Dear Governor Lamont, President Pro Tempore Looney, Speaker Ritter, Majority Leader Duff, Majority Leader Rojas, Republican Leader Kelly and Republican Leader Candelora,

We write to you today in our role as members of boards of directors of community nonprofits across Connecticut, asking you to support the unprecedented commitment to fund nonprofit services by $470 million over seven years proposed in the Appropriations Committee spending plan. This historic investment would ensure essential services are available to tens of thousands of Connecticut residents in need now and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

We volunteer our time, treasure and talent as board members because we believe in the mission of community nonprofits: to make our communities and the state better places to live for all and to serve our society’s most vulnerable. Our service to and fiduciary responsibility for these organizations is part of our civic duty.

Many of us help raise funds for the organizations with which we serve. With demand and costs constantly increasing, and with nonprofits $461 million behind inflation over the last dozen years, the unfortunate truth is that donations and private giving cannot cover the gap created by these mounting and significant challenges. The COVID pandemic has exacerbated this reality.

The community nonprofits we help lead are Connecticut’s safety net, supporting people with disabilities, substance use and mental health challenges, those who are homeless, hungry, escaping physical and sexual violence, reentering society after incarceration and providing many other services that improve human and community well-being. The people they support are our family members, friends and neighbors.

Across the state, community nonprofits have adapted during the pandemic to continue to operate safely for both staff and consumers, often at their own expense. We need your support of the Appropriations Committee’s plan to increase funding for community nonprofits, and to ensure COVID-19 costs are fully reimbursed through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Appropriations Committee plan would restore operational funding over seven years using a mix of state and federal resources. With need for services expected to grow as people rebuild their lives and businesses, it is critical this plan is included in the final state budget.

Please support the seven-year plan to increase funding by $470 million for community nonprofits.

Sincerely, the undersigned:

Brian McCarthy, Ashford
Member at Large, Perception Programs, Inc.
Broker/Owner, Home Selling Team LLC

Pat Wilson Pheanious, Ashford
Board Member, Access Community Action Agency
Former State Representative, 53rd District

Barbara Steele, Andover
Board Member, Network, Inc.
Human Service Adm., Coventry Public Schools, Retired

Morgan Steele, Andover
Board Member, Network, Inc.
Treasurer, Manager, Heublein Employees Credit Union (retired)

Christine Bolecek-Skeggs, PhD, Avon
Vice Chair, Governance, Harc, Inc.
Retired

Scott Boos, Avon
Board Member, CCARC
President, Scope Construction Company, Inc.

Lawrence J. Gavrich, Avon
Director, Village for Families & Children
Owner, Home on the Course LLC

Luis B. Perez, LCSW, Avon
Vice-Chair, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
President & CEO, Mental Health Connecticut

Chris Thomas, Avon
Vice Chairman & Secretary, Mental Health Connecticut
Vice President and General Manager, retired, MW Industries

Chester Camarata, Berlin
Board Member, CW Resources, Inc.
Retired

Liz Delaney D’Attilio, Berlin
Board Member, Harc, Inc.
Teacher, West Hartford Public Schools

Stephen Nims, Berlin
Member at Large, CW Resources, Inc.
Commercial Lines, Associated Insurance

Donna Lasher Rutola, Berlin
Board Member, CCARC
Vice President, retired, Okay Industries

Ruth Beardsley, Bethany
President, New Haven Reads
Retired Attorney

Rebecca Iannantuoni, Bethany
Chair of HR Committee, Fellowship Place

Thomas Sansone, Bethany
Immediate Past President, Clifford Beers
Partner, Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP

Aaron Hess, Bloomfield
Head of Development Committee, Auerfarm, Inc.
Retired

Martha Hess, Bloomfield
Board Member, Auerfarm, Inc.
Retired English Teacher

Cathy Iacovazzi, Bloomfield
Director, The Village for Families & Children

Barry Lastra, Bloomfield
Chair, Governance Committee, Women’s Advancement Initiative, University of Hartford
Board Member, The Village for Families & Children
Retired

Mark Weisman, Bloomfield
Chair, 4H Education Center at Auerfarm
President, Tangible Properties, LLC

Lisa Anderson, Bolton
Secretary, Network. Inc.
Attorney

Ann Arpino, CPA, Branford
Treasurer, Marrakech, Inc.
Director, Marcum LLP

Eileen Adams, Bristol
Board Member, Bristol Adult Resource Center
Bookkeeper, Allaire Elder Law LLC

Mary Lynn Gagnon, Bristol
Board Member, Bristol Adult Resource Center
Executive Director, Bristol Hospital Development Foundation

James Moylan, Bristol
Chair, Wheeler
Retired

Joseph Palfini, Bristol
Board Advisor, Midstate Arc
Project Manager, Ray Jurgen Company

Linda Parsons, Brooklyn
Board Member, United Services
Retired

Carol Kent, Canterbury
Treasurer, United Services
Retired

Michael Turano, Canterbury
Secretary, United Services

Irene Fortier, Canton
Board Member, Mary’s Place
Youth Minister

Lawrence Haber, Canton
Board Member, Mental Health Connecticut

Charles Hooker. Camp Hill, PA
Director, Key Human Services
President and CEO, Keystone Human Services

Stephanie Harrington, Chaplin
Board Member, United Services
Teacher, Regional School District 19

Betsy Angelone, Cheshire
Vice Chair, CW Resources
VP Human Resources/Finance, Mohawk Northeast

Scott Brabant, Cheshire
Chairperson, Mental Health Connecticut
First Vice President, People’s United Bank

Sharon D'Aquila, Cheshire
President, Child Guidance of Central Connecticut
President Co-Owner, Assisted Living Services,Inc.

