Videos

Volunteering Through Generations

Discover the heartwarming story of Andy Puebla and his family, who ...

Discover the heartwarming story of Andy Puebla and his family, who have built a legacy of giving back through volunteering at the Thomas Merton Family Center Food Pantry in Bridgeport, ...CT. From Andy’s retirement in 2015 to his grandchildren's involvement, this video captures the profound impact of multigenerational volunteerism.

Through touching anecdotes, Andy reflects on the relationships built with guests, the deep sense of community, and the importance of treating everyone with dignity. Learn about Mimi, Andy’s late wife, whose legacy lives on through the marketplace named in her honor, and how her warmth and compassion continue to inspire.

This video also highlights the day-to-day challenges of keeping shelves stocked to meet the growing needs of local families, the joy of connecting with guests, and the importance of volunteers who leave lasting legacies.

If you’re looking for a story about compassion, resilience, and the power of community, this is a must-watch.

Join us in supporting the Thomas Merton Family Center—together, we can make a difference! http://www.ccfairfield.org/friendsgiving

#VolunteerSpotlight #ThomasMertonFamilyCenter #CommunitySupport #FoodPantry #BridgeportCT #LegacyOfGiving #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #SupportLocalFamilies #Friendsgiving

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Please follow us on social media to keep up to date with our latest news and events:
- Website: https://www.ccfairfield.org
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- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccfairfielddob
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/catholic-charities-of-fairfield-county

Since 1916, Catholic Charities has served Fairfield County with programs that feed the hungry and homebound, shelter the homeless, strengthen families, assist with physical and mental health, and deliver consultation and assistance to immigrants. We serve all people without regard to age, race, religion, or ability to pay.

#nonprofit #charity #fundraising #volunteer #service #mentalhealth #community #immigrants #migration #support #connecticut #shelter #foodservice #soupkitchen #foodpantry #housing #help #hope #therapy #assistance #safety #family #adoption #counseling #preschool #education #humanitarian #giveback #donate[+] Show More

“People will never forget how you made them feel.” #MayaAngelou

We Invite You To Serve

Bill and Mary Beth Fessler, our 2024 Founder's Award Recipients, share ...

Larry Kudlow Speaks at the 2024 New Covenant Center Summer Soirée

Lawrence "Larry" Kudlow is a Fox News Media contributor. His show ...

Lawrence "Larry" Kudlow is a Fox News Media contributor. His show "Kudlow" airs at 4 pm ET weekdays on the Fox Business Network. He is also radio host of "The ...Larry Kudlow Show" that broadcasts every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm ET on 77WABC Radio.

He started his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Mr. Kudlow has been a nationally syndicated columnist. He was a senior editor of National Review magazine, as well as a columnist and economics editor for National Review Online. He is also the author of "JFK and the Reagan Revolution: A Secret History of American Prosperity" and "American Abundance: The New Economic and Moral Prosperity."

He previously served as the president of St. Patrick's Church Parish Council in Redding, Connecticut and on the Fordham University Board of Trustees. Mr. Kudlow has won numerous awards, including the Bishop's Humanitarian Award from the Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens, the New York Police Department Holy Name Society's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Ambassadors for Mission Award from the Pontifical Mission Societies of the United States. He recently received the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award from the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Mr. Kudlow was educated at the University of Rochester and Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

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Please follow us on social media to keep up to date with our latest news and events:
- Website: https://www.ccfairfield.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCFAIRFIELD
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholiccharitiesdob/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccfairfielddob
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/catholic-charities-of-fairfield-county

Since 1916, Catholic Charities has served Fairfield County with programs that feed the hungry and homebound, shelter the homeless, strengthen families, assist with physical and mental health, and deliver consultation and assistance to immigrants. We serve all people without regard to age, race, religion, or ability to pay.

