FCA is fortunate to have incredible and dedicated volunteers helping with everything from events and fundraising to tutoring and organizing donation drives. This Volunteer Appreciation Month we are highlighting just a few of these incredible people. Today, meet Kayla, a volunteer who has organized donation drives including cleaning products, food and gift cards, formal-wear for our prom closet, diapering supplies, hygiene products, and more.

What first brought you to FCA, and what made you decide to volunteer?
I wanted to be part of something that creates real change, not just good intentions. FCA stood out as a place where even the smallest effort can make a real difference.

How would you describe your volunteer role to someone who’s never heard of it?
I help transform everyday donations into support that families can truly feel. Whether it’s essentials, formal wear, or baby items, it’s about making life a little easier and brighter for someone else. 

What’s a moment that’s stayed with you, something that reminded you “this matters”?
At the end of last summer, we handed out over 200 backpacks filled with supplies. Knowing those bags were going to students who needed them made the impact feel tangible.

What do you wish more people understood about FCA or the people we serve?
That anyone can need help at some point—it’s not about being different, it’s about circumstances. Even one small gesture can carry more meaning than you realize.

How has volunteering affected you personally (skills, perspective, relationships, purpose)?
It has pushed me to take initiative and inspire others to get involved. I’ve learned that leadership can start with something as simple as showing up.

Has your volunteer work taught you anything you'll bring to your work and school in the future?
It’s taught me to go for it without overthinking the outcome. A “no” doesn’t matter nearly as much as the opportunities you create by just asking.

FCA is fortunate to have incredible and dedicated volunteers helping with everything from events and fundraising to tutoring and organizing donation drives. This Volunteer Appreciation Month we are highlighting just a few of these incredible people. Today, meet Nea, a Minks to Sinks Volunteer for more than 65 years!

What first brought you to FCA, and what made you decide to volunteer?

Back when I joined, Minks to Sinks was a smaller group of women putting on a tag sale to help many nonprofits. In the 80’s we partnered with FCA so that donations would go directly to the Agency. I enjoyed working with the great group of women and loved having people find bargains under the tents.

How would you describe your volunteer role to someone who’s never head of it? 

Minks to Sinks is a group of women from Wilton who organize and run two large tag sales each year. My role had been cashier at the sale, chairperson of luggage and lamps, scheduler of volunteers when it was done by hand on paper (figuring out who would be filling in various positions for the lead up to the sale and during the sale). Now I help with updating posters and lunch for the women during set up.

What’s a moment that has stayed with you, something that reminds you that this matters? 

The number of individuals who line up at the wee hours of the morning so they can be under the tents first to find good deals. Those in need are getting what they need for their homes and families whether it be furniture, housewares or clothing. Everyone is getting a good deal and saving money.

What do you wish more people understood about FCA or the people we serve? 

I wish more individuals knew who FCA was and how the Minks to Sinks sales helps to benefit the programs with a monetary donation.

How has volunteering affected you personally? 

I have volunteered for many years of my life in different capacities. Minks to Sinks seems to be my longest volunteer effort. Building new relationships though the years that have lasted a life time, creating many great memories and friendships.

You’ve seen FCA and Minks to Sinks change over time, what’s changed and what’s remained the same? 

The change has been increasing in size. FCA has more programs as well as staff and the sales and Minks membership has increased a great deal. We are able to donate more to the agency. What’s stayed the same are the dates of the sale which are always the first weekend in May and October. Same green poster being displayed and same camaraderie amongst the members. The Agency still provides amazing services to the community.

FCA is fortunate to have incredible and dedicated volunteers helping with everything from events and fundraising to tutoring and organizing donation drives. This Volunteer Appreciation Month we are highlighting just a few of these incredible people. Today, meet Will! An ASPIRE after-school program volunteer for nearly two years, this year Will has been recognized as an Outstanding Emerging Volunteer by the Community Fund of Darien! Congratulations, Will!

What first brought you to FCA, and what made you decide to volunteer?
I had always wanted to work with kids and help out in some way, a friend of mine told me about where she volunteered so I reached out.

How would you describe your volunteer role to someone who’s never head of it? 
I would describe my volunteer role as tutoring and working with some pretty amazing middle school students.

What’s a moment that has stayed with you, something that reminds you that this matters? 
A moment that’s stayed with me is when I was working with a student on an assignment that they had already spent a couple of hours on and I was able to teach her the concepts and get the assignment done.

What do you wish more people understood about FCA or the people we serve?  
I wish more people understood that FCA is about equality of opportunity and in ASPIRE equality in education.

How has volunteering affected you personally?
Volunteering has affected my life view in the sense that I have a wider view of the opportunity that I have been blessed with and that it is a part of my purpose to spread that opportunity.

Has your volunteer work taught you anything you’ll bring to your work and school in the future? 
My volunteer work has reminded me that everybody has something going on, and that I need to express that view through constant compassion; which I will bring to college in the future.

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated staff at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight Ana Cristina Guzman, Latino Outreach Case Manager, Community Connections. Ana is the Latino Outreach Case Manager in Community Connections.

Why did you decide to do this work?

I decided to be in this field because I feel passionate about participating on lifting up other people's spirits. Especially if they are going through difficult times. Assisting them through the process until they are on their feet again reminds me how capable, resilient, and strong we are as human being.

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

FCA provides services that fit our community's needs and is well known to serve all ages. Also, the multicultural fact of giving services in different languages in my opinion makes it more complete and solid and facilitates us connecting better with clients and other providers.

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

Working at FCA makes me proud because it is well known, people have only positive things to say about this organization, and there is synergy as a team to support providing quality services.

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

To be considerate of them! To listen to what they have to say, to listen to their story. To be empathetic then you can create great connections with clients and this is going to help along the assisting process.

