I’ve been sitting at my desk for the last hour staring at this blank screen trying to think of something profound to write.  Sitting here waiting for words of wisdom to come pouring from my fingers.  What I’ve found myself doing; however, is sitting here and thinking how grateful I am for what I have infront of me: a computer and a job that allows me to do something that I love.  Then thoughts traveled to those that do not have this opportunity.  How many people don’t have a computer or a job this holiday season. How many people can’t afford toys for their children or even food for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  There are quite a few.

So New Connections is going to do something about this for our community.  On December 17th, we are having a Grateful for The Holidays Party.  It will be at Fireside Restaurant at 810 Woodward Avenue in New Haven.  Tickets are $25 for dinner (there will be a cash bar); however, keep reading because there is a way to get a discount on that ticket price.  All money raised will be to help children in the New Haven community receive a scholarship to be a part of our New Connections Mentor Program.  Mentors provide that social and educational support that some children in the community so desperately need. That role model that can show them the way to apply for college or help them get a job.  That respite that a single parent so desperately needs so that they can close their eyes and rest knowing that their child is in safe hands.

But I wanted this to be more.  Those same families need toys and food this season so if you come to our Grateful for the Holidays fundraiser AND bring an unwrapped toy or food item, the ticket price will be $20.  Now if you want 4 tickets at this reduced price, you will need to bring either 4 food items or 4 unwrapped toys.  We would really appreciate the support. 

A special thanks to Radio 104.1 (you guys rock) and Fireside (we can’t do this without you).

For tickets, give us a call at 203-401-8700.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for the opportunity to get to know each and every one of you that is involved with New Connections Mentoring.  Becoming a mentor is such a big decision and taking that first step takes courage.  I understand how much courage this takes because this is my first new job in 10 years.  For the last 10, I had the opportunity to run a wonderful mentor program and come not only with a wealth of knowledge but a willingness to learn from all of you.  Feel free to stop by the office and introduce yourself.

Moving forward, I hope to use the blog to talk about successes, up coming activities in the community everyone can engage in and other wonderful opportunities for not only the mentees but the mentors as well.

This is the chance to make wonderful things happen for the program, the kids and for us as individuals.

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