about Us
Barbara's House is a social service agency dedicated to building skills that empower clients to overcome educational, social, and economic barriers so that they can reach their full potential.
The organization was established in 1955 by Barbara Nolan, a passionate advocate for those most in need in our community (picture below, left). For over 50 years, Barbara earned the trust of our community through effective problem solving, strong support and an all-embracing welcome.
Since then Barbara's House has adapted and added programs to reach a growing population of overlooked residents. Our programming aims to address the root causes of community problems, such as lack of access, achievement gaps in learning, and financial instability. It also actively encourages individual growth, independence, stability, and provide vital educational resources to effectuate real and lasting change.
To eliminate any barriers preventing participation, all Barbara's House programs are free of charge and include transportation.
Through its work and dedication, Barbara's House has become a symbol of hope, advocacy, reliability, and success.
a pictorial timeline
Click on the arrows at either end to move the timeline
our team
Gaby Rattner
Executive Director
Becca Avila
Program Staff
Vanessa Cardinal
Social Worker
Matt Termini
Social Worker
Jesse Cohen
ESL Teacher
Jason Mohatt
Program Aide
Liliana Herrera
Citizenship Instructor
Board of Directors
Alma Rutgers, President
Stuart Adelberg, Vice President John Grasso, Secretary
Members
Ralph Arnone
Hector Arzeno
Carmella C. Budkins
Joseph A. Cabrera
Martha Y. Eustis
John Grasso
Jane Boyle Hentemann
Dawn Kaam
Michael G. Keady
Ralph Mayo
Janet Stone McGuigan
Carol A. Memishian
Advisory Council
Alan D. Barry, Ph.D.
Danielle Blaine
Fred Christensen
Charles E. Coates III, Esq.
Julie Faryniarz
Ernest B. Fleishman, Ed. D
Honorable Livvy Floren
Philip A. Hadley
William Hampton, MD
Phillip R. Lochner Jr.
Scott Mitchell
Barbara Nolan
Charles W. Pieterse, Esq.
Diane Selby
David H. W. Turner
Hover over video and click sound icon to play music
a note from our board
Barbara's House is a non-profit social service agency working with those who might otherwise be left out of community life. The purpose of Barbara's House is to build skills that empower clients to overcome educational, social, and economic barriers. Barbara's House offers a combination of educational and therapeutic recreational programs, individual, family, group counseling, and advocacy. It’s effectiveness lies in its responsiveness to the needs of its clients. Since 1955, Barbara's House has been serving all ages, many racial and ethnic groups, and other Greenwich residents with a wide variety of special needs. The majority of those we serve live in subsidized public housing, most in single-parent homes. These are people who live on the margins at the best of times. Our programs provide the kind of support that enables our clients to help themselves. Our work is challenging. Our clients face difficult odds. Please become a part of what Barbara's House is all about.