Warming Center Serving People From Now Through March!

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Word of mouth is spreading the news that the FSC Warming Center at 85 Arch St. opened Dec. 1 to provide a safe respite from winter weather weekdays 5 to 10 p.m.

People can either call 211 or just stop by. Individuals will be greeted by intake personnel and be able to have a hot beverage and snacks. If someone is experiencing a housing crisis, a case manager on site will arrange a stay in one of three locations: Red Roof Inn, Salvation Army or a site in Bristol. They will also have access to cold weather clothing including coats, hats, gloves, socks and individual-size toiletries. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Warming Center was greatly appreciated; up to 13 people were served each evening January through March.

People who would like to donate winter items for the Warming Center are welcome to contact Dan Pagan at 860 225 0211 or email dpagan@fsc-ct.org.

Thank you for making winter a little warmer for our neighbors in need!

New Britain Downtown District Donation Funds FSC Day Center

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A $6,000 donation from the New Britain Downtown District will go a long way to opening the doors of the FSC Day Center tentatively set for April 1. At the day center, which will be located at 59 Arch St., people in need will be able to take a shower, do laundry, have access to a phone, recharge cell phones or just socialize. In addition to the Downtown District, other community partners include the City of New Britain Community Services, South Church, New Britain EMS, New Britain Police, and community groups.

Those who were present for the check presentation in late November were, from left, Mallory Deprey, City of New Britain; Caitlin Rose, executive director of FSC; Sharon Chamberlain, president of the FSC Board of Directors; the Rev. Jane Rowe, South Church; Carol Hall, vice chairperson of New Britain Downtown District Board of Commissioners; and Gerry Amodio, executive director of the New Britain Downtown District.

Thank you for this generous donation that is bringing the Day Center is that much closer to opening!

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By the time we concluded our Thanksgiving Adopt-a-Family, we were already in full swing for our annual Christmas project. We currently have names of individuals and families in our supportive housing who would love something special this season through our Christmas Adopt-a-Family program. We are also seeking donations of holiday food for our gift baskets and gift cards are always appreciated.

Items can be dropped off at 85 Arch Street on December 13 & 14 between the hours of 12-6pm.

To learn more or to make a donation, contact Amber at 860-225-0211, x112 or email agugliotti@fsc-ct.org . Thank you for sharing your holiday spirit with our FSC neighbors.

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Participating in the Friendship Center Adopt-A-Family program for Thanksgiving is a great way to provide support to your community!

The Adopt-A-Family program began as a way to help families that were transitioning from shelter to their own apartment with Thanksgiving baskets and gifts for Christmas. For many years we have witnessed the smiles and joys that have filled the hearts of the families involved in our program thanks to the generosity of partners like you. Won't you consider helping us provide the families of Greater New Britain a brighter holiday season? Your donations give our families memories that last forever.

Thanksgiving: If you would like to provide a Thanksgiving basket, please click here to receive the “Thanksgiving Basket Items” list which can be used as a guide to purchase food items. To provide a turkey, we ask for $25 gift cards to Stop & Shop, Price Rite, C-Town, Save-A-Lot, and Aldi’s Supermarket.

Dropped off at the Friendship Service Center, 85 Arch Street, New Britain, CT 06051

Monday, November 22, 2021 at 12 to 6 PM or Tuesday, November 23th, 12 to 6 PM

For more information contact:

Amber Gugliotti at 860-225-0211, x112 or email: agugliotti@fsc-ct.org

Halloween Fun For Our Children.

By Kayla Mills, FSC intern, junior in Social Work at CCSU

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Growing up my parents taught my siblings and me the joy of giving. I think that is why I decided to go into this field because I always wanted to help people and put a smile on their faces. During the holidays I know how hard it can be for less fortunate families. Some parents want to do the best for their children but cannot always because of the lack of resources. Halloween has always been my favorite as a child because of dressing up and saying the famous line “TRICK OR TREAT!” Although I'm older now I get to still experience that with my two nephews. Knowing how much they love it I wanted to do something special for the children at the shelter who may not be able to trick or treat. I made Halloween bags that consisted of crayons, coloring papers, a candy bag, stickers, a Halloween pencil, a Friendship Center bracelet, and a small toy. I was not able to formally give them to the children at the shelter to see their faces but I was told they were happy and excited from the unexpected gesture. The best part of it is that I am helping out my community. Going back to what my parents taught me, knowing that I made the children happy fills my own life with joy!

FREE Community Cookout Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 12PM

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Hello Friends

The Friendship Center would like to cordially invite you and your family to the “Community Cookout ”. The cookout will be held on October 16th from 12 pm to 2 pm in the rear building of the Friendship Center located on 85 Arch Street in New Britain, Connecticut. This event is sponsored by The Black Ministerial Alliance, New Life II, The Spott Unlimited, The Friends of FSC, VOX Church, Freedom by Fitness & JMI Creation Designs. Please join us for free food, music, raffle and giveaways.

“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn't as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.”― Jean Vanier

We are looking forward to seeing all of your friendly faces.