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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.

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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.

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To eliminate any barriers preventing participation, all Barbara's House programs are free of charge and include transportation.

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Through its work and dedication, Barbara's House has become a symbol of hope, advocacy, reliability, and success.

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a pictorial timeline

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our team

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Gaby Rattner

Executive Director

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Becca Avila

Program Staff

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Vanessa Cardinal Boussicoult

Social Worker

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Catherine Bissereth

Social Worker, LMSW

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Avante Cardenas

Program Staff

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Jesse Cohen

ESL Teacher

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Jason Mohatt

Program Aide

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Liliana Herrera

Citizenship Instructor

Board of Directors

Alma Rutgers, President

Stuart Adelberg, Vice President     John Grasso, Secretary

Members

Hector Arzeno

Carmella C. Budkins 

Joseph A. Cabrera

Martha Y. Eustis

John Grasso

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 

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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.

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