
Service Above Self
Stratford, CT 06615
United States of America
Thank you Jeffrey Fletcher for your information presentation on the newly opened Black History Museum here in Stratford.
The exhibit is a collection of artifacts that reflect decades of turbulent times for African Americans in the United States during the period of slavery and the Civil Rights movement. It brings visitors up close and personal which is an experience that many have only read about in history books or seen in movies.
The exhibit embraces the teachings of tolerance, diversity, unity, and educating people that there was a time when imagery played a significant role in how African Americans were perceived. The artifacts and memorabilia may seem to be difficult to view but they are a part of African American history that needs to be told just as much as the triumphs which were made by African American pioneers and trailblazers.
The exhibit is an opportunity to begin honest conversations regarding a rich and strong history which has historically been maligned. The Images of America exhibit is an experience that will leave lasting impressions and memories.
Thank you Debbie Gilbert-Taylor for her presentation related to the Coastal Arts Guild. The mission of the Coastal Arts Guild of CT is a collaboration of Artists and Friends of the Arts. All are dedicated to encouraging artistic expression and appreciation of the arts in Stratford, CT and the surrounding region.
The Coastal Arts Guild of CT was created to support and foster the growth of the arts, education and cultural experiences in the Stratford, CT region. We do this through collaborations among professional and emerging artists artists of all all mediums, patrons of the arts, businesses, schools and community organizations and through advocacy for the arts. Our belief is that a community’s appeal, economic vibrancy and quality of life are enriched by the support of a diverse and thriving arts and cultural scene. We provide a sense of place, where residents and businesses can be enriched through engagement with the arts.We recognize that collaboration with surrounding organizations expands outreach and increases overall community assets. Our advocacy for the arts provides opportunities for members to learn and share their art for the community’s benefit.
After the presentation there was a Q&A.
Anyone wishing more information please visit their website at, https://www.coastalartsguildct.org/
In 2018 BNT…
- Served 3,003 clients, offered 152 classes in pre-purchase education, foreclosure prevention, credit coaching, landlord-tenant education and financial literacy.
- Helped 841 households achieve home ownership and close on $86,228,001 in mortgages.
- Worked with 180 families to avoid foreclosure and saved $15,300,000 in mortgages.
- Developed a real estate pipeline of almost 99 housing units
- Managed $42,913,000 portfolio of 208 housing units and 21,000 sq. ft . of commercial
space paying $358,000 in local real estate taxes. These spaces are home to more than 400 individuals and families. - For more information go to www.bntweb.org
Proceeds from this year's event will benefit two wonderful sustainable projects.
The Stratford Historical Society - to purchase Historical document digitization equipment that will be used to preserve Stratford's priceless historical documents. These original historical documents are irreplaceable and quite valuable. Historical document digitization is an effective way of preserving these unique pieces of Stratford's past. By digitizing our local historical records, the Stratford Historical Society will be able maintain the integrity of the original documents while making them electronically accessible for future generations of history seekers.
The Stratford Fire Department – to purchase carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to save lives. The majority of fatal home fires happen at night when people are asleep. Contrary to popular belief, the smell of smoke may not wake a sleeping person. The poisonous gases and smoke produced by a fire can numb the senses and put you into a deeper sleep. The Stratford Rotary Club is excited to help support and promote the Fire Department's Fire Safety Program by purchasing a significant number of units to be installed free of charge, in Stratford homes.
Thank you Jennifer Paradis, Executive Director of the Beth El Center in Milford, for your very informative presentation about the services your group provides.
The Beth-El Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides support services and advocacy to those experiencing homelessness and hunger within the Greater Milford community. Through our 34 bed homeless shelter, food service programs and outreach and engagement efforts, we offer individuals, families and veterans long-term solutions to help them reclaim their lives
Our experienced and knowledgeable staff works to provide the tools and resources our residents need in order to lead independent lives. We strive to help each person secure a place to live, sustainable income and support services in order to return to self-sufficiency.
Shelter Program
Through on-site services and community partnerships, our residential program helps individuals obtain independence through stable housing, gainful employment, education and/or training. Our compassionate case managers provide one-on-one support to all residents to develop personal goals and a plan to return to self-sufficiency.
Admission to the Beth-El Center, Inc. Shelter Program for Individuals is facilitated through 2-1-1 Coordinated Entry. All individuals in need of shelter must contact 2-1-1 via phone or online for assistance: www.211ct.org
Family Program
Singles or couples with children reside at the Beth-El Center while receiving the support and assistance needed to achieve self-sufficiency utilizing intensive case management services.
Admission to the Beth-El Center, Inc. Shelter Program for Families is facilitated through 2-1-1 Coordinated Entry. All families in need of shelter must contact 2-1-1 via phone or online for assistance: www.211ct.org
Supportive Housing
Our Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager provides supportive services to the residents of Liberty Point apartments to help them access resources necessary to maintain their housing and independence.
No Freeze Shelter
We provide warmth, food and shelter to those in need during cold winter nights. Users of our No Freeze shelter are connected with Center case managers to help support them in engaging in other long-term shelter and housing options.
Soup Kitchen
Supported through individual volunteers and community groups, Beth-El Center, Inc. is able to offer nutritious hot meals to shelter residents as well any community members in need. We serve a meal weekdays from 11:30am to 1:00pm and most weekends. Please refer to the monthly Meals Calendar for more information.
More information can be found at the Centers website, http://www.bethelmilford.org/
The Stratford Rotary Club held its 60th Anniversary Celebration on May 4, 2018 at the Oronoque Country Club, which was attended by 75 current and past Rotarians their family and guests.
A contribution will help ensure PAL’s ability to help support the young people, approximately 95 at this time, who are currently involved in the following programs:
- Police Explorer Program [Link: click here]
- PAL Rifle League [Link: click here]
- Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading [Link: click here]
- Baseball: Stratford Little League, American Legion, Cal Ripken,
Babe Ruth and Stratford Titans [Link: click here] & [Link # 2: click here] - Girls Softball
- Stratford United Soccer [Link: click here]
Stratford PAL is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit by the Internal Revenue Service, which makes your donation to PAL tax-deductible. And please remember that 100% of your donation will go directly to support PAL programs. Your donations can be made by check or through the official Stratford Police Department website via a secure Paypal link.