BRIDGEPORT —Kathy Maiolo, who was recently named chairperson of the Center for Family Justice’s board of directors, plans to build upon the community support and engagement the nonprofit has already won for its mission to break the cycle of abuse and violence.
“It is not enough to talk about domestic and sexual violence and child abuse, we have to act,” Maiolo, of Monroe, said in a news release. “It’s up to each of us to get involved and to be part of the solution.”
To Maiolo, what CFJ represents goes beyond the bricks and mortar of its headquarters at 753 Fairfield Avenue.
“The center is not just a building,” she said. “It’s a refuge for anyone who has been stripped of their dignity through no fault of their own. It’s a place where we can help build a brighter future for a child who is living in a violent environment that they can’t escape. It’s a place where we offer hope that whatever someone’s reality is today, no matter how difficult, it does not to have to be their reality tomorrow.”
Last year CFJ provided services to more than 5,000 adults and children impacted by domestic and sexual violence and child abuse in the six communities it serves.
Maiolo, who joined CFJ’s board seven years ago, is also an active volunteer at the nonprofit, which provides crisis and supportive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and child abuse in the communities of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull.
Maiolo will serve a two-year term leading the 16-member board of directors. She replaces Valerie Foster of Trumbull, whose term on the board ended after serving the nonprofit for nine years. Foster will continue to support CFJ in a variety of volunteer roles.
In addition to her work supporting CFJ, Maiolo is the outreach chairperson at Monroe Congregational Church and the owner of KM Solutions, LLC, a firm providing personal and business concierge services. She and her husband, John Maiolo, are the parents of two adult daughters.
“We are so grateful and excited to welcome Kathy into her new role as board chair,” said Debra A. Greenwood, CFJ’s president and CEO. “Kathy is smart, compassionate and extremely dedicated to our mission of helping the thousands of victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence we serve each year find hope and healing. Her leadership and commitment to putting their needs first will serve CFJ well during the next two years and for many years to come.”
Greenwood noted Maiolo’s term begins at a critical time for the nonprofit, which last year experienced double-digit increases in clients seeking crisis services. As a result of this increased demand, CFJ is working to expand services it offers in key areas including legal help, community education, bilingual crisis services and Camp HOPE America-Connecticut, its summer camp and year-long mentoring program for youth impacted by abuse.
