Hirva has been volunteering at FCA supporting the Development department by helping with filing, organizing, creating FCA packets for meetings, and data entry. Because of her knowledge and skill with technology, whatever project she is asked to do she does quickly and efficiently.
"Hirva always arrives with a smile and a willingness to help. We are very fortunate to have such a committed individual giving of her time," said Lisa Habasinski, Manager of Community Engagement at FCA.
We truly appreciate Hirva every day and especially during Volunteer Appreciation. Thank you Hirva!
Why did you choose to volunteer with Family & Children’s Agency specifically? Honestly, it chose me. I was looking at the Norwalk volunteering websites and applied to pretty much everything that seemed to connect with my skills and FCA was the first and only one to get back to me so here I am.
What does volunteering mean to you personally? Personally, I find volunteering extremely fulfilling. My motivation is to give a small contribution towards something that I believe in and it keeps me grounded so that I can find my purpose.
Is there a moment or memory from volunteering that stands out to you? There isn’t one specific moment but one thing that does stand out is all the little conversations I have with people here. They are so welcoming that it feels like working with long lost friends.
Bingo at the Beer Garden
314 Wilson Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854
Join us for Bingo at the Beer Garden hosted by our Junior Board of Advisors! This family-friendly event will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 314 Beer Garden in Norwalk. We look forward to gathering with friends to celebrate the important work of the Agency while enjoying an afternoon of bingo, raffles, and fun!
Adults: $30 for one, $50 for two Children: $10 (under 5 free)
All tickets include 5 bingo cards. Adult tickets include one drink. Additional cards and food available for purchase.
Mayra is a Case Manager in Senior Services at FCA. Learn more about her role in social services:
Why did you decide to become a social worker/work in social services? I decided to become a social worker because I’ve always felt a strong sense of empathy for people going through tough times. I wanted to make a real difference in others’ lives, especially for those who may not have access to resources or support. I saw it as a way to give back to the community and help people overcome challenges in a meaningful way.
What’s one tip you’ve found helpful for your clients? One of the most valuable tips I share with my clients is the importance of self-compassion. Many people I work with are facing difficult circumstances, and they often carry guilt or shame. Encouraging them to practice self-kindness, acknowledge their progress, and take things one step at a time can be transformative. Additionally, reminding them that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness, allows them to access the support they need with confidence.
Why do you think FCA’s work is integral for the community? FCA's work is crucial for the community because they provide essential services that help individuals and families navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. Their support allows people to grow and move forward in a positive direction. The impact they make is evident, and it creates stronger, more resilient communities.
What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why? I am most proud of the meaningful relationships I’ve built with my clients and the positive changes I’ve witnessed in their lives. Seeing someone gain confidence, and secure resources, is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my work contributes to lasting change and improved well-being for individuals makes every challenge worth it.
Social Work Month: Xiomara
Xiomara is a Psychologist in our Child & Family Development program. Learn more about her as we celebrate Social Work Month!
Why did you decide to become a social worker/work in social services? I decided to work in social services when I was in high school, and my psychologist was an unconditional support in my process. I saw in her a light of how someone, who is not your family, can influence the lives of others and bring out the best in everyone.
What's one tip you've found helpful for your clients? Keep in mind that every step counts, no matter how small, it is important and valid. It doesn't matter if it is a fall, a misstep, a step backwards or sideways. When there is a purpose, every action is relevant to follow the purpose. Remember also that every situation has two perspectives. Look at it as a learning experience or as a problem. Choose the one that challenges you.
Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community? I believe that the work FCA does in the community brings the people served strength and hope in their lives and in their families. Considering the background, culture and essence of each person makes the service provided a meaningful humanitarian service.
What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why? What I am most proud of is my team, where energy, talent and compassion blend together and inspire me to continue to give my best to the community. I am also proud to be involved with families, to be part of their growth process and to see them thrive and overcome life's challenges.
