Virtual Conversation – The Cost of Home: Exploring local housing challenges and community solutions
Housing stability plays a vital role in the strength and well-being of our communities. Fairfield County faces rising housing costs, limited availability, and long waitlists, creating challenges for residents at every stage of life.
Our conversation about the current housing landscape in our region and what each of us can do to support a stable, inclusive community discussed the local factors driving housing pressure, explore policy and community solutions, and share meaningful ways neighbors, advocates, and partners can get involved. Participants left with a deeper understanding of the issues and practical ideas for supporting housing stability in Fairfield County.
Speakers were:
Helen McAlinden President & CEO Homes with Hope
Zabrina Román, MPA Fair Housing Officer City of Norwalk
Alexandra Sollazzo, LMSW Program Director, Supportive Housing Family & Children’s Agency
Moderated by Robert F. Cashel, LCSW President & CEO Family & Children’s Agency
FCA Virtual Conversation - The Cost of Home: Exploring local housing challenges and community solutions
Housing stability plays a vital role in the strength and well-being of our communities. Fairfield County faces rising housing costs, limited availability, and long waitlists, creating challenges for residents at every stage of life.
Join us for a conversation about the current housing landscape in our region and what each of us can do to support a stable, inclusive community. We’ll discuss the local factors driving housing pressure, explore policy and community solutions, and share meaningful ways neighbors, advocates, and partners can get involved. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of the issues and practical ideas for supporting housing stability in Fairfield County.
Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) is a leader in providing social services to our community and is proud to host this virtual conversation with:
Helen McAlinden President & CEO Homes with Hope
Since taking the helm in 2020, Helen has expanded Homes with Hope by 25 supportive housing apartments and transformed its focus to now serving over 80% prevention-based clients, compared to its previous near-exclusive focus on the chronically homeless.
Helen is a recognized leader in her field, having presented at top 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. Helen is a board member of the Westport Downtown Association and an active member of the Westport Rotary Club. She holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a BS in Leadership Management from Manhattan College.
Zabrina Román, MPA Fair Housing Officer City of Norwalk
Zabrina serves as the Fair Housing Officer for the City of Norwalk, where she investigates housing discrimination concerns, provides rights and responsibilities education to renters and housing providers, and partners with community organizations to expand access to safe, affordable housing. She has almost a decade of experience across fair housing, affordable housing programs, and community development, including previous roles in grants management, and tenant education.
Zabrina trains property managers and community groups on compliance and reasonable accommodations, often focusing on removing barriers for at-risk populations. She’s pursuing an EdD in community engagement and equity in education, work that reflects her commitment to inclusion.
Alexandra Sollazzo, LMSW Program Director, Supportive Housing Family & Children’s Agency
Alexandra is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over a decade of experience in supportive housing, clinical counseling, and family services. In her current role, Alexandra leads a multidisciplinary team of case managers, social workers, and interns ensuring the well-being and basic needs of clients in the community. Alex’s therapeutic work is grounded in a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes client-centered care and long-term wellness.
Alexandra’s experience expands into providing intensive in-home support to foster/kinship and pre-adoptive families, with a focus addressing intergenerational trauma. A graduate of Fordham University with a Master’s in Social Work, she holds a B.S. in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University. She is certified in SIFI supervision, a certified parent education instructor, and serves as The City of Norwalk Fair Housing Commissioner.
Moderated by Robert F. Cashel, LCSW President & CEO Family & Children's Agency
For 20 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.
Simple Ways to Self-Regulate and Find Calm
When emotions start to feel overwhelming or anxiety takes over, having a few reliable self-regulation tools can make all the difference. These quick, evidence-based techniques can help you slow down, reconnect with your body, and bring your mind back to the present moment. Try a few to see what works best for you.
Rollercoaster Breathing
This child-friendly technique works for people of all ages. Hold out one hand with fingers spread wide, and use your other pointer finger to slowly trace the outline of your hand. As you trace up a finger, breathe in. As you trace down, breathe out. Continue until you’ve traced all five fingers, focusing on the rhythm of your breath and the calming motion of your hand.
Square (Box) Breathing
Square breathing is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. Picture a square in your mind. As you breathe in for four counts, trace one side of the square. Hold your breath for four counts along the next side, exhale for four counts along the third, and hold again for four counts to complete the square. Repeat several times to steady your breathing and heart rate.
Cooling Down with Temperature
Temperature can play a surprising role in calming your nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve. Try holding an ice cube, pressing a cold pack to the back of your neck or under your arm, or even taking a brief cold shower. The physical shock of the temperature change helps interrupt spiraling thoughts and brings your focus back to your body and the present moment.
The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique
This grounding exercise helps you reconnect to your surroundings through your senses. Take a deep breath, then name:
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
Finish with another deep breath. This simple sensory check-in can stop racing thoughts and remind your brain that you’re safe in the moment.
Count Backwards by 7s
Starting at 100, count backward by sevens. It’s harder than it sounds! The mental effort redirects your focus and can stop anxious or intrusive thought loops in their tracks.
