2014 – 2015 Annual Report Mission

Dear friends, According to research commissioned by the National Institute of Health, “A mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors, such as neighborhood and family income.” By teaching low-income, undereducated women to read, write, speak and advocate for themselves and their families, we are leveraging one of the most powerful tools of social change—women. This past year, Mercy Learning Center welcomed 881 women. Each woman was seeking to irrevocably transform her life by getting an education. With your support, we provided our distinctly holistic and supportive literacy and life skills programs to hundreds of women and their families. This report chronicles the many efforts and accomplishments of our students, volunteers, donors and staff. Thank you. Our work continues: together, we can empower entire communities with education—one woman at a time. With gratitude,

Jane E. Ferreira Cathy Ritch President & CEO Chair, Board of Directors

Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, Inc. provides basic literacy and life skills training to low income women using a holistic approach within a compassionate, supportive environment. All women are welcome without regard for race, religion, color, creed, sexual orientation or national origin. “I see education Since 1987 Mercy Learning Center has educated and supported over 10,000 as key to ending poverty. If we can women. By helping our students to realize what they are truly capable of educate everyone achieving, MLC empowers them to transform their lives and the lives of to the level that they their families. should be educated, societies change, communities change, cities are rebuilt.” – Jane

1 A Diverse and Caring Community

881 Women Students

226 1065 Volunteer Donors Tutors A Diverse and Caring Community 169 Children 222 ages Other 3 months – Volunteers 4 years 17 Full-time 27 Part-time “The Best Class I’ve Ever Had” Staff Every fall since she started teaching at Mercy Learning Center, Mary Beth Clayton declares, “This is the best class I’ve ever had!” Last year however, she insisted it truly was the best class in her 12 years of teaching the Adult Basic Education Level I class at MLC. Why was last year’s class so special? “The diversity.” 2014-15 Students: The 37 women in Mary Beth’s class came from 14 countries around the world. Each day, Student enrollment has they gathered in the sunny third-floor classroom, sitting at round tables piled with books, • 881 women increased 67% in five years notebooks, calculators, pens and pencils. Together the women developed a common • Ages 17 - 93 language, English, working hard to learn new vocabulary, develop their writing and reading 881 skills, and become confident English speakers. • 97% low-income 854 • 95% mothers or primary caregivers of children But as Mary Beth explains, this class became so much more than a simple grouping of 770 learners: “They created very strong friendships, across languages, ethnicities, ages and • 51 different home countries stations in life.” Cultural differences and commonalities proved a rich well of conversation • 68% Hispanic/Latina; topics throughout the year. When guests and donors visited the class, students took great 21% Black/African American; 626 pride in raising their hands and naming the countries of the other students: Mexico, Congo, 8% Asian; 3% White; Iraq, Colombia, Brazil, Haiti, Syria, Vietnam… less than 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native. 529 The women in Mary Beth’s class also represented a diversity of ages, ranging from 20 to 64. 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 The older women in the class naturally took on the role of mentor to the younger women, offering marital or parenting advice and encouraging the younger women to stay focused on their learning. “Each woman in this large, diverse class really challenged her fellow classmates There is more need for women’s and family literacy than ever... to become better students, to speak English all day long, and to be contributing 1 in 5 women in Bridgeport does not have a high school diploma members of the family that they formed,” reflects Mary Beth. “This group succeeded in motivating each other to appreciate the gift of education that MLC offers.” 1 in 4 Bridgeport residents is foreign born 2 in 5 children in Bridgeport enter kindergarten with no preschool experience

2 3 Academics

Technology Education Mercy Learning Center’s approach to educating women is rooted in a belief that all women are capable of achieving their goals when given comprehensive To ensure that our students have computer literacy skills and online access, MLC’s two computer labs are open and staffed by full-time instructors 45 hours a week. and caring instruction and support. In 2014-15, the 881 women enrolled in our • 726 students various academic programs made great strides in language, basic skills, and technology education—all while gaining invaluable confidence. • 27,521 hours of instruction • 109 technology certificates arnede Tutoring Program High School Diploma Programs The Tutoring Program matches women with volunteer tutors for four hours of tutoring each week. Students work to develop a range of skills including English language MLC’s two high school diploma programs have helped 229 women to reach this important acquisition, adult basic education, citizenship preparation, life skills and computer literacy. milestone and gain access to post-secondary education, higher wages, and more rewarding lives. In 2014-15, 24 women earned high school diplomas at MLC. • 700 students • 3 women earned diplomas through the GED® exam • 226 tutors • 21 women earned diplomas through the National External Diploma Program (NEDP®) • 48,816 hours of instruction • 74% of students made gains roughly equivalent to 1 grade level

Intensive Study Program The women in the Intensive Study Program receive 25 hours per week of classroom instruction, learning from a certified instructor alongside their classmates. Class levels include English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education levels I, II, and III, and GED® prep. • 152 students in 5 classes • 127,680 hours of instruction • 89% of students made gains roughly equivalent to 1-2 grade levels

4 5 Job Readiness & Transition to College Social Services

Mercy Learning Center is committed to helping MLC staff and volunteers help our students to students follow fulfilling career paths and earn living overcome many obstacles to learning by providing wages. 300 women received a total of 890 hours of comprehensive social services, including: one-on-one career and college counseling. Women • 1,700 hours of case work (444 students) also participated in other career and college readiness programming, including: • 62 family therapy sessions • 39 days of nurse consultations; 8 days of • Job/career skills training workshops midwife consultations; 6 health screenings • Mock interview sessions with volunteer • 10 legal clinics corporate interviewers • 3 tax preparation sessions • An onsite job fair Volunteers from local corporations and agencies conducted mock interviews with • 1 voter registration drive A student had her blood pressure checked • MLC graduate panel discussions students in the fall and spring. • Hundreds of bags of food, household items during an on-site health fair provided by • “Life After Mercy” and Fairfield University School of Nursing. and diapers “Transition to College” courses • “Taste of College” visit to Housatonic Community College Life Skills Education Transforming Lives Developing key life skills as well as academic In 2014-15, more MLC alumnae than ever were knowledge is integral to MLC’s approach. pursuing post-secondary education: In 2014–15, life skills education included: • 49 graduates were enrolled in college Alternative medicine First aid • 16 graduates were enrolled in a vocational or Art Health career certificate program Luz Vargas celebrated earning her high Breast care Knitting • 37 graduates received scholarships school diploma with Cathy Alfandre, MLC Bullying Nutrition career and college counselor, at the annual Nora Jinishian, MLC enrichment coordinator, MLC alumnae celebrated earning many degrees and Recognition Reception. College application Prenatal care delivered a life skills session on nutrition to certifications, including: students and tutors. process Public safety • Master’s degree (1) Domestic violence Public transportation • Bachelor’s degree (1) Emergency Social skills • Associate’s degrees (2) preparedness Tenants’ rights • Community college certificates (3) Financial literacy Voter education • Career certifications (11) Fire safety And 85 students and graduates found jobs over the Yoga course of the year.

