CEE At the Heart of It All Newsletter

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At the Heart of It All Newsletter - September 2026

A Note from our Executive Director

Hello CEE Family!

My second month as the Executive Director at The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) came with significant challenges for our community. The excitement and nerves that go along with the back-to-school season took on new meaning for our families in shelter this year, as the presence of ICE in our community added significant stress. Throughout the month, I watched as our advocates supported clients and families through uncertain times, our community educators prepared to support students as they revamped our curriculum and presented at WestConn's Freshman Orientation and our Family Violence & Victim Advocates helped clients navigate the confusing world of court. Through it all, our staff not only supported our community, they took care of each other. They showed up for each other providing an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and special treats to brighten the day. They reminded me and each other why this work is critical. They showed me how CEE's work is woven throughout our community and how we are here for every person that needs us, no matter what. Domestic and sexual violence don't go away during times of crisis, they simply get overshadowed. For over fifty years, we have been here for this community and we'll continue to be here for your family, friends and neighbors.

I hope each one of you finds moments of joy, that you are taking care of yourselves and taking care of each other.

Learn more about this year’s milestone as CEE Celebrates 20 Years of SafeWalk, Marking Two Decades of Community Support for Survivors.

Warmly,

SafeWalk - Register Today

Celebrating 20 years, SafeWalk is CEE’s premier community event, bringing together individuals, families, friends, and supporters across our service area to help create safer communities free from interpersonal violence. With six in-person walks and a virtual option throughout October, there are many ways to take part, show your support, and help advance CEE’s mission.

Choose your walk and register today!

Changing Lives, Creating Legacies

Empowerment Story

Multiple residents successfully transitioned from shelter into stable housing over the summer months through CEE’s Rapid Rehousing Program. Shelter staff supported families throughout the move-out process and coordinated household donations from community partners. Staff also assisted clients with safety-related needs, including child-proofing supplies and cameras to monitor their new homes, and reviewed ongoing case management needs to support continued stability after leaving shelter.

A small gift can make a meaningful difference

CEE is currently in need of gift cards to help support the individuals and families we serve. Gift cards provide flexibility for essential, everyday needs and allow us to offer support where it’s needed most.

You can help by purchasing a gift card through our Amazon Wish List or by dropping off gift cards directly at CEE, 2 West Street in Danbury.

Thank you for helping us continue to be there for our community.

Volunteer With Us!

Everyone deserves to live a life free from violence.

Be part of the solution!

Click here to learn more about our Direct Service and Non-Direct Service volunteer opportunities and to apply.

Our dedicated volunteers help CEE reach an average of 25,000 people each year.

Direct Service volunteers must complete a 40+ hour certification training. We will offer two certification training sessions this year.

For questions, contact Ann Marie Moreira, Volunteer & Survivor Engagement Coordinator, at Annmarie.m@thecenterct.org.

Get Involved

CEE Membership 2026-2027

Become a CEE Member

Becoming a CEE member is more than showing your support; it’s a commitment to creating meaningful change and helping build safer, stronger communities. Your membership helps CEE continue to be a trusted local resource and expert in domestic violence and sexual assault survivor services.

Membership benefits include:

Voting privileges at CEE’s Annual Meeting
Recognition in CEE’s Annual Report
A hard copy of the Annual Report
Early email notification when tickets become available for the popular Hearts of Hope Breakfast

Become a CEE Member

NAA Tax Credit Opportunity

For Eligible Business Contributions: Support CEE and Receive a Connecticut Tax Credit

CEE has been approved for the 2026 Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program, giving Connecticut businesses an opportunity to support our mission while receiving a 60% state tax credit on their contribution.

Your support through the NAA program helps CEE continue providing critical programs and services to individuals and families in our community.

Pledge Period:

September 15–October 1, 2026

Learn more about supporting CEE through the NAA Tax Credit Program.

3rd Annual Purple Flag Raising

Join CEE for our 3rd Annual Purple Flag Raising in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Together, we’ll raise the purple flag as a symbol of support for survivors and our community’s commitment to ending domestic violence.

Thursday, October 1

4:00 p.m.

Danbury City Hall

Third Party Fundraiser

Sip 4 Support: Stronger Together

Join Leadership Danbury in supporting four local nonprofits, including CEE. Enjoy the use of the golf simulators, food & drinks while making a difference in our community.

Thursday, September 17 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Golf Lounge 18, Danbury Mall | $40 per ticket

(includes light food, one drink ticket and the use of golf simulators)

Interested in hosting a third-party fundraiser to benefit CEE? We'd love to partner with you! Please reach out to Linda to learn how you can get involved.

Linda Cummins, Fundraising & Events Manager

Email: linda.c@thecenterct.org

Have you visited our LinkedIn page recently?

We’re expanding our network of advocates, partners, and community members who are passionate about building safer, stronger communities. Follow us to stay informed about our latest updates, inspiring impact stories, and unique opportunities to get involved. Help us broaden our reach and amplify our impact. Join the conversation and connect with us today.