New executive director named at Adam's House in Shelton

Adam's House founder Allison Wysota, right, welcomes Ann O'Leary as new executive director./Contributed photo

SHELTON - Allison Wysota, founder of Adam’s House, Connecticut’s only free-standing grief education and peer support center, proudly announces the appointment of Ann O’Leary as executive director.

Driven by recent initiatives and potential for growth, Wysota recognized the importance of identifying a new executive director with a breadth of expertise in fundraising and strategic development, coupled with an authentic connection to the mission of Adam’s House.

O’Leary brings current expertise as the Principal of Nonprofit Strategy and Management to her role at Adam’s House, fostering compassionate connections and strategic partnerships to enhance mission impact and organizational growth.

“Ann is respected in philanthropic circles for her dedication to building relationships, her exceptional financial insight, and her thoughtful, team-oriented leadership style,” Wysota said.

Before joining Adam’s House, O’Leary held senior strategic and philanthropic leadership roles at United Way, YMCA, Audubon Centers, Stanwich School, and a national nonprofit media organization. 

She was honored with the Trustee Recognition Award from the Westport Y and is a two-time recipient of the Connecticut Audubon President’s Award.

O’Leary’s initial focus will be shaping and directing plans to ensure the organization’s continued success, starting with a Strategic Planning initiative that will begin in late 2025.

“Throughout my career, I have enjoyed tapping into the entrepreneurial energy of an organization to launch and expand programs, including fellowships that support leaders working to make a difference in the world,” commented O’Leary. “There is significant growth potential at Adam’s House, and I look forward to supporting grieving children through our much-needed programs.”

Wysota will continue to lead all programming. Her personalized grief education program, “Helping Hearts Heal” has helped transform the lives of more than 450 children and families since 2017. With O’Leary in place to oversee daily operations, Wysota will be able to focus on expanding and evolving the program offerings to meet the needs of grievers.

“Continued support from our friends and donors allows us to fulfill our mission to serve grieving children,” Wysota said. “With enhanced resources and planned program expansions, Adam’s House will remain a vital source of comfort and hope for families navigating loss.”

6th annual 'Dancing with the Stars' to benefit Adam's House of Shelton

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Friday, October 17th at 7pm at The Warehouse @FTC We are partnering with Fred Astaire Dance Studios again this year for our 6th Annual dance showcase, with pairs competing for the coveted "Judges' Choice Award" and "People's Choice Award." Don't Miss Our Biggest Fundraiser of the Year! Reserved VIP tables, tickets, and general admission seating are available NOW!

CLICK FOR TICKETS

Sona Bella Salon in Shelton slates Glam-A-Thon to benefit Adam's House

 

Volunteer to be a Friend in Grief at Adam's House in Shelton

SHELTON-  Want to volunteer in our program and be a Friend In Grief to children trying to cope with the death of a loved one? 

Become a FIG! All days must be completed in order to qualify to volunteer in group. A $100 fee includes background check and cost of materials. 

This training will be held on-site at Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave. There will be scheduled outside break-outs, weather permitting. 

All social distancing rules will be adhered to, to ensure the safety of all our volunteers.

Register now: https://bit.ly/Fall_FIG_training

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Adam's House in Shelton to host Open House on 5th anniversary

 RSVP by Wednesday

This is a press release from Adam's House.

Adam's House in Shelton slates volunteer training in September

SHELTON - Want to volunteer in our program and be a Friend In Grief to children trying to cope with the death of a loved one?  Become a FIG this Fall! We will be conducting our Fall FIG Training Sept. 9-11. All days must be completed in order to qualify to volunteer in group.  A $100 fee includes background check and cost of materials.  This training will be held on-site at Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave. For information contact Allison Wysota, 203-513-2808, or at allison@adamshousect.org

Register for FIG Training

This is a press release from Adam's House.

Adam's House in Shelton welcomes new board members

Darsh Mariyappa 

Lindsey Guerrero

Austin McAnneny

SHELTON - Adam’s House nonprofit grief support and education center has announced the appointment of three new board members.

They are: Darsh Mariyappa, Lindsey Guerrero, and Austin McAnneny. 

“Darsh, Lindsey, and Austin embody the spirit of philanthropy and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table. We are very fortunate to have them on our team as we expand our support services to meet the needs of a bereaving Connecticut community,” said Allison Wysota, Executive Director of Adam’s House.

Mariyappa brings to the Adam’s House board his extensive experience and network in global banking, markets, and educational non-profits. With over 30 years experience with global financial institutions in currency and interest rate markets, his latest banking role was Head of Global Markets for Bank of Ireland’s US business. Mariyappa most recently started new ventures in the FinTech space, launching an FX and International Payments advisory practice with PainePacific. Near Bangalore, India, he and his family have created many schools for village children, the most recent in his dear Mom’s memory, Dr. Shantha Mariyappa Convent an English Medium School for needy children in and around Avverahalli Village, Channapatna Taluk. He lives in Weston.