Students and tutors participated in a workshop on public safety. Students visited Housatonic Community College during “A Taste of College” day. 6 7 Early Childhood Education and Family Literacy

Mercy Learning Center works with women and their children to ensure that two generations of family members have the opportunity to learn, thrive and advance. In 2014- 15, our early childhood education and family literacy programming included: • The Early Childhood Education Program, which provided 169 children with 42,926 hours of free, on-site educational childcare services. • The Mother-Child Reading Program, which served 69 mothers and 74 children. The families participated in weekly sessions and took home a total of 1,850 new picture books. The Two Mercys • Five weeks of the “Family Fun” interdisciplinary educational program for mothers and their school-aged children during school breaks. 75 mothers and 171 children It is strictly chance that Meley’s daughter is named Mercy. She was born just before Meley ages 5 to 12 participated. became a student at Mercy Learning Center. But little Mercy has grown up here, moving through MLC’s Early Childhood Education Program, from infant-care to toddler-care • MLC’s annual Family Fun Day, which welcomed 360 women and family members. to pre-school. While Mercy learns important social, problem-solving, motor, literacy and other skills in the pre-K class, Meley is just one floor up, working alongside her Adult Basic Education Level III Educate a woman … Educate a family classmates on reading, writing, speaking, math, science and social studies. At the end of 2014-15, 76% of women said they learned to Meley came to the U.S. in 2010, after living in a refugee camp in Ethiopia where she be better parents to their children. remembers, “There was not enough food.” When she arrived in the U.S., “It was confusing… especially the language.” Conversations were “incomprehensible.” Now 96% of mothers who participated in the Mother-Child she is one of the more advanced students at MLC, preparing to earn a high school diploma Reading Program reported that they read to their in the next one-to-two years. children several times a week. Meley and Mercy demonstrate the power of family literacy. When parents and children 98% of mothers reported that they read the books given learn together, they are involved and invested in each other’s progress. MLC moms model to them in the Mother-Child Reading Program at home. diligence and the importance of literacy to their children, as the children build their own 90% of children who entered the Early Childhood strong educational foundations. Education Program below level were on-level at the end This past winter, Meley and Mercy would arrive at MLC early and head to the kitchen to of the year. warm up and eat breakfast. There, Meley would multitask, both helping Mercy and fielding 100% of graduating 4 and 5 year olds were all of her many questions and reviewing the class material from the day before–an effort developmentally ready for kindergarten. that did not go unnoticed by Mercy. Meley truly understands the importance of family literacy: “I need to learn English. If I improve my English, I can help my kids.”

