Because of You, We Give Thanks
Because of you, nearby families in need are sitting down at their Thanksgiving tables with greater peace of mind. Single moms like Debbie don’t have to worry about their dangerous front steps as their guests arrive. Neighbors like Lorette can put their worry over a kitchen floor riddled with trip hazards to rest. And, older adults like Patricia don’t have to worry about their loved ones knocking on a broken door. And we get to see and hear their gratitude firsthand. As our Thanksgiving gift to you, we would like to send their appreciation to your home. After all, this is why you are highest on our list of blessings to be counted this year.
“I Can’t Express How Grateful I Am”
Debbie is a devoted single mom in her 70s who lives in Bethel. She has survived cancer two times and raised six children. Today, she cares for Mario, her grownup son who has significant special needs. He is unable to swallow and relies on a feeding tube. Her home suffered major flooding recently in the basement. Her steps were unsafe. She had a number of electrical issues. On top of it, the main beam in her basement was poorly supported. All of it was overwhelming to her.
We could not think of a more compelling case for our Fall HomeFront Days. An incredibly special circle of friends and family got wind of this case. Valenti Family & Friends raised funds to field a team in conjunction with HOLOGIC. Grants from the John H. & Ethel G. Noble Charitable Trust and the Mithun Family Foundation helped to cover the costs, along with precious donations from individuals.
Thanks to her helpers, Debbie and Mario can enjoy their Thanksgiving with all their home repair worries erased. Volunteers installed a new sump pump, tackled yard work and added fresh coats of paint, as well. In Debbie’s words, “I am so thrilled. I was watching these people work and thinking I wish I could do it. I can’t express how grateful I am.”
We hope you enjoy this clip of Debbie sharing her thanks with those who showed they care.
Grateful for Flexibility
So many of the stories we hear are heart wrenching, but not quite the perfect fit for our volunteer group model. This is why we are so grateful to the supporters who enable us to be more flexible, helping families in need year-round through our Critical Pro Repair (CPR) service.
Like Debbie, Lorette is also a very special single mom. She raised her children in the Norwalk home she rented until she was able to buy it from her landlord. In addition to working as an aide in the local school system, Lorette keeps a roof overhead for her grownup children, her grandchildren, as well as foster children whom she adopted. Lorette was terribly upset that her kitchen floor was a hazard for all her family, especially since they would be gathering at Thanksgiving.
Thanks to our supporters, we were able to send a construction expert to transform her floor in time for Lorette’s celebration.
Lorette's floor before, during, and . . .
After
An extra Happy Thanksgiving this year for Lorette.
So many of us enjoy hanging a harvest wreath on our doors this time of year. Neighbors like Patricia in Waterbury are more concerned about whether her door will keep her safe and fight off the winter chill. Patricia is tough. She is a breast cancer survivor who is now battling leukemia. But her unsafe door had become a major concern for her. The smile on her face after we sent a pro to replace her door warms all our hearts this holiday.
Patricia alongside Tom, her Critical Pro Repair (CPR) provider
Others Wishing On A Wishbone
Debbie, Lorette & Patricia give thanks for you. We hope that you take stock of the difference you help us to make. One of the best kernels in the Thanksgiving story is the idea of bringing our gifts to the table. That is what HomeFront is all about. Wishing you and your loved ones many blessings this Thanksgiving. Some 1,000 neighbors are hoping that the bigger end of the wishbone will spell an end to their home repair worries. Save room in your heart for Giving Tuesday on December 2nd. We can’t wait to share with you our plans to help more families in need of urgent repairs this winter!
December 2, 2025
