Featured Image

Supportive Services

Stars

SERVICES

Supportive Services

Through education, parenting, and community-based supports, we address the conditions that shape well-being. Together, these services help individuals and families build stability and resilience.

Our Approach

We offer caring, hands-on support, addressing immediate needs with a focus on long-term stability and growth.

There is no cost for these services.

Education & Parenting

Our Education & Parenting programs are designed to support the family as a whole, recognizing that children’s learning and development are shaped by school, home, and the broader family context.  We help children build strong learning foundations by addressing barriers to learning, equipping parents with tools and resources, and connecting parents to economic opportunity.

Parents as Teachers

Using the evidence-based, nationally recognized Parents as Teachers model, we provide personalized, in-home support for families from pregnancy through kindergarten. Services focus on parenting education, developmental expectations and screenings, strengthening parent–child relationships, and connecting families to community resources.

Who We Serve

Families in lower Fairfield County, referred by hospitals or community partners, or enrolling directly.

Services

  • In-home parent education & parenting education groups
  • Doula support during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period
  • Nurse support with in-home visits and easy access by phone, text, or video
  • Child and caregiver screenings
  • Referrals and coordination with community and social services

Questions or referrals?

Andrea Payo, Program Director
Call 203-324-3167
Email Andrea ›

Parents as Co-educators

Supports parents as children’s first teachers, strengthening parent–child relationships, early learning, and preparation for kindergarten using the Parents as Teachers curriculum. Services are provided in collaboration with Children’s Learning Centers and Building One Community.

Who We Serve

Three- to five-year-olds enrolled at the Children’s Learning Centers in Stamford and their families.

Services

  • Parenting education focused on preparing children for kindergarten
  • In-home visits by professionals trained in the Parents as Teachers model
  • Support to families navigating early and special education programs
  • Developmental screenings
  • Referrals and coordination with community and social services

Questions or referrals?

Tania Recinos, Lead Outreach Worker
Email Tania ›

Family First in Education

We take a two-generation approach that supports both elementary students and their families. We help students achieve academic growth, while strengthening caregivers’ capacity for positive parenting, so that the whole family can thrive.

Who We Serve

Students enrolled at Hamilton Avenue, New Lebanon, and Julian Curtiss elementary schools in Greenwich and their families.

Services

  • Structured after-school learning that builds on classroom lessons
  • Coordination with teachers to support each child’s individual needs
  • Student workshops that build emotional intelligence and relationship skills
  • Parenting workshops and family learning activities
  • Connection to local resources for food, childcare, health care, and employment
  • Individual and family therapy

Questions or referrals?

Carolina Ahumada, Director
Call 203-629-2822
Email Carolina ›

Here to Help

Helps families access information and community resources needed to ensure student success, including support to overcome educational barriers. Parents receive in-home visits to help with the school system, discipline, nutrition, child development, health, safety, and daily routines, among other topics. 

Who We Serve

Students attending Stamford Public Schools (K–12) who are experiencing disengagement, chronic absenteeism, or challenges navigating school-based services, and their families.

Services

  • In-home support from bilingual outreach workers
  • Family needs assessments
  • Help with school communication and attendance requirements
  • Referrals to community services that assist with food, housing, technology, and other basic needs
  • Assistance completing applications

Questions or referrals?

Carolina Ahumada, Program Director
Call 203-629-2822
Email Carolina ›

Intensive Family Preservation

A 12-week program for families with children at imminent risk of being removed from the home due to abuse or neglect, designed to stabilize families and keep children safely at home. The program provides intensive in-home therapy and support to resolve conflict and strengthen parenting skills.

Who We Serve

Families in lower Fairfield County through referrals from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Services

  • Rapid response in coordination with child welfare
  • Crisis intervention and safety planning
  • Intensive in-home therapy
  • Conflict resolution and parenting coaching
  • Support accessing housing, food, and other basic needs

Questions?

Carolina Ahumada, Director
Call 203-629-2822
Email Carolina ›  

Youth Mental Health Screening

Mental health screening for children and adolescents ages 4–17, with a focus on early signs of emotional challenges and trauma.  When necessary, staff connect families to appropriate behavioral health services and community-based support.

Screening may be helpful if a child or adolescent

  • Seems withdrawn or isolated
  • Has trouble focusing
  • Shows concerning emotions or behaviors
  • Has experienced a traumatic event
  • Has frequent conflict with family or peers
  • Has difficulty connecting with others
  • Feels sad or alone

Questions or referrals?
Jake Tobias, Community Health Worker
Call 203-324-3167
Email Jake ›

Fostering Independence

We support individuals and families in building income, strengthening financial well-being, and maintaining stable housing.  Services focus on immediate needs while providing practical guidance and concrete steps toward long-term economic opportunity.