8 9 Nancy Yapo Cynthia Lichtman Fairfield College Strategic Planning A View of the Harbor Volunteers are at the heart of our Sylvia Yasner Sharon Litvinoff Preparatory School Committee Committee Gail Zembsch Pat Lombard Greater Bridgeport Michele Williams, Chair Mary-Pat O’Neil, Chair Transit Authority Claire Zielinski Denise Lynch Ann Calcutt Tammy Barry mission and operations. Industrial & Commercial Ronni Zinn Carolyn McCann Christine Walter Corgel Wendy Anderson Cleaning Contractors Brachfeld Volunteers Pat Nallen James D. Haas Mercy Learning Center welcomed the greatest number of volunteers in its history Kleban Industries Susan Burstein Terri Armour Lynn Nicklin Sharon L. Poole MDR Mary Butala last year - 446. They are the heart of our work and bring a diversity of wisdom and Tammy Barry Flo O’Brien Finance Committee Monroe Staffing Ann Calcutt approaches that make our programs both dynamic and effective. These committed Cynthia Bernard Nina Pearlin Ann Calcutt, Chair National Charity League Suzanne Castle Fern Blumenfeld-Jaffe Cathy Ritch Kenneth Brachfeld individuals share their knowledge, passion and energy with students every single day, Newtown Bank Susan Cheshire Roni Bogdanski Dennis Ritch Hayes Clark Norma F. Pfriem Breast Clare Clark making MLC infinitely more effective. Thank you to all of our 2014-15 volunteers: Betsy Bowen Anne Rodriguez Care Center John Connolly Karen Collett Donna Bowers Denise Rogers Park City Valve & Fitting Meg Hochman, Esq. Tutors Hayes Clark Joanne Huntley Sally McNeela Paula Schooler Maureen Fontana Debbie Bowley Marianne Roggemann People’s United Bank Peter Labonski Barbara Abraham Anne Cleary Richard Hyde Felicity Medinger Milissa Schramm Tracey Hennessy Kim Breda Sharon Sanford Right Management Bridget Lyons Sherisse Abrams Barbara Clerkin Michael Ian Kathryn Meiman Suzie Schroeder Barbara Kleban Frank Breen Jane Santa The Sun Products Ted Vincent Wynne Abrams Claudette Constant Patty Jensen Diane Melish Ed Schwarz Corporation Kenneth M. Kleban Berclee Cameron Milissa Schramm Michele Williams Henri Adato Judy Conway Myrtle Johnson Suzy Mercado Ralph Schwarz Taco Loco Restaurant Debbie Krieg Lorraine Conway Kristen Seeto Audit Committee Rosemary Ahern Catherine Cron Liz Johnston Dwight Michaels Kathy Scoville TD Bank Peter Krieg Sonia Costa Janet Sherin Ann Calcutt, Chair Ruth Ahlers Barbara Curley Dennis Keenan Edna Miller Maura Sedlacek Transitional Employment Karen Krupnik Karen Delaney Karen Siegel John Connolly Allison Allott Patrick Curley Jane Keller Lester Miller Gail Selover Unlimited Nealy Madsen Carole Fanslow Nina Skaya Michele Williams Gary Anderson Carolanne Curry Karen Kelly Tara Modarelli Julie Shapiro UBS Financial Services Mary McKenna Rochelle Field Cathy Smith Development Wendy Anderson Robin Danzak Mary Ellen Keresey Madeline Monde Lisa Shapiro UIL Holdings Corporation Committee Diane Melish Brachfeld Sandra Fleming Mary E. Sommer Christine Davis Martine Kessler Robb Charlene Moran Jessica Sheinman Westport Inn Clare Clark, Co-Chair Kellie Newman Louise Attianese Marjolijn De Jager Sally Kidd Kathy Moraveck Anthony Siano Kim Foito, MSN, RN, Kate Tarrant Xerox EMT-B Hayes Clark, Co-Chair Diane Parrish Virginia Auster Johnna DeSantis Deborah Kinnebrew Christopher Morcone William Siclari Maureen Tarrant Partners Johanna Garvey Tammy Barry Cathy Ritch Candace Bailey Brenda Dominici Johnson Claire-Anne Kinney- Susan Nerenberg Mindy Siegel Lyndy Toole AWARE CT Joan Guerrera Barbara Evans Lorraine Wilson Roxanna Bajra Jessica Donahue Meskers Fran Nicholas Jeri Silverman Medeia Tsnobiladze Fairfield University Paul Hopkins Arlene Field Scrabble for Success Marjolijn Bakendale Lorna Donnelly Eileen Kirk Lynn Nicklin Vanessa Sinnott Susan Urbania Housatonic Community Committee Joan Harnett Eric Fuller Barbara Balamaci Joan Farley Leslie Kirshner Peg North Ellie St. Denis Nora Weiss College Tammy Barry, Co-Chair Rafique Haynes Jim Haas Lynne Bannister Kelly Farmer Barbara Kleban Ginny O’Brien Tom Stepanowski Rita Weisskoff Sacred Heart University Kim Rummelsburg, Christel Kiefer Mary-Pat O’Neil Hank Banville Christal Ferrandino Christina Kowinko Karen O’Brien Ellen Stevens Lorraine Wilson University of Bridgeport Co-Chair Linda Knox Nominating Committee Pam Benepe Heidi Flicker Margaret Kuhn Katherine Odom Pattie Strain Robyn Zemienieski Executive Committee Clare Clark Carleen Kunkel Michele Williams, Chair Nora Benjamin Sara Flokos Gerry Kuroghlian Precious Ofodile Elaine Suthers Laurie Zollinger Cathy Ritch, Chair Arlene Field Judi Lake Ann Calcutt Gina Beranek Anne Foley Nancy Lahage Susan O’leary Lea Sylvestro Volunteering Michele Williams, Sue Hines Marianne Laska Organizations Vice Chair Hayes Clark Melinda Berdanier Taina Foreman Joyce Landon John Olson Sarom Ta Gail Murphy Agnes Lavin Ameriprise Ann Calcutt, Treasurer Christine Walter Corgel Susie Berenson Karen Fountain Joel Lang Mary-Pat O’Neil Andrea Tavella Mary-Pat O’Neil Kathleen Leitaeo Chipotle Mexican Grill Mary-Pat O’Neil, Kenneth Kleban Betsy Bianco Leslie Frankel Emily Lehrman Jane Oravec Winston Tellis Greg Lewin DATTCO Trumbull Secretary Stephanie Storms Lindsay Blackburn Marjorie Freeman Geraldine Leka Donna Orazio Kathy Thackaberry Betty Blake Lisa Glennon Margaret LeMaire Renee Ostaszewski Claudette Thompson Virginia Blaker Basil Goodman Anne-Marie Levesque Tony Pedro Rosemarie Tomasio 2014 - 15 Volunteer Contributions Beth Blumenthal Jill Gordon Doris Levinson Lynne Penczer Anne Trensky Nancy Bonvini Deborah Green Greg Lewin Beverly Peterson John Tschirhart Kathleen Boor Lisa Gregory Brenda Lloyd Patricia Peterson Diane Ulmer Volunteer tutors 226 Jennifer Boyd Thomas Lloyd Catherine Groell Jane Plant Lisa Vacheron Other volunteers 220 Prill Boyle Mary Lou Halloran Wendy Long Rosemary Pomer Irene Valles Kenneth Brachfeld Susan Hand Geraldine Lorenzut Sharon Poole Carolyn Verna Total 446 Jim Brunetti Karl Lurix Kathy Haswell Shirley Poon Lee Dorothy Viets Volunteer tutoring hours 48,816 Susan Burstein Nancy Hendrickson Leonard Lydem Elizabeth Power Trudy Vogt Ginny Campbell Tracey Hennessy Ellen Mack Lisa Prevost Sandler Karen Waldvogel Other volunteer hours 5,627 Madge Canning Laura Maloney Elinor Hill Eunice Rees Sara Wallace Total 54,443 Laura Casellas Lisa Hirten Liz Marcal Dennis Ritch Bernadette Waterman Albert Cerino Jennifer Hladick Anthony Marone Carl Russell Andrew Weeks = a contribution worth $1,458,528 Pat Cervone Stephen Hofheimer Gail Marton Sheila Russo Christine Wegener Lynne Chapin Charlotte Holahan Christine Masi Josue Saint Fleur Dianne Wildman Annie Christy Sarah Hottois Mary Matera Martha Salmon Michele Williams The value of a volunteer hour in CT in 2014 was $26.79 according to Independent Sector. Doug Clark Simon Howes Margaret McGrath Adrienne Sanna Renee Wright 10 11 Our donors make it all possible!

