The Greenwich Department of Human Services, which supports Greenwich residents in need, has a brand new logo – and it was designed by local students.
The winning logo, which is a royal blue circle, has heart icons that represent compassion and empathy and a person embedded in the S that speaks to the core purpose of the department.
The logo also features the name and initials of the department, which are meant to assist the community in being able to identify and associate the logo with the essential services the department provides.
The logo was created by taking some of the elements from the top submitted student designs and combining areas of each that truly reflected the Greenwich Department of Human Services. The winning student designers are Celine Fong, an 11th grader at Rye Country Day School, Julian Castillo, a ninth grader at Greenwich High School, and Lucas Castillo, a fourth grader at Brunswick School. The three winners were each awarded a $125 gift card.
“We had so many great designs and loved certain aspects and elements of the designs submitted by Celine, Lucas and Julian, which we felt represented GDHS the most,” said Demetria Nelson, commissioner of the Greenwich Dept of Human Services. “The final logo is an excellent representation of the department. It is highly recognizable and includes some of the key elements from the logo contest submissions.”
“We think the logo really reflects GDHS’s distinctive purpose and personality,” said Patty Roberts, chair of the Board of GDHS.
Danielle Jean-Guillaume Sittol, Youth Services bureau administrator with GDHS said, “It is exciting to see young people offer their creativity to the community!”
The winners were recognized for their creativity during two photo sessions at Greenwich Town Hall in early September.
Logo contest entries had to illustrate services the Department provides to local residents and reflect the mission of the Greenwich Dept of Human Services, which is to support our residents by providing direct services, collaborating with community partners, and focusing on life-enhancing initiatives. This vision is achieved through a robust and integrated system of services that are equitable, accessible and available. As described by its core values, at the Department, we are: transformative, compassionate, resourceful, collaborative, and professional. The Department offers services that connect residents to the essential resources of the community. These resources provide the support to health care, education, employment opportunities, food, personal safety and shelter. The Department offers bi-lingual staff dedicated to help all residents.
The logo designs were judged on relevance — alignment with the Department’s mission, vision and values; originality and aesthetic quality — how it commands attention, its overall display and visual balance of color and design, and its unified and appealing design.
The Department of Human Services plans on using the new logo on its social media channels including Facebook and Instagram, on the Department’s Town website page, and in any media, online, print, merchandise or other collateral materials. To learn more, visit greenwichct.gov.
The Greenwich Dept of Human Services serves as a community bridge and provides direct services to the essential resources of the community. GDHS provides Greenwich residents and their families in need of basic human services support, helps respond to crisis situations and provides information and referral assistance. GDHS also assists with applying for federal, state and local benefits including Husky, Social Security, Workman’s Compensation, unemployment benefits, Medicaid, Snap, WIC and subsidized housing. GDHS provides referrals for food and clothing, Salvation Army assistance, assistance with community gifts, behavioral health, personal safety, education and employment, energy assistance, utility shut off prevention and mediation, English as a second language classes (ESL) and protective service referrals. GDHS runs the community programs, i.e., Campership – a camp scholarship program for children 5-14 years old, Boots & Shoes for children ages 5-14 years old, Holiday Aid, Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center (BANC) After School Program, Greenwich Youth Conservation Program, and Greenwich Youth Corp.; offers Homecare Services; assists with applying for Energy Assistance Programs such as the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, Operation Fuel Program, Renters Rebate Program (seniors 65+ and disabled); and administers the Community Partnership Program that grants funds to partner agencies whose services and programs strengthen the community’s capacity in providing basic human services. GDHS staff is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and evenings by appointment. Bilingual staff are available. All services are confidential. To learn more, visit greenwichct.gov or call 203-622-3800 or email [email protected]. To learn of GDHS news and updates, follow GDHS on Facebook @Greenwichdeptofhumanservices and Instagram at @greenwichhumanservicesdept.