Before the new program year officially began, CLC staff came together at SoundWaters at the Cohen Harbor Center in Boccuzzi Park for our second annual agency-wide kickoff. For a few hours the whole organization was in one room, in matching shirts, looking out at the Stamford waterfront.
On any given day, our staff is spread across different sites, classrooms and roles. Teachers, nurses, cooks, enrollment staff, facilities teams and so many others may have very different days, but all of their work connects.
For our children and families, though, all of those roles come together as one CLC, a safe building, a nourishing meal, a familiar face at drop-off, or someone returning a family’s call when they need help. The goal for the afternoon was pretty simple: celebrate what we accomplished together over the past year and give staff from across CLC a chance to connect, including people who may talk on the phone every week but rarely get the chance to finally shake hands and hug in person.
We recognized colleagues marking milestone anniversaries at CLC, from five years all the way to thirty-five. There were cheers and applause for every milestone, but when we got to thirty-five years, the room really came alive. Thirty-five years! One organization, one community, generations of Stamford children. There was plenty of hugging and more than a little laughing.
Lunch groups were scattered across the campus, some staff down by the water, some inside where there was air conditioning, and a few brave souls who battled the lanternflies for a picnic table and became our heroes.
“I am still smiling after this year’s All-Staff Kickoff. It brought me so much joy to see everyone relaxing, laughing, connecting and celebrating together. Thank you for bringing such wonderful energy and showing what true CLC spirit looks like.” – Monica Maccera Filppu, CLC Chief Executive Officer
The next morning, everyone went back to their buildings, routes, kitchens, classrooms and families. But after an afternoon together, hopefully we went back feeling a little more connected to the people behind all the work happening across CLC. It was a great way to begin a new year: together, celebrating our people and remembering that no matter where we work across CLC, we’re all part of the same team. To view the full photo album CLICK HERE.
Interested in being part of the CLC team? We’re always looking for caring, dedicated people who want to make a difference for children and families in our community. Explore current opportunities and join us at CLC.