Shira Irizarry, Cheshire
Board Member, Fellowship Place
Director of Behavioral Health, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Christopher Leigh, Cheshire
Vice Chairman, Community Solutions, Inc.
Chief Information Security Officer, Eversource

Tamara Nyce, Cheshire
Board Member, Easterseals of Greater Waterbury
Attorney, Carmody, Torrance, Sandak & Hennessey, LLP

Louis Todisco, Cheshire
Director, Community Solutions, Inc.
Attorney, Connecticut Department of Education

Courtney Becher, Chester
Board Member, MARC Community Resources
Associate Director of Principal Gifts, Wesleyan University

Michelle Bailey, Clinton
Board Member, Connecticut Certification Board
Chief Operations Officer, Project Courage

Richard Dapra, Clinton
Director, SARAH, Inc.
Retired

Tina Garrity, Clinton
President, The Children's Center of Hamden

Timothy Gilman, Colchester
Chairman, SCADD
IAR Specialist, Judicial Branch

Jeanne M. Nuhfer, Columbia
Board Member, United Services
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Melanie Ballestas, Coventry
Treasurer, The Bridge Family Center
CPA

Michelle Joyce, Coventry
Vice Chair, Public Policy & Advocacy, Harc, Inc.
Marketing Strategist, Cox Mediawa

Howard Burgoyne, Cromwell
Chairperson of the Board, Adelbrook, Inc.
Superintendent/CEO, East Coast Conference

Richard Cudmore, Cromwell
Board Member, Adelbrook
Chaplain, Covenant Living of Cromwell

Joseph Knee, Cromwell
Chairperson, MARC Community Resources
Professor of Chemistry, Wesleyan University

Joe Santaniello, Cromwell
Board Member, MARC Community Resources
Business Development, Charles IT

Barry Sheftel, Cromwell
Director, Midstate Arc
Retired

Matthew Zewinski, Cromwell
Trustee, Oak Hill
Senior Portfolio Manager, The Hartford

Russell Hassmann, Durham
Assistant Secretary, Gilead Community Services
President & CEO, National Sign Corporation

Andrew J. Ingenito, Durham
Board Member, Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc.
Retired

Ken Kosior, Durham
Board Member, ARC of Greater New Haven
Assistant Professor, Quinnipiac University

Michelle LeMere, Durham
Board Chair, Bridges Healthcare, Inc.
Assistant Director, Member Relations & Stewardship, Save the Sound

Raymond J. Currier, East Haddam
Board Member, Waterford Country School
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, CorePlus Federal Credit Union

Tracey Walker, East Haddam
Director, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
Chief Executive Officer, Journey Found

Michael Cole, East Hartford
Board Member, Harc, Inc.

Elise Schreier, East Hartford
Director, InterCommunity Healthcare
Second Vice President, Claims, Travelers

Millie Texidor-Maffucci, Ellington
Board Member, March Inc.
Branch Manager VP, People’s United Bank

Chris Casey, Enfield
Past Board Chair, Allied Community Services
Owner, Chris Casey Concepts

John Toolan, Enfield
Director, Allied Rehabilitation Centers
Retired

Roberta Cook, Essex
Treasurer, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
President & CEO, BHcare, Inc.

Christine Repasy, Essex
Director, Oak Hill
Retired

Sean Thomas, Essex
Vice Chair, BHcare
Principal, Wells Thomas, LLC

Corey Allen, Fairfield
Board Member, The Kennedy Center
Owner, Clinician, The Whole Being, LLC

Pietro Andres, Fairfield
Board Member, The Kennedy Center
Physician, Gastroenterology Associates, P.C.

Anne Foley, Fairfield
Secretary, The Kennedy Center

Jennifer Kolakowski, Fairfield
Board Member, Supportive Housing Works
CEO, Recovery Network of Programs, Inc.

Helen McAlinden, Fairfield
Board Member, Supportive Housing Works
President and CEO, Homes with Hope

Michael T. Voytek, Fairfield
Secretary, Recovery Network of Programs, Inc.
Managing Attorney, Voytek Law, LLC

David Carlson, Farmington
Treasurer, Bristol Adult Resource Center
Retired

Steven Tillona, Farmington
Board Member, CW Resources Inc.
Financial Advisor, CCR Wealth Management

Jeannette Varkal, Farmington
Director, CW Resources, Inc.
Retired

Dr. Steven Wolf, Farmington
Board Member, InterCommunity Health Care
Chairman, Emergency Medicine, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center

Cynthia Bates, Glastonbury
Director, Hands on Hartford

Igor Bochenkov, Glastonbury
Board Member, MARC Community Resources
Accountant, Nicola Yester CPA, PC

Theodore Cheslick, Glastonbury
Treasurer, Network, Inc.
Retired

Jeanmarie H. Cooper, Glastonbury
Chair of Development, The Village for Families and Children
Community Volunteer

Catherine Duncan, Glastonbury
President, MARCH, Inc. of Manchester

Sandra Flores-Gonzales, Glastonbury
Board Member, United Services, Inc.
University Assistant, Eastern Connecticut State University

Jeffrey Ford, Glastonbury
Vice Chair & Treasurer, Harc, Inc.

Michael Hannah, Glastonbury
Governance Committee Chair, Oak Hill
Director - Talent Development, CVS Health

Michael J. Keenan, Esq., Glastonbury
Board Member, Journey Found
Attorney, Keenan Law, LLC

Elizabeth Lankarge, Glastonbury
Director, MARC Community Resources
Retired

C. Edward Leach Jr., MD, Glastonbury
Secretary, MARC of Manchester
Medical preceptor: Assistant Professor, Frank H. Netter School of Medicine

Karen L. List, Glastonbury
Vice President, The Bridge Family Center
Retired

Nadia Marston, Glastonbury
Board Member, March, Inc.
Finance Manager, CVS Health

Loretta Stevens, Glastonbury
Marketing Co-Chair, Mental Health Connecticut
Chief Executive Officer, Competitive Edge Branding

Cathy Vacchelli, Glastonbury
Board Member, CCARC, Inc.
Accountant/Member, CKV Accounting Services, LLC

William J. Fiocchetta, Granby
Chairman, Community Solutions, Inc.
Retired

Diane Manning, Griswold
Director, CT Association of Family Service Agencies
President & CEO, United Services, Inc.

