Liberation Programs Hosts Women's Group Luncheon at Galerie SoNo

Fairfield District Superior Court Judge Mary E. Sommer Guest Speaker

Liberation Programs held the third in an ongoing series of Women’s Group luncheons at Galerie SoNo in Norwalk recently to hear guest speaker, Fairfield District Superior Court Judge Mary E. Sommer. The luncheon series brings together area women interested in learning how they can provide resources and support for pregnant and parenting women needing substance abuse treatment that enables them to have better access to housing, education and employment, to build stronger families and in turn, strengthen the community.

“Stay in school,” was Judge Sommers’ reply when asked what her number one piece of advice would be to women. The judge spoke with empathy and understanding about the trials women can face in the judicial system, especially when they are dealing with a lack of family and community support, low income and lack of education. She continued, “Sitting on the bench, I see many people whose problems include addiction. Fortunately for them, Liberation Programs is one of those key community partners creating layers that form a strong support network.”

Luncheon guests also listened to the story of Shay, a young mother who moved in to Gini’s House, Liberation Programs’ first supportive housing complex in Norwalk. After years of struggling with her addiction and in an abusive relationship, she found herself homeless with her young son. “I finally understood that until I worked on my addiction, nothing was going to go right in my life. That decision was the most important one I ever made and it has made all the difference.” Shay moved in to Gini’s House last July when it first opened, after staying in one of the area’s homeless shelters. Gini’s House is home to 18 single mothers who, with their children living with them, are making a new start.

Women participate in Liberation Programs’ Women’s Group in numerous ways – through membership either at the Founder or Member level, by volunteering and by making community connections to various resources. Among the guests attending were Lee Crouch, Suzanne Peters and Tricia Hyacinth from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Sally Bassler, Linda McMahon, Virginia Mierisch, Sandie Malloy, Stephanie McAllister, Mary Marple Thies, Alice Melly, Andrea Fodor, Gail Malloy, Beth Higgins, Attorney Sheryl Shaughnessy, Evon Malloy and Sandy Mumbach. Space for the luncheon was provided by Claude Villani, President of Galerie SoNo. For more information on how to get involved call 203.604.1162.

Liberation Programs, Inc. is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to providing substance abuse prevention and treatment programs in Fairfield County. Services include outpatient programs, two residential programs, special services for older adults and people living with HIV/AIDS, permanent supportive housing and extensive education and prevention activities in the community. For more information, visit www.liberationprograms.org.