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! To wrap up this special month we are highlighting highlight Amanda Wien, LMSW, IICAPS Clinician.

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

I knew from a young age I always wanted to help people. I took an AP Psych class in high school and fell in love with the field. I ultimately decided to get my master’s in social work after graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology.

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

FCA is integral in bridging gaps, whether it’s emotional, behavioral, or systemic, always ensuring families have access to support, resources, and advocacy. By strengthening families and empowering caregivers, we are helping to create healthier environments for children to succeed and thrive.

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

I’m most proud of the trust and rapport I build with families and clients. Many families we work with are navigating tumultuous experiences and I hope to create a safe space where they feel respected and empowered.

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

A helpful tip I’ve given my clients is a basic tool but one that is incredibly helpful in moments of distress. I share with my clients the box breathing method and I give them a sensory sticker as well. I like to do the breathing with the client as well, so they don’t feel alone.

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated social workers at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight Christina Spieler, Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinician.

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

What led me to the field of social work was community service opportunities that began in high school. Working in inner city Detroit on weekends, delivering food to homebound individuals, was both eye opening and rewarding. My passion for service continued into college, traveling abroad to participate in various opportunities. By the time I graduated I knew social work was a career I wanted to pursue. 

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

The work FCA does is integral to the community because we work hands on with residents of Norwalk and beyond-meeting people where they are at. The passion and dedication of the staff is something unique and special.

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

I am most proud of my ability to connect with my clients and help support them during especially challenging times of their life. Seeing them find their inner strength and witnessing them overcome obstacles is a reward and a privilege. 

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

One tip I've found helpful for my clients is to highlight what can and cannot be controlled. Sometimes there is strength in letting go.

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated social workers at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight Stephanie Sylvestre, MST (Multi-Systemic Therapy) Clinician.

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

I decided to become a social worker because I’ve always been passionate about helping others and making a difference in people’s lives. After working in education, I realized I wanted to support children and families in a deeper way beyond the classroom. Social work has allowed me to build strong relationships with families and help them recognize their strengths while working toward positive change

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

The work we do here at FCA is integral for the community because we help strengthen families, connect them to resources, and support youth in building healthier paths forward

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

I’m most proud of being able to work closely with families and seeing the progress they make over time. Watching my families strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and feel more confident in supporting their children is the most rewarding.

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

One thing I often remind my clients is that change takes time, and small steps matter. Being patient with yourself and staying consistent can make a big difference!!

Supporting young adults as they transition into independence and careers is critical to the strength and well-being of our communities. This stage of life can be exciting, but it can also come with hurdles, from housing and financial stress to education, transportation, and limited support systems.

Join us for a conversation about what young adults need to thrive, and how community supports can make a lasting difference. FCA staff will share what we’re seeing on the ground and how our programs help young people build stability, confidence, and career momentum through coaching, wraparound supports, and connections to education and employment. We’ll also hear from panelists about the local landscape and the roles that schools, employers, neighbors, and advocates can play. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of this pivotal age, and practical ways to support young adults as they move toward independence and meaningful careers.

Panelists:

Liz Hoagland, Senior Director of Education and Workforce Development
Fairfield County's Community Foundation

Dhani Spinola, RISE Coordinator
Family & Children's Agency

Daisy Velez, LMSW, Director, Youth Development
Family & Children's Agency

Carol Wiltshire-Toth, Education Administrator of School Counseling and Workforce Development
Norwalk Public Schools

Moderated by Robert F. Cashel, LCSW, President & CEO
Family & Children's Agency

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated social workers at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight Samuel Nerette, Senior Outreach Worker.

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

I decided to become a social worker because I grew up watching my family always be on the forefront of helping others and extending a hand to individuals and their families, and as I got older, I naturally followed in their footsteps. But during my time in school, I realized there were many different ways to support people on a larger scale, which helped guide me toward pursuing my degree in Human Development and Family Sciences.

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

Since my onboarding at FCA, I’ve realized just how high the needs within our community truly are. From housing and shelter insecurity to mental health and other essential needs, many individuals and families are facing real challenges. Through my work here, I’ve seen how FCA serves as a central support system for the community, a place where people can come when they need guidance, resources, or simply someone to help them navigate difficult situations.

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

I’m proud of the overall work I do, alongside my department and the impact we are able to make. As a Senior Outreach Worker, it’s incredibly rewarding to support seniors and their families, especially when they feel like they’ve reached a dead end. Being able to help fill those gaps and guide them toward solutions is something I take a lot of pride in.

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

One thing I always try to focus on is building a strong rapport with clients. Creating that connection helps people feel safe and comfortable, which often makes the process of helping them run much smoother. When clients feel heard and supported, they’re more open to working together toward solutions.

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated social workers at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight Christina Prevot, Kinship Navigator, ConnectKIN (CKIN).

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

I decided to become a social worker because I’ve always felt called to support people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. As someone who is first-generation and has had to navigate complex systems myself, I understand how overwhelming and isolating that process can feel. I wanted to be someone who helps make those systems feel more human, more accessible, and less intimidating. 

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

FCA’s work is integral because it centers relationships. Clients often come to us during vulnerable or transitional moments, and we walk alongside them with guidance, advocacy, and consistent support. That steady presence can make a lasting impact on their sense of stability and confidence moving forward. 

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

I’m most proud of being able to work across different programs and populations during my time at FCA. From college students facing housing insecurity to youth in the afterschool program and families involved with DCF, each experience has shaped my growth in this work. Being able to support different populations while continuing to grow professionally has been incredibly meaningful to me. 

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

I always remind families that they don’t have to fix everything in one visit. We just focus on the next step and how we’re going to get there. When things feel overwhelming and out of our control, taking a moment to slow it down and tackling one small piece at a time can make all the difference. Progress doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.