Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, Inc.

“I want to show my daughters and granddaughter that anything is possible.” – Lionel Escalera At Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, we are inspired by individuals like Richard and Lionel, who have overcome addiction and hardship through our housing program. Their stories remind us of the strength, stability, and hope that are possible when people receive the right support. Read the full story on our website: https://lnkd.in/e22c5wCi -- #HousingSupport #CatholicCharitiesCT #AddictionRecovery #OvercomingHardship #StrengthAndHope #CommunitySupport #TransformingLives #EndHomelessness

Join us for a special evening as we celebrate 50 years of service, compassion, and love in honor of the Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport. This event will recognize five decades of dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals and families with essential resources and care. Event Highlights: - Faces of a Sacred Place – A powerful photography exhibit featuring portraits of Merton guests by Jay Misencik and Geralene Valentine. Exhibit opens at 5:00 PM. - Special presentation by Bishop Frank Caggiano and local dignitaries at 6:00 PM, reflecting on the center's impact on the Bridgeport community. - Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served throughout the evening, with the exhibit remaining open until 7:30 PM. This complimentary event is open to supporters, community partners, and friends of the Thomas Merton Family Center. We invite you to join us in celebrating this incredible milestone and reflecting on 50 years of love and service to Bridgeport. Date: Wednesday, November 13 Time: 5:00–7:00 PM Location: CT State Community College Housatonic, 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport Kindly RSVP at: TMFC50.eventbrite.com We look forward to celebrating with you! -- #50YearsOfService #CommunitySupport #Bridgeport #ThomasMertonFamilyCenter

Join us for the Danbury Celebrity Breakfast on October 24, from 7–9 AM at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. We are excited to feature guest speaker Commissioner Mark Boughton and honor our Family Loan Program partners: Newtown Savings Bank, Savings Bank of Danbury, Union Savings Bank - CT, and Fairfield County Bank. Your participation helps support Catholic Charities' mission of providing essential services to those in need across Fairfield County. Don't miss this impactful morning—register now to reserve your spot! https://lnkd.in/eEpPwJDP

Last year, we provided 5,786 mental health counseling sessions to individuals and families in need. Many of our clients are just like you, facing life's challenges with courage. Learn how Catholic Charities of Fairfield County is responding to the mental health needs in our community with care and expert support: go.wearethere.us/3x5BQxz #WeAreThere

This past weekend, Thomas Merton Family Center held a celebration event to honor the volunteers who come to the Center each week to assist with meal preparation in the dining hall, support our guests in the food pantry, and ensure the shelves are well-stocked. Our dedicated volunteers give generously of their time and hearts and TMFC would not exist if it weren’t for ALL of the hundreds of volunteers who help us in so many ways, including food drives, shower program drives, providing bagged lunches, and so much more. THANK YOU! Special thank you to Fayerweather Yacht Club for allowing us to use their beautiful dining room, chef Claudio for the wonderful appetizers, and Dan our bartender extraordinaire. Guests enjoyed the “Guess Who I Am From My Younger Years” activity, and raffle prizes donated from Benebone, Bigelow Tea, Centro Ristorante & Bar, illycaffè, as well as donated Dunkin' gift cards. In addition, thank you to the Coastal Mix singing chorus of Bridgeport, CT Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society International, who entertained us with their beautiful voices and to BE Chocolat LLC of Fairfield for their tasty Belgian chocolate treats! Yum! If you are interested in donating or volunteering at TMFC, please email Karen Frissora at kfrissora@ccfc-ct.org

Join our Domestic Violence Support Group starting October 7th, 2024. We meet every Monday at 2:30 PM at New Heights (64 West St., Danbury). This is a safe and confidential space for those who have experienced abuse to share their stories, access resources, and find support. For more information, contact Dianne Crespo at dcrespo@ccfc-ct.org or Sarah Lynch at slynch@ccfc-ct.org. You don't have to go through this alone. We’re here to help. Please share this information with anyone who may be in need.

Pope Francis has chosen "God Walks With His People" as the theme for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, to be celebrated on Sunday, September 29, 2024. This message serves as a powerful reminder that we are all migrants on this earth, journeying toward our true homeland—the Kingdom of Heaven. Migrants today are a reflection of God’s people on the move, the Church in motion. In every vulnerable brother and sister, especially those forced to leave their homes, we encounter Christ, who walks with us through every challenge and moment of hope. Join us in prayer, reflection, and solidarity as we walk together with migrants and refugees. Read Pope Francis' full message on our website: https://lnkd.in/ea36mP2U

Generations of local families know we are there for them when they need us. From food services that nourish to housing assistance, mental health care, immigration services, and more, we show up for the whole person. Learn more about Catholic Charities of Fairfield County's services: go.wearethere.us/3x5BQxz #WeAreThere

Last week, clinicians from New Outlook Counseling in Danbury and Norwalk participated in a Trauma-Informed Crisis Management with Attention to Racism. This valuable session was led by the Traumatic Stress Institute and the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies. Ongoing professional development like this enables our clinicians to expand their expertise, adopt new therapeutic techniques, and continue delivering the highest level of care to our communities. To learn more about our counseling services, visit https://lnkd.in/e5nUX76T. - #MentalHealthMatters #TraumaInformedCare #CrisisManagement #NewOutlookCounseling

Maria Palacios, a DOJ Accredited Representative from Catholic Charities Immigration Services, will be a key panelist at the upcoming event, "Forced Labor in Our Backyard: Experts Discuss Human Trafficking," hosted by Partnership To End Human Trafficking (PEHT). With her extensive experience in immigration services and advocacy, Maria brings a unique perspective on the intersection of human trafficking and vulnerable immigrant populations. She will offer actionable insights on how local communities can support survivors and combat human trafficking. Join us for this vital conversation on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the New Canaan Library. -- #HumanTraffickingAwareness / #EndForcedLabor / #CatholicCharities / #StopHumanTrafficking / #CommunityAction / #SupportSurvivors / #JusticeForAll / #ImmigrantAdvocacy