Congressman John B. Larson, D-1^st District, who secured federal funds so Klingberg could expand its regional programming and services, took  part.”We want to be in Hartford because a lot of people we serve live there and are in tough situations and tough neighborhoods,” Burton said. “These are families who having difficulties managing their children. We help them access the resources so they can stay together as a family.”

Klingberg receives funding from the state Department of Children and Families for its community programming. In addition to housing field teams, the Charter Oak office offers an outpatient clinic, a visitation center for families with children in foster care, a life-skills program for children in foster care to prepare them for independent living. Also, a portion of the building is used as a training facility for counselors involved in treating physically and emotionally abused children.

published by Hartford Business Journal

Rosemarie Burton

NEW BRITAIN — Klingberg Family Centers President Rosemarie A. Burton has publicly announced plans to retire in the fall of this year. Burton has served at the helm of the New Britain/Hartford-based multi-service nonprofit since 1993.

During her tenure, Burton established Klingberg Family Centers as a leading nonprofit in the Northeast, offering a comprehensive range of programs for youngsters and families facing a variety of behavioral health issues. Under her leadership, the agency has greatly expanded their services from three to nearly 20 programs serving more than 2,500 people across Connecticut on an annual basis

She also saw two major building projects to completion with the opening of the Tilcon Recreation Center and the construction of Raymond Hill School, one of the most creative special education schools in the country.

Burton’s involvement with child welfare agencies across the country has broadly impacted services on a national level, as well. She has served on the board of numerous national associations and has represented the needs of children and families to legislators in Washington, D.C.

And yet, it is the individual attention she gladly gives to the children at Klingberg Family Centers that has earned her the respect she treasures most.

Attorney Beverly Johns, chair of the Board of Trustees said, “Rosemarie Burton has made it her business to create a workplace where employees are valued and encouraged to excel. First and foremost, Rosemarie’s genuine concern is always for the children. She wants them to know we care for them and will do all we can to instill hope for a better future.”

Burton and her husband, Tony, plan to relocate to North Carolina to be near family and their twin granddaughters.

Her next venture is the development of “By Your Side Coaching and Consulting,” which focuses on providing leadership development, executive coaching, team effectiveness and succession planning services to organizations nationwide.

Whether you are fascinated by some of the very first automobiles ever made (especially right here in Connecticut), or get a charge looking over a mint condition, red hot 1954 Corvette, you’ve come to the right place. Klingberg Family Centers’ 18^th Annual Vintage Motorcar Festival was like wandering into a giant museum filled with exquisite examples of nearly every automobile manufactured between 1898 and 1972 – but oh, so much more fun!!

Our “museum” was set in the outdoors on a 40-acre hilltop with panoramic views. And you couldn’t find any signs telling you to “Hush!” We encouraged everyone who attended to ooohh! and aaahhh! and say things like “Wow!” and “Cool!!”—actually, they couldn’t help themselves.

The introduction of a Concours d’Elegance to our vintage and classic car show added a distinctive dimension to what many consider an already fabulous event. Truly antique (more than 100 years old) and rarely seen examples of both American and European automotive history were exhibited on the Lou Biondi Concours d’ Elegance Field along with more than 100 automobile from the pre-World War II era. A great selection of muscle cars, street rods and vehicles from the late 40s, as well as the 50s and 60s were on display across the rest of the campus.

Even if you don’t know a Bugatti from a Buick, you can’t beat the beautiful setting, the ballroom dancers, the yummy food, kids’ activities and a chance to bee-bop to great oldies music. It’s pretty irresistible. And did we mention the weather? Hot, sunny, and with just enough breeze to make enjoying a specially bottled, old-time, cold Avery’s soda taste unforgettable.