H. William Sugden, Griswold
Board Member, SCADD
Retired

Kathryn Tracey, Griswold
Board Member, Madonna Place
Vice President Branch Administration, Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank

Daniel Brill, Guilford
President, SARAH, Inc

Frederick Brisbois, Guilford
Director, SARAH, Inc.
Retired Aviation Safety Professional and CT State Harbor Master

Valerie Close, Guilford
Board Member, New England Residential Services
Retired

Laurie Desmet, Guilford
Secretary, New Haven Reads

Natalie Feingold, Guilford
Director, BHcare
Retired

Kenn Harris, Groton
Board Chair, Community Action Agency, New Haven
Executive Project Director & Engagement Lead, National Institute for Children's Health Quality

Rich Knotek, Haddam
Past Chair, MARC Community Resources
Partner, Mahoney Sabol

Teodoro Anderson Diaz, Hartford
Board Member, CT Certification Board

Melissa Gagne, Hartford
Secretary, CCARC
Attorney, Rome Clifford Katz & Koerner, LLP

Jeanna Grimes, Hartford
Board Member, Community Health Resources
Higher Education Consultant

Katie Hanley, LMSW, Hartford
Board Member, Connecticut Council for Family Service Agencies
CEO, Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford

Chris Mendoza, Hartford
Board Member, Hands on Hartford

Madeline Priest, Hartford
Board Member, Key Human Services
Senior Manager, Inclusive Prosperity Capital

Andre Santiago, Hartford
Secretary, InterCommunity Health Care

Bill Young, Hartford
Chairperson, InterCommunity Health Care
Consultant

Nelson Alino, Hamden
ARC of Greater New Haven
Professor, Quinnipiac

Rochelle Cummings, Hamden
President, Clifford Beers
Retired Attorney

John Cuozzo, Hamden
Secretary, The Children’s Center of Hamden
Owner, Press and Cuozzo Realtors

Lisa Crutchfield Diggs, Hamden
Board Member, Marrakech, Inc.
Director IT Operations, Avangrid

Marcie Diggs, Hamden
Board Member, Children’s Center of Hamden
APRN, Yale New Haven Hospital

Laura Donahue, Hamden
Director, BHcare
Attorney, Donahue & Donahue

George Jones, Hamden
Treasurer, Fellowship Place

Laura Evangelist, Hamden
Board Member, ARC of Greater New Haven
Administrator-Occupational Therapist, ACES

Carol Holloman, Hamden
President, HART, Inc.

Patricia Martucci, Hamden
Board Member, ARC of Greater New Haven
New Haven Public Schools

Evelyn Streater-Frizzle, Hamden
Director, Marrakech
Associate Director, retired, Yale University

Ruth Sachs, Hamden
Board Member, Fellowship Place
Retired

Charles Sweeder, Harrisburg, PA
Board Member, Key Human Services, Inc.
Executive Vice President, Keystone Human Services

Janice Mazadoorian, Kensington
Board Member, CCARC Foundation

Deborah Weber, Kensington
Secretary, CW Resources, Inc.
Yale New Haven Health

Lisa Griffin, Killingworth
Vice President, Madonna Place
Chief Executive Officer, Eastern CT Savings Bank

Lynn Ricci, Killingworth
First Vice President, CCARC
CEO, Hospital for Special Care

Linda Smith, Lebanon
Treasurer, Reliance Health
Retired

Susan McGowan, Litchfield
Board Member, Prime Time House
Retiredz

Cynthia K. Beglin, Lyme
Board Member, Child and Family Agency of Southeastern CT

Suzanne Gaskell, Lyme
Development Committee, Gilead Community Services
Art Coordinator, Madison Board of Education

James Kelly, Manchester,
Board Member, InterCommunity Healthcare
Retired

Marianne Policastro-Wik, Manchester
Board Member, MARCH, Inc.
Insurance Agent, Insurance Associates of Central Connecticut, LLC

Samuel Ricciardi, Manchester
President, Network, Inc.
Financial Analyst, retired, Raytheon Technologies

David W. Correll, Mansfield
Treasurer, Perception Programs, Inc.
Senior Finance Manager, retired, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft

Susan Esposito, Mansfield
Board Member, Access Agency
Broker Associate, Home Selling Team LLC

Donna McLaughlin, Mansfield
Board Member, Perception Programs, Inc.
Retired

Chris McNaboe, Mansfield
President & CEO, Horizons Programs Inc.

Shamim Patwa, Mansfield
Board Member, Perception Programs
Director of Student Support, Mansfield Public Schools

Diane Sauer, Mansfield
Board Member, United Services
Owner, Diane M Sauer Attorney at Law

Eric Dillner, Madison
Director, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
Chief Executive Officer, Shoreline Arts Alliance

James Norris III, Madison
Secretary, SARAH, Inc.

Dianne Soucy, Marlborough
Board Member, Harc, Inc.
Teacher/Licensed Behavior Analyst, CREC - River Street School

James Anderson, Meriden
Director, Kuhn Employment Opportunities
Retired

Vicki Cummings, Meriden
Secretary, Kuhn Employment Opportunities
Retired Teacher

Mark Dupuis, Meriden
Board Member, Kuhn Employment Opportunities
Retired, State of Connecticut

Kendra Raguckas, Meriden
Secretary, Child Guidance Clinic for Central Connecticut
Director of Instructional Design and Technology, The Latimer Group

John Eno, Meriden
Board Member, Kuhn Employment Opportunities
Inventory Control Team Member, Eastern Mountain Sports

Kellie Jandreau, Meriden
Chairwoman, Easterseals of Greater Waterbury
District Executive, Senior Vice President, Webster Bank

Emma Waite, Meriden
Vice Chairperson, Kuhn Employment Opportunities
Accounting Assistant, Connecticut State Employees Credit Union

Nicholas Zauner, Meriden
Board Member, Fellowship Place
Executive Director Facilities Engineering, Yale New Haven Health

Elizabeth LaCava, Middlebury
Board Member, Easterseals of Greater Waterbury
Director of Business Development, Powerstation Events

Catherine Boone, Middletown
Board Member, Gilead Community Services

Lynette Coleman, Middletown
Board Member, MARC Community Resources
Managing Director, L. Coleman Consulting

Pearl Douglas, MIddletown
Board Member, The Village for Families and Children

Mary Elizabeth Matteo, Middletown
President, New England Residential Services
Consultant, retired, Aetna Healthcare

Thomas Mills, Middletown
Board Member, CCARC
Adult Probation Officer, State of CT, Judicial Branch, CSSD

Laura Patey, Middletown
Chair, Gilead Community Services
Dean for Academic Advancement, Wesleyan University

Deborah Petruzzello, Middletown
Secretary, MARC Community Resources
Athletic Faculty Manager, Middletown Board of Education

Carrissa Phipps, PhD, Middletown
Board Member, Gilead Community Services
CEO & Founder, Licensed Psychologist, Small Victories Wellness Services

Gary Wallace, Middletown
Past Board Chair, Gilead Community Services
Director, Community Engagement & Relations, Community Health Center, Inc.