Director’s Circle Lucy and Larry Ricciardi Alan and Susan Kasson Bromer Kearney Dennis and Diane Ganzak Anonymous Dennis and Cathy Ritch Dan and Linda Leary Charitable Fund Jess and Christine Gaspar Steven and Tammy Barry Becky and Michael Shea Marc and Sharon Litvinoff John and Mary Butala Frank and Margie Gillis David and Eunice Bigelow David and Lea Sylvestro David and Ellen Mack Tom and Pat Carey Andy Gleeman Hayes B. and Clare Clark Gerry and Angela Tauro Patrick and Mary Bill Carmell Jay and Jessie Gracia Mary Beth Clayton Leadership Circle McKenna Edie and Kevin Cassidy Bruce and Roxanne Jaci Coleman Anonymous Barbara Morrow Luciana Castro Hennemuth Peter and Rose Edwards Georgia and Charles Daniel and Mara O’Brien Katherine E. Caulfield and John and Lucy Hill Barbara and Brad Evans Adams Mary-Pat O’Neil and Larry Saladin Russell and Megan Arlene and Bill Field Jim Bennett Daniel Connell John and Pat Cervone Hochman Michael and Becky Goss Cindi R. Bigelow Steven and Rita Ryder Susan and Jeff Cheshire Harold W. and Peggy Kamins Jim and Bailey Haas Richard and Lindsay Sharon Sanford Robert and Maureen Clark Blackburn Carey Karlan Mark and Tracey Maura Mitchell and Verne Galia and Adam Clemens Hennessy Samuel and Susan Sedlacek Jean Collier and Thomas and Kathleen Burstein Knight Peter Labonski and Keith and Janet Sherin Gary Anderson Maureen Fontana Diana and Jim Coyne Tom Miller and Anita John and Karen Connolly Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Knuth Virginia McClinch Robert L. Petersen and Stepanowski James and Christine Cook Arlene Doherty Robert and Mary Trefry Robert and Marianne James and Jeanne Moye Pamela and Charles Laska Jane Ferreira Circle of Hope Cornell John and Patricia Nallen Kris Lazzaretti Maureen Fitzpatrick and Anonymous Sylvia Dahl James and Donna Gerry Neipp Greg and Lisa Lewin Woods Orazio Elaine Appellof and Alex and Jill Dimitrief Frode and Mary Jerome Saunders Sharon Lewis and Helping Women Find Their Voices Elizabeth Pfriem Dianne Distassio Foss-Skiftesvik Kim Athan Bob Eichten June and Paul Rossetti Arlo and Susan Ellison Donna Orazio has been a volunteer tutor at Mercy Learning Center for nearly a decade and William and Jeannie Carolyn and Jon and Anne Liebergall has a store of countless memories to draw upon when asked to describe her experience as John and Stella Seo Graustein Philip Battaglia Jan English Eleanor and Eugene Alex and Nora Jinishian Litwak a tutor. Michele Williams and Shelly and Jim and Jane Flaherty Mark Loughridge Johanna and Drummond Bell Mark and Sheila Flinn Thomas and Brenda Lloyd Marshall Kiev “On the surface it’s a good thing: You’re helping a woman navigate a new language and Christopher and Andrew Bentley and Karen Fountain and Mitzi Lyman and David the practical aspect is right there,” she says. “But it’s so much deeper as you watch the Lorraine Wilson Hoby and Sally Kreitler Fiona Garland Jeffery Amato Geronemus Charter Circle Peter and Debbie Krieg Eilene Bertsch Jonathan and Paul and Jennifer women find their footing, find their own voices.” Anonymous Marta Jo Lawrence Barry Bloom Dorothy Fox Maloney Steve and Diane Parrish She shares a story about one of her students who couldn’t even look her in the eye for the Eric and Inge Maki Diana Bowes Susan C. Frunzi, Esq. and Patrick and Sally McNeela first few weeks. Then, one day, the woman challenged Donna during a lesson. Donna was Founder’s Circle David E. Wachtel Diane Melish and Anonymous Richard and Susan Debbie Bowley elated and congratulated her student on her newfound confidence and trust in her own O’Leary Mary Eileen and Alexander McNab Kevin J. Bagley and Michael and Prill Boyle John Galiette intelligence. Peter and Lynne Penczer Suzy and David Mercado Manny Almeida Mr. and Mrs. Hugh C. John and Mary Ellen Thomas Smith Brewer III Robert and Shirley Miani Like so many of the people involved at MLC, Donna has always seen education as the key William and Jane Gallagher Brachfeld Peggy and Paul Travers Madeline Monde to progress: “Growing up, education was so important for me and I passed that along John P. and Ann Calcutt Circle of Mercy to my children. Education opens doors—it’s everything.” But she emphasizes that one Cynthia and Steven Anonymous doesn’t have to be a trained teacher to be a successful tutor, explaining how the materials, Carlson Nancy Bonvini training and staff support at MLC provide a solid foundation. Jeffrey and Suzanne Kenneth and Wendy Castle Anderson Brachfeld As much as Donna is motivated by the big-picture goal for women to transform their lives Jim and Christine Corgel Janet and Bruce Bunch and the lives of their families through education, she thrives on the little things as well: Betty Dunne Debra and Joseph Carson “It’s not just the big things… it’s the smiles, the sharing of cultures, that I know Joan Farley Clare Cullinane when their kids’ birthdays are. The kind of information that mothers exchange that is Michelle and Dale C. Bob and Carol Eck so universal.” Hogue, Jr. Adam Ferreira Ken and Barbara Kleban Asked what she would say to anyone considering becoming at tutor at MLC, Donna Caren and Lou Gagliano Karen Krupnik and James and Karen Harman quickly replies, “Do it! Your life can be enriched by this experience in ways that you Alexander Zaharoff Chris and Sarah Hottois cannot measure.” Marc and Joy Lautenbach Simon Howes and Steve and Sue Mandel Regina Kuhnen Members of MLC’s 2014-15 and 2015-16 board of directors celebrate Liz and Phil Neugebauer Peter and Jane Jordan student and volunteer achievements at the annual Recognition Reception. 12 13 Philip and Mary Beth Molly Alger and Jay Dennis and Elizabeth Suzanne Ryan Steve and Rosemary Jane Bohnsack Corinne Dellaera Ivy Gosseen Steven and Dori Klemenz Paul and Sue McNeil Morris Dirnberger Keenan Jubjang and Somsak Ahern Beverly and Mike Neal Joan Andros John and Beth Kelly Saitep Aimee Altschul April Book Harris and Amy Diamond Kim and Dan Gottlieb Keith and Madelyn Kleps Denise Michelson Dana Nickel Nancy and Ian Ashken Mary Ellen Keresey Richard and Mary Schultz Lois Amador Cathy Borgman Tom and Eileen Doherty Eve and Tom Green Terri Knight Jacqueline Militello Alphonse and Judy Noe Maureen Asiel Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ed Schwarz Marianne Antezzo Kristine Boucher Leslie Donahue Russell and Laura Griffith Ann Krupnik Edna Miller Bob and Maureen Donna and Sacha Bacro Kleban Jennifer Seymour Laura Arena Caroline Bozeman Vincent and Mary Jordana Eisenstein Heidi Kurlander-Kail Reese and Joy Mitchell Donnelly Gringer and O’Keefe Collin and Karen Baron Curt and Anika Knox Belinda Shepard Barbara Attig Tim and Bernadette Kathy LaFontana Michele Modugno Brady Maryann and Kevin Stephane Gringer Nancy and Vin Pam Benepe Peter and Carleen Kunkel Anthony and Suzanne Kathy Atwell Alice Lamberson Debi Molfese Pescosolido Marge and Gary Brandt Donovan Johanne and Mike Hagan Brad and Susan Berenson Michael and Karen Lavelle Siano Maureen and William Thomas Langstine and Susan and John Moran Joseph and Barbara Kevin and Jane Doyle Jeanne Hanrahan and Mark and Roxanne Leach Cathy and Gary Simpson Auer Arlene and Bob Brody Karen Roback Lyle and Janet Morien Pierce Tom Bothur Elizabeth Dreyer and Daniel Bivona Bruce and Abby LePage Vanessa Sinnott Meg Bachtel Susan J. Brown Patrick and Nancy Lapera Sharon Poole and Mike Christopher and Janet John B. Bennett James Haskel and Annie Peter and Janet Mott Cathy Stewart Brown and Sharon Lauer Bittenbender Brogan Doris Levinson Ambler Slabe Andy and Barbara Mr. and Mrs. Buell G. Zimmerli-Haskel Peter Moyer Bangser Martin Shallenberger Coleman Miller Legerton Elizabeth Power Sandra and Rocco Alexander Levy Laurence and Joanne Brown, Jr. Duncan III Samuel and Kate Dorothy Mulford Carbone Smith Peter and Carol Barry Haviland Carol and Peter Leighton Slavica and Andrew Marti LoMonaco and Iain and Linda Bruce Frances Dwyer Kevin and Cathy Prevelige Scott S. and Carlie Karl Ruling Willard Smith and Truman and Elizabeth John and Marilyn Donielle Hawley Urban and Patricia Mulrenan Centrella Amanda Cotter Bassett Gene and Ann Buckley William and Michelle Nancy and Jeffrey Lupoff Van Dyke Elaine Hay Leimkuhler John Munro Rainsberger Jane Ciarlegio David and Lori Sochol Joshua and Shana Baum Jeanne Burris Suzanne Lyngaas Nancy and Bob Edmiston Karen Hayes Patricia Lenihan Kelly Nallen Mary and Jon Rather Renee Clift Robert and Tova Clair D. and Ari D. Barbara H. Butler Fred and Nealy Madsen Steve and Polly Edwards Hank and Jill Heck Simona and David Levin Silvia Narvaez Spaulding