OUR MISSION
With community collaboration, our work is love made visible through supportive services and partnership with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
VISION
The Friendship Center is a place where the hungry are fed, the homeless are sheltered, and everyone is welcome. We believe that every act of generosity and kindness can transform the world for those around us. Every human has value, and we want to envision and create a world without homelessness.
Key Staff Members
Caitlin Rose, Executive Director – crose@fsc-ct.org
Caitlin brings a wealth of experience in homelessness services and systems spanning from California to Connecticut. Prior to becoming the Executive Director at the FSC, she was a leader at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority focusing on the development and performance of the crisis housing portfolio in Los Angeles City and County; her direct service and system leadership experience has spanned street outreach, drop-in centers, shelter diversion, shelter operations, rapid rehousing, and supportive housing development, with a strong focus on continuous quality improvement. Her work in homelesness systems and services has been centered by her clinical acumen as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and over her twelve years in the field, she has been a contributor on local, statewide, and national panels, as well as a presenter at conferences on topics related to coordinated entry and diversion.
Suzy Rivera, Director of Finance – srivera@fsc-ct.org
Suzy has been an integral part of the success and services at the Friendship Center since 2000. Her hard work and attention to detail ensure that many data, human resource, and program functions excel and are operational. Suzy has a degree in Accounting and Divinity. Reverend Suzy is ordained in the United Methodist Church.
Melanie Alvarez, Director of Programs – malvarez@fsc-ct.org
Fred Brown, Director of Communications and Development – fbrown@fsc-ct.org
Fred Brown began his marketing/communications/devel
Joe Waite, Director of Facilities – jwaite@fsc-ct.org
Joe Waite began work in the carpentry trade in 1983, and began adding facility maintenance into the fold about 12 years ago. Joe came to the FSC after years working in elderly housing to lead the creation and development of a facilities and maintenance team as our Director of Facilities in early 2022.
Jessica McCain, Director of Human Resources – jmccain@fsc-ct.org
As Director of Human Resources she is responsible for leading FSC’s overall human resource strategy, talent acquisition, professional and cultural development, diversity/equity/inclusion, compensation, benefits and employee relations. She is committed to a Strategic and Transformational Leadership Style ensuring that staff are privy to the tools and resources needed to get the job not just done; but done right. Her strong business acumen coupled with her education and comprehensive background in HR management makes for a wonderful addition to our team.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Patrick Zapatka, President
Michael Tosatti, Vice President
Tammy Vrabely, Treasurer
Jane Rowe, Secretary
Board Members
Vernon Baker
Pastor Gervais Barger
James McNair
Linda Larkin
Jeffrey Paz
Michael Whilby
Jessica Vargas
Rick Dighello
Amy Meiners
Sharon Chamberlain