Paul Zakarian, Middletown
Vice Chair, Gilead Community Services
Assistant Vice President of Operations, ABH, Inc.

Fran Ludwig, Middlefield
Emeritus Director, Gilead Community Services

Jackie Bontems, Milford
Treasurer, Bridges Healthcare, Inc,
Treasurer, Drazen Development

Charles Montalbano, Milford
Vice Chairman, Bridges Healthcare, Inc.
Owner, Charles Montalbano Design

Jane Norgren, Milford
Treasurer, ARI of CT
Retired CEO

Michele Macauda, Monroe
Director, The Kennedy Center
Retired, AT&T

Jessica McCauley, Monroe
Treasurer, The Kennedy Center
Partner, Beers Hamerman Cohen & Burger

Ronald Villani, Monroe
Board Member, BHcare

Teresa Burbank, Mystic
Vice Chair, Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut
Retired

Spencer Cain, Mystic
Vice-Chair, Oak Hill
President, Cain Associates LLC

John G. Jacobs, Mystic
Board Member, Reliance Health
Retired

Kenneth Levy, Mystic
Treasurer, Waterford Country School
Retired

Kathleen Stauffer, Mystic
Board Member, The Arc of the United States
CEO, The Arc Eastern Connecticut

Julia Stone, Mystic
Board Member, Child and Family Agency of Southeastern CT
Retired Executive Director, Literacy Volunteers of America, CT

Patricia A. Varholy, Mystic
Board Member, Child and Family Agency Southeastern CT
Retired

Pierre Wicker, Mystic
Secretary, Journey Found
Retired

Robert J. Stabile, Naugatuck
Secretary, Easterseals of Greater Waterbury
Vice President, Liberty Bank

Rebecca Dunn, Niantic
Director, SARAH, Inc.

Susan A. Gula, Niantic
Board Member, Waterford Country School
Retired

Kristie Scott, Niantic
Director, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
Chief Executive Office, Perception Programs, Inc.

Michael Carrier, New Britain
Director, CCARC
Attorney, Weber, Carrier, Boiczyk & Chace,

Paul D'Addabbo, New Britain
Board Member, CW Resources, Inc.
President, Insurance Associates

Laura Foran, New Britain
2nd Vice President, CCARC
Dental Hygienist, Matus Family Dentistry/Family Dentistry of Central Connecticut

Larry Gallupe, New Britain
Past Board Chair, CW Resources
Retired

Mildred Gomez, CCARC
Board Member, InterCommunity Healthcare
Employee Relations Consultant, The Hospital of Central Connecticut

Jack Isaac, CCARC
Treasurer, CCARC
Retired

Janis Jerman, New Britain
Board Member, CW Resources, Inc.

Ursula Sowinski, New Britain
Board Member, Mental Health Connecticut
Biomedical Account Manager, Red Cross CT Chapter

Jane Arestia, New Canaan
Secretary, ARI of CT

Erica Mumm, New Hartford
Board Member, ARC of Greater New Haven
Assistant Professor of Nursing, Quinnipiac University

James Baron, New Haven
Board Member, SARAH, Inc.
Professor, Yale School of Management

Wick Chambers, New Haven
Board Member, Benhaven
Of Counsel, Winnick Ruben Hoffnung Peabody & Mendel, LLC

Ted Cohen, New Haven
Board Member, New Haven Reads
Professor, Yale University

Anne Demchak, New Haven
Past President, Fellowship Place
Retired Store Manager, Stop & Shop

Susan Lewis Duffy M.D., New Haven
Board Member, Fellowship Place
Physician

Alva Greenberg, New Haven
Board Member, Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut

Janette Johnson, New Haven
Board Member, Benhaven
Retired

Ihssane Khatib, New Haven
Director, Marrakech, Inc.
Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual

Linda Townsend Maier, New Haven
Executive Director, Greater Dwight Development Corporation

James McPartland, New Haven
Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychology, Yale Child Study Center

Andrew McLaren, New Haven
President, Fellowship Place
Retired

Fernando J. Muniz, New Haven
Director, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
Chief Executive Officer, Community Solutions, Inc.

Debra Schaffer, New Haven
Board Member, Fellowship Place
Retired, Bank of America

Deborah Stanley-McAulay, New Haven
Secretary, Marrakech, Inc.
AVP Employee Engagement & Workplace Culture, Yale University

Alexander Westphal, New Haven
Board Member, Benhaven
Associate Professor, Yale School of Medicine

Samantha Williams, New Haven
Board Member, Clifford Beers
President & CEO, Sam's Word

Stephen Wizner, New Haven
Board Member, Benhaven
Clinical Professor of Law Emeritus, retired

John J. Ausanka III, Newington
Board Member, Kuhn Employment Opportunities
Retired

Jeremy Brayer, Newington
Vice President, MARCH, Inc. of Manchester
Principal, Pue Chick Leibowitz & Blezard LLC

Rebecca Fraser, Newington
Board Member, MARCH, Inc.

Florence M. Guite, Newington
Board Member, Harc, Inc.
Former Business Education Teacher & Administrative Assistant to Corporate Executives

Kenny Jones, Newington
Member at Large, CW Resources, Inc.
Owner, Automotive Connection LLC

Bhupen Patel, Newington
Board Member, Harc, Inc.
Retired

Lori Williamson, Newington
Board Member, CW Resources, Inc.
Senior Advisor, Impact Advisors LLC

Frank Zocco, Newington
Board Member Emeritus, Gilead Community Services
Certified Financial Planner

Beth M. Camassar, New London
Board Member, Waterford Country School
Retired

Gloria Dover, New London
Board Member, Madonna Place, Inc.
Educational Counselor, CONNTAC- Three Rivers Community College

Debbie Cook, North Haven
Board Member, Fellowship Place
Retired

Stearns Bryant, North Haven
Director, Children’s Center of Hamden
Partner, Nugent and Bryant

Claudia Grantham, North Haven
Board Member The Children’s Center of Hamden
Retired School Administrator

Donna Levine, North Haven
Director, HART United, Inc.
Attorney, Law Office of Donna R. Levine

Jonathan Lewin, North Haven
Board Member, Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc.
Assistant State’s Attorney, Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice

Maria Mojica, North Haven
President, r kids
Consultant, MIM Consulting

Elinore Mulligan, North Haven
Vice President, ARC of Greater New Haven
Special Education Teacher, North Haven Middle School

John Onofrio, North Haven
Vice President, West Haven Community House
CPA, Kircaldie Randall & McNab

Joseph Piscitelli, North Haven
President, ARC of Greater New Haven
Regional Manager, Autumn Transportation

Michael Anderson, North Stonington
President, Madonna Place
Attorney, Anderson Law Firm, P.C.