Social Work Month: Jennifer
It's time for another Social Work Month highlight! Today, meet Jennifer, ASPIRE Classroom Leader and Senior Staff Associate.
Why did you decide to become a social worker/work in social services? I earned my degree in School Counseling because I wanted to work with kids and help them with their social-emotional learning, as well as their academic and career goals. Growing up, I saw firsthand how beneficial having a support system in one’s life can be, and I wanted to be that for someone else.
What’s one tip you’ve found helpful for your clients? One tip I’ve found helpful for my clients is teaching them to become their own advocates. I focus on strategies for asking for help, identifying who they can seek assistance from at school (such as their school Counselor, school Social Worker, or a trusted teacher), advocating for themselves when something or someone is bothering them, and understanding that they have a voice.
Why do you think FCA’s work is integral for the community? I believe FCA’s work is integral to the community because, for so many, we act as a bridge. At ASPIRE, we help parents better understand the school system so they can ensure their child receives the support they need, or simply provide a safe space for students to get the academic help they require.
What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why? The work I am most proud of at FCA is seeing my students achieve their goals. It might be finally becoming an All Star (earning a B- or higher in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts) or even coming in to show off a good grade they received on an assignment, which earns them a spot on our Bravo Board. Our students love to share their successes with us and come in excited for the day, whether it’s because they have electives with us or because we’re doing a lesson on character. They build friendships with students they might not have met otherwise, and those connections often extend into high school and beyond. I am proud to watch my students grow from 6th graders into high school graduates, returning to visit us as college students to share how they’re doing and to let us know that we played a part in their journey.
Social Work Month: Karen
This Social Work Month we are highlighting some of our incredible staff. Today, meet Karen, Coordinator of Family Support & Training for FCA's Foster Care program:
Why did you decide to become a social worker? I decided to become a social worker and work in social services because I love to help people and want to make a difference in their lives.
What’s one tip you’ve found helpful for your clients? One tip is that relationships are important and people want to know that they matter to you. I work with amazing foster parents that work hard to help our youth, but they are also human and need to know that we care about them beyond the work that they do with our youth.
Why do you think FCA’s work is integral for the community? FCA is so important because we have so many programs that help people of all ages in so many different ways, particularly our most families and children.
What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why? I am proud that I have been able to train and support many foster families that provide a safe and loving home for some very hurt youth. Seeing some of our children achieve permanence through reunification, adoption, or transfer of guardianship is such a blessing because every child deserves a safe and loving home.
FCA Virtual Conversation: Navigating Medicare and Support Services for Seniors
Medicare can be complex, and navigating the system for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming. Understanding enrollment periods, coverage options, and key differences between plans is essential to making informed healthcare decisions.
Our Virtual Conversation about Medicare broke down the basics, answered common questions, and provided guidance on how to support family members through the process. Participants learned how to make confident, informed choices as well as what community resources are available to help.
Speakers were:
Melanie Lambert Senior Medicare Advocate Center for Medicare Advocacy
Katie Wheeler CHOICES Manager and Regional Coordinator Southwestern CT Agency on Aging
Moderated by Robert F. Cashel, LCSW President & CEO Family & Children's Agency
March is Social Work Month and we are proud to employ so many incredible social workers who make a difference in our community every day. Today, meet Elizabeth!
Elizabeth is an IICAPS clinician, working with youth with serious mental health diagnoses.
1.Why did you decide to become a social worker and decide to work in social services? I wanted to become a social worker due to a profound loss of a friend to suicide. This experience heightened my awareness to the need for accessible mental health services and strengthened my commitment to challenging stigma’s around mental health and mental health treatment.
What's one tip you've found helpful for your clients? One tip that I have found to be helpful for our clients is starfish breathing or 5 finger breathing! It sounds silly but starfish breathing or five finger breathing is a mindfulness exercise that can help reduce anxiety and stress. This exercise involves tracing the outline of each of your fingers while breathing in and out. This technique is helpful for younger kiddos, teenagers, myself, and even some parents!
Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community? I think FCA’s work is integral to the community because we are helping to strengthen families and providing support and resources to families. Knowledge is power and increasing access to knowledge and resources only creates a stronger and healthier community!
What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why? I am most proud of the relationships we are able to build with the children and families we serve. Every day, I enter homes where trust in mental health providers waivers or is minimal. Consistently showing up and demonstrating our commitment to their families wellbeing, trust begins to grow. This trust is foundational to healing and growth process.
Virtual Conversation: Navigating Medicare and Support Services for Seniors
12 - 1 PM
Medicare can be complex, and navigating the system for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming. Understanding enrollment periods, coverage options, and key differences between plans is essential to making informed healthcare decisions.
Join us for a conversation about Medicare, where experts will break down the basics, answer common questions, and provide guidance on how to support family members through the process. You'll learn how to make confident. informed choices as well as what community resources are available to help.
Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) is a leader in providing social services to our community and is proud to host this virtual conversation with:
Melanie Lambert Senior Medicare Advocate Center for Medicare Advocacy
Melanie Lambert recently joined the Center for Medicare Advocacy as Senior Medicare Advocate. She has a background in public service, advocacy, and program management, and a passion for promoting health equity and social justice. As Senior Medicare Advocate, Melanie contributes to the Center’s education, training, outreach and advocacy work and provides direct support to Medicare beneficiaries who contact the Center for assistance.
Prior to joining the Center, Melanie administered and coordinated a variety of grants and programs serving older adults and individuals with disabilities for the CT Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), including serving as the CHOICES/SHIP Director from 2019 to 2023. Melanie holds a policy-focused Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Connecticut.
Soraya Principe Manager, Senior Services Family & Children’s Agency
Soraya has been a CHOICES Counselor for more than 15years and has hands-on experience with Medicare, Medicaid, State and local benefits. She has been working with low-income elderly residents, one of Fairfield County's most vulnerable populations. In addition to her role at FCA, Soraya is a member of SWCAA's Advisory Council.
Soraya has an Associates degree in Human Services from CT State - Norwalk.
Passionate about her work, Soraya is committed to providing high-quality services and making a positive difference in the lives of those seeking assistance. She is committed to helping the elderly population connect to services and benefits to support and empower them to live independently.
Katie Wheeler CHOICES Manager and Regional Coordinator Southwestern CT Agency on Aging
Katie Wheeler serves as the CHOICES Manager and Regional Coordinator at the Southwestern CT Agency on Aging, where she leads efforts to provide unbiased Medicare information to beneficiaries.
With a strong dedication to supporting seniors, Katie helps individuals navigate the complexities of Medicare, ensuring they fully understand their options and make informed decisions about their healthcare. Her focus is on demystifying the Medicare process and empowering seniors to confidently manage their benefits.
Moderated by
Robert F. Cashel, LCSW
President & CEO
Family & Children's Agency
For more than 17 years, Rob has been President & CEO of FCA, where he is responsible for the multi-service human service organization with more than 200 staff. Rob has developed key partnerships in the community while also establishing formal relationships with numerous private and corporate foundations.
Rob, a licensed clinical social worker, is currently on the Board and Executive Committee of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies (CCFSA) and is also on the Board of Norwalk ACTS.
Rob has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University. He is also a certified marriage and family therapist and a certified alcoholism counselor.
2025 Spring Minks to Sinks Tag Sale
Consigning/Donating: April 29 – May 1 Sale: May 3 – 5
Minks to Sinks is the ultimate treasure hunt where you can discover amazing deals on pre-loved items for your home, wardrobe, and more! From chic clothing to stylish home decor, you’ll find it all under one roof. All proceeds benefit FCA and help neighbors right here in our community.
Do you have gently used items that could use a new home? Don’t toss them! Donate or consign them with us, and let someone else fall in love with your stuff!
Let’s make this the most memorable Minks to Sinks yet! Join us for a day of shopping, laughter, and awesome finds. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your next favorite thing!
