our children can be protected and we want to do our part.” Mayhew said.

The event will feature a panel discussion/presentation by experts in the field, including:

*Annmarie Boulay: Director of Women’s Ministry Wintonbury Church & Co-founder ofThe Underground

*Jillian Gilchrest: Director of Health Professional Outreach at CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence

*Tim Palmbach: Professor & Chair of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven

*Theresa Leonard: Co-founder of The Underground, Survivor of DMST

*Yvette Young: Project Director, Human Anti-trafficking Response Team for DCF, Village for Families and Children. 

Further information can be obtained from the church’s website:

www.walnuthillcc.org/valley-campus or by calling 203-732-5220.

(This is a press release from Pastor Walt Mayhew)

Shelton Mayor Lauretti Donates to The Kennedy Center

Mayor Lauretti of Shelton, right, presented Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO of The Kennedy Center, left, with a $5,000 check from the Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Classic.  This sizable donation will be used for the agency’s general operating expenses.
 

SHELTON- Mayor Mark A. Lauretti recently surprised the Kennedy Center with a big donation over the holiday season with proceeds from his annual charity golf tournament.

 

“We want to personally thank Mayor Lauretti and the supporters of his golf tournament for their generous donation to The Kennedy Center,” said Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO of The Kennedy Center.  “This substantial contribution has been earmarked for general operating expenses, which will benefit the 2,000 people with disabilities we serve throughout the region.”

 

Mayor Lauretti added, “I have been involved with The Kennedy Center for several decades.  This major rehabilitation agency provides people with disabilities many employment and community resources throughout the region, including in Shelton. In fact, several years ago, I hired an outstanding Kennedy Center worker in my office at City Hall.  I am honored to provide this worthwhile organization with a $5,000 donation from the Mayor’s Golf Tournament, so they can continue helping others.”

 

The Kennedy Center, founded in 1951, is an internationally accredited, non-profit, community-based rehabilitation organization that currently serves over 2,000 individuals annually. The agency actively responds to the needs of the community by offering innovative, comprehensive service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years.

 

The Kennedy Center operates 31 community experience programs, 16 group homes, an industries program composed of six businesses, supported and competitive employment and job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training, and a variety of children’s programs. 

 

Visit www.thekennedycenterinc.org for more information. 

Community Health Discussion Dec. 4

DERBY - Griffin Hospital and the Naugatuck Valley Health District invite the community to a free discussion on “Improving Community Health in the Valley” from 5-7 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 4 at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

This open discussion will feature an overview of the Valley’s 2016-2018 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which was developed based on community input on health priorities and data from the “Understanding the Valley Region” report published last fall.

 

The CHIP includes the following seven key focus areas for improvement: Creation of a Community CARE Team; Chronic Disease Management & Prevention; Substance Use Prevention; Childhood Obesity Prevention; Lung Cancer Screening/Smoking Cessation; Asthma Prevention & Self-Management; and Healthy Homes.

 

Participants will learn more about the CHIP and will be invited to share their input about improving community health and well-being in the Valley.

 

Please RSVP to 203-732-1511 or register on Griffin’s online calendar at griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Plenty of "Pink" Events on Tap

DERBY - The 8th Annual Valley Goes Pink invites the community to sip or stretch for relaxation and a good cause.

 

LuLu Pazzo, 314 Main St., Ansonia, will host “Wine Pairing for Pink Dinner” on Wed., Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy dinner paired with wines for each course. Call Jodi at 203-521-2233 for more information or to reserve a spot.

Professional Yoga Instructor Kimmarie will lead “Pink Namaste Yoga” on Sun., Nov. 5 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby. Minimum donation of $20. Visit kimmarieyoga.net to register.

 

In addition to these two events, Marks of Design, 389 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, will host “Dig for a Diamond” on Thurs., Oct. 26 from 3-7 p.m. A $40 donation will give an individual a bucket and a chance to win a .90 karat diamond as well as precious and semiprecious faceted stones. The event is limited to 300 participants. Call 203-924-0030 or visit griffinhealth.org/pink to reserve a bucket.

 

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and showcase partnering organizations.

