SHU Partnership with Family Centers Helps Community

Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences while meeting the needs of a community

Sacred Heart University and Family Centers (FC) have entered an agreement that will help meet the workforce development needs of the community and provide educational opportunities in placement, internship and academic work.

FC is a nonprofit organization that offers quality health, education and human service programs to residents in Stamford, Greenwich, Darien and New Canaan. It serves more than 26,000 residents per year and its programs include preschool and early care programs for young children, mental health, bereavement and family counseling services, primary medical and dental services, vocational and self-sufficiency support, English language and basic literacy education and more.

Through the collaboration, qualified SHU students will benefit from internship and clinical placements in FC’s community programs. FC staff will mentor, coach and train students. The partnership also provides FC staff with a 20% SHU tuition discount and leadership and workforce development.

On Tuesday, May 27, administrators from SHU and FC formally announced their partnership at a ceremony at SHU’s West Campus.

“This collaboration is a win-win,” said SHU Provost Robin Cautin. The phrase was repeated throughout the ceremony as both SHU and FC believe the collaboration is a good one with ample benefits for each organization. The missions of both organizations are also closely aligned.

“Our missions aligned so naturally it’s less like a partnership and more like next steps in a shared journey,” said Yenny Toone, vice president at FC. She said the partnership gives meaningful opportunities for students who will work alongside seasoned staff. In return, FC staff will be able to enroll in SHU master’s and doctoral programs at a discounted rate and participate in research projects and other professional development at SHU.

“We are thrilled to mentor SHU students, who represent the future of the workforce here in lower Fairfield County," said Louis Josephson, chief executive officer at FC. "By offering internships and clinicals, it is our hope to encourage more students to consider careers in health care or human service programs.”