It's Official! The Kennedy Center is Now The Kennedy Collective!
On October 6, 2022, The Kennedy Center, Inc., renowned for its unwavering support and advocacy of individuals with disabilities, changed its name to The Kennedy Collective. The new name showcases the organization’s most valuable asset – the tremendous impact we have when we unite as a collective - and reflects our core belief that it takes a collective approach to ensure people with disabilities have a voice, are valued, and provided with opportunities to succeed.
While our name has changed, our Mission remains anchored in creating pathways for people to flourish and thrive in their communities by unleashing potential and empowering abilities. This was the vision of Evelyn Kennedy when she founded the organization in 1951 and it remains our North Star, our clear and guiding vision.
November
Featured Calendar Artist
Debra Jean Willis, “Locavore”, 2012
Debra’s joyful personality and love of nature is beautifully showcased in her artwork. She combines vivid colors with creative representation of everyday items, inviting the viewer to take a break and enjoy the little things in life. Stunning work Debra!
John Voket, host of "For the People" podcast, interviewed Rick Sebastian, President & CEO of The Kennedy Collective to discuss the agency’s decision to change its name and what that means for the future of the organization. Click on the following link to access Rick's interview and other great topics covered through the podcast's central archive at: https://audioboom.com/channel/for-the-people
Our Supported Employment Team recently began taking a group of individuals to Nourish Bridgeport to volunteer each week where they prepare for a competitive job in the future in a work skills training setting. They learn skills including, communication in the workplace, building stamina, teaching transferrable work skills, and being a valued worker and productively helping others.
Sheila Womack, Larry Pettway and Nino L’Altrella prepare and pack food donations.
Nourish Bridgeport feeds 500 “neighbors” each week.
MOBILITY!
On October 1, John Wardzala, Director of Mobility Services, participated in a transportation forum presented by Bristol’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities. The CT Department of Transportation presented and highlighted the many services The Kennedy Collective Mobility Services Department offers.
The forum was made possible by a grant from the Americans with Disabilities Act Connecticut Coalition (ADACC) and local sponsors including, Advocates for Bristol Seniors, BARC, Bristol Rotary Club, Main Street Community Foundation, and United Way of West Central Connecticut.
ADACC presented The Kennedy Collective with a plaque in recognition of our ongoing commitment to The Americans with Disabilities Act through membership and training.
Supplies Needed...
The Autism Project Needs Supplies!
The Autism Project supports families caring for individuals with ASD and other disabilities. We need your help! Please CLICK HERE to donate much needed items. Donations are anonymous (unless you add a note to the order). So, in case we don't see your name...thank you in advance for supporting The Autism Project!
The Kennedy Collective, 2440 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull, CT 06611, USA, 203) 365-8522