MADONNA PLACE INC

NORWICH, Connecticut, 06360-5839 United States

Mission Statement

Madonna Place's mission is to provide programs which strengthen families, promote health and prevent child abuse and neglect.

About This Cause

For over three decades, Madonna Place in Norwich, CT, has been dedicated to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect. Established in 1981 as a respite center before formally incorporating in 1987, Madonna Place has evolved into a cornerstone of support for families in Eastern Connecticut, providing a welcoming and secure space where individuals can access vital resources and services. Each year, it touches the lives of thousands, offering a beacon of hope and a pathway to a brighter future. This enduring commitment reflects a deep-seated understanding of the challenges families face and a steadfast dedication to fostering their well-being. At the heart of Madonna Place’s success lies a comprehensive suite of programs designed to address the diverse needs of families. The Family Support Center (FSC) serves as a central hub, offering informal counseling, educational opportunities, referrals to essential services, access to basic needs like food and clothing, and parenting classes. This program creates a supportive atmosphere where families can build crucial support networks and develop essential life skills. Recognizing the vital role of fathers, the Fatherhood Initiative (FHI) provides tailored support to help fathers become more engaged and responsible parents through individualized attention, peer groups, and educational resources. The Great Beginnings - Nurturing Families Network Program (GB) focuses on early intervention, promoting maternal and child health through home visits and parent education, using the evidence-based Parents as Teachers model. Finally, the Community Outreach Plus Education Program (COPE) offers crucial drop-in services, providing assessment, case management, and referrals for mental health, substance abuse, and other critical supports, with a trauma-informed approach. The existence of these distinct yet interconnected programs demonstrates a holistic understanding of family well-being, acknowledging that strengthening families requires addressing a range of interconnected needs. The impact of these programs is shown by data. In fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), the COPE (Community Outreach Plus Education), FSC (Family Support Center), FIP (Fatherhood Initiative Program), and GB (Great Beginnings) Programs of Madonna Place directly supported 1,454 children and 934 adults, impacting a total of 2,388 unduplicated individuals. The demand for services from our FSC and GB Programs in FY25 is on track to vastly exceed the totals from FY24. Apart from client volume data as a demonstration of met needs, we can also highlight other outcomes in FY24. For example, all of the families enrolled in the Great Beginnings program experienced no new substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect, and 94% showed improvements in their parent-child interactions. This remarkable success rate underscores the effectiveness of early intervention and the nurturing support provided through home visits. The Fatherhood Initiative reported that 46% of its fathers completed parenting classes and 57% increased the time they spent with their children. The Family Support Center dispensed emergency clothing to n=907 individuals, toiletries (n=753), food (n=738), diapers (n=369) and formula (n=251), 9174 served meals, and school supplies (n=196). Also, it screened 143 children for developmental delays. These figures paint a clear picture of the tangible difference Madonna Place makes in the lives of families in Eastern Connecticut. The consistent success in preventing child abuse and neglect, the significant resources provided to meet basic needs, and the positive outcomes in fostering stronger parent-child relationships all underscore the vital role the organization plays in the community. Furthermore, the fact that 85 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to supporting children and their families demonstrates a commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensures that contributions have a direct and meaningful impact. The remarkable work of Madonna Place is made possible through the generous support of the community. While grants and state contracts provide essential funding, it is the contributions from individuals like you that allow Madonna Place to offer crucial services that might otherwise go unfunded. These donations provide the flexibility to address the unique and often urgent needs of families, such as helping them navigate the complex court system, providing emergency meals and basic necessities, and offering vital educational support. The increasing number of families turning to Madonna Place for assistance highlights the growing need for these vital services, making community support more critical than ever. Your partnership directly empowers Madonna Place to continue being a lifeline for vulnerable families in Norwich and the surrounding areas.

MADONNA PLACE INC
240 Main Street
NORWICH, Connecticut 06360-5839
United States
Phone 860-886-6600 ext. 123
Unique Identifier 061205879