On Monday, “06880” posted a story about a woman hoping to donate school supplies for Westport youngsters.
There’s a simple way to do that. A Department of Human Services program called “Back to School” solicits donations of supplies and gift cards (or cash), then distributes it to families in need. (Click here, then scroll to the end for details.)
It was a heartwarming story, highlighting one direct result of town government on one group of residents.
But that’s just one example of Human Services’ impact.
Human Services director Elaine Daignault oversees a wide array of programs.
They help children with financial hardships all year long, with funds for sports, extracurricular activities and camps; holiday gifts, and clothes for graduations and other ceremonies.
Entire families are helped through emergency financial assistance for food, shelter, utilities and medical expenses. There’s a “Warm Up Fund” for energy bills too.
Older residents are a huge part of Human Services’ portfolio. In addition to overseeing the Senior Center, the department maintains a database for checking in during emergencies like hurricanes.
Another list matches older and disabled residents with young volunteers, who shovel driveways after storms.
Of course, Human Services is more than a “department.” It’s human beings, working with and for other humans.
Mark Mathias thanks the Human Services staff, while nominating them for Unsung Heroes of the Week.
“They are heroes that very few people know about,” he says.
“They see a part of people here in Westport that most residents don’t know even exist. And they treat them with dignity and respect. Hats off to them.”
(To donate to any Human Services program, click here.)
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
To say that Elaine Daignault oversees a wide range of programs is to describe just the tip of the iceberg. Like a true Angel of Mercy, many of her good deeds occur under the radar and go unheralded.
Some may think that she treats everyone she comes into contact with as a friend and neighbor because of her long roots in the community. The truth is that Elaine Daignault navigates through the world with the same equanimity towards all of humanity. And she does so with an ever present smile.
Very well-deserved honor and gratitude for all the wonderful and dedicated people in the Human Services Department, including Elaine Daignault! Thanks for all that you do!
Wonderful information! Many thanks to Elaine Daignault and all the Human Services Department!
Certainly a deserved recognition for Elaine and her department. As a member of the Westport Woman’s Club and co-chair of our Food Closet, I can attest to the fact that Human Services go above and beyond in their quest to meet all the needs of our community.
I thank them for their caring kindness and I second the “Unsung Heroes” award!!
I fully agree with what everyone has said about Elaine you can call her office she will call you back she is Alway there for food drives she help a rtm member on health and human services and and also wehn. I use to work for the town she is Always there for any resident or speak with she no as a town resident Thanks Elaine for all you do
so well deserved. Elaine had been such a positive force at Human Services. She is also super friendly and such a lovely lady.
Hats off to Elaine for it’s been a pleasure coordinating with you several community projects in years past to help those in need. Together with volunteers from Westport Sunrise Rotary and others I look forward to doing more in support of the Westport Department of Human Services in the future. Cheers!
Cheers to Westport Human Services, always there to help you get back on your feet again. Thanks E!
Elaine is a town treasure!! I have learned so much from her while serving on the Human Services Commission and the Commission on People with Disabilities. Elaine works hard to raise awareness, remove barriers, and reduce stigma. She knows how to connect those in need with available services and she does it all with empathy, respect and a generosity of spirit!