#nonprofit #charity #fundraising #volunteer #service #mentalhealth #community #immigrants #migration #support #connecticut #shelter #foodservice #soupkitchen #foodpantry #housing #help #hope #therapy #assistance #safety #family #adoption #counseling #preschool #education #humanitarian #giveback #donate[+] Show More

Thomas Merton Family Center's 30th Annual Celebrity Breakfast Featuring Dan Orlovsky

Celebrating 50 years of service, the Thomas Merton Family Center ...

Celebrating 50 years of service, the Thomas Merton Family Center (TMFC) transitioned to a new facility in December 2023. Initially founded by a Sacred Heart University prayer group, TMFC has ...grown from distributing sandwiches on the streets of Bridgeport to offering a comprehensive range of services, always delivered with dignity, respect, and love.

Our services have evolved over the years to include the following:
Breakfast and lunch to over 300 guests daily
Case management
Healthy food pantry shopping
Showers and a mailing service for our homeless population
Largest day shelter in the region
Immigration legal services
Housing assistance

Through collaborations with other organizations, we will also be offering:
Healthcare, dental care, and mental health counseling
Job training
Classes through CT State Community College Housatonic
ESL classes
Financial literacy classes

Since relocating, our impact has grown substantially. Connie’s Eat Smart Marketplace Food Pantry program now supports triple the individuals and double the households, with a surge in new registrations. This underscores the urgency of our mission, echoing Thomas Merton's words, "Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another."

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Please follow us on social media to keep up to date with our latest news and events:
- Website: https://www.ccfairfield.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCFAIRFIELD
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholiccharitiesdob/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccfairfielddob
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/catholic-charities-of-fairfield-county

Since 1916, Catholic Charities has served Fairfield County with programs that feed the hungry and homebound, shelter the homeless, strengthen families, assist with physical and mental health, and deliver consultation and assistance to immigrants. We serve all people without regard to age, race, religion, or ability to pay.

#nonprofit #charity #fundraising #volunteer #service #mentalhealth #community #immigrants #migration #support #connecticut #shelter #foodservice #soupkitchen #foodpantry #housing #help #hope #therapy #assistance #safety #family #adoption #counseling #preschool #education #humanitarian #giveback #donate[+] Show More

Merton Homes 2023 Recap

Merton Homes welcomed Marisol Ruiz-Shanley as the new case manager in ...

Merton Homes welcomed Marisol Ruiz-Shanley as the new case manager in December of 2022. Since then, her work has left a positive impact on her clients and the people surrounding ...her. This video is a recap of Merton Homes residents' success and accomplishments of 2023. Marisol has provided her clients with multiple resources and opportunities. For example, all of her clients were given access to information regarding topics like career fairs, local food pantries, after school youth activities, applications to receive government phones or/and tablets, tutoring, ESL classes, and classes to access independence with assistive technology.

Merton Homes held residence meetings every other month and was overall an enjoyable experience. The residents meeting held in May focused on the importance of mental health. With the lovely assistance of RNP United Resources Center and Connecticut Housing Partners, we were able to provide clients with a brief educational conversation about mental health and gift them a free spa certificate. In August, there was a meeting dedicated to the children of Merton Homes. Thanks to Bridgeport Police Chief Porter’s helpful donation, we were able to gift book bags and school supplies to the children. During the meeting clients were able to learn about more after-school activities for their children. Wesley Sainval presented about Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse and how clients can get their children involved in sports. In addition, The Boy Scouts of America, presented by Gabriel Zayas, allowed clients to sign their children up for Boy and Girl Scouts.

Also, during 2023, Marisol had a grand opening of “Marisol’s Closet” where clients can come collect free gently used clothing, shoes and accessories. We also held a coat drive with help from a generous donation by Jacob Dobos of Connecticut Housing Partners. As of December, Merton Homes hosted its first annual Holiday Dinner at Osaka Buffet provided by Catholic Charities. During this dinner clients were given Walmart gift cards by St. Pius X, Target gift cards by Connecticut Housing Partners, and tickets to Total Mortgage Arena sponsored by Catholic Charities.

Marisol and her clients would like to express deep gratitude to everyone who helped make this year a success. Looking forward to 2024![+] Show More