24 Aug Remembering Paula
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our former executive director, Paula Paladino.
Paula dedicated her life to helping others. One of her passions was helping people to understand the daily toll that poverty takes on individuals and families. Bringing the Bridges Out of Poverty framework and workshops to our community truly informed and guided the organization’s approach to service of others. This framework pushes beyond empathy to help further an understanding of the hurdles of poverty while supporting pathways out of poverty.
Throughout her years at Freeport Community Services, Paula’s ability to find and secure grant funding helped to sustain and expand our work here. She was a great supporter of our Thrift Shop, shopping here with her mother before she even came on staff. Paula was also deeply involved in guiding the formation of the Age-Friendly Freeport & Pownal initiative. AFFP, as it is known, officially came under the banner of Freeport Community Services late last year.
May we honor Paula’s memory by deepening our commitment to confronting our own blind spots as we fully engage with all our neighbors. May we likewise grow in understanding, respect, and collaboration, regardless of our differences.
We have planted a white Rose of Sharon in the FCS Hope Garden in remembrance of Paula.