It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bridgeport, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive,”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years”
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive, respectful, and cheerful. This was the first step in getting outside assistance for our Mom and we were so impressed with how thorough the care was - the first helper checked to see that her home was safe and that she knew how to use her cell phone. We'd highly recommend using their in home care.”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she sees the work, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, sees what needs doing. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesnt just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says no wait, let me do it if she hasnt already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would do their very best to take care of you in your time of need. I will recommended this facility to family and friends. I want to thank you so much for the exceptional care you took of my dad. I hold your agency in the highest regard and you have my deepest appreciation.”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years old. She refused to leave her home. Susan Oderwald took wonderful care of her. She found caregivers for her who treated her with kid gloves and she herself went above and beyond by getting papers signed, visiting her in the hospital and fetching things for her. I don't know what I would have done without her, since I live 3,000 miles away. I highly recommend her, her services and her staff of caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Seaside Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Joseph's Steakhouse or visit Marina Park Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bridgeport, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bridgeport, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bridgeport, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
BRIDGEPORT — A veteran of the downtown dining scene has opened a new eatery in the storefront that previously housed Fruta Deli and Cafe.Madeira Cafe at 295 Fairfield Ave. had its grand opening earlier this month. It’s the fifth spot that Valerio “Val” Fernandes said he has run in Bridgeport since 2010.He opened ...
BRIDGEPORT — A veteran of the downtown dining scene has opened a new eatery in the storefront that previously housed Fruta Deli and Cafe.
Madeira Cafe at 295 Fairfield Ave. had its grand opening earlier this month. It’s the fifth spot that Valerio “Val” Fernandes said he has run in Bridgeport since 2010.
He opened Funchal Americana Buffet at the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Main Street in 2018 after operating cafes on State Street, Lafayette Boulevard and Golden Hill Street. Funchal is the name of Fernandes' hometown on the Portuguese island of Madeira.
His buffet spot remains in business, and now Madeira Cafe is up and running.
“It’s a little different,” Fernandes said about the new cafe, which sells sandwiches held together by a large pickle instead of bread — similar to the viral offering by Seven Brothers Gourmet Food Market on Long Island, N.Y. — as well as personal pizzas.
Madeira Cafe’s menu also includes regular sandwiches, panini, wraps, salads, soups, breakfast sandwiches and omelets, smoothies, milkshakes, and coffee and espresso drinks — in other words, “a little bit of everything,” Fernandes said.
He said support from Bridgeport residents has made it possible for him to open new businesses.
“Because of them, that’s why we grew,” Fernandes said.
Fruta left the storefront in November 2022 but still has a location on Lafayette Boulevard.
The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District, which promotes the downtown neighborhood, is excited that a new restaurant has filled the Fairfield Avenue space and that Fernandes is the one doing it, said President and CEO Lauren Coakley Vincent.
“He’s like the serial entrepreneur of the neighborhood,” Vincent said. “We’re just thrilled that Val has chosen to create another what I’m sure will be fondly beloved community dining destination in the downtown.”
Vincent also noted that Madeira Cafe is one of the businesses participating in Bridgeport’s Restaurant Week from Nov. 3 to 9.
The CT Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital and the Bridgeport Fire Department joined forces to educate residents about burns and fire safety.Alfred Branch, Patch StaffNews Release from the Bridgeport Fire Department and the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital:BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital and th...
Alfred Branch, Patch Staff
News Release from the Bridgeport Fire Department and the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital:
BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital and the Bridgeport Fire Department joined forces to educate the community during Fire Prevention Month, which is observed each October.
“As the state’s only burn center, we at Bridgeport Hospital unfortunately see the devastation burns can cause including the lasting impact those burns have on our patients and their families,” said Anne Diamond, DBA, JD, president of Bridgeport Hospital. “That is why it’s so important for us to raise awareness for fire prevention and help to stop burn injuries from happening.”
Each year, the National Fire Protection Association comes up with a new theme for Fire Prevention Month, and this year, it’s “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You.” It’s a simple, but important message.
“Our Free Smoke Alarm Program has provided around 90,000 smoke alarms to city residents, ensuring they have adequate fire protection in their homes,” said Lance Edwards, chief of the Bridgeport Fire Department. “This is certainly another way to reduce burn injuries.”
Chief Edwards also noted the Hartford Insurance Company's donation of a 27-foot Fire Prevention Trailer. This trailer will allow the department to simulate kitchen fire dangers and the importance of working smoke alarms. He says it will go a long way toward educating the community.
Education is also a focus of The Connecticut Burn Center.
“Burns are traumatic injuries. Even the smallest burn can be life changing. Many of the burns are on a person’s face or hands and those areas can affect the way you function and your quality of life,” said Alisa Savetamal, MD, director of The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital.
