Among Friends
News for friends and supporters of the
Friendship Service Center of New Britain

October 2010 - Vol. 2, No. 9
Caring for neighbors in need
In This Issue
Leaves of red and gold
How Grand!
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 Greetings!
Leaves of red and gold



A unique approach to a donor wall adorns the first floor at 85 Arch Street.  Leaves  in various sizes and colors represent generous donors whose gifts of $1,000 and more to the Capital Campaign made the dream of permanent supportive housing at 59 and 85 Arch Street a reality. The donor wall is a gift from Stephen and Evelyn Anderson.
Wasn't it Grand!

Executive Director Ellen Perkins Simpson (r) and Hartford Courant Columnist Susan Campbell team up
as birdhouse auctioneers!
Birdhouse auction
A million thanks to the donors, volunteers, residents, friend
s and colleagues who came out to help celebrate the Grand Opening of Arch Street Housing on September 23, 2010, at Trinity On Main.  As grand openings go, this one was special and, what is more, a lot of FUN!  A summer-like day, a mixed and affable crowd, yummy food and specialty soda pop, a buzz created by the sale and auction of more than 100 one-of-a-kind birdhouses... all contributed to an event that was unique and memorable.

Home Sweet Home
Arch Street Housing - bedroom
The main attractions were the 21 sparkling new apartments at 59 and 85 Arch Street which comprise the Arch Street Housing community, now filled to capacity with individuals and families. The new tenants' stories all include chapters describing a challenging journey from homelessness to independent living.  Several residents graciously opened their doors to welcome visitors into their new homes.  They were proud and honored to do so.

Then came greetings and congratulations from Timothy Bannon, executive director of the Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority; Lisa Carver, Chief of Staff of the Office of New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart; Mayor of Berlin Adam Salina, and State Senator Donald DeFonzo... all of whom played significant roles in Arch Street Housing, from concept to completion. 
Timothy Bannon, Executive Director, CHFA
CHFA ED
Also sharing the stage were Christine Trazcyk, president of the Board of Directors; the Reverend Ronald Brown, member of the Board of Trustees; Ellen Perkins Simpson, executive director of the Friendship Center, and Susan Campbell, columnist at the Hartford Courant.

For the feathered faithful
Church house
Recognition should be given to the Friends of the Friendship Service Center, whose "Homelessness if for the Birds!" campaign raised community awareness of the plight of homeless people, and inspired many a budding birdhouse designer, architect, builder and decorator to donate bird abodes of every size, shape, color and style.  We also want to thank donors and the fine-feathered sponsors who supported the campaign at the eagle, cardinal, blue bird, chickadee and hummingbird levels.  The project raised more than $17,000 to support Friendship Center residents directly... hardly chicken feed!   Special thanks to campaign co-chairs Evelyn Anderson and Diane Wolf who worked tirelessly for months to make the "Homelessness is for the Birds!" project soar to such great heights.     

      
Event photos courtesy of Paul Salinas
Birdhouse photography courtesy of Janice Anderson

FSC logo - color
Friendship Service Center of New Britain, Inc.
P.O. Box 1896, New Britain, CT 06050-1896
Phone 860-225-0211    Fax 860-348-9040    [email protected]

www.friendshipservicecenter.org