Kiwanians from the Weston, Bridgeport, and Norwalk Kiwanis clubs laid out and served a buffet on Super Bowl Sunday, February 8, 2026, for the 38 male veterans residing at Homes for the Brave and provisioned the game-day meal for the 10 female veterans at the PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home.
Weston Kiwanians prepared or purchased food for the feast and delivered it to the Norfield Congregational Church in 0-degree weather on Sunday morning to a team of members for transport to Bridgeport. Bridgeport Kiwanians delivered beverages, and Norwalk Kiwanians delivered individual snack bags directly to the two homes.
At Homes For the Brave, Weston Kiwanians reheated spiral ham, roasted chicken, chili, mac and cheese, baked beans, rice and red beans, and pulled pork. Tasty treats included cake, cookies, brownies, chips/salsa/guacamole, soda, and a mixed green salad with tomatoes. As they have since 2011, after serving the veterans, club members washed the dishes and headed home.
In the photo at the top of this post, from left to right are Kiwanis kitchen team members Frank Ferrara, Steve Thomas, Harry Spencer (president), Barbara Gross, Dave Burns, and Dan Gilbert.
Harry Spencer and Dan Gilbertcontributed the photographs below. See them at full size in the event album.
Many thanks to all donating food, including Billy Arce, and Kiwanians Reed Ameden, Susan Baron, Jennifer Barron, Louise Brady, Theresa Brasco, Dave Burns, Joan Clayton, Frank Ferrara, Dan Gilbert, Barbara Gross, Dan Lerner, Harvey Luft, John Moran, Samantha Nestor, Harry Spencer, Steve Thomas, Bob Uzenoff, and David Weber.
Shout-out to Steve Thomas and Barbara Gross for organizing this event, and to the delivery and serving crew: Dave Burns, Frank Ferrara, Dan Gilbert, Steve Thomas, Barbara Gross, and Harry Spencer.
Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. (ABRI), doing business as Homes for the Brave, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit with a mission of providing housing and services to individuals experiencing homelessness, especially Veterans. By operating one permanent and four transitional supportive housing programs in Fairfield County, Connecticut, ABRI aims to help individuals return to productive and meaningful lives. ABRI staff work with clients to create personalized goals to help them achieve stable income and housing and increase their self-determination.
Homes for the Brave is a 42-bed transitional housing program available to male Veterans and non-veterans who are experiencing homelessness. The program provides housing, case management, and vocational services.
The PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home, Connecticut’s first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for women veterans experiencing homelessness and their young children.
Weston Kiwanis is dedicated to helping build a vibrant, sharing Weston community. Club members gather at the Norfield Congregational Church parish Hall at 8:15 a.m. on Saturdays, with meetings running from 8:30 to 10 a.m. All are welcome.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
About today's program: Homes with Hope
Incorporated on December 5, 1983, Homes with Hope (formerly the Interfaith Housing Association) opened in 1984 as a homeless shelter for single men, and occupied a retired firehouse owned by the Town of Westport. Local religious organizations worked together to create the Interfaith Housing Association in response to an increased number of homeless individuals, primarily men, who were turning to them for aid.
Homes with Hope has grown significantly since 1984. As the need began to increase, we realized that food and shelter alone were not enough to help people move from homelessness to self-reliance. In response, Homes with Hope expanded the support services and housing options currently available to our clients by providing the resources needed for them to be successful in their journey out of homelessness.
Today, the agency provides emergency shelter for men and women, supportive housing for individuals and families, rapid re-housing, diversion services, a community kitchen, food pantry, youth development programs and mentoring. Our knowledgeable and innovative staff develops individualized case management plans with sustainable solutions so that everyone we serve has the opportunity to achieve and maintain an independent life.
Helen McAlinden (President & CEO) Since taking the helm in 2020, Helen has expanded the agency by 25 supportive housing apartments and transformed its focus—now serving over 80% prevention-based clients, compared to its previous near-exclusive focus on the chronically homeless. Under her leadership, Helen has secured over $10 million in funding from the Department of Housing to create new housing and renovate critical facilities like the Gillespie Center and Susie’s House. She has significantly increased grants and private donations and strategically repositioned Homes with Hope to quickly capitalize on any new housing opportunities across the region. Originally from a rural farming town in western Ireland, Helen immigrated to New York at age 17. Volunteering to feed the homeless in the Bronx ignited a lifelong commitment, leading her to leave a successful business career after 9/11 and pursue social work full-time. For over 25 years, she has been a respected leader in affordable and supportive housing, successfully advocating for thousands of Connecticut families to reunite in safe, stable homes.
Helen is a recognized leader in her field, having presented at top national and regional conferences, including the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. She also co-chairs Opening Doors Fairfield County and its Advocacy Committee, advancing housing-focused policies and initiatives. Helen is also a board member of the Westport Downtown Association and an active member of the Westport Rotary Club. Helen holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a BS in Leadership Management from Manhattan College. A dual citizen of Ireland and the U.S., Helen brings a global perspective to her work and values time spent with family and friends.
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Norfield Congregational Church, Parish Hall , 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883, USA
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.
