{"id":1265,"date":"2025-09-19T09:12:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T13:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/?p=1265"},"modified":"2025-09-19T09:12:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T13:12:16","slug":"lighting-the-way-september-2025-updates-from-kids-in-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/2025\/09\/19\/lighting-the-way-september-2025-updates-from-kids-in-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Lighting the Way: September 2025 Updates from Kids In Crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Lighthouse Tea Dance Shines Bright<\/h3>\n

This year\u2019s Lighthouse Tea Dance was nothing short of spectacular! On a beautiful afternoon filled with friends, music, and joy, our community came together to raise an astounding\u00a0$83,000\u00a0in support of the Lighthouse program<\/strong>. Guests enjoyed the spectacular venue provided by\u00a0The Foundation House<\/strong>, an unforgettable drag performance by\u00a0Angelina Fierce, the energy of emcee\u00a0Dan Guller<\/strong>, and lively music from\u00a0DJ Matty\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0all celebrating\u00a0the power of community and acceptance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Most importantly, the impact is real: these funds will help Lighthouse\u00a0expand its reach<\/strong>, including a new program at the Bridgeport Pride Center, ensuring that even more LGBTQ+ youth have a safe, supportive space to be themselves<\/strong>. Thank you to our hard-working committee, many generous sponsors, and donors for helping us light the way for so many young lives!\u00a0Click here to view the photo album.<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>We hope you’ll join the party next year!<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n

PROGRAM NEWS AND MEDIA<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Let’s Talk About a Safe Place for Kids<\/h3>\n

In this episode of\u00a0Norwalk TALKS<\/em><\/strong>,\u00a0Kids In Crisis TeenTalk counselors Chitra Suresh and Ed Milton<\/strong>\u00a0share what it truly means to create safe spaces for children in our community. They discuss the barriers kids face, how families and neighbors can foster trust and stability, and the vital role community programs play in helping children thrive. Their insights offer both inspiration and practical steps for anyone who wants to support young people as they navigate challenges.\u00a0Watch or listen here:\u00a0Let\u2019s talk about a safe place for kids<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Melissa in the Morning: Teen Trauma<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n
\n
A tragic hit-and-run shook the Stamford community, claiming the life of a 13-year-old Dolan Middle School student. When sudden loss strikes so close to home, families are left grappling with how to help their children process grief and trauma. Ellen Brezovsky, Kids In Crisis Director of Outreach and Community Initiatives, spoke with Melissa In The Morning to offer some strategies for difficult conversations with children.\u00a0Click to listen here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/header>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n

Clinical Training<\/h3>\n

Thank you to Kids In Crisis Board Member and licensed mental health counselor,\u00a0Joanne Mortimer<\/strong>, and clinical psychologist,\u00a0Dr. Benjamin Bernstein of Silver Hill Hospital<\/strong>, for leading impactful trainings on anxiety and chronic suicidality at our\u00a0TeenTalk opening meeting and clinical training<\/strong>\u00a0at the Stamford Government Center on Friday, August 22. Their expertise made for a highly productive morning, equipping our staff with the latest insights and tools to\u00a0support children as they begin the new school year<\/strong>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Community Partner and Volunteer Spotlight<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n

Cantor Fitzgerald Charity Day, 9\/11\/2025<\/h3>\n

We extend our\u00a0sincere gratitude to our longtime friend Allan Houston<\/strong>\u00a0for representing Kids In Crisis while answering client and broker calls at Cantor Fitzgerald Charity Day on Tuesday, September 11th. The Cantor Fitzgerald Charity Day and Relief Fund was established to support the families of Cantor employees who lost their lives on 9\/11 and has since expanded to encompass charitable causes worldwide, including Kids In Crisis and the children and families we serve. Thank you to Allan, and thank you, Cantor Fitzgerald, for hosting and supporting the Kids In Crisis mission on this important day of honor and remembrance.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n

SafeHaven’s Favorite Friend<\/h3>\n

Fridays at SafeHaven shelter are everyone’s favorite day of the week \u2013 staff and children, alike. Why? Ellie, that’s why. Thanks to\u00a0Certified Professional Dog Trainer,\u00a0Betsy Schwartz, CPDT-KA, of Whattagooddog LLC in Greenwich, the children staying with us get to enjoy pet therapy with Ellie the\u00a0Old English Sheepdog.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>One young resident told his counselor,\u00a0”\u00a0Ellie makes me feel happy and safe. When I pet her, I don\u2019t feel so scared anymore. She\u2019s soft and silly, and I love when she comes to see us.”\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Betsy reports that visiting Kids In Crisis is Ellie’s favorite day of the week, as well.\u00a0Thank you, Betsy and Ellie!<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Want to learn how you can get involved?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Click to read our volunteer brochure<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and see if any of our volunteer opportunities are a good fit for you, your family, or your coworkers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n\n
\n

EVENTS<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Join us to support the children in your community!<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Hit the Greens for the Kids!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Join us for the\u00a0Kids Challenge Golf Tournament<\/strong>\u00a0on\u00a0Monday, September 29, 2025<\/strong>, at the beautiful\u00a0Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk.\u00a0<\/strong>Your foursome will enjoy 18 holes with tournament scoring, delicious all-day dining, cocktails, and a celebratory dinner with live and silent auctions. Plus, don\u2019t miss exciting course competitions, including\u00a0closest to the pin<\/strong>,\u00a0mulligans to boost your game<\/strong>, and a\u00a0hole-in-one contest to win a BMW X5<\/strong>!\u00a0Register your foursome or become a sponsor today!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
It’s not too late to buy tickets \u2013 click here to join us!<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Kids In Crisis Annual Meeting<\/h4>\n

The Kids In Crisis Annual Meeting and Partnership Reception,\u00a0The Road Ahead: Partnership, Policy & Possibility<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/em>will take place on\u00a0Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, from 5:30 – 8:00 PM<\/strong>\u00a0at the Knobloch Family Farmhouse at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 151 Scofieldtown Rd.\u00a0Kids In Crisis partners, donors and volunteers, please click to RSVP.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kids In Crisis Corporate Breakfast<\/h4>\n

Join us\u00a0Thursday, November 13th,<\/strong>\u00a0at 8:00 am at the HMTX campus, 27 Seir Hill Road, Norwalk.\u00a0This year\u2019s Corporate Breakfast will feature a\u00a0Community Impact Conversation\u00a0<\/strong>that tackles one of the most urgent challenges facing families today, the Digital Divide, and how we can navigate social media with kids at every age.\u00a0<\/strong>Click to reserve your seat.<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Donate<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Kids In Crisis<\/strong>
\nCos Cob,\u00a0Connecticut
\n(203)622-6556\u00a0|\u00a0marketing1@kidsincrisis.org<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Kids In Crisis September 2025 Newsletter highlights powerful stories of impact, including the record-breaking Lighthouse Tea Dance, new TeenTalk insights, SafeHaven updates, and upcoming community events that bring hope and support to children and families<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":1266,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[126,2,27,62,1,73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1265","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-126","category-archive","category-community","category-lighthouse","category-uncategorized","category-volunteer"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1265","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1265"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1265\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1265"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1265"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsincrisis.org\/sub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}