Guerrero is currently a juvenile public defender in Stamford where she assists young people in changing the direction of their lives. 

As an advocate for teens ages 12-18, Lindsey provides legal support and guidance to clients and their families in both criminal and abuse and neglect proceedings. Guerrero also serves on the DCF Human Anti-trafficking Resource Team (HART) and has been a member of the Girls Provider Network. 

Prior to this, she worked for the Legal Aid Society in Bronx, N.Y. and Program of Academic Exchange, a high school foreign exchange organization. Guerrero has a passion for mentoring young people and the unique ability to build relationships between adolescents and their communities. She lives in Newtown.

McAnneny is an accountant at the Innovative CPA Group in Trumbull. He provides a variety of tax and accounting services to clients in the financial services, real estate, retail, construction, and E-commerce sectors with a focus on helping clients automate accounting tasks, facilitate real time reporting and bookkeeping software integrations.  He earned a B.S. in Pathobiology at UCONN and, years later, earned his B.S. in Accounting from Post University. 

In addition to his experience providing audit and tax services to non-profit organizations, he formerly served on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Boys and Girls State Foundation. 

McAnneney is an active member of the Nutmeg State Networking Group, where he routinely interacts with other business professionals in the New Haven area.

A ​vital part of the Connecticut community since 2016, ​Adam's House is a 501(c)3 non-profit, grief and loss education center in Shelton for Connecticut children and their families. 

A​dam's House provides free bereavement support for children, teens and their families, transforming life after loss from an isolating experience into one enriched by community support, new friends and forward movement. 

For more information visit www.AdamsHouseCT.org.

This is a press release from Adam's House.

Adam's House in Shelton slates training for Friends in Grief volunteers

Save the dates:
Aug. 27 5-8 p.m.
Aug. 28 5-8 p.m.
Aug. 29 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

SHELTON - Want to volunteer in our [Adam's House] program and be a Friend In Grief to children trying to cope with the death of a loved one?
Become a FIG! All days must be completed in order to qualify to volunteer in group.

This training will be held in house. A $100 fee includes background check and cost of materials.
The training will be held on-site at Adam's House, 271 Coram Ave., with scheduled outside break-outs, weather permitting.

Register now: https://bit.ly/FIG_August_2020

Save the date: Mamas & Mimosas to support Adam's House in Shelton

Due to COVID-19, our new date is Oct. 3, 2020.

Mamas & Mimosas is the place to be to celebrate all the women in our lives who we love and appreciate!

Join us for Mamas & Mimosas Oct. 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

*This information is shared from a Facebook event page.

Adam's House in Shelton to host Good Grief webinar Wednesday

As Connecticut businesses slowly reopen and residents re-emerge from quarantine, we all seem to know a colleague, friend, or neighbor who has lost a loved one during the pandemic.

What do you say to them? How do you show your support without saying the wrong thing? How do you help them without unlocking your own feelings of grief and anxiety? 
In this free webinar, we’ll have candid conversations about grief and loss with two local leaders in the field: Allison Wysota, Adam’s House executive director, and Shelton-based therapist Caitlin Iannuci. 
They'll be sharing practical advice from lessons learned through their work, practice, and personal experience on one of the most painful and stressful topics affecting us all.

We’ve opted for an “Ask me anything” format because that’s the best way to have candid conversations about grief and loss. 
Your discussion questions can be submitted ahead of time or during the live event.

It's free and easy to join: 
Click here to reserve your spot and send questions in advance.


This is a press release from Adam's House.

Adam's House in Shelton to offer 'Grief 4 Graduates' pilot program in July

Initiative launched for 18-25 year olds  

SHELTON - Adam’s House recently announced the launch of “Grief 4 Graduates,” an innovative, free grief education and peer support program for 18 to 25-year-olds who are mourning the loss of a loved one. 
The program is designed to provide peer support, knowledge, and meaningful connections for young adults as they navigate their feelings of grief and isolation amid the ​life-altering disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re excited to start this pilot program because there are no other​ grief education services in the area geared solely for 18-25 year olds,​” says Allison Wysota, Founder and Executive Director of Adam’s House. “​This age group often feels like they have nowhere to turn for help because they don't quite relate to adult support groups, but are too old for children's groups. Given the wave of deaths following the coronavirus pandemic, more than ever bereaved young people need a place where they can feel safe, comfortable, supported, understood, and bond with peers their age.”

​The “Grief 4 Graduates” program is made possible, in part, from a Valley Community Foundation grant award. 
Sharon Closius, Valley Community Foundation President & CEO, said, “We are delighted to support such an important and timely initiative for bereaved young ​adults in the community."

The “Grief 4 Graduates” program will meet at Adam’s House, 241 Coram Ave., from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, July 2-29.