So what brings all of these exquisite cars, and folks from every generation together in this festive atmosphere?  The opportunity to help hurting children. Yes, we do our best to create a really memorable vintage motorcar festival once a year. But, each and every day, our mission is to extend help and healing to children and families across Connecticut. Thanks to the more than 100 businesses and corporations who sponsor this fund raising event and the hundreds of car owners who proudly display their vehicles, the show brings in much needed dollars to help pay for our programs. We are deeply grateful to everyone for their support of this important event.

Click here to view the 2009 Annual Report (PDF)

Mayor Timothy Stewart presented Klingberg Family Centers with the Alliance Special Recognition of a Non-arts Organization Award for outstanding contribution to the arts. Stewart said Klingberg is well known in the community for its exceptional work with troubled youth, though the extent to which it promotes artistic activities among its students is not so well appreciated.

“Many Klingberg children come from deprived circumstances,” Stewart said. “Many have suffered frightening abuse [from] those who were supposed to take care of them. The arts allow these children to experience their own goodness, creativity, uniqueness and feel good about who they are and what they can do.”

Bill Millerick, president of the New Britain Chamber of Commerce, presented the Arts Organization of 2010 Award to the New Britain Museum of American Art. Millerick referenced how the museum was both “visionary and practical. It was visionary of the New Britain industrialists of 1903 to think that New Britain needed an art museum, but they were also very practical by deciding to focus on American art.”

Millerick said today the museum as one of the most comprehensive collections of American art. Its new building has attracted attention to the institution and its activities.

“With over 4,000 members, over 600 volunteers, and an annual operating budget approaching $3 million, the New Britain Museum of American Art contributes significantly to the local economy,” he said. “Even more, the museum contributes to the perception of our area as a positive place where people want to live, work and recreate.”

Stephen Hard, Alliance executive director, presented the 2010 Individual Contribution to the Arts award to Don Courtemanche. Currently downtown district director in Springfield, Mass., Courtemanche served in the same capacity here for nearly a decade.

“Courtemanche had a hand in virtually everything positive that is transforming our city,” said Hard.

Hard added that Courtemanche had opened the Downtown Visitors Center and a few years later turned the conference room into the Downtown Gallery. He praised Courtemanche’s interest in the artist housing project and how he stuck with it through 10 years of problems.

“When construction of the housing units was finally completed, marketing of the units to artists was stalled,” Hard said. “Don filled the units with artists in two months.”

The Public Servant of the Year Award went to John Cusano, community development coordinator with the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Since Cusano was unable to attend the ceremony Karen Senich, executive director of the commission, accepted for him.

Maura O’Shea, president of the Alliance and deputy director of the Museum of American Art, made the presentation. She said Cusano had “changed the cultural landscape in Connecticut. He established a Peer Advisor Network as a low-cost consulting service for arts organizations that remains the only decentralized program in the nation and has successfully increased the delivery of consulting support to arts organizations in Connecticut by over 600 percent.”

To loud applause and cheers, Anne Pilla, Trinity-on-Main’s executive director, announced Joan Morgan as the Unsung Hero for 2010.

“Everyone knows Joan,” said Pilla.

Pilla said Morgan doesn’t simply attend things but supports multiple organizations in multiple ways. “Joan does not get a lot of recognition because she focuses on the small stuff,” Pilla said. “She does a lot of little things for a lot of organizations rather than a few big gestures.”

Drama teacher Sarah Focarile brought Jackie to a New York City audition for a week-long summer theatre camp that culminates in performances of Disney’s Camp Rock. Junior.  The auditions were packed with 1,000 eager and talented kids.  Although nervous, Jackie rose to the occasion, gave a great audition and was offered a spot in the show.  Moreover, she received a personal commendation from the director—and she was one of just 25 participants to receive a camp scholarship. 

It took much more than hard work and talent for Jackie to get this far.  It took community support like yours and a support system of teachers, staff and therapists who rally around each child to bring out their best. We hope you will be here for Into the Woods Junior on May 13 and 14 at the Raymond Hill School Theatre to see Jackie take the stage where her budding career began.

