Community Centers, Inc has announced that effective Sept 13, the social service agency will be known as Barbara’s House.
The name change will be marked by a ribbon cutting at 2 St Roch Avenue (across from Hamilton Avenue School) on Sept 13 at 4:00pm.
The event will be celebrated by a tribute to Barbara Nolan, remarks and a ribbon cutting led by First Selectman Fred Camillo and Barbara’s House kids. A brief reception will follow.
Named for its founding Executive Director Barbara Nolan, Barbara’s House will remain true to its original mission to meet people where they are, welcome them to a home away from home and help them overcome whatever obstacle lies in their path to success.
“The origins of CCI’s name as the incorporation of three small community centers in 1955 has been lost in the mists of time and the name no longer accurately reflects the work that we do,” said board chair Alma Rutgers in a release. “Our board felt it was time for a name change that will present a new and forward-looking picture, while maintaining a continuity that honors our nearly 70-year history of service to the Greenwich community as an agency that helps individuals grow and thrive. I’m very excited that we were able to accomplish this with Barbara’s House, which honors Barbara Nolan who was there at the beginning and served as our executive director for 52 years.”
“We began work on the name change before the pandemic,” said Executive Director Gaby Rattner, adding, “But as for so many people, COVID really helped crystallize our values and distill our message into a wonderful new name. We aimed for something warm and welcoming, which you can see in the beautiful new logo designed by Bobbi Eggers and Sue Bodson. And we wanted to honor our past as well as look to a bright future.”
Expected to attend: Greenwich elected officials including First Selectman Fred Camillo and Selectwomen Lauren Rabin and Janet McGuigan (also a Barbara’s House board member), State Representative Steve Meskers, Barbara’s House board and advisory board members, and representatives from Town of Greenwich agencies and non -profits.
Barbara’s House is unique to Greenwich in the wide range of clientele it serves, touching people’s lives from early childhood through old age. It is believed to be among the oldest independent organizations in our town.
To learn more or make a donation: barbarashousect.org