Southport, CT - The Fairfield Women’s Exchange on Pequot Avenue in the heart of Southport is a charming gift shop that donates its proceeds to charities that aid women and children. Run entirely by volunteers from the community, the shop features many one-of-a-kind sweaters, dresses and toys, decorative items, unique holiday and hostess gifts, special foods and a wide variety of antiques. Do you know us? You should!
Each year the Board receives funding requests from a variety of charities. It carefully evaluates each and selects the ones most in need. This year, the Exchange has donated to the following charities:
BEST BUDDIES
Best Buddies, founded by Anthony Shriver, is an international organization that supports the lives of over 1.1 million people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Best Buddies, CT, serves over 3,700. Once yearly, Best Buddies holds a Friendship Ball to unite youth with and without IDD in a prom-like event, in order to build upon their one-to-one friendships and to meet new friends.
BRIGHTER LIVES
Brighter Lives for Kids was founded when Jimeale Hede, a volunteer and Fairfield mother, became aware of how little Bridgeport schools were equipped to educate and enrich the lives of children. She recruited the aid of friends and volunteers – and Brighter Lives was formed. Now after more than 3 years, there are classroom volunteers, reading tutors, new books, pencils and crayons, scissors and paper, donations for field trips, and coats and clothing for children in need. Brighter Lives runs a summer reading program, and has even established an early childhood library.
THE CENTER FOR FAMILY JUSTICE
The Center for Family Justice has served women, men and children impacted by domestic and sexual violence and abuse for over one hundred years through crisis counseling and by providing emergency shelter, legal assistance and on-going support
HOMES WITH HOPE
Homes with Hope serves homeless women 18-24 years of age, by providing the care and nurturing needed to move these young women from homelessness to a stable and independent life. This year Professional Counselors are working with youth in homeless shelters to avoid repeating the family’s cycle of homelessness.
NORMA PFRIEM CENTER
The mission of the Norma Pfriem Center is to achieve excellence in breast care through education, screening, diagnosis and state of the art treatment. Dedicated medical and emotional support teams provide compassion, hope and strength.
CT BURNS CARE FOUNDATION INC.
Dr. Andrew Panettieri and Bridgeport Firefighter Arthur C. Luf conceived the CT Burns Care Foundation in 1978. The Foundation runs a camp to address a critical need for children recovering and coping with the emotional and physical challenges they encounter as a result of their burn injuries. The Exchange donation will enable several applicants to attend the 2018 camp.
BRIDGEPORT CHILD ADVOCACY COALITION
Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition focuses on issues faced by children in need with community members that include parents, police officers, social service providers, clergy and health care providers.
EMERGE, INC.
Emerge inspires women and children who are homeless survivors of domestic violence to become independent by providing safe long-term housing and complete support services which give families time to become self sufficient.
By purchasing gifts from the Exchange you are helping to better the lives of women, children.
The Fairfield Women's Exchange is a not-for-profit, 501c3, retail organization managed and staffed by volunteers. It’s objective is to contribute net proceeds to local services that benefit the health and well being of women and children. The Fairfield Women’s Exchange is a member of The National Federation of Woman's Exchanges and has contributed over $1 million to greater local community since it’s founding in 1962.
The Fairfield Women’s Exchange, 332 Pequot Avenue, Southport, CT 06890