Center for Human Development

On May 7, the CHD Hospitality Center in Waterbury hosted a Health Fair, which brought together local partners to share valuable resources and services. The event was attended by more than 30 community members.

The 18 organizations involved included the Waterbury Health Department, McCall Behavioral Health, Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach, Apex Community Care, Career Resources Inc., New Opportunities Inc., Oak Street Health, Lady of Love, which provides services for the unhoused, and Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, which supports victims of domestic violence.

Many thanks to those who provided food, including Park Pizza (10 pizzas!), Lady of Love (ziti and salad), and Eagles Nest Family Restaurant (pancakes).

“Be the change,” commented Hospitality Center Program Manager Krishena Godwin. Hospitality Center Volunteer Coordinator Chris Goodwin added, “Take the first step and the rest will follow.” (Both are pictured in photo 1.)

The Hospitality Center is a safe haven where people experiencing homelessness can take care of basic needs so they can move toward stability. Participants have access to laundry, showers, food, and computers, and they also receive vital social services from case managers.

It's National Foster Care Month!

Nearly 50 members of CHD foster families and guests enjoyed a Red Sox game at Fenway Park on May 7, thanks to the team and the Major League Baseball Commissioner’s Community Initiative, as well as MaryAnne’s Kids, a special CHD fund that provides opportunities for foster children that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

Although the Tampa Bay Rays won, 8-4, participants enjoyed a great night of baseball. “The seats were absolutely amazing and we couldn't have asked for better weather,” said foster parent Rhonda Lemoyne. “We took our 14-year-old foster son Yanziel with us, and we got lucky and caught a foul ball.”

It was Yanziel’s first major league baseball game. “He kept saying, 'I can't believe I'm here.' We had such a great time,” said Lemoyne.

Read more about MaryAnne's Kids at https://tinyurl.com/CHDmakids.