Valley Save Our Youth recognizes work of 2 community leaders

VSOY Black History Month Local Heroes Series

The old saying that “Leaders are born, not made” is only partially true.

Terri Goldson and Diane Stroman might have been born leaders with the certain qualities of leadership, yet they used those traits to develop leaders in the communities they served.

February is Black History Month.

"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid."

- Audre Lorde

Diane Stroman

Diane Stroman is a lifelong Ansonia resident and recently retired Vice President of the nonprofit TEAM, Inc. in Derby.

TEAM supports the elderly, homeless, youth education, and various community needs.

Through TEAM and her relationship with VSOY, we were able able to use the services of TEAM. Founding members of VSOY and the community was also guided by Diane through her creation of the Valley Youth Council NAACP.

Through the Youth Group we learned about our History, Organizational Structure, Community, and Leadership. In retirement Diane still is involved in community through her work in faith and as an alderman.

Terri and Ronja Goldson

Terri Goldson is also a lifelong resident who starred in football as a youth and continues to be a star in the community still to this day. After graduating from college, Terri started his teaching career.

He gave us a male role model who was and still is lacking in the education system to this day.

This man of faith also passed on his leadership traits to young men and woman by working directly with them as a football and girls basketball coach. Coach Goldson embodies all the classic leadership traits and uses them to grow the youth into future leaders.

We want to recognize these local black heroes who were born leaders and also developed leaders throughout the Valley.

With our love and the community's love we appreciate and are grateful to both Terri and Diane.

This is shared from the Valley Save Our Youth Facebook page.

New Beginnings Church to hold Unity Rally on Derby Green

TEAM to recognize community leaders at annual meeting in Orange

DERBY - TEAM will host its Annual Meeting and Community Recognition Dinner from 5-7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Racebrook Country Club in Orange.

In addition to seeing and hearing firsthand accounts from households that turned to TEAM in time of need, TEAM’s community impact dinner will reflect on the immense level of positive impact over the last year for more than 11,000 individuals and families in the region.

TEAM also recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a profound impact in advancing TEAM’s mission – awardees include Tom and Diane Baklik for their immense commitment to TEAM Toys4Kids that helped more than 1,200 children in the last year alone. Derby Neck Library and its leaders, Ian Parsells and Jack Walsh, will be recognized for their commitment toward the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program along with the Milford Senior Center. 

Collectively, their partnership work with TEAM produced another annual record-high of 1,227 tax returns! 

And the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce will be recognized for its exceptional commitment to the nonprofit and business community, including the Chamber’s demonstrated success to connect organizations, increase and enhance our leadership capacity, and create regional opportunities that increase the quality of services for our region’s communities.

“We are excited to share some brief video accounts of TEAM’s work over the last year,” said David Morgan, President/CEO of TEAM, “and I am deeply moved by the courage of individuals to take the podium and directly share their experiences at TEAM.” 

Morgan expressed his gratitude to the many contributors, volunteers and staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders that continue to attend and support TEAM’s annual event - their support is what makes TEAM an exceptional nonprofit helping thousands each year in our communities. 

For more information and for tickets, go to www.teaminc.org/annual-meeting.

TEAM Inc. is a private, 501c (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting, and empowering individuals and families. TEAM’s commitment is to the economically disadvantaged and vulnerable populations serving the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury, and Woodbridge.

This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.