Benefits of Serving as a Selectwoman: Learning About the Wide-Ranging and Profound Impact of our Non-profit Organizations
By Lauren Rabin
Many residents often ask what the role of a Selectwoman is, and one of our roles is to be an Ombudsman to our residents, employees, and business owners in Town. It is not exactly listed in our town charter (https://library.municode.com/ct/greenwich/codes/code_of_ordinances) but something handed down to me from my two predecessors. David Theis called it “your friend in government,” and John Toner described it as “ombudsman” to Citizens/Government.
One of the ways Selectmen connect with the community is through our non-profits. These connections, which include attending flag raisings, lectures, fundraising events, meetings, clean-ups, vigils, etc., are a testament to the impact of our community’s contributions. Your time, talent, and treasures are not just donations, but the driving force behind the essential services our non-profits provide. Your contributions make a significant difference, and we are proud of what we have achieved together.
October marks a busy month in our Town. The Board of Selectmen (BOS) started on October 1 with a flag raising and proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness. The Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA) flag was raised over Greenwich Town Hall and will continue to fly until the 31st to celebrate breast cancer survivorship and remember those who lost their lives to this disease. The Breast Cancer Alliance’s mission is to fund innovative, early-stage research, breast surgery fellowships, and education and outreach support for the underserved. The BCA fundraiser and fashion show on October 23 is already sold out!
October 2 was designated as Rare Cancer Awareness Day that my colleagues on the BOS recognized. Nearly 13 percent, or one in every eight, of all cancers diagnosed in adults are rare, and every child diagnosed with cancer is rare. Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children. Greenwich foundations such as The Golden Lights Foundation, The Hopper-Belmont Foundation, and the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation have taken leadership roles in funding critical research and raising awareness of rare cancers, particularly for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancers, which has many hoping this effort will increase the chance for survival and finding cures.
On October 5, Pathways held its annual fundraising gala and as your BOS we were grateful to attend. Pathways empowers adults with mental health challenges through housing and compassionate care, fostering recovery, growth, and a purposeful life.
On October 6, the YWCA of Greenwich kicked off Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month by hosting the 2024 Walk the Walk & 5K Run Against Domestic Violence. Your BOS was honored to walk alongside those supporting this annual event which supports The Harmony Project to raise funds and awareness for free domestic and sexual violence services at YWCA Greenwich, including counseling, crisis intervention, emergency shelter, criminal court advocacy, and a 24/7 hotline.
On October 13, Abilis will host their Walk/Run event. My BOS colleagues and I will enjoy the fun warm-up and walk. Abilis provides services and support for over 800 individuals with special needs and their families from birth through the life span. Abilis has been a leader in serving the special needs community in lower Fairfield County for over 70 years and has a long-standing reputation for high-quality care.
On October 22, a Community Candlelight Vigil will be hosted by YWCA to memorialize those who have lost their lives due to domestic violence and honor the strength and resilience of survivors.
On October 28, the Greenwich United Way, partnering with Greenwich Hospital, will host the grand opening of the first of its kind in Greenwich Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This much-needed service will provide comprehensive mental health services to youth and adolescents, including counseling, therapy, and support groups. It is scheduled to serve over 400 youth and adolescents a year, offering them the support they need for their mental well-being.
This listing only scratches the surface of what our non-profits are accomplishing. It’s important to note that these achievements are made possible by the millions in financial donations from our most generous community. As your Selectwoman/ombudsman, it’s my honor to learn all the ways we care for our community. Your contributions, whether through time, talent, or treasure, make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
Lauren Rabin
Town of Greenwich, Selectwoman