End of Year Reflection
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December 2023
Jim Horan, Senior Executive Director
MESSAGE FROM JIM HORAN, SENIOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2023 has been a momentous year for LISC Connecticut, with new initiatives complementing our core programs, and a growing staff to implement them, joining our dedicated veterans. This work is described more fully in the reflections that follow.
LISC’s biggest new program is the Early Childhood Facilities Grant Fund, deploying $15 million in federal ARPA funds for construction and renovations for center- and family-based childcare programs. The state Office of Early Childhood awarded the contract to LISC with a focus on adding infant and toddler slots and on building equity.
LISC also launched a capacity-building initiative for seven community development corporations with Black and Brown leaders. The goal is strengthen these CDCs so that they can attract more funding to fulfill their missions to the neighborhoods and residents they serve.
Meanwhile, LISC launched a second cohort of the Housing & Community Development Leadership Institute (HCDLI), which trains new leaders, primarily women of color, for positions in the field. We’re just starting a third cohort, with another planned for 2024, with support from the Connecticut Department of Housing and CT Housing Finance Authority.
A seventh Financial Opportunity Center, at Person to Person, to serve Stamford residents, built up its capacity, while existing FOCs, including Open Doors, in Norwalk, and the Village for Families & Children, in Hartford, respectively, led the way in placing clients in jobs and building financial stability.
We expanded our community engagement efforts to ensure that we are guided by community voices. LISC convened community leaders in Hartford quarterly, in part to learn about three neighborhood plans by four Hartford CDCs: Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford, Sheldon Oak Central, NINA, and SINA. Our AmeriCorps program continues, with a focus on organizations led by people of color, and several AmeriCorps members secured permanent jobs when their service ended.
LISC lent almost $4 million, for three projects in Hartford and one in Falls Village. We learned at the end of the year that our lender extraordinaire, Matt Straub, will leave LISC at the end of 2023 to serve as the Director of Housing for the City of Hartford. We are sad to lose him, but excited for Matt and the City, and to work with him in his new role.
Fortunately, we attracted talented new staff to implement our programs, including Franches Garay (who focuses on HCDLI), Karahn Green (FOCs), and Liz Fraser and Kadeem Mckoy (childcare facilities). Our Local Advisory Chair early in the year, Mario Florez, moved to a new position in Massachusetts, and was replaced by an equally awesome Chair, Terry Floyd of Wells Fargo. In addition to our dedicated LISC Connecticut Team and Local Advisory Committee members, we could not do this work without our funders, including long-standing support from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and many banks, United Ways, and others. Thank you all, enjoy the holidays, and look for new initiatives and partnerships to come from LISC in 2024, as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary and develop a new strategic plan for the years ahead.
END OF THE YEAR REFLECTIONS
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LISC!
SAVE THE DATE
Please join LISC Connecticut in Hartford on February 21, 2024, for a community discussion about racial equity and community engagement.
Over the past three years, LISC Connecticut has accelerated work with our partners to provide critical resources to those communities with the greatest need. LISC Connecticut has stepped up advocacy for desegregation, facilitating the development of affordable housing in suburban towns that have historically limited access to Black and Brown residents, and worked to ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are embedded in all of our programming. LISC has also begun more direct community engagement, with the goal of supporting resident leadership so that residents are truly driving the development of their neighborhoods.
Join us as we highlight our commitment to racial equity and community engagement, explore how LISC and our partners have embedded these themes into our work, and discuss its impact on crucial services needed to empower our communities of color.
If you are interested in this event and want to be included, do not hesitate to contact Esther Jean-Marie (ejeanmarie@lisc.org).
SAVE THE DATE
LISC Connecticut turns 40 next year! We are part of the largest community development nonprofit in the country, leveraging more than $828 million in Connecticut to transform lives and revitalize communities.
We will recognize industry leaders, present awards, and celebrate 40 years of excellence.
STAFF HIGHLIGHT
Matthew Straub
LISC Connecticut recognizes Senior Program Officer Matthew Straub for over four years of dedicated service to LISC Connecticut, as he leaves LISC for an important new position. As the Senior Program Officer for Lending and Capacity Building, Matt has provided technical assistance to groups in urban, suburban, and rural Connecticut. He has supported the development of new affordable housing through originating loans and grants to meet LISC’s program goals.
At the end of December, Matt will be leaving LISC Connecticut to start a new chapter in his career, But we could not let him depart without highlighting and thanking him for the incredible work and contribution he has provided to LISC Connecticut.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Our Deepest Gratitude!
As 2023 comes to an end, we want to take a moment to thank all of you for all your kindness and support. Throughout the year, you helped us provide services and ensure critical resources to those in our community with the greatest needs. Our work would not be possible if not for the generosity of our funding and community partners. Thank you all for your support, your generosity, and for making a difference to so many.
LISC Connecticut Staff
