Kiwanis Hosts Playhouse Artistic Director

Elayne Cassara is an attorney, former pastor, and advocatefor truth, accountability, and healing in faith communities. Drawing on nearlytwo decades of pastoral leadership and her current work in the legalprofession, Elayne brings a unique perspective to the difficult conversationsurrounding spiritual abuse, institutional accountability, and the misuse ofreligious authority. 

Her journey took an unexpected turn after the tragic deathof her son, an experience that ultimately led her to leave pastoral ministryand begin a new chapter of her life. A longtime advocate for people navigatingdifficult and often painful circumstances, Elayne understands both the profoundgood faith communities can offer and the devastating harm that can occur whenspiritual authority is used to manipulate, silence, or control.

Today, as an attorney, Elayne brings a legal lens toquestions of power, accountability, and justice. Through her Faith, Fraud andFreedom platform, she continues to encourage honest conversations aboutspiritual abuse, challenge systems that protect harmful behavior, and createspace for those seeking truth and healing. Her recent conversation surroundingthe story of Mica Miller reflects her commitment to raising awareness,recognizing patterns of spiritual abuse, and helping individuals and communitiesunderstand why accountability matters. This invitation holds special meaningfor Elayne. Weston, Connecticut, is the community where she raised her daughteras a single mother following the loss of her son. Returning to speak with theKiwanis community brings her story full circle, allowing her to share a missionshaped by profound loss, personal resilience, faith, and an enduring commitmentto justice. Elayne believes that faith should never require a person tosurrender their voice, dignity, or freedom and that healthier communities beginwhen truth is welcomed and accountability is embraced. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.

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.

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.

Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.

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.

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.

Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.

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.

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.

Club and foundation monthly board meetings with committee chairs in the great room at Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. All Kiwanis members welcome.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.