March was a very active month at Homes for the Brave and it was capped in grand fashion when
some of our residents and "alums" comprised the cast of WAR STORIES at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts
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Throughout the month of April, I'll be crisscrossing Connecticut to build additional support for our organization from a variety of individuals and entities. We're also looking forward to welcoming some wonderful groups of friends and neighbors into our homes, and ramping up for our May Golf Classic.
Creating Hope, Building Dreams...
Vince Santilli
Chief Executive Officer
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War Stories
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View the full WAR STORIES photo album on
Flickr
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You may not remember their names, but you'll never forget their stories.
On March 31, the curtain rose on WAR STORIES: A Veterans Project. This collaboration between Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts and
Homes for the Brave
resulted in an educational, emotional, and therapeutic experience for its actors and audience members alike.
In WAR STORIES, sixteen past and current residents of our programs bravely shared their personal narratives about the wars they have fought. For many, the battles began before they reported for duty, while others met their demons during and after their service to our country. Two of the participants had not served in the military, but poignantly brought light to the societal factors that lead to the inner-wars many of us face.
Due to audience demand and a sold out opening night, the cast and crew added a Saturday matinee to the weekend-long production.
After weeks of intensive rehearsal, each performance was touching, genuine, and flawless.
We thank creators Peter Van Heerden, Nina Bentley, and Sonya Huber for giving our residents the gifts of expression, healing, and growth. We also extend our gratitude to Fairfield University, the CT Office of the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts for supporting the actors' salaries, thereby furthering their vocational goals. And of course, we want the performers to know how very proud we are of their generous and courageous storytelling.
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Golf Classic
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Presented by
Support our Veterans with a day of fun, food, and fellowship!
It's all happening on May 22 at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield. Proceeds will support the men and women we serve by providing them with safe housing, job training, life skills coaching, and so much more.
Not a golfer? We'd love to have you join us for dinner and prizes following the tournament.
To learn more, register, and explore our exciting sponsorship opportunities, visit our website.
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Welcome, Kathy!
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Please welcome Kathy Beardsworth, ABRI/
Homes for the Brave
's new Director of Communications and Outreach!
In her new role Kathy will lead the agency's communications, fundraising, special events, and PR efforts, along with researching and securing grant funding opportunities.
Kathy has a long and successful track record in non-profit management, specifically in the areas of fund development and marketing. She last served as Development Director for a national youth mentoring organization. She helped the agency achieve record-breaking fundraising goals, increased awareness about issues facing youths and families, and developed juvenile justice partnerships to serve more at-risk youth. As a result of her success, Kathy was asked to participate in the organization's nationwide training efforts.
A native of Connecticut, Kathy received her bachelor's degree from Fairfield University where she majored in business management and minored in business ethics.
Contact Kathy to welcome her to the team and learn how you can help the men and women at
Homes for the Brave achieve their goals.
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Giving Back
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Thank you to everyone who pitched in this month
by serving meals, providing insight and education, inviting us to share our story, and more. Below are a few highlights from our March 2017 visitors.
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Top-left:
Bridgeport Elks Lodge #36 monthly Sunday Dinner
Top-right: Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council 14360 &
Assumption Council 11077 presented
Homes for the Brave with a check from their first annual Sword & Shield Golf Tournament
Bottom-left: A group of "Grateful Friends" gathered to serve a lazy Sunday breakfast, featuring eggs made-to-order!
Bottom-right: Basketball legend Walter Luckett led our weekly job preparation workshop, focusing on perseverance, adaptability, and positivity
Thanks to all of the groups and individuals who help us achieve our goals each and every day!
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Shout Outs
Americorps Alums
Bridgeport Elks Lodge #36
buildOn
Exchange Club of Shelton
Fairfield College Preparatory School
Fairfield University & The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
Girl Scouts of CT
Grateful Friends
IBM Employee Charitable Contribution
Campaign
Insurance Provider Group
John Read Middle School
Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Assumption
Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council 14360
Okemo Mountain Resort
Operation Hope of Fairfield CT
Outback Steakhouse Shelton
Painting & Vino Fairfield County
Random Hacks of Kindness
Rotary Club of Wilton
Southern CT Insurance Professionals
Spadaccino Realty Team LLC
Sunnyside School
The WorkPlace, Inc.
Trumbull Community Women
Trumbull High School
University of Bridgeport
Tributes
In Memory of Joseph Adley
In Honor of Eric Chrans
In Memory of William Mistakos, Jr.
In Memory of Charley Raymond
In Memory of CW5 Philip Reeves
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