Dear Colleagues,

As of June 27, 2019, I will be retiring as Pathways for Older Adults program officer.

When I began working at Connecticut Community Foundation in April 2011, I was given a wonderful opportunity—using my gerontology background and experience to help develop a new initiative for older people through the East Hill Woods Fund. For me, this meant working in another region of the state, building partnerships with new colleagues, and an amazing chance to foster and encourage a variety of approaches to a healthier and more rewarding older age.

Throughout my time at the Foundation, I have had excellent support from above—from Carol O’Donnell to Paula Van Ness to Julie Loughran. I have been equally fortunate in the regular dose of inspiration I received from so many of you—your creative ideas, your determination and ingenuity in building and improving programs, and your eagerness to take on new projects even when ‘extra’ time was limited (or nonexistent). To all of you, I say thank you. It has been a true joy to share in your work.

Effective June 28, 2019, my colleague, Program Officer Bilal Tajildeen, will take on responsibility for all Pathways grants and reports.  Bilal is also the staff member for the Foundation’s grant initiatives related to grassroots leaders, cradle to career and the Town of Southbury. He is eager to add grantmaking for older adults to his portfolio and has already met some of you.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Bilal and feel free to invite him to your organization for a chat. Bilal’s contact information is btajildeen@conncf.org and his phone number is 203.753.1315 x. 106.

Now for the ‘almost’ part—a.k.a. not quite ready to leave completely. I will be continuing as a consultant with the Foundation one day per week through the end of 2019 to assist with the transition. My focus will be on projects including healthy aging, the Engaging Aging training programs and Waterbury BRASS. Feel free to contact me at dstein@conncf.org or 203.753.1315 if you want to reach me directly. However, please understand that I will be working hard at retirement and will be available by appointment rather than on a regular schedule. If you have time-sensitive requests, please contact Bilal. He’ll know where to find me.

Warm regards,

Debbie  

Deborah Stein
Senior Services Program Officer