E-Newsletter | December 2022 |
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CEO Corner
Carolyn Vermont
Happy Holidays! We celebrate the last month of 2022 with continued gratitude, love, and celebration of our achievements in support of our mission. One of our greatest accomplishments this year was dedicating our 279th Habitat CFC home! As we look forward to our next chapter in the New Year, we remain steadfast in working towards completion of current homes in construction and beginning new construction with the help of our many volunteers and partners in 2023.
Our volunteers and partners donate their time, talent, and treasure to provide more affordable housing opportunities for low income, working families. This is the season to pause and truly take time to celebrate all that we have accomplished as we have worked together year-round to make a positive impact on our community. By volunteering on a build day, shopping at the ReStore, donating to the ReStore, and in so many other ways, you’ve helped our Habitat homeowners to achieve the opportunity to build strength, stability, and self-reliance. I am thankful that we have so much to celebrate!
At Habitat CFC, we put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Thank you for continuing the journey with us into 2023!
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SAVE THE DATE!
Habitat CFC Annual Gala - April 1, 2023
On Saturday, April 1, 2023, Habitat CFC’s Annual Gala Fundraiser will be celebrated in style with an April Fools’ Masquerade Ball at the Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT. Since 1985 we have been partnering with families to create strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership. We hope you will consider attending or supporting our annual gala. Your participation helps us continue to do our important work.
To purchase tickets or a sponsorship, click the button below. We expect this year’s Gala to be a sold-out event, so do not delay!!!
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Children’s Christmas Party |
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This month, our Habitat homeowners and their children joined us for our Family Services Department Christmas Party hosted by the West Indian American Association of Greater Bridgeport (WIAAGB). We enjoyed a game of musical chairs, holiday treats, arts and crafts activities as well as a special visit from Santa as he brought a wrapped gift and a $25 gift card for each child! We are so thankful for the dedication of WIAAGB and their hard work to make this holiday season special. They blessed us with the opportunity to reconnect with Habitat families during this joyful time of year and, that day, the smiles and laughter from parents, their children, and WIAAGB members filled our Habitat CFC offices! This event is a wonderful example of our continual commitment to our Habitat families and the great partners that make it possible. |
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Rainy day couldn’t stop Habitat CFC from holding a Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, December 3rd…
Stephanie Torres and her two sons are the proud owners of a lovely home at 227 Granfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT – and now they are a part of the Habitat CFC family forever!
The holidays will be extra joyous for them this year as they celebrate in their new home!
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There’s still time to give to Habitat CFC’s exciting year-end campaign to procure a sizable parcel in the North End of Bridgeport, CT. This property will support ten homes for ten low-income, working families. Your contribution will empower families to build a secure foundation and future for their children through homeownership. Thanks to a generous gift by the Bauer Foundation, all donations (up to $500,000) will be matched dollar for dollar! |
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Volunteer Spotlight: Victor Forbes
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Currently residing in Fairfield, Victor is a Project Design Manager for Deane, Inc., which makes high-end custom cabinetry. Victor started volunteering with Habitat CFC in 2017 when a friend asked him to tag along to a volunteer day. Since then, Victor has been a frequent volunteer at Habitat CFC build days and events. Victor has participated with Youth United as a chaperone, volunteer, and photographer for build days/events and for fundraising sales at the Habitat CFC ReStore in Stratford. This year, Victor volunteered as the main photographer for our Annual Golf Outing at the Country Club of Fairfield in September. Most recently, he volunteered at our Women Build meet up event where he served as a greeter and assisted with checking in guests. “Volunteering at the Women Build event was my most memorable moment while volunteering with Habitat CFC. It was really inspiring seeing so many women from every walk of life come together for a common cause. Also listening to Future Homeowner Cindy’s personal experience and how the work we do has helped her and her family was very touching and emotional for me.”
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When asked what inspired him to volunteer, Victor said, “I grew up going on mission trips as part of the youth group at my church and the work at Habitat for Humanity takes me back to my roots. Habitat’s mission of putting God’s love into action aligns with my core values.” Victor plans to continue to volunteer with Habitat CFC for years to come and we look forward to seeing more of his contributions to our mission.
Thank you, Victor, for all you do!
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Staff Profile: Josue Jorge
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Josue Jorge joined Habitat CFC this month as Director of Communications and Volunteer Services. Born, raised, and still currently living in Bridgeport, Josue is motivated by making a positive impact on his community.
Most recently, Josue served as Assistant Director of Strategic Communications at the University of New Haven where he implemented a multimedia approach to highlighting University programs and events through traditional and social media.
Previously, he served as Press Secretary in the City of Bridgeport’s Office of the Mayor since 2019. During the height of the COVID-19 omicron outbreak between December 2021 and March 2022, he shifted towards supporting the emergency response efforts as Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the City of New Haven. During his time in New Haven, CT, he recruited and assigned Medical Reserve Corp volunteers to various assignments related to the COVID response and worked closely with the City’s health director as well as other City leadership on communications and outreach initiatives.
Josue earned his bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Fairfield University and earned a master’s degree in journalism and media production from Sacred Heart University. He began his career in Stamford, CT as a Production Assistant at NBCUniversal.
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Carolyn Receives the Susan L. Davis Community Leadership Award at the Bridgeport Regional Business Council’s 2022 Holiday Dinner & Leadership Awards
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This year, the Bridgeport Regional Business Council’s (BRBC) Susan L. Davis Community Leadership Award was presented by William Jennings, Fairfield Region President, Hartford HealthCare and awarded to Carolyn Vermont, CEO of Habitat CFC! The Susan L. Davis Community Leadership Award is presented to an individual that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and impact on improving the health and welfare of our region and its residents.
“Carolyn, congratulations and thank you for all you do to help improve the quality of life for those in need in the community. Your leadership and commitment to the people you serve make you a role model for all. I hope you enjoy the holiday dinner and congratulate you for your many accomplishments. Best wishes.” -Susan L. Davis.
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You can keep even more materials out of landfills by donating your gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials to our Stratford Habitat ReStore!
Donations gratefully accepted at the store.
If you are dropping off a donation, please arrive 30 minutes prior to closing.
Store Hours:
Tuesday to Friday 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM
Closed every Sunday and Monday
Schedule a Pick-Up
or call 203-383-4358
All sales net proceeds benefit the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County.
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Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County | 203-333-2642
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