Suzanne Colaluca, Norwich
Board Member, Madonna Place
Vice President, retired, Infinex Investments

Stacy Grayson, Norwich
Secretary, SCADD
Paint Department Supervisor, Faria Beede Instruments, Inc.

William Hopkins, Norwich
Board Member, Reliance Health, Inc.

John Mercier, Norwich
President, Reliance Health
Retired

Colleen Sullivan, Norwich
Vice Chairwoman, SCADD
Vice President, Care Management, Hartford HealthCare

Sheri Brown, Norwalk
Board Member, Keystone House

Marlene De Bellis, Norwalk
Board Chair, Connecticut Renaissance, Inc.
School Social Worker, Side by Side Charter School

Jorge Garcia, Norwalk
Director, Bridges Healthcare, Inc.
Sr. Capabilities Lead, Microsoft

Larry Katz, Norwalk
Secretary, Connecticut Counseling Centers
President, Larry Katz Commercial Realty Inc.

Felicia Russell-Stewart, Norwalk
Board Member, Connecticut Counseling Centers
Administrative Assistant, State of Connecticut-Judicial

Michael Tolla, Norwalk
Treasurer, Keystone House

Victoria Bradford, Old Lyme
Board Member, Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut
Retired

Kathryn du Pree, Old Lyme
Executive Director, Benhaven

Margaret O’Shea, Old Lyme
Emeritus Board Member, Child and Family Agency`

Pasquale DeVito, Old Saybrook
Chairperson, Kuhn Employment Opportunities
Retired

Colin Dugan, Old Saybrook
Board Member, SARAH, Inc.
Wealth Advisor, Principle Wealth Partners

Robert Laundy, Old Saybrook
Board Member, CW Resources, Inc.
Retired

Allen Stanwix, Old Saybrook
Board Member, MARC Community Resources
General Manager, Greenwald Industries

Sue Cohen, Orange
Secretary, Fellowship Place
School Psychologist, retired, Trumbull School System

Joshua Dickinson, Orange
Board Member, Recovery Network of Programs

Kevin Luddy, Orange
Director, Fellowship Place
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Kolmar Americas, Inc.

Renee Perroncel, Orange
Governor, Fellowship Place
Clinical Project Manager, Bayer Pharmaceuticals

Dr. William Sherman, Orange
Chair, Facilities Committee, Fellowship Place
Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University

Jessica Simone, Orange
Board Member, Orange Community Services
Youth Services Coordinator, Orange Community Services

Greta E. Solomon, Orange
Board Member, Marrakech, Inc.
Attorney, Cohen and Wolf, P.C.

Joyce Barcley, Oxford
Nominating Committee Chair, BHcare
AVP National Initiatives, The WorkPlace

Kathleen Cavicchioli, Palm City, FL
Treasurer, Midstate ARC

William Petit, Plainville
Director, CCARC
State Representative, 22nd District

John Deary, Pomfret Center
Vice Chairman, United Services
CEO, Deary Bros. Inc.

Richard Bilangi, Port Charlotte, FL
Director, Connecticut Counseling Centers
Founder and Past President

Kelly Falvey, Portland
Board Member, SARAH, Inc.
Educator

Richard C. Handel, Portland
Chairperson, Rainbow Housing Corporation
Retired

David B. Porteus, Portland
Finance Committee Chair, Gilead Community Services
Board Member, Oak Hill

Marie Stone, Portland
Board Member, Reliance Health, Inc.
Mental Health Clinician, retired

Chet Doheney, Prospect
President & CEO, ICES Incorporated

Lori Kecskes, Prospect
Board Member, Wellmore
President, Employers Reference Source Inc.

Dale Merrill, Providence, RI
Board Member, Madonna Place
Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Terri Pearsall, Putnam
Chairman, United Services
Retired

Richard Bundy, Rockville
Board Member, The Village for Families & Children
Retired

Amber Tucker, CPA, Rocky Hill
Director, Oak Hill
Director, Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina

Tammy L. Burrell, Seymour
Treasurer, BHcare
CPA, Tomasella Schlitter & Burrell PC CPA

Michael Gulish, Seymour,
Chairman, BHcare
Financial Advisor, Gulish and Associates

Stephen Guarrera, Shelton
Director, BHcare
Vice President, Carey and Guarrera Real Estate

Loretta Lesko, Shelton
Board Member, BHcare
Owner, DiMatteo Group Tax and Accounting

Stephen Smith, Shelton
Vice Chairman, The Kennedy Center
Retired

David Hadden, Simsbury
Board Chair, Oak Hill
Retired

Patricia Fay Lenz, Simsbury
Board Member, FAVARH, Arc of the Farmington Valley
Retired

Brian Neary, Simsbury
Chairperson, Hands on Hartford

Bob Primmer, Simsbury
Director, CW Resources, Inc.

Viviann Rubin, MD, Simsbury
Board Member, The Bridge Family Center
Physician

Rollin Schuster, Simsbury
Chair of the Board, CW Resources, Inc.
Managing Director, The Schuster Group/NFP

Robert Corjulo, Southington
Treasurer, Community Solutions, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer, Physicians Risk Management

Sarah Daly, Southington
Board Member, Community Child Guidance Clinic
Head of HR and Talent Management, Corbin Advisors

Mary Etter, Southington
Director, MARCH Inc. of Manchester
Executive Director, Bristol Adult Resource Center

Rosemary Silkman, Southington
Board Member & Parent, Harc, Inc.
Administative Assistant, Mad Hatter Auto

Maribel Rivera Smith, Southington
Board Member, Easterseals of Greater Waterbury
Nurse Educator, Naugatuck Valley Community College

Paul J. Horton, Southport
Board Member, The Kennedy Center

Lorrie Higgins, Southwick, MA
Board Member, Journey Found

Danielle Chenard MPH, Stafford
Board Member, MARCH, Inc.
Research Program Manager, Connecticut Children's Medical Center

