4th-Annual Crazy Sweater Party Wrap-up

On Friday, January 9th we were excited to be joined by friends both new and old at our fourth-annual Crazy Sweater Party! Together we raised $133 and received in-kind donations to help the newly-immigrated refugees served by IRIS get through the cold months.

Guests at the 2015 Crazy Sweater Party assemble
 at the Cask Republic in New Haven, CT

• Winter coats for both kids and adults
• Warm winter hats
• Socks and scarves
• Household toiletries 

Based in New Haven, IRIS serves over 200 refugees and displaced people every year. Current clients come from several countries including Iraq, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Cuba and Sudan and range in age from a few months to over 80 years. In addition to helping recently immigrated people find housing and meet their basic needs, IRIS also provides job placement, ESOL classes, and early childhood care for their clients. 

IRIS has posted a list of their greatest volunteer needs here, or visit their website at www.irisct.org for more information about the people they serve and how you can help! On February 1st they hold their annual major fundraiser, Run for Refugees - visit their page for more details!

Networking Social with the Heller School

On November 11, AmeriCorps Alums Connecticut welcomed representatives from Brandeis University’s Heller School of Social Policy and Management to the greatest small city in America, New Haven. There, the Heller School shared their goal of “preparing the next generation of policy analysts, managers, public leaders and scholars to tackle society’s most pressing social problems” with over 30 alumni and current members.

Attendees had the opportunity to listen to the “two Michaels” - MPP program direct Michael Doonan and MBA assistant director Michael Appell, as well as AmeriCorps alums who are now current students of the programs and our very own chapter leader Tina Lindstrom who gave her perspective as a licensed clinical social worker with the VA. Perhaps the greatest bit of advice for the night came from VISTA alum and current MPP/MBA student Dan McConvey, who told the crowd that the most important thing is to be “friendly and helpful and listen to people.”

Representatives from the Heller School MPP program talk
with alums and current members after the panel.

In addition to offering incredible programs, the Heller School honors AmeriCorps service via a 50% tuition discount and additional incentives for alumni who matriculate. One of the top ten schools for social policy in the U.S., 36% of their new students come from national service programs. The Heller School also boast at least one alum whose name most AmeriCorps alums will recognize - Ed Segal, the first CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service under President Clinton and eponymous hero of the end-of-service educational award.

The night was made possible through partnerships with the CNCS state office and AmeriCorps program directors. We were also fortunate to receive support from the Study at Yale, which provided the space to us at no-cost and ensured that there was plenty of delicious food for all.
Know someone who would like to speak to our network of over 300 alumni? Have someone who you would like to hear from? Share your thoughts with us on future networking social topics at connecticut@americorpsalums.org!

'Tis the Season to Serve!

AmeriCorps Alums are no strangers to giving back year-round, but there's something about the cold in the air that reminds us of how lucky we are to be able to share our time and love with our fellow community members. We've highlighted a few opportunities below to do just that - if you know of any more, please let us know at connecticut@americorpsalums.org.

City of Bridgeport Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 4th: Set-up from 2-4:00 PM, event 4-6:00 PM, clean-up 6-8:00 PM. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one two-hour shift

Missed Boo Bash? Ready for another event at the Arcade?  Come help out at the City of Bridgeport's Tree Lighting Ceremony. Volunteers will help with set-up, crafting, staffing the photo booth, and serving refreshments at the FREE public event.

One very special volunteer will also have the chance to play the part of Santa, walking the Arcade and posing for standing pictures with young and old alike - costume will be provided. Contact gumdropswap@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information (tell them we sent you!)

Wrap Holiday Gifts to Help the Homeless in New Haven 

Weekend and weekday shifts are available. Volunteers are asked to commit four hours. See link for shift selections.

From Black Friday to Christmas Eve United Way of Greater New Haven will be leading a Holiday Gift Wrapping drive to raise funds to continue the work of housing our region's most vulnerable people and continue the progress made through the 100-Day Challenge to End Homelessness. Holiday cheer, T-shirts and training will be provided. Register now at http://bit.ly/UWGNHgiftwrap to secure your spot!

Eat For Equity Stamford is hosting their final community feast and fundraiser on December 6th to benefit Kids Helping Kids CT. Do you enjoy cooking for large crowds, talking to awesome people or just generally having fun? Check them out at eatforequity.org/stamford and let them know if you want to make this night even more awesome - stamford@eatforequity.org.

Have a holiday service opportunity you want to see highlighted? Email us at connecticut@americorpsalums.org with details and we'll spread the word to over 300 alums right here in Connecticut!

Spooky, Scary Service - Connecticut Celebrates #MDDay!

AmeriCorps Alums, members, and Raven 1 with Boo Bash
organizers Gabby F. and Natalie Pryce (kneeling)

It’s the question that’s been on all our minds. Who will win Halloween of 2014—Princess Elsa or the Ninja Turtles?

We got a sneak peek when, on a beautiful fall day in New England, eighteen AmeriCorps alums and members sprayed ourselves down with glitter and strapped on cat ears to be a part of the 5th annual Boo Bash Bridgeport in honor of Make a Difference Day.

Started by friends and local business owners Gabby F. and Natalie Pryce, Boo Bash is an opportunity for youth from across Bridgeport, CT, to celebrate the Halloween season with games, face painting, and plenty of candy. Every year the event has grown, spreading to include partners and local businesses from across the city.

This year over 500 community members joined in the fun, spending the afternoon exploring the city by trick or treating at local establishments, decorating pumpkins on McLevy Green, visiting the BookMobile, and having spooky scary fun with us in the Arcade Mall.

Want to know more? Finish reading this blog as featured on AmeriCorps Alums' official site!

You're Invited! Continuing Education with the Heller School of Social Policy and Management

As part of our continued effort to help AmeriCorps alums get things done personally and professionally, we are excited to announce our upcoming event - Continuing Education with the Heller School of Social Policy and Management!

Join us on November 11th for an evening of connecting with your fellow alums and hearing about the exclusive scholarship opportunities for AmeriCorps alums offered by Heller School. You will also have the chance to talk to an all-star panel of leaders in non-profit and social policy. Light refreshments will be served and a cash bar will be available.

Registration is open to all AmeriCorps alums, current members, and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV). Register today for free at http://bit.ly/1yYJaEA.

AmeriCorps Alums Connecticut would like to thank the Study at Yale and Brandeis University for their support in bringing this event to Connecticut alums!