The Olive Branch: A Sanctuary of Support for Families in Need

In the bustling city of Glastonbury, a community hub known as The Olive Branch is offering a life-changingexperience for families in need. This unique space, operated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), isproviding hundreds of children with the essential school supplies they require to start the academic year on apositive note.

Empowering the Next Generation, One Backpack at a Time

A Transformative Shopping Experience

As the new school year approaches, the atmosphere inside The Olive Branch is filled with excitement and anticipation.Teenagers, along with the youngest of shoppers, are carefully selecting free backpacks, notebooks, rulers, crayons,and other essential items they need to succeed in the classroom. For Ashley May Williams, a mother of four from Bethel,this opportunity has been a godsend. "It feels like I won the lottery here," she exclaims, reflecting on thesignificant financial burden that back-to-school shopping can place on families.

A Sanctuary of Giving

The Olive Branch is more than just a source of free school supplies; it's a sanctuary of support and empowerment."Believe In Yourself," reads a sign hanging on the wall, a powerful message that resonates with the families whovisit. Jacqueline Ford, the DCF Community Outreach Coordinator, has been the driving force behind this initiative,which started as a pop-up shop in 2020 and has now found a permanent home. "The kids are just shopping and lookingthrough everything, and they're so excited. So the energy here is so positive," she shares.

Bridging the Gap for Families in Need

For parents like Williams, who are equipping their children for the academic year, the impact of The Olive Branchis immeasurable. "Especially with four kids, it's hundreds of dollars, it's very expensive," she says. "You wantto give them a good start at the beginning of the year, it's important. So to be able to come here, grab the thingsthat they need, you can't ask for more."

A Lifeline for DCF Families

The Olive Branch is not just a back-to-school shopping destination; it's a lifeline for families with active DCFcases. Ashley Soler, a DCF social worker, was spotted in the store, picking up backpacks for the children on hercaseload. For Deborah Franklin, a mother from Norwich with twin girls, the experience at The Olive Branch wasabout more than just getting school supplies. "They picked up their own backpacks, which they were excited to do,because they're big girls," she shares, emphasizing the sense of empowerment and independence that the programinstills in the young shoppers.

A Beacon of Hope and Resilience

The Olive Branch is not only a practical resource for families in need but also a symbol of hope and resilience.As Deborah Franklin reflects on her own journey, she recognizes the transformative power of the support she hasreceived. "My case is coming to a close, and I'm kind of sad about it," she says. "I did the work, but they werein my corner. They were my biggest cheerleaders." The Olive Branch's mission to empower families goes beyondjust providing school supplies; it's about instilling a belief that no matter how far one has fallen, they canalways get back up.