What do you get when you cross The Brothers Grimm with composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim? The answer:  A rollicking combination of classic fairy tales and Broadway tunes gone slightly awry. Into The Woods Junior will reintroduce you to childhood characters that we all know and loved and converge them in a musical misadventure.

In addition to this funny and inspiring musical production, we will also feature a display of original artwork produced by the students of Raymond Hill School which we are calling Out of the Shadows.  This exhibition will give you a window into the imaginative world of children.

Thursday, May 13 and Friday, May 14, 2010
Gallery opens at 5:00 p.m. with Preshow Reception on Thursday only
Musical begins at 6:00 p.m.
Desserts served after both performances at our cast party.

Raymond Hill School
Klingberg Family Centers
370 Linwood Street
New Britain, Connecticut

Admission is free. R.S.V.P. to reserve your seat by emailing
julieannt @klingberg.org or calling (860) 832-5524 by May 12.

Wondering why it might be important for you to be there?

Your presence alone speaks volumes to these children!  Imagine if you produced artwork or rehearsed for a show, then stepped onto the stage or into the gallery only to realize you have nobody, no family, who came to cheer for you and congratulate you on your achievements.  That describes the situation for many of the kids at Klingberg.  By volunteering your time as an enthusiastic audience member and joining us for this special night, you’re truly giving them a very precious gift.  Please make every effort to join us.

We agree that the partnership between Klingberg and Avery’s is a great match!  Both organizations are all about children and families, Rev John Klingberg founded the Klingberg Children’s Home in 1903, Sherman F. Avery began making soda in the red barn on Corbin Avenue in the summer of 1904, and both organizations have left an indelible mark on the city of New Britain.  

Since purchasing Avery’s Beverages in 1999, Rob has used creative marketing and an instinct for retailing, to grow the company locally, nationally and even internationally.  In addition to Avery’s classic sodas [Birch Beer, Cream, Root Beer, Orange and Grape are top sellers] Rob, with the help of visiting students from local schools, introduced such new flavors as Swamp Juice, Bug Barf and Dog Drool soda!  Not surprisingly, these ‘Totally Gross Sodas’ are especially popular among Avery’s younger customers!  Rob has also produced ‘designer’ sodas such as Barakoberry and John McCream, which drew worldwide attention during the 2008 presidential election race.   

Just as Avery’s Beverages stands out from most other soda makers, the KVMF stands out from most other auto shows!  The event includes 450-500 vintage and collectible show-cars spread out over the sprawling 40-acre Klingberg Family Centers campus.  In addition to the incredible automobiles, this nostalgic ‘trip down memory lane’ includes old-time music, ragtime dancers, vintage clothing vendors, spectators and car owners dressed in period-costumes, vintage games and activities for kids, as well as homemade foods reminiscent of a giant backyard cookout. This year’s show will feature a collection of rarely seen autos: motorcars manufactured right here in Connecticut at the close of the 19^th century and the early years of the 20^th century.    

The Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival is expected to draw over 5000 spectators to Klingberg Family Centers’ main campus on Linwood Street in New Britain.  The show is scheduled for Saturday, June 19, from 10am-4pm.  Please visit www.klingbergautoshow for more information.

Tell us about your new job with Klingberg…What has been your career path with Klingberg?

I am currently the Recruitment Specialist for Klingberg Family Centers Therapeutic Foster Care & Adoption.  My job is very exciting.  It allows me to be active in the community by raising awareness about the need for therapeutic foster/ adoptive homes.  It also allows me to promote Klingberg’s outstanding Therapeutic Foster Care and Adoption program and recruit foster/ adoptive families for the thousands of adolescents in Connecticut looking for a permanent home.

