Always Home Welcomes New Board Members

Always Home is excited to welcome two new members to its volunteer Board of Directors: Danielle Chesebrough, First Selectman for the Town of Stonington, CT; and Carolina Valencia, Community Relations Supervisor for Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

Danielle Chesebrough has served as Stonington’s First Selectman since 2019. Prior to her election, she spent more than eight years with the United Nations, working to help companies and financial markets operate with greater transparency and sustainability. Locally, Danielle has served as a member of Stonington’s Board of Finance and its Economic Development Commission. As her time in office comes to a close this November, she plans to launch her own consulting practice, dedicated to supporting mission-driven organizations.

Carolina Valencia has been with Charter Oak Federal Credit Union for the past six years, building partnerships with community-based, charitable, and non-profit organizations, like Always Home. Previously, she worked in early childhood education, focusing on the needs of children and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.

"Both Danielle and Carolina are committed to giving back to the community and have been involved with Always Home for many years," shared Tricia Cunningham, Always Home’s Executive Director. "With their unique backgrounds and expertise, I'm certain these two outstanding individuals will offer valuable perspectives on the housing challenges that our communities and the wider region are facing."

Departing the Board is Lian Obrey of RE/MAX Legends Waterford and Eric Foster, Esq. of Lindh Foster LL. Though staying on the Board for the remaining year of his term, Rev. Lonnie Brown (Senior Minister, Union Baptist Church, Mystic) is stepping down as President of the Board. The Board and staff extend their heartfelt gratitude to Lian and Eric, whose combined service of 13 years contributed significantly to the success and growth of Always Home. They also are deeply grateful to Lonnie for his dedication and leadership. Ali Dunigan (Executive Director, Association of Northeast Extension Directors (NEED), Lighthouse Consulting) will assume the role of Board President, accompanied by Pantea Umrysz (Co-Owner, East Coast Painting Pro LLC) as the Board Vice President, Bob Sampson (Founder & CEO, RJS Financial Group) as the Board Treasurer, and Crystal Sides (Senior Vice President, Chief Operations & Digital Banking Officer, Dime Bank) as the Board Secretary.

About Always Home

Always Home is a private 501(C)3) non-profit formed in 1998 to address the needs of Eastern Connecticut's homeless and at-risk families. As the region's leading service provider focused exclusively on serving families with minor children, Always Home offers case management support and access to the emergency services families need to establish housing stability. Always Home is also an integral part of Connecticut’s homelessness response system, serving as a designated Family HUB for the 211/Eastern Coordinated Access Network (ECAN). In Fiscal Year 2025, Always Home helped 479 families (1,597 family members including 894 minor children) navigate their housing crisis.