As we head into the holiday season, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for the Burn Center. These small steps can make a big difference in avoiding burn injuries:
• The Burn Center often sees cooking injuries where both adults and children need burn treatment. People should watch long sleeves around stoves, keep handles out of reach of young children and be careful when cooking with hot oil to prevent splashes.
• Another source of burn injuries are outdoor firepits and bonfires in these fall months. It’s important to be mindful of where those fires are placed and to keep young children away from the flames.
• If you have a family member who uses a home oxygen tank, remind him or her of the fire dangers and make sure the person is not smoking or using any type of flame near the oxygen.
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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Arts & EntertainmentThe Downtown Cabaret Theatre announces the much-anticipated production of In The Heights!Nancy Sasso Janis, Patch MayorPress releaseThe Downtown Cabaret Theatre an...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Nancy Sasso Janis, Patch Mayor
Press release
The Downtown Cabaret Theatre announces the much-anticipated production of In The Heights!
The Downtown Cabaret Theatre (DCT), under the leadership of Executive Producer Hugh Hallinan, is excited to announce their highly anticipated production of In The Heights opening Friday, November 1, 2024. Created by Lin Manuel Miranda, also known for the smash hit Hamilton, In The Heights is the winner of multiple Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2008. In the vibrant New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights, bodega owner Usnavi and his friends dream, hope and work for a bright future. In the Heights tells the universal story of community – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.DCT's production runs from November 1 to November 24, 2024 with performances on Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 3:30 PM.For ticket information and purchases, click here or contact the box office at 203-576-1636 from Tuesday through Friday.
Cast
Usnavi De La Vega Manny Gonzalez, New Haven, CTVanessa Juliana Rivera, Milford, CTNina Rosario Olivia Rivera, Fairfield, CTBenny Everton George, Bridgeport, CTCamila Rosario Cintia Maio, Stratford, CTKevin Rosario Martin Garcia, Wilton, CTAbuela Claudia Jane Prieto, West Haven, CTSonny Nick Nuñez, Stratford, CTDaniela Heather Abrado, Stamford, CTCarla Karina Brea, Norwalk, CTGrafitti Pete Jose Albino,Bridgeport, CTPiragua Guy Jay Reyes, Stamford, CT
EnsembleAna Rosa Sforza, Westport, CT; Kelsey Senteio, Bridgeport, CT; Monique Castillo, Stamford, CT; Ness Baracui Milford, CT; Zully Ramos, Stamford, CT; Brenden Maverick Martinez, NY, NY.
Creative Team
Executive Producer Hugh HallinanDirector Ben TostadoChoreographer Olivia RiveraMusic Director Mark CeppetelliCostume Designers Thomas Gordon, Krista RoccoScenic Designer David KievitSound Designer Holly RybnickProp Master Kaitlyn HerrCompany Stage Manager Lauren Elise Fisher
The band was scheduled to perform at the festival on Sunday; organizers have found a replacement.Alfred Branch, Patch StaffBRIDGEPORT, CT — Foo Fighters have pulled out of this weekend's Soundside Music Festival in Br...
Alfred Branch, Patch Staff
BRIDGEPORT, CT — Foo Fighters have pulled out of this weekend's Soundside Music Festival in Bridgeport, the band and organizers of the event announced on Thursday.
"Foo Fighters will no longer be appearing at this weekend's Soundside Music Festival," the band posted on its Facebook page. "Please check the festival website for more information."
No reason was given for the cancellation, but frontman Dave Grohl has been dealing with personal matters in recent weeks, after admitting that he fathered a child with a woman who is not his wife, Rolling Stone reported.
Foo Fighters were scheduled to perform on Sunday, but the festival has found replacements, rockers Jack White and Greta Van Fleet.
"We are excited to welcome both @officialjackwhite and @gretavanfleet to the lineup this Sunday, 9/29," festival organizers wrote on Facebook. "Unfortunately, @foofighters have announced they’re no longer performing this weekend."
Other artists scheduled to perform at the festival in Seaside Park include Noah Kahan, Norah Jones, Boyz II Men, Goo Goo Dolls, Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories and Fleet Foxes.
Traffic and parking information for the event can be found here.
BRIDGEPORT — City public school officials hope to increase the diversity among the district’s staff by overhauling how educators are hired and introducing new opportunities for paraprofessionals to become teachers.Nearly one in every three of Bridgeport's certified teachers identifies as a person of color, making the district teaching staff among the most diverse anywhere in Connecticut. However, the vast majority of city teachers are white. That figure stands in contrast to the more than 91 percent of students who identif...
BRIDGEPORT — City public school officials hope to increase the diversity among the district’s staff by overhauling how educators are hired and introducing new opportunities for paraprofessionals to become teachers.
Nearly one in every three of Bridgeport's certified teachers identifies as a person of color, making the district teaching staff among the most diverse anywhere in Connecticut. However, the vast majority of city teachers are white. That figure stands in contrast to the more than 91 percent of students who identify as people of color, most of whom are Hispanic or Latino.