 

For more information on how you can go Pink, including a calendar of events, visit griffinhealth.org/pink, like us on Facebook or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at development@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7504.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Valley United Way Exceeds Fundraising Goal

SHELTON- After 10 years of nearly reaching the Campaign goal, Valley United Way is happy to announce they have met and exceeded the 1 million dollar goal set for the 2016-2017 year. Valley United Way has raised over $1,050,000, $50,000 over the Campaign goal.

“Thanks in part to all those who contributed to the Valley United Way, we have reached our $1 million Campaign goal this year. I am grateful to all those who supported our efforts, and our community will be better - and stronger - ​because of it,” said Jimmy Tickey, the Valley United Way Campaign Chair.

“The Valley United Way makes a difference in the lives of hard working people who ​struggle to make ends meet, senior citizens who need assistance, young people who are being prepared for a bright future and communities who are responding to crisis’, said Tickey. ‘The Valley United Way is working each and every day to alleviate these concerns, and is thinking strategically about their work so there are more long-term solutions.”

​Valley United Way has been in the community for 49 years and thanks to the generosity of donors, Valley United Way has been able to invest over $35 million into helping youth, providing basic needs and working to prevent crisis. “The Valley is a caring community and it is not surprising that the community is so generous. Congratulations to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly on the Campaign,” said Sharon Gibson-Ellis, President & COO of Valley United Way.

Valley United Way has many great programs that exist and are successful because of the community’s generosity. They aid in food insecurity for Valley families in need with programs such as Harvest House and the Grow Your Own program. Grown Your Own allows low income families to have a support system to grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables and Harvest House is a house made from food and that is given to five food pantries in the Valley. The Back to School Program, another great program, provides clothing and school supplies that are needed for the initial start of the school year. The Corporate Volunteer Council is credited for the Harvest House and Back to School Program.

If an individual or company would like to find out more information on how to participate in either donating funds, volunteering time or donating in kind donations, please contact Valley United Way at 203-926-9478 or email: sharon.gibson@valleyunitedway.org

For more information on Valley United Way, their funded partners and the programs and services they provide please visit www.valleyunitedway.org and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Below is a clip of the meeting on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY7k3KXSaEw&feature=youtu.be

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Goodwill to Honor Local Individuals, including Ansonia Man, Who Defied the Odds

BRIDGEPORT- Goodwill of Western & Northern Connecticut is honoring three remarkable individuals who are defying the odds and achieving amazing personal success with the help of Goodwill’s programs and services.

 

Calvin Boyd of Ansonia is being honored with the Spirit of Perseverance Award for his drive and determination to find work despite receiving benefits that supported him since childhood.

Kendra D’Andrea of Fairfield is being celebrated with the Spirit of Determination Award for overcoming personal and professional challenges that previously prevented her from supporting her three children. 

Lakeisha Butler of Bridgeport is being revered with the Spirit of Inspiration Award for taking control of her life after an incredibly tough childhood where she lacked the motivation and support to succeed.

 

This inspiring trio is being honored by Goodwill at this year’s Annual Achievement Awards Luncheon on April 27 in Trumbull.
 

In addition, Goodwill is recognizing two valuable community partners who are supporting the Goodwill mission to provide employment and support services to people with disabilities and other challenges. The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) in Hartford is being acknowledged with the Community Partner Award for providing educational resources that enable greater employment opportunities for Goodwill’s Hartford clients. Highland Park Market of Manchester is also being honored by Goodwill with the Employer of the Year Award for its commitment to helping Goodwill’s program participants achieve gainful employment, making special accommodations and maintaining a compassionate understanding of how to work with individuals with disabilities.

“The Goodwill story is told through the moving stories of our honorees, each with their own unique pathway to success,” said Vickie Volpano, President, Goodwill of Western & Northern Connecticut. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements, and grateful for the support of our customers and community partners. Whether people are donating gently used items or shopping in our stores, their generosity is helping to change a life. We remain committed to the families and communities we serve, helping individuals improve the quality of their lives through the power and dignity of work.”

Spirit of Perseverance

Diagnosed with lead poisoning at an early age, Calvin Boyd struggled with a learning disability throughout his childhood and early adult life. Despite receiving Social Security Disability Income, Calvin wanted more for himself.

