Family ReEntry celebrates 25 years of reaching out

Friday, 16 October 2009 00:00

According to Board Member Bill Galvin of Greenwich in his opening remarks, the Norwalk-based Family ReEntry is a non-profit that is “doing something right.” The agency, that has a mission of “empowering individuals, strengthening families, building community,” is changing social consciousness, and creating pilot programs the rest of the country can use for those coming out of the criminal justice system.

In an afternoon luncheon at Bydale, the Greenwich estate of Joan Warburg, the Metropolitan opera bass Morris Robinson sang arias and show tunes from Old Man River, to the traditional closing hymn, Amazing Grace, accompanied by pianist Ken Noda.

Executive Director Steve Lanza spoke about the agency’s effective programs, Fresh Start and Champions Mentoring, and sustainable solutions. Mary Jane Foster, a vice president of University Relations at the University of Bridgeport, said that Family ReEntry’s programs work. Elizabeth Bush was there to present the award named for her to the Near and Far Aid Association. The first Joan M. Warburg Award was presented by Mrs. Warburg to Sally and Everett Schenk, whose devotion to Family ReEntry has included Mrs. Schenk’s dedication as president of the board, and Mr. Schenk’s co-chairing a successful capital campaign. Terryann Reed, who founded Family ReEntry, was given a tribute.

James Ghant, a program participant spoke with pride about the success of Fresh Start, which operates a renovation company based in Bridgeport. The program has been developed in conjunction with Yale University.

Dining on hors d’oeuvres and chicken salad, Board members Mary Waldron, Jeff Grant, Carol Hallac, Diane Jones, Susan Ness, Jerry Lione, and Valerie Schultz Wilson, spoke with Lee Hindenach, Congressman Jim Himes, and Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy. Advisory Board members Barnaby Horton and Nancy Helle were there, along with 400 other guests and supporters. For information visit Familyreentry.org.