In these divisive and challenging times, some light and hope was brought to our community recently. There are 60 volunteers on 17 committees collaborating with Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS) to bring a refugee family to Branford. It is a mighty undertaking requiring physical and financial donations, as well as the donation of time from volunteers.

Our group, Helping Families Settle, has an amazing team of volunteers who live their values. Connie Evans is one of our volunteers, and she came up with the idea of incorporating the younger generation into our cause. The Branford High School Music Makers, a longstanding, successful choir group, has not performed live since COVID began. On Dec. 1, 19 talented and soulful students sang 14 songs and offered amazing hope. More than 150 folks filled the seats at the First Congregational Church where extreme COVID protocol was in place. Awareness was raised, $1,800 was raised, and spirits were raised.

If you doubt there are good people in the world, this concert, and turnout, is a reminder that we live amongst generous people in a beautiful and inclusive community. We are stronger together and community collaboration is imperative. The Branford MicroFund stepped in as our fiduciary and partner, and the Branford Community Foundation generously awarded us an emergent need grant.

Kudos to Michael Martone and the Branford High School Music Makers. Kudos to our community, who see the humanity in all of us. We know that service is love made visible. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”–African proverb. Thank you all for helping settle folks from afar into our warm and welcoming community.

Laura Noe, Leader/Coordinator

Helping Families Settle

Branford