Joann Smith, Stafford
First Vice Chairman, Allied Community Services

Barbara Aronica, Stamford
Past President, ARI of CT
Graphic Designer

Eric Brown, Stamford
Board Member, ARI of CT

Peter Buck, Stamford
Chairman, ARI of CT
President, Creative Pension Design

Calvin Chapman, Stamford
Board Member, ARI of CT

Lee Combrinck-Graham, M.D., Stamford
Board Member, ARI of CT
Psychiatrist

Lily R. Kober, Stamford
Board Member, ARI of CT

Donna Loglisci, Stamford
Board Member, ARI of CT

Gimbels Pon, Stamford
Vice Chairman, ARI of CT

David J. Allard, Stonginton
Vice Chair, Reliance Health
Director, Virginia Transportation

Paul Mancarella, Stonington
Secretary, Madonna Place
Branch Manager, People’s United Bank

David Marsh, Stratford
Board Member, Connecticut Renaissance
Chief Information Officer, People’s United Bank

Kim DiPietro, Suffield
Board Member, The Village for Families & Children

Jeff Geddes, Thomaston
Vice President, Prime Time House

Valentine Iamartino, Thompson
Board Member, United Services, Inc.
Genealogical Researcher/ Adoptee Intermediary, Threefold Research

Mary McConville, Tolland
Former Board Member/Past President, MARCH Inc. of Manchester
Retired

Anne Ruwet, Torrington
Board Member, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
CEO, CCARC, Inc.

Benjamin Strong, Trumbull
Chairman of the Board, The Kennedy Center

John Watts, Trumbull
Finance Chairman, The Children’s Center of Hamden
Owner, John A. Watts CPA LLC

Rod Wilson, Vernon
Board Member, Perception Programs, Inc.
President, RAD Computing

Carl Casper, Wallingford
President, Benhaven

Mary Ellen Crawford, Wallingford
Treasurer, Soul Friends Inc.

Judy Cody, Wallingford
Board Member, ARC of Greater New Haven
Retired

Mary Ellen Kingsland-Eckels, Wallingford
Vice Chair, Midstate Arc
Executive Director and Founder, Wallingford Center for the Arts/Wallingford Community Theatre

Susan Loos, Wallingford
Treasurer, ARC of Greater New Haven
Teacher/Infant Care, Building Blocks Learning Center

Georgian Lussier, Wallingford
Chair, HR Committee, CW Resources, Inc.
Independent Consultant/Owner, G.F. Lussier & Associates

Chelsea Ruzzo, Wallingford
Secretary, ARC of Greater New Haven

Stephen Monroe Tomczak, Wallingford
Board Member, Community Action Agency of New Haven
Associate Professor of Social Welfare Policy & Community Organization, Southern Connecticut State University

James Nardozzi, Waterbury
Chair, Wellmore
Vice President, Global Business Services, Drew Marine

Larry Stovall, Waterbury
Treasurer, Journey Found, Inc.
Relationship Manager, TD Bank

Kathleen Jacques, Waterford
Second Vice-Chair, Waterford Country School
Retired

Eileen Olynciw, Waterford
Board Member, Waterford Country School
Broker/Owner, Landmark Agency, Inc.

Derek Pirruccello, Waterford
Chairman, Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut
Wealth Management Advisor, Senior Vice President, Merrill Lynch

Lorri Saunders, Waterford
Board Member, Waterford Country School
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital

Leslie N. Suarez, Waterford
Member, Board of Trustees, Waterford Country School
Bookkeeper, St. Joseph Church Corporation

Nancy Cronin, Watertown
Director, MARC Community Resources
Vice President Office and Professional Placement, A.R. Mazzotta Employment Specialists

Paul Jessell, Watertown
Vice President, Easterseals of Greater Waterbury
Attorney/Partner, Slavin, Stauffacher & Scott, LLC

Michael Rokosky, Watertown
Board Member, Wellmore
Medical Advisor, Waterbury Health Department

Christopher Brechlin, Wethersfield
Board Member, Hands on Hartford
Director of Data & Digital Systems, COMPASS Youth Collaborative

Donna Duffy R.N., Wethersfield
Board Member, Plan of CT

Najib O. Habesch, Wethersfield
Board Member, Harc, Inc.
Senior Vice President, BETA Group Inc.

James Heffernan, Wethersfield
Board Member, Harc, Inc.
Retired

Theodore Olynciw, Waterford
Vice President, Waterford Country School
Owner, Olyn Contracting Company

Debra Palmer, Westbrook
Vice President, SARAH, Inc.
Retired, Mass Mutual

Jeffrey Plocharczyk, Westbrook
Corporator, CCARC
Retired, Eversource

Judy Bierly, West Hartford
Board Member, The Bridge Family Center
Retired

Jane Thierfeld Brown,
President, Bristol Adult Resource Center
Director, College Autism Spectrum

Autumn Bosworth, West Hartford
Director, Hands on Hartford
Market Insights, Lincoln Financial Group

Scott Boulton, West Hartford
Treasurer, Mental Health Connecticut
Consultant, Fiducient Advisors

Gregory Calnen, West Hartford
Board Chair, Harc, Inc.
Director of Account Management, ZAG Interactive

Salvatore Carrabba, West Hartford
Board Member, Oak Hill
President / Founder, Salamander Designs Ltd.

Kathleen Christensen, West Hartford
Director, The Bridge Family Center
Partner, CT Wealth Management

Charles Cleary, West Hartford
Secretary, MARCH, Inc.
Dean of Student Affairs, Tunxis Community College

Alicia Davis, West Hartford
Secretary, Community Solutions, Inc.
Executive Coach, Transformative Leadership Strategies

Mitchell Flagg, West Hartford
Board Member, Community Child Guidance Clinic

Rick Funke, West Hartford
Board Member, Harc, Inc.

Eric Garcia, West Hartford
Board Member, MARCH, Inc.
Compliance Officer, U.S. Department of Labor

Frank Giguere, West Hartford
Board Member, Chrysalis and CCREC
IT Architecture, Munich Re

Bob Graulich, West Hartford
Foundation Chair, Mosaic
Senior Vice President, Bank of America

Cy T. Hess, West Hartford
Vice Chair, Community Health Resources
Partner & Founder, Riverside Retirement Advisors

Diana Jepsen, West Hartford
Board Member, The Village for Families & Children

Patricia Kinney, West Hartford
Board Member, Harc, Inc.
Manager, SockStarz

Adam Marks, West Hartford
Secretary, Harc, Inc.
Shareholder, Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.