Benmosche Jackie Campbell Henry and Elynor Renk Cathy and Bob Colgan Jim and Mary Ellen Marpe Richard and Joyce Eldh Jackie Heneage David and Evan Levinson Jim Stapleton Louise Bentivegna Joan Nathan James P. and Colleen Connor and Melissa Carnahan Gail Marton Suzanne Elkin Stacey Henske Jeanette Lizondro Hetty Nerod Joan A. Roach Brian Kelahan John Stepanowski Patrick and Gina Beranek Maryanne Carriera Chuck and Lucy McCarthy Michael and Jessie Elsas Henry and Doris Herbring Pat and Irene Lombard Lisa Neumyer Ina Rose Henry and Kim Cooper Stephen and Jeraldine Nancy and Paul Beres Kevin and Mary Carroll Melanie and Richard Sulik Patricia Estill Rebecca Herman Marilyn Lord David and Cecile Thomas A. and John and Fran Cullinane Misty and Alexander Robin Carroll McElroy Bob and Veronica Estony Kevin and Sue Hines Selma and Gerald Newberg Margaret Rowley Richard and Sally Leonard and Ann Beyer Don and Ellen McNees Szczesny Jill Caruso Lotenberg Amanda Rutledge Cummings Puneet Bhullar Jennifer Ferrante and Robert and Joyce Hobbie Peg North John and Denise Dr. Thomas A. Travers Laura Casellas Brett Adams Cynthia and Christopher Renee and Brian Sacco Erica and Jonathan Davis Adam and Sharon Bigos Cindy Hoboken Susan Norwitch McNicholas Nicole Cassidy Loynd Noel and Nancy Wallace Donna Fiore Edward and Charlotte Debra Notis Paula and Ronald Helen Degnan Laura McPadden Dolores and Charles Caitlin Ludlow Schooler Ellen Wulf Blalack Emma Cathcart Dan Fisher Holahan Bill and Sue O’Brien Peter T. and Ellen Art Lungo and Anthony and Sarah Paula Chapla Sara Flokos Twig Holland Steve and Katherine Donnelly Menchaca Barbara Young Mark and Jerianne Carol Anderson Patrick and Caroline Scullion Blechman Olivia Charney Ann M. Flynn Richard and Diane O’Malley Peter and Mary Doonan John and Sharon Miller Supporters Catherine Lunnie Christopher and Anonymous Stephanie Blevins Amy Chatterjee Holmes Betty Ann and Jim Jeff and MaryJo Dunne Jim and Ann Foreman Bridget and Foster Lyons Carol Seiple Gordon and Donna Milne Stuart and Catherine O’Shaughnessy Peter and Jane Eyes Julie Abelson Kari Bley Noelbis Cid Madeleine Fox Gail Selover Johanne Minkley Horton Peter and Carol Mack Chris and Joanne Osinski Harvey and Susan Wynne and Randy Stephen Bloch Marjorie Cion Gloria Francesconi Steve and Julie Shapiro Bill and Tere Lou Abrams Chris and Marie Howson Bill and Anne Marie Renee Ostaszewski Feinberg Fern Blumenfeld-Jaffe Doug Clark Bruno and Patrice MacNamara Jr. Newbauer Janis and Clark Hunsinger Martha and David Christal Ferrandino Henri and Linda Jean Beth Blumenthal Francois Steven and Joan Panagos Allen and Lorraine Adato Elizabeth Clayton Kim Macomber Shouldis Michael and Nancy Ian Deb and Steve Parnes Peter and Jackie Flatow Noveck Merrily Bodell Lindsay Clayton Betty Freeman Nick and Pat Makes Audrey Solnit Moriah and Eric Agovino Lisa Isenman and Alexis Alice Flynn Gary Oberst Roni Bogdanski Meredith Clayton Marilyn Friedman Anthony and Lynn Patti Mary Stockton Sullivan Ronald and Gloria Stuart Friedman Manning Penny Pearlman Jennifer Fridland Susan and Ted Okon George and Katie Mr. and Mrs. David George and Christine Coleman Jane Pearlstein Stonbely Ed and Lisa Friedland John Olson Robert and Kathleen Jackson Melanie Beal Marks and Pamela Conrad Frigo Eugene Marks John D. and Theresa Stephanie Storms Michael and Lynn Gabriel Dan and Barbara Laura and Robert Jacob Omohundro Meg and Frank Coughlin Arline Fritz Vitas and Wendy Pellegrino John and Aoife Sullivan John and Gloria Garvey Fran Johnson Sara Fucci and Martinenas Kim Perlen Dave and Laurie Gendell Raphael and Bianca Ornaf Ive and Bob Covaci Nancy and James Jossick Lyn Sullivan Brittany Cates James and Margaret Joseph and Lillian Pesce George and Faye Joe and Vivian Palsa Theresa Cristo Nancy Judson Massey George and Judy Tappert Michael and Ellen Funck Donald and Norma Gonzalez Paul and Robin Pantalena Mr. and Mrs. Russell Kevin and Laura Kane Matthew and AnnMarie Geoffrey and Kiyoko Teed Crocker Donald and Dorothy Peterson Craig and Kerry Goos Ann Marie and Gagnon Joanne and Steven Kant Massie Suzanne Van Fossan Edward Polito Dana Czuczka Virginia Phelan Ronald and Mary Grosso Brien Galvin Ann Katis Carlotta and Anton Nicholas and Andrea Andy and Peter Porrino Frank and Molly Dandrea McClaran Terry Pitt Veikos Charles and Patty Rose Garfield Andrea and Chuck Katter Haberstroh Clarissa H. Porter Jo Ann Davidson William and Jo-Ann Michael and Lisa Platt Richard Volkman Johanna Garvey Rachel Katzman McDermott Mary Lou Halloran Stephen Ramsey and Ann Lynn Davies Mark and Jane Pompa Edward and Joan Weaving Jones Gilad and Janet Gat Ken and Kathleen Kearns Maria and Mark Gregory and Karen Hawes Catherine and Elwood Tracy and Marc Porosoff Ronni and Fred Zinn Nicole and Steven Gerber Jane Keller McGowen Hanni Heller-Ram Charles and Rose Davis Susan and Bill Prizio Circle of Friends Rondano William and Evelyn Gertz Gail Kelly and Janet and Tom McHugh John and Lynne Hill Thomas and Celeste Davis Katie and Todd Pulvino Anonymous (2) Robert and Maggie Bruce Gaylord Angela McKelvey Mary N. Daytz Bob and Renee Goddu Lisa and Joseph Purcell Barbara Abraham Harriette Hirsch Rotanz David and Susan Kernis Daniel and Joyce Peggy and Victor DeBiasi Margaret Goethner Michael and Melissa Quan Michelle Adams John and Lucy Jinishian Alan and Kim McKenzie Nicole Gorman and Leslie Kickham Doug and Linda Johnston Rummelsburg Nancy and Glenn Carl McNair Amber Quinn Victor and Cathy Alfandre Dekraker David Lomintz John and Sara King Nancy Jones Elizabeth Ruscitti 14 15 Cathie and Dave Jessica Stauder Cash Contributors – Portfolio Fund Curtiss Ryan Honda R.C. Bigelow, Inc. American Association of Westport Sunrise Lera Jewels Congregation for Rabinove Foundations Bengt and Catherine Marks Foundation Dollar General Literacy Ring’s End University Women Rotary Club L’Occitane Humanistic Judaism Sherry Rago Stenbeck Anonymous Foundation McPhee Foundation Shoff Darby Companies AWARE CT Westport Woman’s Mo’s Wine & Spirits Fairfield College Club, Inc. Preparatory School Eunice Rees Doug and Ellen Stevens Andrew & Barbara William T. Morris The DSA Companies BIC URW Local 134 Bangser Charitable Southern Connecticut Ice Newman’s Own, Inc. Aimee and Damon Rein Patricia and Richard Foundation Evergreen Family Dental & Oil, LLC Bridgeport Ladies Westport Young Fairfield Country Foundation Woman’s League Newman and Co. Day School Michael and Tina Rembish Stone New Canaan Fairfield Center Jewelers Charitable Society Banyan Tree Fund – Southport Women’s Nitzan Nursery School Pattie Strain Community Foundation Healthcare Bridgeport Rotary Club Cash Contributors – Fairfield Ludlowe Gioia Riccio Leo & Ida Davidoff Fairfield County Bank Estates High School Patricia Sudbay-West Newman’s Own One Girl Cookies Nancy Richter Robert J. Bauer Family Fairfield Medical Splash of Pink Connecticut Society of Foundation, Inc. the Colonial Dames Helen Breznicky Panera Bread Company Fairfield Senior Center Diana Ringelheim Brian and Liz Sullivan Foundation Group, LLC Sterling Heritage Testamentary William Penn Foundation The Pantry First Church Catherine Sullivan Nancy Jones Beard Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper Corporation Fairfield College Charitable Trust Kathleen Roach Preparatory School Congregational Pat Sullivan and Elaine Foundation Quidditch Foundation & Scinto Sun Products Corp. Estate of Park City Valve & Marcia Roff Fitting, Inc. Girl Scout Troop 33051 Sokolowski Bromer Kearney David E. Retik and Forger Kunkel Plumbing Superior Seafood Fairfield Country Elizabeth B. Davis Gately Ross Day School Greenfield Hill Ted Sullivan and Charitable Fund Christopher D. Mello and Heating, LLC Estate of Ruth I. Krauss Pediatric Healthcare Foundation Taco Loco Associates Congregational Church Bari Rudin Faith Taylor Bucks Creek Foundation Freudigman & First Church Target Community Congregational Estate of Green’s Farms Church John Russell David and Elora Sweedler Ruscito Family Billings, LLC Benjamin B. Lewis Pronto Elizabeth Carse Foundation Relations Foundation, Bank of Gault Energy & Stone The Gaelic American R.C. Bigelow, Inc. Discovery Inter-district Virginia Rysz Richard and Barbara TD Bank, N.A. Club, Inc. In-Kind Donations – Magnet School America, N.A., Trustee Harry L. & Helen M. Rust Corporations/Businesses Rita Saboe Szefc GE Corporate Community Rex Boating Club Charitable Foundation Relations Total Occupancy Greenfield Hill of Norwalk Jennings Elementary Hope Ellis Tarbox Fred R. and Hazel W. Solutions, LLC Artisan Restaurant Madonna Sacco Cartensen