Last Updated: February 10, 2026 by Robert Uzenoff
Kiwanis Serves Veterans a Superbowl Feast
By Dan Gilbert
Kiwanians from the Weston, Bridgeport, and Norwalk Kiwanis clubs laid out and served a buffet on Super Bowl Sunday, February 8, 2026, for the 38 male veterans residing at Homes for the Brave and provisioned the game-day meal for the 10 female veterans at the PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home.
Weston Kiwanians prepared or purchased food for the feast and delivered it to the Norfield Congregational Church in 0-degree weather on Sunday morning to a team of members for transport to Bridgeport. Bridgeport Kiwanians delivered beverages, and Norwalk Kiwanians delivered individual snack bags directly to the two homes.
At Homes For the Brave, Weston Kiwanians reheated spiral ham, roasted chicken, chili, mac and cheese, baked beans, rice and red beans, and pulled pork. Tasty treats included cake, cookies, brownies, chips/salsa/guacamole, soda, and a mixed green salad with tomatoes. As they have since 2011, after serving the veterans, club members washed the dishes and headed home.
In the photo at the top of this post, from left to right are Kiwanis kitchen team members Frank Ferrara, Steve Thomas, Harry Spencer (president), Barbara Gross, Dave Burns, and Dan Gilbert.
Harry Spencer and Dan Gilbertcontributed the photographs below. See them at full size in the event album.
Many thanks to all donating food, including Billy Arce, and Kiwanians Reed Ameden, Susan Baron, Jennifer Barron, Louise Brady, Theresa Brasco, Dave Burns, Joan Clayton, Frank Ferrara, Dan Gilbert, Barbara Gross, Dan Lerner, Harvey Luft, John Moran, Samantha Nestor, Harry Spencer, Steve Thomas, Bob Uzenoff, and David Weber.
Shout-out to Steve Thomas and Barbara Gross for organizing this event, and to the delivery and serving crew: Dave Burns, Frank Ferrara, Dan Gilbert, Steve Thomas, Barbara Gross, and Harry Spencer.
Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. (ABRI), doing business as Homes for the Brave, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit with a mission of providing housing and services to individuals experiencing homelessness, especially Veterans. By operating one permanent and four transitional supportive housing programs in Fairfield County, Connecticut, ABRI aims to help individuals return to productive and meaningful lives. ABRI staff work with clients to create personalized goals to help them achieve stable income and housing and increase their self-determination.
Homes for the Brave is a 42-bed transitional housing program available to male Veterans and non-veterans who are experiencing homelessness. The program provides housing, case management, and vocational services.
The PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home, Connecticut’s first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for women veterans experiencing homelessness and their young children.
Weston Kiwanis is dedicated to helping build a vibrant, sharing Weston community. Club members gather at the Norfield Congregational Church parish Hall at 8:15 a.m. on Saturdays, with meetings running from 8:30 to 10 a.m. All are welcome.
Category: Blog Post
Upcoming events
Breakfast Meeting with program: Homes with Hope
Incorporated on December 5, 1983, Homes with Hope (formerly the Interfaith Housing Association) opened in 1984 as a homeless shelter for single men, and occupied a retired firehouse owned by the Town of Westport. Local religious organizations worked together to create the Interfaith Housing Association in response to an increased number of homeless individuals, primarily men, who were turning to them for aid.
Homes with Hope has grown significantly since 1984. As the need began to increase, we realized that food and shelter alone were not enough to help people move from homelessness to self-reliance. In response, Homes with Hope expanded the support services and housing options currently available to our clients by providing the resources needed for them to be successful in their journey out of homelessness.
Today, the agency provides emergency shelter for men and women, supportive housing for individuals and families, rapid re-housing, diversion services, a community kitchen, food pantry, youth development programs and mentoring. Our knowledgeable and innovative staff develops individualized case management plans with sustainable solutions so that everyone we serve has the opportunity to achieve and maintain an independent life.
Helen McAlinden (President & CEO) Since taking the helm in 2020, Helen has expanded the agency by 25 supportive housing apartments and transformed its focus—now serving over 80% prevention-based clients, compared to its previous near-exclusive focus on the chronically homeless. Under her leadership, Helen has secured over $10 million in funding from the Department of Housing to create new housing and renovate critical facilities like the Gillespie Center and Susie’s House. She has significantly increased grants and private donations and strategically repositioned Homes with Hope to quickly capitalize on any new housing opportunities across the region. Originally from a rural farming town in western Ireland, Helen immigrated to New York at age 17. Volunteering to feed the homeless in the Bronx ignited a lifelong commitment, leading her to leave a successful business career after 9/11 and pursue social work full-time. For over 25 years, she has been a respected leader in affordable and supportive housing, successfully advocating for thousands of Connecticut families to reunite in safe, stable homes.
Helen is a recognized leader in her field, having presented at top national and regional conferences, including the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. She also co-chairs Opening Doors Fairfield County and its Advocacy Committee, advancing housing-focused policies and initiatives. Helen is also a board member of the Westport Downtown Association and an active member of the Westport Rotary Club. Helen holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a BS in Leadership Management from Manhattan College. A dual citizen of Ireland and the U.S., Helen brings a global perspective to her work and values time spent with family and friends.
Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or community service activity.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Community Service - Food Drive
NO MEETING
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Save-the-Dates
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Breakfast Meeting.
Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs
Board Meetings with Committee Chairs