Eddie Miranda, West Hartford
Board Member, Community Health Resources
Dean, Connecticut State Colleges & Universities

Mary Lou O'Connor, West Hartford
Parent, Harc, Inc.

Megan O'Neill, West Hartford
Vice Chair, Programs & Services, Harc, Inc.
Retired lawyer

Rosie Craemer Shea, West Hartford
Board Member, Journey Found
Tutor, Intensive Education Academy

Susan Staunton, West Hartford
Board Member, Harc, Inc.

Dianna Wallquist, West Hartford
Board Member, Hands on Hartford
Vice President, Travelers Insurance Co.

Sharon M. Ware, West Hartford
Board Secretary, Hands on Hartford
Assistant Professor, University of Saint Joseph

Andrew Wood, West Hartford
Board Member, Harc, Inc.
Principal, Strategy, Mintz + Hoke, Inc.

Katie Farrell, West Haven
Vice President, West Haven Community House
Chief Social Worker, Division of Public Defender Services

William Heffernan, West Haven
President, West Haven Community House
Lieutenant, Retired, West Haven Fire Department

Kathleen Hendricks, West Haven
Director, Bridges Healthcare, Inc.
Retired

Mary Jane Morrissey, West Haven
Board Member & Past President, West Haven Community House
Retired

Edward O’Brien, West Haven
Board Member, West Haven Community House
Manager, Utility Communications

Pamela O’Neill, West Haven
Board Member, West Haven Community House
Regional Homestay Manager, Northeast Student Consulting

Gene Sullivan, West Haven
Secretary, West Haven Community House
Member, Leslie Jewelers LLC

Denise Durham Williams, White Plains, NY
Board Member, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
Chief Executive Office, Inspirca

Peter Malinow, Willington
Board Member, United Services
Retired

Deirdhre Delaney, Windham
Secretary, Horizons, Inc.
Designer, Self-Employed

Anne Konczakowski, Windham
Board Member, United Services
Retired

Elsa Nunez, Windham
Board Member, The Village for Families & Children
President, Eastern Connecticut State University

Steve Erickson, Windsor
Board Member, Community Health Resources
Partner, Whittlesey PC

Dale Gustafson, Windsor Locks
Board Member Emeritus, MARCH, Inc. of Manchester
Retired

Laurie Molinari, Windsor Locks
Director, Mental Health Connecticut
Assistant General Counsel, The Hartford

Nancy Becker, Wolcott
Governance Committee Chair, Wellmore
Owner, Torrco

Thomas Buzzelli, Wolcott
Secretary, Wellmore
Retired Educator

David L. Segal, Woodbury
Board Member & Past President, Easterseals of Greater Waterbury
President, Edward Segal Inc.

Steven Shwartz, Woodbridge
Board Chair, Marrakech
AI Author, Entrepreneur & Investor

Jane Tendler, Woodbridge
Board Member, The Children’s Center of Hamden

Dominick Thomas, Woodbridge
Director/General Counsel, BHcare
Attorney/Owner Cohen and Thomas

Kevin Bernier, Woodstock
Board Member, United Services, Inc.
Sr. Director, Corporate Affairs, Bayer


Hear directly below from members of nonprofit boards about why they signed this letter. To have your quote included, email Ben at bshaiken@ctnonprofitalliance.org.

Sean W. Thomas of Essex, Vice Chair of the BHcare Board of Directors and Principal of Wells Thomas LLC, a Third Party Administrator specializing in retirement plan services:

“I signed the open letter in two capacities, one as a Board Member of BHcare, and the other as a parent of someone who has struggled with mental health issues his entire life.  Having seen the services provided from these two different perspectives, I feel that I can be a voice that is, though certainly not unique, at least well informed.  As a Board Member of BHcare (and Harbor Health prior that), I have seen the organization grow and expand to provide much needed services to an underserved population.  And I know that BHcare is one of many organizations in the state doing just that.  In my position, however, I constantly see the financial struggle and the difficult decisions that must be made when the budget cannot be relied upon.  I am proud to say that, to date, BHcare has not made any of its clients ‘suffer’ when funding is at issue, but I have seen first hand the staff that must go over and above to make sure the clients’ needs are being met, because there is not enough funding to support the staffing that is needed.
 
“Being a Board Member has been a privilege, and to see the commitment each and every member of the organization has towards the goal of providing the optimum care for ALL of those that need it, is nothing short of miraculous at times.  To put that at risk is a tragedy, not just for the organization, but for every citizen of this state.
 
“Which brings me to my other viewpoint, that of a father of someone I have watched deal with mental health issues for nearly 20 years now.  There have been highs, but more often there were lows we had to trudge through.  One of the more difficult was having to send my then 12 year-old son to a program in Texas because at the time, there was nowhere in the state of Connecticut that had the room, or staffing, to take him in and do the vigorous testing that needed to be done.  No parent should have to live through something like that.  Leaving a child, alone, in a state two thousand miles away simply because here in Connecticut we didn’t have the proper programs available.  We like to pride ourselves that we live in a progressive region, one that values the rights of all of its citizens, yet we continuously cut services (whether intentionally or not) to those that most need it whenever we cut funding to these programs.
 
“My son recently turned 20.  In his short existence he has been through 6 different school systems (most ‘therapeutic’ schools for those with special needs), at least as many hospitalizations and programs, and is one of the tragic cases that has ended up in the court system because his disability beat him one too many times.  Bouncing from program to program, based upon funding and staffing, has led to an inconsistent development for him, until recently.  He finally has entered into a system that works for him.  The last thing we want to see is for that to be taken away because funding is cut once more.
 
“He is not a dollar sign.  Those like him are not dollar signs.  Their families are not dollar signs.  But with a stroke of the pen, when the dollars are removed, each and every one of us feel the pain and the burden that my son, his peers and all of the families, friends and communities will share.  We can do better.”

