On December 1, 2025, Family Centers’ CARES held its 3rd annual World AIDS Day luncheon. More than 60 community partners, advocates, providers, and supporters gathered at the Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s in Darien to celebrate progress, honor lost lives and recommit to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
At the event, Family Centers presented Debra Katz with the 2025 Shawn M. Lang AIDS Warrior Award for her decades of leadership in shaping HIV/AIDS services across Stamford and lower Fairfield County.
Katz served as the first AIDS Program Coordinator for the City of Stamford, an early predecessor to what would become Stamford CARES (now known as Family Centers CARES). She later helped establish Stamford CARES as a nonprofit organization and served on its founding Board of Directors. Over her 25-year tenure leading prevention services for the City of Stamford, she introduced innovative programs, strengthened collaboration across agencies, and transformed support for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Named in honor of one of Connecticut’s earliest and most passionate AIDS advocates, the Shawn M. Lang AIDS Warrior Award recognizes community members who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, courage, and advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Throughout her career, Lang championed the rights and well-being of people living with HIV and AIDS, the LGBTQ community, individuals with opioid addictions, survivors of domestic violence, and those experiencing housing insecurity. She passed away unexpectedly in 2021 at the age of 65.
Family Centers CARES has been providing comprehensive services and coordinated care for individuals and families in lower Fairfield County living with or affected by HIV/AIDS since 1991. Through direct support and a wide network of community partners, the program offers access to essential services including medical and case management, mental health counseling, dental care, emergency financial assistance, as well as insurance, housing and transportation support. The program also delivers HIV counseling and testing, high-risk prevention services, and community outreach and education.