For more information or to enroll in “Grief 4 Graduates” call 203-513-2808, email AdamsHouseCT@gmail.com,​ or visit https://www.adamshousect.org/grief4graduates

This is a press release from Adam's House.

Save the date: Fundraiser for Adam's House slated in Woodbridge

Adam's House is a family grief education and support center located at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

Volunteers sought at Adam's House in Shelton

Sharing from Adam's House Facebook page:

"Start off the new year by getting involved with an amazing and impactful organization! Adam's House offers free grief support to children and their families who have experienced the death of a loved one.
"We are always looking for dedicated and dependable volunteers to help grow our center and spread the word of the wonderful work we do!
"Please join us at our first 2020 volunteer meeting at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 6. Bring a friend - we can't wait to see you there! Sign up now! https://volunteersignup.org/BBWB8


Adam's House is at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton. 

Adam's House in Shelton seeks volunteers

Sharing a message from Adam's House:

"Interested in learning more about Adam's House? Have you thought about volunteering, but not sure how you can help? Do you have a special talent or skill you would like to share? 

Please attend our next volunteer meeting on Monday, August 5th from 6PM - 7PM.

Find out how you can get involved and bring some great ideas too! 

Light refreshments will be served. We can't wait to see you!"

Adam's House is a grief education and support center at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

Fundraiser for Adam's House in Shelton slated at Oak Lane in Woodbridge

Sip and Shop at Mellow Monkey to benefit Adam's House in Shelton

Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave., Shelton, is a non-profit grief and loss center. It will receive 20 percent of proceeds before sales tax from regularly priced merchandise in store.

​

Celebrate Shelton donates $500 to Adam's House

From left, Sarah Domena, community outreach director, Adam's House, Sarah Aylward, development director, Adam's House, Jimmy Tickey, co-founder, Celebrate Shelton, Michael Skrtic, co-founder, Celebrate Shelton./ Photo by Allison Wysota

SHELTON - Representatives of Celebrate Shelton Friday presented a $500 check to Adam’s House, a no-cost grief support center for children and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. 
The funds were raised during “Food Trucks on the River,” hosted by Celebrate Shelton, an initiative that highlights the Valley community by creating fun and family-friendly events.

The event Oct. 19 drew more than 2,000 people to Veterans Memorial Park. 

In addition to 28 of Connecticut's best food trucks, there was live music, local vendors, a kids costume parade, a beer garden highlighting New England Brewing Co., and a “Paint-A-Pumpkin” patch.

All proceeds from “Paint-A-Pumpkin,” and a portion of the suggested $5 charitable entrance donations were given to Adam’s House. 

“With this generous donation from Celebrate Shelton, Adam’s House can continue to offer theme-based educational programming where participants receive peer support and coping skills to overcome the loss of a loved one through expression and positive-play, in a warm, caring atmosphere at absolutely no-cost to the families,” said Allison Wysota, founder, Adam’s House.

For more information visit: www.adamshousect.org, email: communityoutreach@adamshouse.org or call 203-513-2808.

This is a press release from Adam's House.

Adam's House in Shelton seeks to train 'Friend in Grief' volunteers

Join our "Friend In Grief"(FIG) Team! We will have our next FIG training beginning on Thurs., Nov 8th, Friday, Nov.9th(5pm-8pm) and Saturday, Nov. 10th(9am-3pm). Training is a mandatory 12-hrs. and the cost is $100 to cover materials and background search. Sign-Up Here!

Adam's House is a grief education center at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

Adam's House in Shelton slates volunteer meeting

SHELTON - The first Fall Volunteer meeting will be held from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave.
Adam's House is a grief education center for families.
Find out how you can get involved and meet the new staff. 

Light refreshments will be served. 

Register here

Adam's House in Shelton to hold 'Talking to Heaven' program

SHELTON - Adam's House, a grief education center, will host a 'Talking to Heaven' presentation from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 30.

The hardest part of losing a loved one is feeling like we have lost our connection with them and are unable to communicate. 
What if you don’t have to lose that connection?
What if you could learn how to read the signs around you that your loved one is sending?

Francine Clausen, a medium and healer since birth, will present the program. She has conscious memories of spirit communication since the age of 7. 
She blocked her gifts for many years, but at the age of 42, after the passing of her mother, she decided to open up and trust again in her gifts. 

Francine began doing readings and healings in 1999, and is bringing her Talking to Heaven - Discover your Intuition class to Adam's House.
This class will teach you how to use your intuition and tap into your own spiritual gifts. 
Every student will learn a new way to use their gifts in areas of dream interpretation, aura visualization, the use of crystals, and more. 

Light refreshments will be provided and all proceeds will go to Adam's House.
Cost is $75.

Adam's House is located at 241 Coram Ave. For 
information call 203-513-2808 or communityoutreach@adamshousect.org.

This is taken from a press release from Adam's House.