Memorial Robert M. Schiffman Congregational Church School, Cub Scout Robert and Andrea Tavella Glass & Braus, Attorneys Athletic Shoe Factory Rosemary Hallgarten Pack 88 Elizabeth and Matt Salem Foundation, Inc. Foundation at Law Union Savings Bank Green’s Farms Church Margaret and Alan Barnes & Noble Stiles Market Jesse Lee United Donald and Jane Santa Central Soup Society Olga Sipolin Greater Bridgeport The United Holy Trinity Temple of Philadelphia Children’s Fund Illuminating Company Lutheran Church The Beehive Sunset Grille Methodist Church Olga Santoro and Medical Associates Ann Terwilliger Community Fund Julius Stulman Valley Discount Wine Junior League of Eastern BLT Chembulk Group Sweet and Simple Junior League of Eastern David Roberts H Salon, LLC Fairfield County Richard and Kathy of Darien Foundation & Liquor Fairfield County Teddy’s Transportation Sandra and Bob Santy Hampford Research, Inc. Brody Printing Thackaberry Daphne Seybolt TD Charitable Vidal/ Wettenstein, LLC Kensington Garden Company, Inc. System, Inc. National Charity League, Amy and Larry Saperstein Foundation Herman Agar Tickets Co. Inc. Redding Chapter Joyce Tinkler Culpeper Foundation Vintage Garden Club, Inc. Clarke Distribution Total Look Salon Melissa Sasson Dalio Family Foundation William Tell & Karen Tell Higgins Group Real Estate The Knotty Girls Corporation National Charity League, Briggs Tobin W. Jennings Co. UBS Financial Inc. Westport Chapter John Scelfo Foundation IBM Corporation Services Inc. Phil and Ina Trager Joe C. Davis Foundation Walrus + Carpenter Monroe Women’s Club Colonial Gardens Ernest C. Trefz & Joan Notre Dame Alumni Club Milissa and Michael Neil and Sandra DeFeo Island Outfitters Morgan Stanley Compo Farm Flowers WCI Communities of Fairfield County Schramm Milan Turk Trefz Foundation Webster Bank Family Foundation John Migliarese & Global Impact Culinary Institute In-Kind Donations – Susan Urbania Venberg Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation Funding Trust, Inc. Regina A. Quick Center Patricia Schroeder Delaney Memorial Son, Inc. of America Local Orgs/Churches/ for the Arts Alex and Judy Urquhart Foundation Wallace Family Fund Xerox Foundation Near & Far Aid Schools Sue Schroeder Kasson Jewelers Delamar Southport Soundview Knitting Guild Cynthia Vengrow Werth Family Foundation Cash Contributors – Association, Inc. Academy of Our Lady Evan Schultz Frederick A. Kleban Industries Doctors Express DeLuca Foundation Corporate Nichols United of Mercy St. Catherine of Amy Schwartz Joanna Vincent and Wilson Sheehan Urgent Care Siena Church Gordon Smith Lennon, Murphy, Matching Gifts Methodist Church Fairfield County Foundation Caulfield & Phillips, LLC Al’s Angels Helen Scinto Aetna Foundation Dream Spa and Salon St. Jude Church Beatrice Vornle Community Foundation Cash Contributors – Northeast Medical Group AWARE CT Debra and Mark Seeto Maple Row Tree Farm Dr. Peter M. Ferrara, St. Lawrence Church Robert and Karen Flavia P. Finucane Corporations and Alliance Bernstein Port Washington MDR DDS, LLC Beth El Congregation Linda Sershen Waldvogel Charitable Trust Businesses Chevron Humankind Teachers Association St. Matthew R.C. Church Garelick & Herbs, Inc. Bridgeport Rotary Club Peg Sheahan Donald and Eleanor Mortimer H. Furtsch Anonymous Mountain Hill Roger Sherman St. Pius X Church Investment Partners Chubb and Son Insurance Church of the Ascension, Walker Foundation A2Z Organizing Elementary School Greater Bridgeport Mary Lou and Jim Citizens Charitable Transit Authority Prayer Shawl Ministry St. Theresa Parish Sheehan Sandy and Kevin Walsh Goodnow Fund Solutions, LLC Newman’s Own, Inc. Rotary Club of Foundation Congregation Beth El St. Vincent’s College Amazon Smile O’Keefe Controls New Canaan Greens Farms Spirit Jane Sherman Pamela Weil Huisking GE Foundation Shop, Inc. Stratford Junior Foundation, Inc. Foundation Company Shorehaven Golf Club Congregation B’nai Israel Sarah Siegel Dave and Stacey Weiss Google, Inc. IBM Corporation Women’s Club Huntington Foundation Ameriprise Financial The Orthopaedic & Sports Southport Congregational Congregation B’nai Torah Lauren Singer Rita Weisskoff Medicine Center Home Depot Foundation TJX Foundation Inner-City Foundation for Amica Insurance Church Elizabeth Smith Karen Wendell Charity & Education Pane e Bene, LLC International Flavors & St Joseph High School Ash Creek Animal Fragrances, Inc. Hugh and Sally Smith Valerie Wernick Cyrus W. & Amy F. Jones Hospital and Spa Steve Parrish Consulting St. Anthony of Group, LLC Pitney Bowes Matching Lyn Ann Smith Skip and Mary Ann & Bessie D Phelps Berdon, LLP Padua Church Weverbergh Foundation Party City of Fairfield Gifts Program Mary E. Sommer Billy’s Bakery St. Matthew R.C. Church Fran White Klein Family Foundation Penczer Associates Terex Corporation Greg and Maureen Soucy Bridget Lyons St. Matthew’s Janet Wilson David N. Lane Trust People’s United UBS Matching Gift Episcopal Church Manny and Katherine Consulting, LLC Program for Aged & Indigent Community Foundation St. Thomas Aquinas Sousa Kerstin and James Women, Bank of CAN DO Sports Winkler Peppers Unlimited Cash Contributors – School Kathryn Speed America, N.A., Trustee Academy, Inc. Government of Louisiana Trinity Episcopal Church Karen Speller Jeanne Wisniewski Frederick H. Charles P. Doty Phillip Bruce Salon Connecticut Department Sylvia Yasner Leonhardt Fund Insurance, LLC of Education Trumbull Rotary Dana and Steve Spencer Foundation, Inc. Frank and Dale Beth George A. & Grace L. Clearview, Inc. Pinnacle Health Duane and Nancy St. John and Fitness Cash Contributors – Zaino Long Foundation Copernicus Local Organizations, Unitarian Church Kenneth and Christine Piseas Churches and Schools in Westport Stamm Clarissa and Bob Zapata Andrew and Florence Cummings & Lozyniak Foundation Lockwood, LLC Pitney Bowes Foundation Academy of Our Lady Westport Rotary Joseph and Gail Zorpette Club Foundation Marks Family Charitable of Mercy 16 17 Unitarian Church Al and Chris DiGuido Ken and Barbara Kleban Robert and Shirley Miani Milissa and Michael in Westport Lorna Donnelly David K. and Leslie Denise Michelson Schramm 2014-15 Financial Summary Unquowa School Peter T. and Lewis Kirshner Anne Mulligan Martin and Lisa Shapiro Westport Woman’s Ellen Donnelly Gerald and Ellen Gail and Edward Murphy Doug and Ellen Stevens Club, Inc. Kuroghlian Martha Durham John and Patricia Nallen Casey Sylvestro The Y’s Women Sonya Lamonakis Cheryl Elliott Ann-Lorraine Nantz David and Lea Sylvestro In-Kind Gifts – Susan Lee Michael and Jessie Elsas Kellie Newman Trevor and Lisa Sylvestro Individuals Nancy Lenoce Barbara and Brad Evans Marcia Noonan Stacey Tagen Wynne and Randy Doris Levinson Abrams Simon Fenner Pam Olson Arthur and Bonnie Eleanor and Eugene Thurnauer Allison Allott Arlene and Bill Field Mary-Pat O’Neil and Litwak Martha Tynan Joan Andros Marjorie Freeman Daniel Connell Fred and Nealy Madsen Roger van Voorhees Nancy Baker Rachel Gloo Beverly Peterson Paul and Jennifer Chris Walker Steve and Tammy Barry Deborah Green and Maloney Eileen Peterson Larry Hirsch Amy and Marc Warman Joshua and Shana Baum Gail Marton Virginia Phelan Mr. and Mrs. John Griffin Michele Williams and Joe and Reecie Bauman Anna Mattera Sharon Poole and Catherine Groell Mike Bittenbender Mark Loughridge Pam Benepe Linda McDonald Elizabeth and Bradley Dennis and Cathy Ritch Christopher and Lorraine Kathleen Boor Gutcheon Patrick and Mary Wilson McKenna Kim and Alan Marie Claire Bue Jim and Bailey Haas Rummelsburg Lynn Wilson Kathryn Meiman John and Pat Cervone Herbert and Marcy Hardt Muriel Scholz Nancy Wilson Lauren Ciccarello Diane Melish and Brandt and Gail Zembsch Anne and Seth Healy Alexander McNab Robert and Cindy Citrone Kevin and Sue Hines Hayes B. and Clare Clark Investment Income Chris and Sarah Hottois Support and Revenue 1% Mary Beth Clayton Michael and Jennifer Angela Cockfield Iannucci Private foundations $527,700 Special Lorraine and Michael Patty Jensen Events Private Foundations Conway Corporate $130,351 17% Doug and Linda Johnston 23% Ted and Kelly Cook Irene Juthnas Government grant $195,000 Dorothy Crosby John and Beth Kelly In-kind donations $58,375 Corporate 6% Kevin and Mary John and Rachel Keneally Cunningham Individual Government Kathy Kennedy Local organizations $75,010 Donations Grant Rowena Daly 39% 8% Linda Kentosh Individual donations $901,731 Robin and David Danzak Local Johanna and Organizations Harold D. and Marshall Kiev Special events $402,355 Christine Davis In-Kind 3% Donations Investment income $29,557 3%

