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05/20/2024 02:47 PMThe women-led American Legion Auxiliary Unit 89 was named Nonprofit of the Year by the East Haven Chamber of Commerce in recognition of its work with the community and its mission of supporting local veterans.
Unit president Ann Penington reflected on the work they have accomplished in the two years and the positive response from it, leading up to the award the Chamber bestowed upon them on May 16.
“What we've been able to accomplish not only with our local veterans but within the state, with our students, it’s unbelievable the response that we've gotten,” said Penington.
Unit treasurer Alicia Heaney said, “Our members have worked diligently to not only reach out to veterans and participate in community activities, but we have worked hard to sponsor events to raise funds. With these funds we have been able to provide goods for veterans in transition and in nursing homes and to our Post 89 to help them with facilities upgrades.”
She continued, “Hopefully, this recognition will bring more attention to these endeavors.”
Since its formation nearly two years ago, the women’s wing of East Haven’s American Legion chapter has seen a large increase of 135% in its membership, said Pennington, from toddlers to senior citizens. These members have held events such as bingo nights at the East Haven Senior Center, continental breakfasts at East Haven High School (EHHS), and food collections for the food bank. They have also collaborated with groups like the Homes for Heroes nonprofit in Bridgeport, including bringing services to transition homes for women veterans.
Working with former women of the U.S. armed services is a particularly important aspect of the unit’s mission, said member Michelle Benivegna.
“Women are essential, just like men, in forming the rights and the freedoms that we have in our country,” she said. “I don't think veterans, in general, have as much support in America as they deserve. Women, even more so, don't have that. It’s a privilege to work with a group of women who have the same mindset to fulfill that mission and get it out into the community.”
Broadley, the unit’s mission to connect with its veterans is important in East Haven given its large population of former armed service members, added Benivegna, along with spreading a message regarding American values tied to the struggles and sacrifices of veterans. This is also very important for the younger generations.
“I think there's a very big disconnect between the more generations we get away from the individual who served their country,” she said. “It’s important to keep that connection with those generations alive.”
This has partly been achieved through a successful scholarship program to financially support children and grandchildren of East Haven veterans after graduating from high school.
“It’s a great way to help the younger generation reflect,” said Benivegna. “Part of the application process is explaining your connection to a veteran. It makes them ask some questions to their grandparents and learn about their heritage and what they went through and what does it mean to be a veteran.”
The auxiliary unit is looking forward to more activities this year, starting with handing out poppy flowers, a symbol of support for the armed forces, at ShopRite on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then on the Town Green during the Memorial Day service on Monday, May 27.
Continuing its mission of supporting women, the unit is considering incorporating the American Legion’s Girls State government program into its community efforts soon.
“We would choose a junior and a senior girl in high school who have an interest in the government and how the government works,” said Penington.
During the weeklong program, participants from Grove J. Tuttle Elementary School up to EHHS would learn about responsible citizenship and leadership in elected positions such as governor and senator. Penington said guiding questions in the program's background to be reflected upon include “What is it to be an American?
Benivegna added that the experience is one that participants “can add to their resumes” while stirring interest in a career in government and veteran’s affairs.
All events and activities by the unit, past and future, continue to build upon their mission of recognition and support for East Haven veterans, whose contributions to their community are too memorable to be forgotten.
“Everyone's life is touched by a veteran. They may not know it, but the freedoms and the privileges we have today as Americans would not be possible if these individuals do not make the ultimate sacrifice,” said Benivegna. “We would not have what we have today. America would not be what it is today if we did not have these individuals, and I think it's important to honor them, remember them, and to make people realize that is the fabric of the history of America.”
Those interested in joining the unit can attend meetings on the second
Monday of each month at the Beachhouse at 148 Cosey Beach Avenue. For more information, search American Legion Auxiliary Unit 89 on Facebook or email ehavenala89@gmail.com. Penington can be reached at 203-314-6107.