FEBRUARY 2024 Shepherds Newsletter

Mentor Appreciation Reception

Last month at the beautiful and historic Pequot Library in Southport, CT, Shepherds celebrated the close of Mentor Appreciation Month by honoring our dedicated and devoted Shepherds mentors!

From the venue to the wonderful catering by Katie's Kitchen, musical entertainment from Shepherds Kolbe Cathedral High School's Faculty Advisor Joe Elbertson to the inspiring stories from our mentor/mentees (Notre Dame High Schoo l's Jason Sherrod and Alberto T. and Kolbe Cathedral High School's Cindy Johnston and Mariela M.), the night was magical!

Led by Shepherds Executive Director Tim Magee, Board member and mentor Jim O'Neil, we heard from partner school Kolbe Cathedral Principal Camille Figluizzi, school liaisons' Cecilia Hatton and Dennis Yacono.

We also had the privilege to meet our prospective mentors for our incoming Class of 2028 as they were introduced to the Shepherd's community, mission and programs. Thank you to our Board members and Shepherds staff for putting together an evening that celebrated the core of the Shepherds mission.

For more information on becoming a mentor, go to: Become a Shepherds Mentor

or call Shepherds at (203) 367-4273.

Shepherds Visits Albertus Magnus College

Another college visit! On Jan. 30th, our Shepherds juniors from Kolbe Cathedral High School and Notre Dame High School, West Haven high schools had the opportunity to visit the campus of Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT.

The visit included a campus tour, information session, and a hockey game! Our students were able to experience college life at an institution that is leading the way in providing access, inclusivity and holistic support. Go Falcons!

Bowling Time for Shepherds!

Thanks to several of our freshmen mentors who reserved a few lanes at Nutmeg Bowling in Fairfield, Shepherds enjoyed an afternoon of bowling on Sunday, 2/4! There was lots of fun and lots of laughs for Shepherds students and mentors...and not too many gutter balls!

Thanks to all mentors and students who made it there and made it a great time!

Shepherds Hockey Day

Thanks to mentor Bob Marchesi, on February 25th, it was Shepherds Hockey Day for our mentors, students and staff from Kolbe Cathedral High School and Notre Dame High School, West Haven high schools.

Our group met at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, CT for a private tour of the arena and then on to a great game between the Bridgeport Islanders and Springfield Thunderbirds. It was a win for the Islanders, free hats for our group and even a photo op with "Storm", the Islanders mascot!

Shepherds Executive Director Tim Magee brought Shepherds alum (Kolbe 2011) Joel Espada, who talked with our students about his experience in the Shepherds program and the journey to UConn and his current role as Manager of Community Partnerships at Fairfield University!

Shepherds Mentee Spotlight: Cyle Gore, NDHS 2027

Cyle Gore, NDHS Class of 2027, had a tremendous first year on the Notre Dame Green Knights basketball team! Although a freshman, Cyle was an integral member of both Notre Dame's historic 52-0 record for all three levels of basketball: Freshmen, JV, and Varsity.

Cyle celebrated with his team on Wednesday February 28th as they defeated Hillhouse to go on to win their third consecutive SCC title at M&T Bank Arena.

Alumni News: Kevin Ricardo-Colon, NDHS 2023

In Alumni news, Kevin-Ricardo Colon, NDHS Class of 2023 has enlisted in the United States Army.

Kevin is currently finishing up the last few weeks of Army Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia.

After graduation, Kevin plans to attend his Military Occupational Specialty school next and looks forward to updating both his former mentor and Shepherds on his next steps.

We wish him the best of luck!

Volunteer Opportunity!

The Thomas Merton Center provides hot meals and a safe and hope-filled community atmosphere for its guests. They are looking for volunteers to help unload boxes of canned foods from donors and restocking the shelves in the food pantry. See information below and click on the "SIGN UP" button to volunteer!

Fundraising & Development

Shepherds is getting ready for The Great Give 2024! The is an annual 36-hour, community-wide fundraising event that will be held May 1-2.

Sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the Valley Community Foundation, The Great Give is celebrating its 15th year in 2024. It was created to raise visibility and resources for nonprofits serving Greater New Haven.