Local officials want to increase the diversity to ensure the teaching staff better reflects the student body. To that end, a collection of district teachers, administrators and other school officials have developed a proposal to close the gap by changing the hiring and interview process for candidates.
“This plan is about increasing educator diversity and bringing in more teachers of color into our district,” Michael Brosnon, a teacher who helped draft the plan, told the school board’s policy, personnel and contracts committee on Tuesday.
A little less than 31 percent of the district’s more than 1,600 teachers identified as a person of color during the 2023-24 school year, according to data published online by the state Department of Education.
Specifically, the district reported that 15 percent of educators were Black, nearly 12 percent were Hispanic or Latino, 2.6 percent were Asian and 0.5 were American Indians or Alaskan Native. About 0.7 percent of teachers identified as two races.
The figures show the school system’s teaching staff was the second most diverse in Connecticut last year after Hartford Public Schools, which reported that more than 31 percent of its staff were teachers of color.
“I think it is a point of pride though that Bridgeport is representing our community better than most in the state,” Brosnon said.
The state data also reveals teacher diversity in Bridgeport has largely trended upwards over the last decade. Less than a quarter of educators were people of color in 2014-15, and the percentage has increased almost each year until hitting its highest point last fall.
Brosnon said the district wants to build on that momentum by adjusting the hiring process of candidates. He noted the current system relies on individual school principals to make hiring decisions, an approach he suggested prevented the school system from coordinating hiring decisions.
The district-wide plan presented by Brosnon would instead establish a hiring committee that would be responsible for vetting potential teachers and referring the individuals to specific principals if the committee believes they would be a good fit for the school.
Among other benefits, Brosnon said the hiring committee could help encourage candidates of color to join the district by introducing them to a diverse panel of local school officials, as opposed to meeting with a single principal who may not represent the makeup of school staff.
“The committee that was proposed here in terms of hiring and selection was so that outside applicants who hadn’t necessarily trained with us will walk into an interview and see a diverse panel with people in multiple roles and representing multiple communities,” Brosnon said.
The group of district staff members that developed the proposal — a committee that includes five administrators, four teachers and a couple of central office officials — was formed by the previous human resources director. Under Connecticut law, school district’s must submit staff diversity plans to the state.
In addition to changing the approach to hiring, Brosnon said the proposal would also introduce new opportunities for paraprofessionals who support educators in the classroom to earn a teaching certificate, as well as pathways for teachers to climb the ranks to an administrative position.
“We’ve got some really good paraprofessionals who are interested in entering the teaching profession that we can help along that way,” Brosnon said, noting the district’s staff of paraprofessionals is more diverse than the teaching staff.
At the meeting, Board Chairperson Christine Baptiste-Perez asked Brosnon about the district’s relationship with the nation’s historically black colleges and universities, which are largely located in the South.
Brosnon said the school system has reached out to virtually every HBCU on the eastern seaboard, but noted recruitment can be difficult across state lines because each state sets different standards for obtaining a teaching certification.
“We have engaged with several (HBCUs) but realistically we don’t have a great package to offer applications in terms of bringing in certified teachers,” Brosnon said.
Brosnon said the district hopes to narrow the diversity gap between staff and students by continuing ongoing recruitment efforts, including partnerships with the University of Connecticut, the University of Bridgeport and Sacred Heart University to prepare students for teaching positions.
For example, a teacher residency program at Sacred Heart, which launched in 2020, prepares candidates for a full-time job by matching them with veteran educators for a school year. Participants must commit to working in the district for at least three years after graduating.
“The model is designed after what you might think of as a medical model, where a resident is paired with a mentor for a full year and they co-teach alongside that mentor,” Rene Roselle, the director of Sacred Heart’s residency program, said.
Roselle said the program, which expanded to Stamford this year, aims to lower the barriers to becoming a teacher by providing candidates with modest living stipends during their yearlong residency.
She noted the school system also covers the cost of 30 credits of graduate level tuition, and that candidates take Sacred Heart courses during the evening. Classroom mentors are also provided additional training.
“It's really hard to be a teacher and we recognize that,” Roselle said, adding that at least 20 percent of candidates recruited for the program each year are people of color.
The university was recently awarded a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help fund the program through 2029. Roselle said she hopes to use the funds over the next five years to focus on teacher shortages in specific subject areas, including math, science and special education.
“Principals tell us that when they receive a resident as a first-year teacher, they are more like third-year teachers,” Roselle said. “Our candidates are better prepared and they're going to stay in the field longer because of it.”
The board committee, which Baptiste-Perez also chairs, voted to advance the teacher diversity plan to the full board.
Oct 28, 2024
Reporter
Richard Chumney is a reporter for the Connecticut Post, covering the Bridgeport Board of Education and the town of Stratford. He previously covered the city of Norwalk for The Norwalk Hour and the city of Lynchburg, Virginia for the News & Advance.
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