Total support and revenue $2,320,079 Management 7% Special Gifts Expenses Fundraising Gifts were given this Eileen Haas Oscar Romero Nicole Cassidy Sara Nolan 10% year in memory of: Sarah Herz Patricia B. Scullion Albert Cerino Leo and Una Redgate Program $1,636,034 Ruth Benepe Richard Hilli Ellen Shannon Mark Christofferson Cathy Ritch Management $136,257 Ralph A. Bowley Judy Howser Doris Shiller Pam Darwin Maria Rosario Sanchez Fundraising $202,020 Evelyn Butler Frank, Charles and Bill Slabe James Deutsch Kim Rummelsburg Program 83% Ed Canning Catherine Huisking Jean Stepanowski Mary and Jim Drogan Elizabeth Santy Coan Total expenses $1,974,311 Marcella A. Clayton Becky Hunnicut Donald G. Woods Jane E. Ferreira Carlotta Simunovic Ronald A. Clayton Mary Kokorda Gifts were given this Jim Haas Nina Skaya Philip Crane Linda Larkin year in honor of: Laura Jones Anita Stepanowski Mercy Learning Center has received a 4-star rating Beth B. Davis Daniel Mercer Allison Allott Katherine Kenny Sarom Ta for sound fiscal management and commitment Maggie Ellsworth Blanche Newman Wendy Anderson David Kirshner Judy and Mike Virr to accountability and transparency from Charity Brachfeld Mary Ann Farley Susan Pappas Debbie and Peter Krieg Michele Williams Navigator for the third consecutive year, ranking it Dalaa Arar James Flynn Richard Pruchnicki Karen Krupnik Lorraine Wilson among the top 12 percent of rated charities. Alice Gertrude Fortier Agnes and James Rankin Tammy Barry Virginia Moser Audited financial statements and IRS 990 report are available at mercylearningcenter.org. 18 19 2014 – 2015 Board of Directors

