Janet G. Bailey Recognized as ‘Woman of the Year’ at Girl Within Luncheon

December 14, 2011 – The Shelter for Women, a subsidiary of the Village for Families & Children, hosted the 11th annual “Girl Within Luncheon” at the Hartford Marriott downtown. The luncheon was a festive occasion; choir music, song by young girls from the Hartford Children’s Theater Musical Cabaret, filled the rooms song and holiday lights glimmered as the 400 guests gathered together in celebration of women. The events program hostess was Joelle Murchison Hayes, VP of Diversity from the Travelers. Joette Katz, the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Children & Families gave the keynote address and Sallie Norris, the Shelter for Women Advisory Council Chair, challenged guests to match her $10,000 gift – which was exceeded. Over $90,000 dollars was raised for the event, which will provide needed funds to sustain the many programs for young girls and families at the historic Gray Lodge facility.

 Another highlight of the program was Cheryl Kozak, SFW Advisory Committee Member honoring Janet G. Bailey for ‘Woman of the Year’. Bailey and her husband, Sam for many years identified young women who are academically bright and whose parents did not have the financial resources to provide them academic opportunities to excel. Their generous support of six young women from Hartford has been rewarding for Ms. Bailey and the young women; all of whom have excelled and moved on to post secondary education. Three of the young women were present to support Bailey for her award.

 The six young women have become part of the Bailey family. Together, they celebrate holidays and birthdays and when possible bring their family members along. “Janet has created a true connection for each one of her “girls”… she lets them be “The Girl Within”, said Gilda Roncari, co-host of the event and long-time friend. Today, in addition to mentoring and caring for the young women, Bailey continues to educate; working with area schools and other individuals on this endeavor so more young women can be given an opportunity to shine.

 The Village for Families & Children, Inc. has been serving children and families in the greater Harford region since 1809.  A preeminent not-for-profit mental health/human services agency in the State of Connecticut, the Village continues its commitment to building a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children.  The agency’s services are comprised of three core areas: Placement and Permanency (adoption, foster care and family preservation), Children’s Behavioral Health Treatment, and Family and Community Support Programs.  For more information about the Village, please visit www.villageforchildren.org.