Bringing People Together

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Bringing People Together

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Spring Has Sprung at the ODS

Spring weather is finally here, and volunteers are helping Open Door Shelter make the most of it! The children's play area has been transformed with new plantings, paint, and a beautiful mural.

Volunteers have also planted flowers at the front of the Shelter and at other Shelter properties. And students completing service hours painted a beautiful mural in the children's bicycle area. All bring joy to our shelter clients and the neighborhood!

A big thank you to to New Canaan Country School, Noroton Presbyterian Church, Winston Preparatory School for your contribution of materials, love and time as you came together to make the Open Door Shelter a more inviting home for individuals and families in need!

Community Meetings

The Open Door Shelter has been holding a series of meetings to invite feedback on shelter operations and the development of the SoNo Life Center project. Each of these meetings was attended by Jeannette Archer-Simons, Executive Director, members of the board of directors and staff. The six meetings held included input from South Norwalk residents, parents and the principal of Columbus School, leadership of District B, faith community volunteers, and foundation members. We appreciate the time and thoughtful feedback!

The conversations provided insights into the perception of the shelter and gave an opportunity to discuss a stronger partnership with the local community. These meetings resulted in a tour of the play areas at Columbus School to identify ways to collaborate for maintaining a safe space, neighborhood clean up and beautification activities being scheduled in April and May around shelter properties, and a community advisory committee being formed to continue to advise shelter leadership on our community partnership with South Norwalk.

These six meetings were a great start to increased awareness of how the Open Door Shelter can be a partner in community safety and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Wellness Recovery Action Plan

Norwalk Hospital recently ran a 10-week Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) at the Open Door Shelter for people with mental health issues.

This program is designed to help decrease and prevent intrusive or troubling feelings and behaviors, which also decrease hospitalizations, increase personal empowerment, improve quality of life, and help to achieve their own goals and dreams.

Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Weston

The Open Door Shelter was honored to be selected as a recipient of funds from the Kiwanis Club of Weston. This will provide new mattresses, comforters, curtains and paint for residents in the family shelter.

Thank you to some of our

Community Friends for their gifts and support.

Inner City Foundation

People's United Bank

Winston Preparatory School

and thanks to the many volunteers who give their time and talents to help the individuals and families here at the Open Door Shelter. It takes a village to change a life, and it is exciting to see our village grow with people who care.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support.

This month help us help those in need.