Cathy Ritch, Chair Eric Fuller Michele Williams, Vice Chair Jim Haas Mary-Pat O’Neil, Secretary Tracey Hennessy Ann Calcutt, Treasurer Meg M. Hochman, Esq. Tammy Barry Kenneth M. Kleban Hayes Clark Peter M. Labonski Christine Walter Corgel Mary McKenna Barbara Evans Sharon Poole Arlene Field Stephanie Storms, Ed.D. Jane E. Ferreira Lorraine Wilson

2014 – 2015 Staff

Jane E. Ferreira, President & CEO Elizabeth Kelly, NEDP Assessor Cathy Alfandre, Vocational Counselor Anika Knox, Tut I/Tut II Instructor Mildred Alvarez, Childcare Worker Jeanette Lizondro, Office Manager Wendy Anderson-Brachfeld, NEDP Assessor Jennifer Maloney, GED Instructor Yesenia Aragon, Childcare Worker Denice Marrero, Administrative Assistant Linda Ashby, Computer Instructor/ Ana Martinez, Childcare Worker NEDP Instructor Shirley Miani, Data Specialist Lilbet and her daughter celebrate at MLC’s pre-K program graduation in May. Perla Campos, Receptionist AM Maria Moreno, Childcare Supervisor Overcoming All Odds Candelaria Capistran, Childcare Worker Precious Muhammad, Childcare Worker When you meet Lilbet and her happy, spirited daughters, there is no trace of what they Nicole Cassidy, Development Director Rosa Navarro, Janitorial have been through over the past few years… or how far they have come. Chidi Chizor, Childcare Worker Silvia Narvaez, Case Worker Lauren Ciccarello, ABE II Instructor Lilbet came to Mercy Learning Center in 2010 to learn English and earn a high school Reyna Neria, Receptionist PM diploma. She started in our lowest level English language class and progressed rapidly, but Mary Beth Clayton, ABE I Instructor Sara Nolan, Development Associate soon had to abandon her studies. A daughter who remained in Mexico was in danger, and Linda Cocchiola, ABE III Instructor Annel Pulido, Childcare Worker Lilbet was determined to get to her. While she was gone, MLC staff made sure that her two Miriam Cruz, Childcare Worker Ana Marissa Rodriguez, Case Worker younger daughters were cared for. Jamile DaSilva, Childcare Worker Xochilt Rodriguez, Childcare Worker With her daughter again safe, Lilbet returned to MLC and continued to study and advance. Lynn Davies, Program Facilitator/ Teodornira Ruiz, Janitorial NEDP Instructor But soon another major hurdle arose: her landlord was being foreclosed upon and the bank Sandra Santy, Tutor Coordinator Mariela Davila, Network Administrator notified her that she would have to move out immediately. Nearly overnight, the family Patricia Sabasteanski, Computer Instructor was homeless. Lynn Gabriel, Tutor Coordinator Lenicia Soares, Childcare Worker Again, Lilbet turned to the one place she knew she could depend on—MLC. “Whenever Dorothy Gagnon, ESL Instructor/ NEDP Instructor Patricia Sullivan, Curriculum Manager I have a problem or a worry, I know that I can ask Jane, Lynn or others at MLC. They Ann Szczesny, GED Instructor always give me support and very good advice to never give up.” Janet Gat, Learning Specialist Nora Jinishian, Student Enrichment Coordinator Kiyoko Teed, ABE II Instructor Staff members helped her find an affordable apartment in a safe neighborhood and MLC Linda Johnston, ABE III Instructor Dara Waddey Vann, Childcare Worker community members donated furniture, clothing, food and books. Lilbet and the girls moved in on Christmas Eve, joyful and relieved. With holistic support from MLC, today Lilbet has a home, a job, a car, and a high school diploma and she is grateful for all the help and life skills education she has received: “This program totally changed my life!” 20 637 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604 203-334-6699 [email protected] mercylearningcenter.org

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Join us! Share your time, talents or resources and make a significant, long-term impact on a woman, her family and our community. Call us at 203-334-6699 or visit our website at mercylearningcenter.org to learn more about volunteering and supporting women’s education.