I began working at Klingberg several years ago on the Senior Boys Unit.  I found my work to be challenging yet extremely rewarding.  I learned so much from my co-workers and clients.  My work on the Boys Unit helped to build my confidence, understanding of trauma, self-awareness, and how crucial it is to work as a team. After a couple of years, I transitioned to Assistant Supervisor of the Safe Home.  This was very different than working with adolescent boys since the population varied (girls, boys, adolescents, little kids).  It was a hard job but I enjoyed how busy and exciting it always was.  We were always on the go!  About three years ago, I moved to the Therapeutic Foster Care and Adoption at Klingberg.  The transition was amazing because instead of directly working with the children in treatment, I was now helping them to begin a new chapter in their lives.  I was now attending meetings about placements, giving suggestions/ recommendations about care, and building connections with foster children and foster families.  It’s also been helpful to be able to draw on my residential and Safe Home experience when communicating with prospective foster children transitioning out of treatment or building relationships with foster families.

What should someone do if they are interested in foster care or adoption? 

If someone is interested in foster care and adoption, contact me at (860) 832-5536.  I’m more than happy to talk about the kids, our services, the process, and answer any questions the individual/ family may have. 

Can you share a special memory about your work with the Klingberg Kids?

When I was a CDS on the Senior Boys Unit, I was a team mate to an adolescent boy who barely spoke to me.  He was very guarded and tough.  I tried to connect with him frequently through talking, joking around, and activities he enjoyed but it never worked.  I think that within a year of him being on the unit, we maybe had a handful of two-way conversations. Eventually he transitioned out of our program.  A few years later I was grocery shopping and as I’m putting groceries into my trunk I hear, “Hey Team mate!”.  I turned around and there he was- all grown up!  He walked over and said hello.  He told me he was working part-time and transitioning to independent living.  He was smiling and engaging. We only spoke for five minutes but it was a great conversation.  I was happy that he stopped to say hello to me and that he was doing well. 

What have you learned about what it takes to be a good parent for Klingberg Kids? 

I’ve learned that good parenting for Klingberg Kids comes down to patience, a great sense of humor, support, an understanding of trauma/ loss, genuine passion for helping children, and commitment.

Also, good parents come in many forms.  Our program honors and embraces all families—including empty nesters, single parents.

What makes you come to work every day to do this difficult work?

I continue to do this work even though it can be difficult at times.  There are thousands of children who need homes in Connecticut; many of them are adolescent youth. 

How do you recruit parents?  What type of opportunities are you looking for to meet potential parents? 

I recruit potential foster and adoptive parents by visiting, attending, or speaking at any event or activity where people are interested in learning about foster care and adoption.  If someone is a member of a faith-based organization, club, council, or team and believes members would be interested in learning about foster care and adoption, call me and I’ll be there!  If you are interested and would like a more one to one setting, just give me a call and we’ll meet for a cup of coffee. 

What is the best way to reach you?

Mariana C. DaCruz
Therapeutic Foster Care and Adoption Recruiter
Klingberg Family Centers Specialized Foster Care & Adoption
370 Linwood Street
New Britain, CT 06052
(860) 832-5536
Fax # (860) 826-1238
marianad@klingberg.org

Recently, a call came in from Food Bag in Meriden suggesting we come down to the store right away, to empty one of the boxes.  The reason: the box contained a one hundred dollar bill . . . by far the largest individual donation ever given over the past two years, through any of our 12 boxes.  

Through our questioning the Food Bag employees, we discovered Jerry Baranowski, an independent contractor who delivers snack food products to the store, was the generous donor.  Not looking for recognition of any kind, he made the quiet contribution.  “Sometimes you have to thank God for things” was Jerry’s reply when asked what motivated him to give the $100.  He went on to say that sharing his financial blessings is “something my wife taught me.  She told me not to be afraid, and to donate to good organizations, because we have so much.”  Jerry also credited the crew at Food Bag, who he said “are very easy to work with.  If they weren’t, we probably wouldn’t be talking about any donations that I made at their store.”  From everyone at Klingberg Family Centers, we send an enthusiastic “Thank You Very Much” to Jerry Baranowski!  We are truly grateful and will not soon forget your generosity!