October Newsletter

October 2017 Edition

Our 3rd Annual Step Up for the Brave on September 23 was a wonderful event and our participants could not have been more enthusiastic, spirited and supportive. Thank you to our climbers, sponsors, Board and Staff for all of your hard work. We are also so grateful to MC Chaz and WPLR as well as to Ed Roland of Collective Soul for making this event such a huge success.

September was a very active month for our residents as they were blessed with awesome visits from a number of individuals and groups that came to enlighten our residents, beautify our properties and serve delicious meals.

We now look ahead to our 15th Anniversary Celebration on Monday, October 30th at Homes for the Brave, our 2nd Annual Mini-Golf Tournament at Brooklawn Country Club on Friday, November 10 and to all of the exciting events celebrating Veterans Day. Complete details on these and more can be found in this edition of The Perimeter.

Creating Hope, Building Dreams...

Vince Santilli

Chief Executive Officer

THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL

Step Up For The Brave Stadium Stair Climb!

Energized and ready to climb, families , fitness enthusiasts, and Veterans l aced up their sneakers while firefighters suited up in full gear, all ascending stadium stairs to raise funds for the 3rd annual Step Up for The Brave event on September 23rd, benefiting Homes For the Brave!

A course of 1,000 steps was created at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport where participants set goals and challenged themselves to climb as many stairs as they could within 1 1/2 hours.


	Check out more event photos on our Facebook page!

Awards were given to climbers who climbed the most stairs along with the teams who exhibited the most spirit! Our generous supporters set a fundraising record by collecting over $37,000 - over $10,000 more than last year.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to

Step Up for the Brave's success, and to the sponsors who made this spectacular event possible!

Program Highlights

Services We Provide

All donations help provide vital services to our residents, most of whom are Veterans.

Vocational Training
Job Placement
Life Skills Coaching
Case Management
Computer Training Classes

Together, we're helping Veterans re-integrate into civilian life, independent living and being part of their community.

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Meet Longtime Supporter David Dubinsky

David Dubinsky has been involved with our Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes program from the start. Over the years, David has raised funds to provide items necessary to help women Veterans take care of imminent needs, reconnect with their families and secure education, employment and permanent housing.

At the annual pre-Independence Day barbeque David holds , he witnessed a tremendous milestone for the program. "This is the first time I haven't recognized any of the women that were there. Through the great work that Homes for the Brave does, the women were able to rebuild their lives, find jobs and housing and it just underscores the great work that they've done there and it really is beyond words to know that those women have moved on to their next stage in life," stated David.

David shared that honesty, integrity, and respect are the principal values that FS:FH leads by and teaches to provide services for women Veterans. The best way anyone can get involved and make an impact is by not allowing yourself to feel shy. According to David, "Any idea that you have that's positive can transform into some casual benefit for the Veterans. Don't be afraid to think outside the box."

We are most appreciative for all that David has done and continues to do to support our Veterans and thank him for his generosity of time, talent and resources.

Mini Golf Tournament

Homes for the Brave

Mini Golf Tournament!

Veterans Day Weekend - Friday, November 10th

Brooklawn Country Club, Fairfield

N o need to be a golf pro, we just want you to have a good time while helping homeless Veterans return to meaningful and productive lives!

You'll enjoy 18-holes of mini golf along with a cocktail reception, awards dinner, and chances to win exciting prizes and auction items. Feel free skip golf and join us for dinner! Attendees must be 21 or older.

Visit our website
to learn how you can participate as a dinner guest, golfer, foursome, or sponsor.

Partnerships

J McL AUGHLIN stores in New Canaan, Southport, and Washington Depot will donate 15% of sales on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, 2017 to

Homes for the Brave !

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We are deeply grateful to Congressman Himes for his visit and conversation with residents over dinner and to everyone who serves meals, conducts supply drives, raises funds or helps in any capacity to make our programs successful for our residents and our community.


	Gidez Family


Congressman Himes with staff and visitors.


	UBER Connecticut Group


	Quinnipiac University Medical Students

SASO Boys-Fairfield Chapter

Contact: Kathy Beardsworth or call 203-338-0669 to learn how you can partner with us today!

Gifts and Support

Grant Announcements

We are proud to announce that we have been awarded four new VA Grant and Per Diem grant awards under the VA GPD Program . We will be providing transitional housing services under the clinical treatment, bridge, and service-intensive models beginning October 1st , and we will continue to operate a Veterans Service Center. These grants are our primary source of funding for Homes for the Brave and Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes .

Approximately $185 million was granted in funds for 556 organizations in 49 states that provide housing and care for homeless Veterans. Approximately $3 million was granted towards organizations who specialize in services for homeless Veterans with special needs.

In addition, approximately $3 million in grant funding will be awarded to 13 community agencies that provide services for homeless Veterans with special needs.

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We'd like to thank Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust for its generous support of our transitional housing programs:

Homes for the Brave and Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes. Grant funds will provide food to homeless veterans and their dependents while they access much needed resources for rehabilitation.

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Save The Date!

Friday, January 19 - Homes for the Brave Comedy Show (Stratford, CT)

E njoy a night of laughs while helping Connecticut's homeless Veterans regain their independence. Look forward to a full lineup of comics, dinner, and a great time at Vazzano's Four Seasons in Stratford!

Contact Kathy Beardsworth for more information about our upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities.

In This Month's Issue...