The Child and Family Guidance Center

08/05/2026

We're proud to celebrate CFGC’s Jen Garcia, an Outpatient Clinician who was recently featured in a Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) video highlighting the impact of the Substance Screening, Treatment, and Recovery for Youth (SSTRY) program.

Jen joined a family who successfully completed treatment to share how compassionate, evidence-based care can help young people and their families build healthier futures. The story is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the lasting impact of evidence-based, family-centered care.

Congratulations, Jen! Thank you for representing CFGC and the meaningful work of our SSTRY program.

🎥 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/OLx440SsIxY?is=giHfmqi7eQ3bmP05

07/30/2026

CFGC was proud to be part of the 18th Annual Caribbean Jerk Festival, hosted by The West-Indian American Association of Greater Bridgeport. 🌴🎶

Representing CFGC were Hyacintha Bernard, Program Director of the Reunification & Therapeutic Family Time Program and The Visitation Center, and Teneika Brown, Program Director of the Greater Bridgeport Home Visiting Program. Hyacintha's dogs, Bruce and Clark, even stopped by to join the festivities. 🐾

This year's event also held special significance as the community gathered for the first time without Carolyn Vermont, whose leadership and dedication helped shape so many cherished West Indian community celebrations. Her legacy was reflected in the joy, unity, and togetherness that filled Seaside Park.

At CFGC, we know that strong communities are built by showing up for one another, celebrating our diverse cultures, and carrying forward the spirit of those who have made a lasting difference. 💙

07/15/2026

We were so happy to celebrate Leslie and Madison as they prepare to welcome their little one! 💗

As a Reunification and Therapeutic Family Time Worker, Leslie brings kindness, patience, and hope to children and families every day. Madison shares that same dedication as a dance instructor and professor of Special Education at SCSU, teaching undergraduate and master’s students in the Office of Inclusive Education and Behavior Science.

This joyful occasion reminds us that the same care and compassion our staff shares with the community is also deeply rooted in their own families. Congratulations, Leslie and Madison! 👶🎉

07/06/2026

We recently celebrated our annual staff party with an Oscars-themed party! 🎬✨

It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, spend time with colleagues, and recognize the hard work, care, and dedication our staff brings to children and families every day.

A special thank you to Xiomara Lopez and Fran Maldonado for helping curate such a fun and memorable event, and to everyone who helped set up the venue. We are grateful for the creativity, energy, and thoughtfulness that made this celebration possible.

07/03/2026

07/02/2026

July is 💙

This month, we recognize the importance of culturally responsive care and the strength it takes to seek support.

At The Child & Family Guidance Center, we remain committed to helping children and families access compassionate mental health services rooted in dignity, understanding, and community.

07/01/2026

Our Program Director of Reunification and Therapeutic Family Time, Hyacintha Bernard, attended the Foster Parent Appreciation Banquet hosted by the Department of Children and Families, Regions 1 & 5.

Pictured with Hyacintha are Chricton Stewart, Bridgeport DCF Office Director, and Beverly Green, FASU Program Supervisor.

We are proud that DCF recognized Hyacintha’s leadership contributions.

“Thank you to DCF for the beautiful flowers and for creating such a meaningful event honoring foster parents and caregivers who support children and families. Quality parenting and family care are a need.” - Hyacintha Bernard

06/09/2026

Cheers to a beautiful evening celebrating hope, healing, and community. 🥂🎉

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our gala in support of The Child & Family Guidance Center and the children and families we serve.

A special thank you to Shorehaven Golf Club for hosting us with such care and warmth, and to our Board of Directors for their leadership, generosity, and continued commitment to our mission.

We were honored to recognize Dr. Magna Dias as our 2026 Champions for Children Honoree, and Hyacintha Bernard as the recipient of the Cay White, MD Award. Their dedication to children, families, and community reflects the heart of our work.

We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors:

R.D. Scinto Inc., Yale New Haven Health, Cigna Healthcare, Katie Scinto & Joseph Emanuel, Gisselle Acevedo & Suzanne Curtis, PKF O’Connor Davies, Cohen & Wolf, P.C., Pat McCabe, Hiho Energy Services, VIA Visionary Interiors Architecture, Avangrid, CLA, Ives Bank, Construction Resources, LLC., and Connecticut Health Foundation.

Your support allows us to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care during families’ toughest times.

Thanks to partners, donors, staff, and friends, CFGC continues to deliver care, guidance, and hope to help families heal and move forward.

05/15/2026

During Mental Health Awareness Month, gatherings like these remind us how meaningful community support is for children and families in need of care.

We are deeply grateful to Rose Bonura of Rosie New Canaan for hosting our Tacos & Tequila fundraiser in support of The Child & Family Guidance Center. Together, we raised more than $11,000 to support mental health services for children and families across our community.

Thank you to Matthew Maynard, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for emphasizing the importance of supporting children’s mental health. Our President & CEO, Gisselle Acevedo, highlighted the impact of programs such as our Mobile Crisis Intervention Services, which serve all of Fairfield County, including New Canaan, and provide rapid, in-home support for youth and families during moments of crisis.

Thank you to Farmers Insurance for sponsoring our event, and to Dana Scinto, Board Chair; Dan Tenney, Board Secretary; Board Members, Joshua Harkey and Dr. Magna Dias; and every guest who joined us in support of this work.

Your partnership helps make healing, hope, and care possible. 💙