The West Haven Community House -- a private, not for profit organization --
exists to facilitate healthy, productive, independent and meaningful lives for
children, adolescents and families, and individuals with disabilities. The
cornerstone social service agency of West Haven, the Community House annually
provides services to 1,000 area residents.
Current programs and services include:
Head Start (comprehensive preschool for low-income children); School Age Child
Care (before and after school care for elementary school children; summer
program); Kids in the Neighborhood (after-school enrichment program for
elementary school children); ParenTEEN (guidance support for pregnant and
parenting teens); Carrigan After-School Program (academic support, recreation
and positive youth development for middle school students. TEEN Job Club
(dropout prevention and work preparation for low-income high school students);
T.E.A.M. Social Club (social activities for adults with developmental
disabilities); Community Connections (job training/employment and community
integration day activities program for adults with mental retardation); and
Residential services for adults with mental retardation. Services are
offered at our 227 Elm Street headquarters, as well as numerous locations
throughout West Haven, including: Community Connections at 622 Campbell
Avenue, area businesses, West Haven public schools, and several group homes and
supported living apartments.
Major sources of funding include: The US Department of Health and Human
Services; the CT Department of Developmental Services; the CT Department of
Education; the CT Department of Social Services; The United Way of Greater New
Haven; The CT Department of Children & Families; the West Haven Community
Development Administration; and numerous corporations and foundations.
The Community House is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Ms Sharon
Martin is President of the Board.
Patricia W. Stevens is Executive Director.
Other management staff include:
Mike Lengle, Assistant Executive Director
Mary Anne Sulik, Assistant Executive Director/Finance
Marie Watson, Residential Services Director
Cele Brown, Community Connections Director
Linda Michaels, Head Start Director
Carol James, School Age Child Care Director
Mary Ellen Myers, Positive Youth Development Director
Elsa Jimenez-Francis, Teen and Family Support
Services