NORWALK— Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council #14360 continued its relationship with Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) in Norwalk. The council rolled up their sleeves and got their mops and cleaning supplies to do a Spring clean up the Family & Children’s Agency Community Connections Center in South Norwalk. The council did a deep cleaning on all of the chairs and tables as well as cleaning all the base boards, computer area, and washed windows and mopped the main area of the center.
“I want to thank the group for cleaning– everything looks great and so happy you all came to Community Connections Center,” said Chris Jachino, FCA Community Connections director.
Lisa Habasinski, manager of Community Engagement reached out to past Grand Knight and FCA liaison George Ribellino to see if they would be interested in doing a deep cleaning of the Community Connections center back in October. “When Lisa called and asked, I said our council would love to help. A bunch of us did the cleaning. I asked Lisa if she would like us to come back in the spring and she was excited about that opportunity. We pride ourselves on putting Faith in Action and not only do we raise funds for our parish and various organizations such as FCA, but we roll up our sleeves and get to work, said Ribellino
In addition, the council did a collection of supplies at their last meeting for the clients which included travel sized items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant and shampoo.
The Community Connections Center in South Norwalk provides a safe and supportive environment for adults experiencing homelessness. Men and women connected with the center can also receive one-on-one case management and services to develop the skills they need to reestablish themselves, become self-sufficient and transition into stable, independent housing. The agency’s dedicated staff of social workers and case managers work with the men and women in the program to help them gain access to medical and behavioral health services that they may need, as well as community resources to assist them while transitioning from homelessness to independent living. The center offers a variety of classes and skill building activities such as computer skills, laundry, and a daily breakfast. In addition to these activities, the Community Connections Center offers case management and referrals and linkage to community-based services.
Ribellino went on to say, “We are so honored and blessed to assist FCA with their various programs. They do so much for the local community and they are non-profit so anything we can do to ease their burden is so rewarding. ” The council plans on making this a bi-annual project.
Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) is a leading, nonprofit human service organization committed to building better lives by increasing the social and emotional well-being of our clients. We provide strength-based, solution-focused services that meet the needs of our clients throughout the life cycle including children, families, youth, adults and seniors. Our acquired knowledge and skill has enabled us to be responsive to the changing needs in the communities we serve.
Each day, the agency’s more than 200 highly skilled and dedicated full and part-time staff members, along with volunteers, and high school and college interns work diligently to improve the lives of those in our community who need it most; the children and families in our adoption, foster care, counseling and parenting programs; youth in our ASPIRE after-school program; homeless adults and women in our Community Connections and recovery programs and seniors and their families who benefit from our Home Care services. For more info go to: familyandchildrensagency.org
The goal of the Knights of Columbus Council at Saint Matthew Church in Norwalk is to perform acts of charity, providing those in need with a range of support from financial to tactical help in dealing with a wide variety of challenges.
(For more information, visit saintmatthewknights.com.)