Scott Brabant of Cheshire, chairperson of the Mental Health Connecticut Board of Directors and First Vice President of People’s United Bank, a financial services company founded in 1842::

“CT nonprofits have been the target of repeated budget cuts and rescissions all the while being asked to provide more services with less resources.  The services we provide are not optional and often done more cost efficiently than comparable agencies.  I chose to sign this letter as I believe we are the safety net for the communities we serve.  There is a significant gap in what is required and what we have in resources in order to meet the basic needs of our program participants.”

Rod Wilson of Vernon, a board member at Perception Programs, Inc. and President of RAD Computing, an IT consulting firm in Vernon:

“I can name many things in my life that have impacted my success in business and life, and the services of Perception Programs is one of them. I was in the Perception Programs residential program when I was 15 years old. At age 50, I still lean on life skills I learned in Perception Programs that help me to live as a productive member of society. The trickle-down effect of me being a power of example to my employees, family and friends has created opportunities for everyone around me to have success in their life, proven success. These life skills are all what I have learned and practice from nonprofit services helping people like me.

“The past 1+ years has devastated nonprofits. Funding is nonexistent. The services that nonprofits provide is the backbone of helping the consumers in need. Nonprofits restore health and well-being back to our societies. The funding for nonprofits is equally as important as any funding that is used for the public health emergencies.  Nonprofits services touched my life in a way that has lasted over 35 years, and still holds a deep place in my heart.  Do the right thing, fund our nonprofits so the people can get the help they urgently deserve and require.”

Brian McCarthy of Ashford, a member of the Perception Programs, Inc. Board of Directors and Broker/Owner of Home Selling Team, LLC, a local leader in real estate sales and production in Greater Mansfield.

“The critical need for nonprofit funding cannot be understated. As a beneficiary of PPI programs decades ago and a Connecticut business owner today, I can personally attest to the value of these services when one is in need. The services that I received through nonprofit funding enabled me to become a responsible citizen and employer who has contributed to my local community and economy for over 40 years.”

David Segal of Woodbury, Board Member and Past President of the Easterseals of Greater Waterbury Board of Directors and President of Edwards Segal Inc., the leading Made in the USA manufacturer of eyelet, grommet and rivet setting machines:

“I have been an active member of the Easterseals of Greater Waterbury Board of Directors for over 10 years.  During that time I have seen first-hand the impact on services provided as a result of reduced government funding and reimbursements.  Successful not-for-profits like Easterseals continue to offer essential services for their clients with disabilities, but certainly not at the same level when I started with them.  The need for increased state funding is critical to preserve the current level of services provided for the State’s most vulnerable population.  We certainly hope the Governor takes notice of this request.”

Kevin M. Luddy of Orange, a member of the Fellowship Place Board of Directors and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Kolmar Americas, Inc., a global enterprise, serving the Petrochemical and Oil Products industry and manufacturer of Biofuels

“As a member of the board of Fellowship Place, I volunteer my time because I believe in the mission of Fellowship Place to make our community and the state better places to live for all.
 
“Community nonprofits like Fellowship Place we help lead are Connecticut’s safety net. The people we support are our family members, friends and neighbors.
 
“Fellowship Place has adapted during the pandemic to continue to operate safely for both staff and consumers, often at their own expense.
 
“With demand and costs constantly increasing, and with nonprofits $461 million behind inflation over the last dozen years, the unfortunate truth is that donations and private giving cannot cover the gap created by these mounting and significant challenges. The COVID pandemic has exacerbated this reality.”

Nancy S. Becker of Wolcott, a member of the Wellmore Board of Directors and an Owner of Torrco, a fourth generation independent wholesale distributor of plumbing, piping, HVAC, kitchen & bath and propane supplies:

“My family and our company are dedicated to the health and well-being of the residents of greater Waterbury.  The need is great and now is the time for the State to commit to properly fund non-profit providers like Wellmore, a critical resource as we recover from this pandemic.”

Salvatore Carrabba of West Hartford, Board Member of Oak Hill and President / Founder of Salamander Designs Ltd., a furniture designer and manufacturer in Bloomfield:

“It is important that CT has a strong, social safety net to support our communities and our economy.  Nonprofits provide this support. For far too long these organizations have been underfunded while striving to provide the best possible care for its expanding client base. This is a rare case when doing the right thing also has a long-term economic benefit.”

Laura J. Patey of Middletown, Chair of the Gilead Community Services Board of Directors and Dean for Academic Advancement at Wesleyan University, a private liberal arts university in Middletown:

“As a board member and engaged resident of CT, I have seen the challenges that nonprofits have faced in securing adequate funding for the programs and services that are vital to so many marginalized members of our community. Nonprofits, such as Gilead, were already stretched beyond their capacity and in the midst of the pandemic are now are faced with the challenge of caring for an increased number of people who are dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. It is time to end the decades of underfunding these critical community based services.”

Derek S. Pirruccello of Waterford, Board Chair of Child and Family Agency of Southeastern CT and Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, and of The Holloway Pirruccello Group in Mystic:
 
“Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in building healthy communities through strong relationships and intimate local knowledge. However, nonprofits are consistently financially challenged, placing additional strain on their already limited resources. This unprecedented seven-year proposal will secure future funding for Connecticut's nonprofit organizations, ensuring continuation of services, economic growth and stability are inclusive of all communities."

James Nardozzi of Waterbury, chairperson of the Wellmore Board of Directors and Vice President of Global Business Service of Drew Marine, a global leader in technical solutions and services to the maritime and offshore industries

“Never has it been clearer the services of Wellmore are essential for the health and safety of our community. The decade long erosion of State resources has hindered our ability to help the most in need. I urge the Governor and Legislature to come together and act now to properly fund community-based, not-for-profit, human service organizations.”

Kellie M. Jandreau of Meriden, Chairwoman of the Easterseals of Greater Waterbury Board of Directors and Senior Vice President and District Executive of Webster Bank, a community-minded, values-guided bank based in Waterbury:

“I have been on the Easterseals board for several years and truly believe in its mission in providing essential services to our community.  It is important for the State to understand and reimburse private providers like Easterseals for the true cost of these services.  Then and only then will these non for profit organizations be able to thrive so that services can continue and grow.”

Eddie Miranda of West Hartford, a board member at Community Health Resources and a Dean at Capitol Community College, only public undergraduate institution headquartered in the City of Hartford.

“CHR and many other non-profits work every day to make sure mental health, addition and many other services are provided to the community. Now is the time especially during these uncharted times to increase funding.”