 

Thankfully, Calvin was able to find relief when his job search brought him to Goodwill in Bridgeport for employment opportunities. Goodwill’s Community Employment Services program worked to determine Calvin’s strengths and challenges. As a result, Park City Green, a mattress recycling company in Bridgeport hired him on the spot. While he initially had minimal hours, he was later elevated and now works more than 35 hours a week and has garnered the nickname “Hercules” by his co-workers.

Spirit of Determination

A single mom of three kids, some with special needs, Kendra D’Andrea needed to earn more money to cover rising medical bills and better support her family. Unfortunately, the school she was working for as a Special Education Teacher kept passing her up for promotions due to Kendra’s lack of teaching certifications. Then in August 2014, she discovered Goodwill’s Career Center in Westport. Career Coaches worked with Kendra to develop her resume and draft a more compelling cover letter. They also worked with her to perfect her interviewing techniques and job searching skills.

Success materialized in November 2016 when Kendra landed her dream job as a special education teacher to 8 students in grades 1-3. While Kendra always gave her all to her students, she now has the financial means to really support the classroom with materials to help kids who can’t afford some basic needs for themselves. She has also returned to her graduate studies program earning the credits needed for sixth year pay.

Spirit of Inspiration

Lakeisha Butler has always wanted to work in healthcare. After her mom was diagnosed with schizophrenia and deemed unfit to provide for her children, 4-year-old Lakeisha Butler and her five siblings were put into foster care. At age seven her aunt took her in, but it didn’t last long as her aunt moved and gave the house to Lakiesha’s father and step mom.  After graduating high school, Lakiesha was referred to the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, but became frustrated and angry when she learned the program was for customer service and retail training.

While the first couple classes at Goodwill were difficult for Lakeisha, she eventually developed a lasting friendship with Elpidia who became a positive role model. “Elpidia inspired me and motivated me to get it together,” said Lakeisha. 

Then, during a subsequent tour of Goodwill, Lakeisha learned about the Community Experience Program for multiple and/or severe disabilities.  She gravitated to the people in this program and began to volunteer a couple days a week. She eventually passed the National Retail Federation Exam through Goodwill and got hired during a Goodwill Career Center hiring event as a home health aid. She currently has one client, whom she loves, and works 5 days a week, 11 hours a day, taking public transportation to make it happen. 

Community Partner

The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) has partnered with the Goodwill Career Center in Hartford since 2013. Many of the clients served through the Career Center come looking for employment, but have an educational barrier that prevents them from finding and attaining stable work. To help meet this critical community need, CREC has extended their GED programming to Goodwill’s Hartford clients. They are equipped and able to work with individuals who may have significant challenges hindering any progress towards GED attainment (learning disabilities, language barriers, etc) by providing them with the necessary accommodations for their individual success. 

In addition, CREC has opened up a new channel of referrals to Goodwill Career Centers by encouraging their students to visit and utilize Goodwill’s unique services that allow them to continue their learning progress outside of class time. CREC staff is always available to provide their expertise when needed and most recently provided training to Goodwill staff that included insights into working with adult learners.

Employer of the Year

Highland Park Market has been a strong supporter of Goodwill’s mission to assist people with disabilities and other challenges to employment.  Over the years, this unique locally owned, community-based company has helped Goodwill clients secure gainful employment. The company works with Goodwill’s program participants to make their work experiences a great one, providing on-the-job training, paid work, job coaching and other training and supervision. They make special accommodations and have a compassionate understanding on how to work with individuals with disabilities.

Highland Park Market has provided work evaluation or employment opportunities to at least ten Goodwill clients – five of these individuals are currently employed with the company. The company is extremely gracious and dedicated to hiring Goodwill’s program participants. Whenever they are approached about employment opportunities they work hard to find a position or make a position available.

ABOUT GOODWILL OF WESTERN AND NORTHERN CONNECTICUT

Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut is a non-profit organization that serves people with disabilities, economic disadvantages and other challenges to employment. Goodwill helps people achieve independence and self-sufficiency through job training and other support services. www.gwct.org

Derby "Community Voices" Workshop