ABRI/Homes for the Brave is off to a great start of our 2018 fiscal year thanks to some remarkable contributions from our amazing supporters. The Forgotten Heroes Golf Classic benefiting our organization was a tremendous success thanks to Pat Buchanan, Kathy Piro, and their outstanding committee. We are now transitioning our focus to our signature event, the 3rd Annual Step Up for the Brave Stadium Stair Climb on
September 23, 2017
. Sponsors are signing up, teams are forming and WPLR's Chaz of the Chaz and AJ Morning Show has committed to being our MC! Be on the lookout for our upcoming TV and radio appearances to promote this exciting event. We can't wait to welcome the wonderful visitors that are teed up to visit our residents in August and the great meals and activities that they will be providing.
Creating Hope, Building Dreams...
Chief Executive Officer
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Forgotten Heroes Golf Classic
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Pat Buchanan and Kathy Piro's
Forgotten Heroes Golf Classic a Huge Success!
It was a beautiful day on Monday, July 10th, as 112 golfers participated in the Forgotten Heroes
Golf Classic at
Oronoque Country Club in S
tratford, CT, all to support ABRI's Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes program at the PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home. Chaired by event founder Pat Buchanan and co-chaired by Kathy Piro, the event was presented by Bearingstar Charitable Fund and raised over $22,000! Many, many thanks to all who made this event such an incredibly huge success!
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Founder, Pat Buchanan (right), with teammate Brian Zysk. |
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Co-chair Kathy Piro (right), with teammates Patrick Kennedy, Kim Kennedy and Joe Salerno. |
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Program Highlights
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The Work Behind The Successes
Did you know that our clients receive in-depth assistance in creating their resume? Not only do they create one but actually several to meet the criteria for each type of job to which they may be applying. Our Vocational Team works one-on-one with each client to review their past work history, identify skill sets, and craft a compelling document that helps position the client to market themselves in the most favorable manner. Some of our clients may have issues or problems in their job history. For example, they may have employment gaps in their background, or their job history is quite diverse and doesn't point in a particular direction. They are often trying to return to the workforce after serving in the military, or being laid off as industries change. Our Vocational Team has strategies for dealing with all of these situations and offers top-notch service to our clients to help them land a position that is a mutually rewarding fit for both the client and the employer. Once they secure employment, they can then begin working on finding permanent housing.
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Partnerships
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Friday Pizza Nights
The start of our new fiscal year also brought the start of a new donor initiative: Friday Pizza Nights! First rolling the idea out at our Golf Classic in May, several donors have stepped up to support a Friday Pizza Night with a donation of $200, which provides pizza and... to residents at both Homes for the Brave and the PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home.
Please consider sponsoring a Friday Pizza Night in honor or memory of someone and, with your permission, we'll post on social media and share with our residents so they can keep you and your special someone in mind as they enjoy their meal.
Partnerships For Program and Non-Program Expenses
We value all of our partnerships and are always seeking to engage new partners in multiple capacities to keep our programs and buildings running strong. Recently, the agency experienced several unexpected expenses, some of which had to be paid for out of unrestricted funds. At times it seems like when it rains, it pours! Shortly before the severe heat wave came over the area, the air conditioning system at Homes for the Brave stopped working and required a costly repair. A short time later we encountered toilet leaks, radiator leaks (which caused ceiling tiles below to need replacing) and the malfunction of the commercial stove the men (and visiting groups) use to prepare meals.
If you, your business or organization has a capacity to donate time, talent and resources in these out of program areas, please contact us so we can have your number ready when the unexpected occurs. Contact:
[email protected] or 203-338-0669.
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Thanks to everyone who serves meals, conducts supply drives, raises funds or helps in all of the other capacities required to make our programs successful for our residents and our community.
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Building Community
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Handmade Quilts for Women Veterans
Thanks to Marilyn at
Close to Home in Glastonbury, three more women in the Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes program are enjoying their new quilts, personalized with their names.
Marilyn believes that we all have a responsibility to help and this is just a little something her group does to express their appreciation.
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Step Up For The Brave Event!
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"Step Up for the Brave" Stadium Stair Climb Challenge (Bridgeport, CT)
is a vertical challenge where participants conquer climbing a target number of stairs in honor of our brave military.
Join us at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard or participate as a virtual climber.
Registration is now open
with $25 early bird pricing through August 18th!
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Save The Date!
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Friday, November 10 - Homes for the Brave Mini-Golf Tournament (Fairfield, CT)
This Veterans Day, join us for our 2nd Annual Mini-Golf Tournament! Adults of all skill levels are invited to join us at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield for dinner, drinks, prizes, and 18-holes of indoor miniature golf.
Friday, January 19 - Homes for the Brave Comedy Show (Stratford, CT)
Enjoy 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!
Please contact
Kathy Beardsworth for more information about our upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities.
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CARS Donations
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Out with the Old, In with the New
If you're thinking this summer would be a perfect time to buy your dream car, then consider donating your old vehicle to Homes for the Brave! Don't settle for a low trade-in, but instead support the cause you love. Help us provide the housing and services necessary to help homeless individuals, primarily Veterans, return to a productive and meaningful life, while also qualifying for a tax deduction. For more information or to get started on your vehicle donation visit:
homesforthebrave.org
or contact
Kathy Beardsworth
: 203-338-0669!
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Shout Outs
Binky Patrol Southern CT
Bridgeport Elks
Crane Fund for Widows and Children
Fairfield Prep
Fairfield Rotary Club
First Congregational Church of Greenwich
Girl Scouts of Connecticut
HUBBELL Incorporated
National Veterans Service Fund
Orange Community Women
Richard and Christine Koch Charitable Fund
Southport Congregational Church
St. Andrew's Church
St. Margaret Shrine
Big Y
The Greenfield Hill Congregational Church
The Home Depot, Fairfield
US Food Rescue
Tributes
In memory of Bill Lane
In honor of Frank King
In memory of Ronny Ogrinc, USS Forrestal 1967
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