Bilateral Stimulation
Lightly tapping your legs, shoulders, or rubbing your palms along your thighs activates both sides of the brain, which can reduce the intensity of stress and anxiety. It’s a discreet, physical way to help your body calm down and re-center.
Guided Meditation or Body Scan
If you have a few minutes, guided meditations and body scans are available on YouTube and mindfulness apps. These gentle practices lead you through noticing each part of your body, relaxing muscles, and grounding your thoughts.
Sour or Spicy Distraction
A small piece of sour candy or something spicy can interrupt intrusive thoughts much like cold temperature changes do. The strong sensory experience pulls your attention back to the moment.
Grounding Item
Carrying a small item like a stone, keychain, or token can serve as a reminder to practice your self-regulation skills. When you hold it, focus on how it feels in your hand, its texture and temperature. This small act can help bring you back to the present.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact Family & Children’s Agency at http://www.familyandchildrensagency.org or 203-855-8765. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also available for 24/7 confidential assistance.
FCA Creates Virginia C. Martin Legacy Award
Tonight, we are proud to introduce the Virginia C. Martin Legacy Award, created in honor of Ginny Martin whose life and service left an immeasurable impact on Family & Children’s Agency.
Ginny joined the FCA Board of Directors in 1985 and dedicated more than 30 years to leadership roles at the Agency. Throughout her decades of service she lent her time and expertise to nearly every aspect of our work including the Fund Development, Board Governance, Friends of FCA, and Maternal Child Program committees. She also represented the Board on statewide committees and served numerous times on the IMAGINE benefit Committee, helping ensure the success of one of our most important events.
But Ginny was far more than a Board member. She was a tireless volunteer, showing up wherever help was needed. She served food to clients at holiday parties, manned a game at our Community Block Party, and brought warmth and joy to our Holiday Bazaar. She was honored in 2020 as the recipient of the Anne C. Cary Volunteerism Award in recognition of her extraordinary service and devotion to FCA.
Ginny was admired and beloved by all who knew her. She had an extraordinary ability to connect with all people, and she treated our employees with genuine respect and appreciation. She truly understood how hard their work was, and she supported them with encouragement, friendship, and heartfelt gratitude.
That is why this new award, which will be given each year to an outstanding employee, bears her name. It celebrates not only her decades of leadership and volunteerism but also her remarkable spirit of kindness, her belief in the mission, and her unwavering support for the people who make FCA’s work possible.
In its inaugural year, we are honored to present the Virginia C. Martin Legacy Award to her husband, Bob Martin, as a tribute to Ginny’s extraordinary service and the enduring inspiration that she will continue to bring to our Agency.
Anne C. Cary Volunteerism Award Presented to Brian H. Vendig
The Anne C. Cary Volunteerism Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated the highest level of volunteerism on behalf of Family & Children’s Agency. The award is named in honor of Anne C. Cary, who was involved in nearly every aspect of volunteerism at the Agency for over 25 years. Anne volunteered in FCA’s Maternal Child programs and provided clients with literacy education and support. She was also a Board member and worked on a variety of fundraising initiatives, including hosting a fashion show and a Mother’s Day Tea in Darien.
This year’s Anne C. Cary Volunteerism Award is presented to Brian H. Vendig.
Brian has been a dedicated supporter of FCA for more than a decade, contributing both his time and resources to strengthen the Agency’s mission. He first joined FCA’s Junior Board of Advisors in 2013, quickly stepping into a leadership role as co-chair. In 2014, he was elected to the Board of Directors, where he continues to serve today as Vice Chair. Over the years, Brian has lent his expertise and leadership to many committees, including Communications, Board Governance, Finance, Investment, Executive, the Golf Classic committee and as Chair of the Board Endowment committee.
Beyond his governance roles, Brian and his wife, Michele, have shown remarkable generosity through both personal contributions and their company, MJP Wealth Advisors. Michele has also been a member of our IMAGINE committee and has even co-chaired the event multiple times. Their children have volunteered their time sorting food donations and school supplies, and the family has consistently sponsored and attended FCA events such as the IMAGINE benefit and the annual Golf Classic.
Brian’s involvement reflects the very spirit of this award, demonstrating leadership, service, and an enduring commitment to FCA’s programs and clients. We are deeply grateful for his generosity, his thoughtful guidance, and the example he sets for his family and community. We are proud to present the 2025 Anne C. Cary Volunteerism Award to Brian H. Vendig in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Family & Children’s Agency and the lives we serve.
William O. Murphy Family Strengthening Award Presented to Peter Cordeau
The William O. Murphy Family Strengthening Award recognizes individuals and/or organizations in the community whose contributions have dramatically impacted FCA’s ability to strengthen and stabilize families. The award is named in honor of William O. Murphy, who was affiliated with the Agency for nearly 30 years. He was a sponsor of the Agency’s annual Golf Classic for 22 years and served on the Agency’s Board for 10 years, four of them as Chair. His passion for at-risk youth lead him to be one of the strongest advocates of the Agency’s ASPIRE after-school program and, in 2012, he was recognized as the Anne C. Cary Volunteerism Award recipient.
