May 2021 - Issue 2

Adrian Elliott of FSC receives 100 Women of Color Award
The Friendship Service Center is thrilled to announce that Adrian Elliott, communications associate, was honored on May 21st as one of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts’ 100 Women of Color.

The 100 Women of Color, which is presented by June Archer & Eleven28 Entertainment, celebrates the power of family, friends and community by recognizing the contributions and impact that these women have made in business, education, entrepreneurship, entertainment, government and public service. The gala and awards event was held on May 21st at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center.

Adrian has been on the FSC team since November 2018 and learned she would
be receiving the award several months ago. "It took about three days after I received the email to really, really realize that I was being honored. I attended the 2019 WOC Gala at the Bushnell in Hartford. It was that day, that I wanted to one day walk across that stage. At the time, I’ll admit, I wanted to dress up in fancy clothes. Fast forward, Friday was amazing, the energy was on super high and I felt proud - to be black, a woman and from New Britain.”

A native of Washington, D.C., she excelled as a student athlete in basketball, volleyball and softball – thus her “team” spirit. But it was the arts that became her truest love after studying Fine Arts at Georgetown University – on an athletic scholarship.

Adrian came to Connecticut 20 years ago and has devoted countless hours to organizing, promoting and serving as an advocate for the arts in New Britain. She has served several terms on the New Britain Arts Commission and New Britain Arts Co-op. She has been recognized by Greater New Britain Alliance as a leader in the community arts. As curator of Gallery 66, she brings quality exhibits and programs to downtown New Britain. Pre COVID-19, she had produced 48 months of “open mic” events for New
Britain’s Downtown as recognized by Connecticut Magazine. She is also a graduate of CCSU with a degree in Information Design.

She has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years - in our community. At FSC,
she assists in organizing annual events and implementing campaigns, and is the internship/Volunteer/Community Service coordinator. “Adrian has added depth to her position as Communications Associate by bringing her love and knowledge of the arts to the Friendship Center residents and staff, enhancing their quality of life. We could not be prouder of her,” said Barbara Lazarski, FSC interim executive director..


FSC appreciates Abilities Without Boundaries
Friendship Service Center prides itself on the partnerships it has made with organizations and individuals from all spectrums of the community. Talents, expertise and hard work have made our program a success and able to continue providing services to those in need.

We would like to recognize a group of people who selflessly give their best efforts each week: the cleaning crew from Abilities Without Boundaries. Throughout central Connecticut, this organization provides vocational opportunities and support to adults living with a disability.

Each week, three or four members from Abilities Without Boundaries work tirelessly to clean our residential housing for our clients. This partnership gives individuals the opportunity to perform meaningful work that really impacts the quality of life for our residents. "They always come with a
smile and their work is impeccable," says Gerry Waldo, FSC Kitchen Director.

FSC thanks the Abilities Without Boundaries team for your dedication – we appreciate all you do!
Beacon brings COVID -19 vaccine to the Friendship Center
Todd DeGroff, Beacon Prescriptions pharmacist at 233 Main Street, New Britain, spoke to FSC residents and others about the importance of getting vaccinated. Todd's presentation was welcoming and educational and proved to be a success. "Thanks for taking time out to educate our clients on the COVID-19 vaccinations. One of our clients that was hesitant took the one shot vaccine after Todd spoke. Knowledge is power! Thanks again, Todd for your, "Love Made Visible." - April Maitland, program coordinator.
Join us . . . as we celebrate our accomplishments of the past year, stories shared by Friendship Service Center residents and tenants, opportunities in the year ahead and watch as we honor our outstanding community partners. 

Sarah DiMiao,
Director of Programs, talks to Wendell Edwards of the morning show team
click to video to listen
May’s quote:
“But even when the moon looks like it's waning...it's actually never changing shape. Don't ever forget that.” - Ai Yazawa in Nana, Vol. 14
Mobile Foodshare at the New Britain YMCA
Throughout the month of June 2021, Friendship Service Center - Community Kitchen has been selected to receive a $1 donation for every $9.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker (pictured above) sold at the Stop and Shop located at 1135 Farmington Avenue, Berlin CT.

click here for more details
This is US

Since 1968, the Friendship Service Center, Inc. is a place where the hungry are fed, the homeless are sheltered, and everyone is welcome. FSC provides a continuum of services for men, women and children who are homeless in Central Connecticut.


click video to learn more about FSC
Internship Programs
Community Service
Volunteer Programs


New Britain Recovers represents a new consortium of the many individuals and community resources that provide services in the areas of homelessness, addiction, and youth prevention. 

Thank you for all you do to make our community STRONG!