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Bridgeport, Connecticut Named Among
100 Best Communities for Young People
On September 26, 2005, America’s Promise, founded by Retired General Colin Powell and comprised of nonprofit, corporate and community groups working together to ensure the well-being of our nation’s children, announced that Bridgeport, Connecticut is among the winners of a first-ever national competition to identify 100 Best Communities for Young People. The winning communities – ranging from small towns to urban neighborhoods across America – were honored for their commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for young people.
“To have been selected as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People from a pool of well over 1200 applications is a testament to Bridgeport’s commitment to the well being of children and youths,” explained Mayor John Fabrizi. “This was not just a municipal government application. More than 50 organizations and businesses contributed to the process, demonstrating a citywide collaborative effort.”
United Way of Eastern Fairfield County President Merle Berke-Schlessel was among the Bridgeport contingent accompanying Mayor Fabrizi to Washington, D.C. on November 2 to accept the award for providing the resources children and youth need to become caring and productive adults. The Bridgeport community boasts a number of active community collaborations and an array of community providers and resources to support children. United Way of Eastern Fairfield County’s Success By 6 and Operation Graduation include programs and resources that not only ensure that children enter school ready but also support them throughout their entire school years.
“It is wonderful to learn first-hand how outstanding communities are making a difference in people’s lives – especially their young people,” said Brian Gallagher, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of America . “We are committed to helping communities across America follow the examples provided by winning communities and adopt similar programs that will help our nation’s young people succeed in life.”
Left to right: Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq., President & Ceo of United of Eastern Fairfield County, Honorable John Fabrizi, Mayor of Bridgeport, CT, Kelly McDermott, Grants Writer for City of Bridgeport, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Tammy Papa, Director of Lighthouse After-School Programs, and James Shannon, Director of Pupil Services and Alternative Education.
Mrs. Alma Powell
Left to right: James Shannon, Director of Pupil Services and Alternative Education, Kelly McDermott, Grants Writer for City of Bridgeport, Rosa Delaura, Tammy Papa, Director of Lighthouse After-School Programs, and Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq., President & Ceo of United of Eastern Fairfield County.
Left to right: Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq., President & Ceo of United of Eastern Fairfield County, Kelly McDermott, Grants Writer for City of Bridgeport, Honorable John Fabrizi, Mayor of Bridgeport, CT, Timothy J. Russert, Washington Bureau Chief Moderator of Meet the Press NBC News, and James Shannon, Director of Pupil Services and Alternative Education.
Left to right: Honorable John Fabrizi, Mayor of Bridgeport, CT, James Shannon, Director of Pupil Services and Alternative Education, General Colin Powell.
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