This year’s William O. Murphy Family Strengthening Award was presented to Peter Cordeau - Norwalk Hospital.
Through the leadership of Peter Cordeau, President of Norwalk Hospital, the hospital has become a vital partner in advancing FCA’s mission and strengthening the health and well-being of families in our community. Together, we have built a multi-faceted partnership that supports children, parents, and young adults at critical moments in their lives.
Our collaboration includes in-hospital visits, allowing FCA staff from our Child & Family Development program to meet with new parents shortly after delivery, identify needs, and connect families with essential community resources and home visiting programs. These visits are particularly impactful for immigrant families and those facing barriers to accessing care, offering both immediate support and long-term connections to services.
Norwalk Hospital has also included FCA in their internship program which provides high school students in our ASPIRE after-school program with unique opportunities to explore healthcare careers. Through hands-on learning experiences in hospital departments ranging from emergency medicine to behavioral health, students gained exposure to career paths they may never have considered, building confidence and motivation for their futures.
Most recently, Norwalk Hospital has joined with FCA and community partners to support the Career Pathways for Youth initiative, ensuring young adults ages 18–25 have access to wrap-around supports such as case management, transportation, childcare, and mental health care as they prepare for careers in high-demand healthcare fields. This collaboration not only strengthens families but also contributes to building a more diverse, skilled healthcare workforce in Fairfield County.
Peter Cordeau’s commitment to partnership, innovation, and community impact exemplifies the very spirit of this award. We are proud to have presented the 2025 William O. Murphy Family Strengthening Award to Peter Cordeau in recognition of his outstanding contributions to families and the future of our community.
Shop For A Cause: Claudette
Claudette, 106 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 6 P.M. - 8 P.M.
Shop with us at Claudette and you’ll receive 10% off and an additional 15% will be donated to Family & Children’s Agency.
To let us know you’re coming, email Janina Serrao, Director of Development, at JSerrao@fcagency.org or call 203-855-8765.
When Words Are Hard: How to Support Someone Thinking About Suicide
Some words or topics are uncomfortable to discuss and we try to avoid them whenever possible. Unfortunately, because of long-standing stigma, many feel this way about suicide and don't know how to discuss the issue or try to avoid it altogether.
This September during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we want to bring awareness to the importance of destigmatizing suicidal thoughts and actions. There is often an assumption that “only” people who are experiencing a mental health disorder have any type of suicidal thoughts when in reality, many people with and without a mental health diagnosis experience passive and/or active suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. Suicide has become the second leading cause of death in the United States for adolescents and young adults, which should further highlight the importance of both suicide prevention and intervention efforts.
To inform both prevention and intervention efforts, it’s important to learn possible signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation and then, maybe more out of our comfort zone, practice having these difficult conversations. While it can be uncomfortable , if ever faced with someone expressing suicidal ideation, comfortability and rehearsal will go a long way in our intervention with that individual. Suicidal ideation exists whether we ask our loved ones about it or we don’t, and we won’t introduce the idea of suicidal ideation by asking about it. By proactively facilitating these conversations, we support a safe space for those we care about to share what they are experiencing without fear of judgement.
When having these conversations, it’s important to note that passive suicidal ideation is different from active ideation in that the passive form does not include any type of plan of action. Passive suicidal ideation thoughts can vary and include “It would be okay if I didn’t wake up tomorrow morning,” “I wish I wasn’t here anymore,” or “People/things would be better off without me.” While those experiencing passive suicidal ideation do not have intent or a plan of action to end their lives, they do still need support. Support can come in many different forms, from formal therapeutic services to support groups, faith based groups, alternatives to suicide groups, peer supports, the 988 Lifeline, and more. You don’t have to have all the answers or know exactly what to do when a situation arises. It can be incredibly powerful to the individual just to say, “I’m so grateful that you felt safe sharing this with me. I’m not sure exactly what to do but I really want to sit with you and figure it out together.”
If faced with a loved one with active suicidal ideation, which includes a plan, intent, and means to end their life, the best choice is to seek immediate help through calling 211, 911, or bringing them to the emergency room at your local hospital.
This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, please consider doing some of your own research on suicide interventions and challenge yourself to practice having this conversation with someone you care about. So many people who experience suicidal thoughts don’t openly share them because of fear and stigma, and therefore pull back or isolate themselves even further. By opening the dialogue for these conversations, we can open doors to support people may not have known existed. Locally here in Norwalk, youth survey data shows a decline in reported youth considering or attempting suicide - evidence that prevention efforts are effective. As a community, we can destigmatize suicidal thoughts and actions one person and one conversation at a time and save lives.
Consign/Donate: September 30 - October 2 Sale: October 4 - 6
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!
Join us for Bingo at the Beer Garden hosted by our Junior Board of Advisors! This family-friendly event will be held on Sunday, October 19, 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.
