Dear Depot Community,
I want to welcome everyone to the 33rd Year of the Darien Depot. I am humbled by the warm welcome I have received thus far, and I especially want to thank Janice Marzano for the kind words in her letter last week and for the amazing wealth of knowledge she is providing to John Novak, our new Program Director, and me as we transition into the third week of our new roles. Janice has been instrumental in making The Depot an important jewel in Darien’s crown— a safe place where our kids can come to learn, grow, connect with others, and give back—something very special and unique that not many towns have.
John has years of experience working with kids at various youth organizations throughout Fairfield County including Wakeman Boys and Girls Club in Southport and Kids in Crisis in Greenwich. John has already hit the ground running in his new role. You and, even more importantly, your kids are going to love him!
As we have welcomed our kids back this Fall, the energy in the building is palpable. It feels truly energizing to be here and part of something important at a time when our kids need us more than ever. Check out this week’s Darien Times article that discusses mine and John’s new roles as well as the unprecedented challenges our kids are facing and how we are working hard to be an important resource to them.
In the coming weeks, John and I look forward to meeting the extended family of the Depot. In addition to our kids, we are also eager to get to know the parents, teachers, community partners and other stakeholders who play such a large part in supporting our organization. We realize The Depot would not be what it is today without your support and commitment.
My best,
Laura Downing, Executive Director, Depot Youth Center of Darien
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D