" No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it. "

H. E. Luccock

I played the French Horn. One of my favorite opportunities to play in was youth orchestra. While I made the difficult decision not to pursue a career as a French Hornist, I have often returned to what I learned making music during that time in my life to help inform the quality of my leadership.

Those learnings have been on my mind a lot during the first month of this decade as I encountered many reminders of how important partnerships are to the success of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County. On a cold evening, a committed group of volunteers gathered to discuss on how to recruit silent auction items for our annual Benefit. On another night several youth from Youth United hammered out when the Rock the Block event should happen and how they could make it happen. A few Saturdays ago, the Women Build Committee came out in force to affirm their commitment to the Women Build program and began planning for She Nailed It and the Aitoro gourmet tasting event. This past week, the graduates from the YouthBuild program assembled to celebrate graduating from their building program of which Habitat CFC is a partner. A collegiate group from Iona College, a few of our regular faith groups, our loyal individual Core volunteers and several new individual volunteers built with us. Additionally, several corporations scheduled their future build days. And I could go on.

What I witness is how each group is distinct and important to the overall function of our organization. And, in the same way different instruments in the orchestra come together to make a beautiful piece of music, all of our partnerships blend together to encourage the fulfillment of our mission. Please join us in making that special kind of music that building together a home, the life of a family, the vitality of our community creates.

Cathy Collins, PhD

Chief Executive Officer, Habitat CFC

Lisa Croce Jackson has been on the Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County Benefit Committee for just over three years now and she continues to be a shining light in our community. Her first introduction to Habitat for Humanity was through her uncle who to this day volunteers with his local Habitat for Humanity affiliate in New Jersey. This example has inspired Lisa to think about others and what others go through who are less fortunate.

By chance Lisa’s husband Bruce Jackson brought her along to a benefit committee meeting three years ago and on that day we knew that she would be a tremendous asset to our cause. Lisa’s work background in sales, accounting, health & beauty, and real estate has allowed her to cultivate the necessary networking skills needed when organizing a charitable benefit.

Lisa is the kind of person that gets along with everyone and is able to communicate effectively with others which is essential when talking to potential donors. “I get a rush when I get auction items. Being in sales for a long time, there is a kudos involved. It is like closing a sale and bringing someone over to your side,” says Lisa. “This is a really great cause and you are helping these donors be a part of it.”

Before joining the benefit committee, Lisa knew what Habitat was, from the example of her uncle, but she did not really know what Habitat for Humanity does. “The first fundraiser inspired me when I heard from the families. I like the fact that they helped build their own homes and I loved seeing the happiness Habitat provides for the families. All of the stories are so inspiring and moving.”

When asked why she enjoys working with Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, Lisa mentioned the ability to work and interact with our staff. “It is a wonderful group of people to be involved with. The staff is so warm and welcoming and they are always willing to pick up the phone when needed.”

Lisa’s dedication to the cause and her ability to help grow our benefit has been an amazing asset to our affiliate. We could not help as many families in the Bridgeport area as we do without the help of volunteers like Lisa.

“I think of all the cold and space heaters where I currently am and see my family living in a warm, energy efficient home. A home full of love and sharing. A place where we can enjoy holidays together, a fenced-in yard, and four bedrooms so we finally have space to grow. This is what I envision, and what I keep working for every day of my life.”

Tynesia

Habitat CFC Future Homeowner

YOU can help families achieve the dream of the safety, stability, and self-reliance of a home where their family can thrive.

DONATE or VOLUNTEER to offer a hand up to a local family working hard to build a better future for their family and community.

20 Years of Service: THANK YOU to Director of Family Services & Community Liaison, Iris Cordero Taylor!

Iris Cordero Taylor started her journey with Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County over twenty years ago as a volunteer. She was a part of numerous committees and a member of the Board of Directors from 1996 – 1999. In January 2000 she joined the staff of Habitat CFC to help grow the organization to the next level. Her position as the Director of Family Services & Community Liaison has given her an understanding of the struggles that low income families face every day. In her position, she sees the finished product—a house—that gives a family hope for their future. Her commitment to the families with whom we partner is evident as she gives tirelessly of her time to ensure their success. We are grateful to Iris for her dedicated service and to her close-knit family that is extremely supportive of the path she has taken to help others achieve their dreams

Seeking Volunteers—Come Help Us Build!

Women of all ages (18+) and skill levels are invited to join us for a Women Build Volunteer Day! Join a community of women who believe in offering local families the chance to build strength, stability, and self-reliance. Whether you're a house-building pro or you've never touched a hammer, we need your help!

Look out for a special Women Build build day opportunity on March 4th when we celebrate International Women Build Week!

Questions? Contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Anthony Orfino at aorfino@habitatcfc.org.

We had an amazing week with our friends from Iona College, who joined us for their Alternative Spring Break Week. We loved having their energy, enthusiasm, and hard work and hope to see them again next year.

Habitat CFC is a host site for Collegiate Challenge groups from near and far looking to find a meaningful service trip for their educational group. To learn more about how your team can sign up for a Collegiate Challenge week, contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Anthony Orfino.

Join in the Joy!

A home dedication is the culmination of all that Habitat for Humanity is about. Join us as we celebrate Amarilys and her family as we pass the keys and break bread together for the first time in their new home. All are welcome to attend, witness the heart of our work, and congratulate the soon-to-be homeowner!

Save the Date! Habitat CFC's 2020 Benefit at Wee Burn Country Club, Darien- Registration Coming Soon!

On April 25, 2020 we’re throwing it back to pay it forward—going Back to the Future to the year we were founded—1985! In 2020, we are excited to be celebrating 35 years of partnering with families to create strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities and attending the event, contact Events Coordinator Suzanne Francis at 203-333-2642 x104 or sfrancis@habitatcfc.org or visit here.

SAVE THE DATE

Mark your calendars! The 27th Annual Habitat CFC Golf Outing will be Monday, September 21, 2020. Join us at The Country Club of Fairfield for a day of golf at one of the premier golf courses in the country, and help local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

Schedule

10:30 am Registration, Driving Range Opens

11:00 am Barbeque Lunch

12:00 pm Shotgun Start - Best Ball

  5:00 pm Reception Guests Arrive, Cocktails, Dinner Buffet, & Silent Auction

  5:30 pm Golf Awards, Brief Program

Registration Coming Soon!

For more information, contact Events Coordinator

Suzanne Francis at 203-333-2642 x104 or sfrancis@habitatcfc.org

or visit here.

ReStore Hours

Tuesday - Friday 10 am to 6 pm

Saturday - 9 am to 4 pm 

Closed Sunday and Monday