Community & Supportive Services

Practical on-site support for residents of Charter Oak Communities, addressing day-to-day needs, housing-related concerns, and community connection. One-on-one assistance helps residents resolve issues, navigate housing matters, and access educational, vocational, and community resources.

Services

  • On-site Resident Service Coordinators, available five days a week
  • Community events that foster connection
  • Assistance for homebound residents to maintain independence

Questions?

Nicole Beckham, Program Manager
Call 203-517-0132
Email Nicole

Family Self Sufficiency

Structured, one-on-one, goal-driven support for residents of Charter Oak Communities working toward stable employment, financial, and housing goals.

Participants receive personalized coaching, skills training, and vocational guidance to increase income and strengthen financial well-being.  Coordination with local agencies expands access to employment opportunities, education and training, childcare, and transportation. The program also includes a special escrow savings account. When income increases, the difference in rent is set aside in savings and paid out upon successful completion of the program.

Services

  • Structured goal planning with measurable milestones
  • Budgeting, credit-building, and financial management support
  • Job readiness preparation, résumé development, and interview coaching

Questions?

Barbara Moscova, Program Coordinator
Call 203-324-3167
Email Barbara ›

Reaching Independence Through Employment (RITE)

Employment-focused support for individuals and families in Fairfield County. Through one-on-one meetings and workshops, participants build job search skills and work toward employment and career goals.

Services

  • Résumé writing and interview preparation
  • Job search and retention strategies
  • Career and educational counseling
  • Financial literacy and workplace skills
  • Connections to community partners for basic needs

Questions?
Jessica Montgomery, Program Director

Call 203-324-3167
Email Jessica  ›

RITE Start

Career preparation for students attending alternative high school programs in Greenwich and Stamford, including Windrose and Anchor.  Through individualized and group-based support, participants explore career paths and build practical job search skills. Students earn partial academic credit and small stipends while participating in job shadowing, vocational assessment, and hands-on work experience.

Services

  • Vocational assessment and career exploration
  • Résumé writing and interview preparation
  • Individual and group-based career coaching
  • Credit-bearing coursework and paid work experiences

Work Experience Sites

  • Abilis
  • Fairgate Farm
  • Family Centers
  • GE CoCreate
  • New Lebanon School
  • Progressivision
  • Stamford Hospital
  • Additional community partners

Questions?

Stamford

Nicole Granskog, RITE Start Coordinator
Email Nicole ›

Greenwich

Cindy Moss, Career Counselor
Email Cindy ›

Friendly Connections

Caters to the needs of homebound and isolated older adults living in Fairfield County by providing valuable information, resources, and guidance.  Our Master's-level clinicians support clients in navigating personal challenges such as grief, loss of independence, and maintaining relationships with family and friends.

We also provide support and social groups in residential homes and centers for older adults. 

Services

  • In-home visits range from weekly to monthly based on need
  • Group activities and social gatherings
  • Referrals and assistance navigating community resources

Questions?

Carolina Ahumada, Director
Call 203-629-2822
Email Carolina ›

Volunteer with Family Centers

Help adults working toward employment and economic stability. Volunteers assist with résumé writing, interview practice, job searches, computer skills, and financial literacy.

Our Team

Andrea Byrne

Andrea Byrne

Program Manager

 Oversees the Literacy Volunteers program.

Email Andrea ›

Daniel Mazariego

Daniel Mazariego

Student Outreach & Data Management Administrator

Contact for adults interested in taking English classes. 

Email Daniel ›

Caitlin Hogan

Caitlin Hogan

 Digital Navigator/Data Projects Coordinator

Contact for technology support for all tutors, volunteers, and students. 

Email Caitlin ›

Ferdinando D. Schiro, MPS, TESOL

Ferdinando D. Schiro, MPS, TESOL

Education Coordinator

Oversees curriculum, instruction, and volunteer training.

Email Ferdinando ›

Francesca Ordonez

Francesca Ordonez

Program Administrator/Career Navigator

Oversees the English + Workforce Training: Child Development (CDA) and ServSafe programs.

Email Francesca ›

Iryna Hzhesiak

Iryna Hzhesiak

Program Assistant

Point of contact for scheduling assessments and supporting all operations.

Email Iryna ›

Our Locations

Family Centers Stamford
986 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT 06905

Classes are also held at New Lebanon Elementary School in Greenwich, Ferguson Library in Stamford, and First Presbyterian Church in Stamford.