On Thursday, October 15, 2026, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven welcomed staff, board members, community partners, supporters, and neighborhood stakeholders to the Canal Dock Boathouse for its 47th Annual Impact Celebration. The evening marked nearly five decades of work to strengthen New Haven neighborhoods. The celebration brought together the people who make NHS’s work possible and highlighted the impact of creating opportunities for residents to build stability and a future in their communities.
Reflecting on Our Mission and Impact
Oliver Gaffney, President of NHS’s Board of Directors, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of everyone in the room as stakeholders and members of the community. He also discussed the board’s recent revision of the organization’s mission statement, which reflects its continued commitment to New Haven residents:
“NHS builds vibrant, equitable and resilient communities through affordable housing, sustainable homeownership, and empowerment of local residents.”
Executive Director Jim Paley followed by thanking NHS staff members for their commitment and service, as well as the board for its continued support. He highlighted the word “homeownership,” saying it’s an essential part of the conversation around neighborhood stabilization.
Bridgette Russell, Managing Director of the HomeOwnership Center, shared highlights from the organization’s annual report, offering attendees a closer look at NHS’s work across its programs and services.
The 2026 Annual Report is available here.
Celebrating the Journey to Homeownership
At the heart of NHS’s work are the residents who turn the opportunity for homeownership into a lasting foundation for themselves and their families. This year’s celebration featured two homeowners whose stories reflect the importance of investing in New Haven neighborhoods.
Charisse Mosley Gallishaw, a Winchester Avenue homebuyer, shared her excitement about becoming a homeowner and creating a legacy for her children and grandchildren. After attending last year’s Annual Impact Celebration, she left with a goal of one day being recognized as a homeowner herself. She said, “Next year, that’s going to be me!”
The evening also featured the premiere of Home on Howard, a new video produced by Parker Thibault of Focus Shift Media. The video follows Janice Parker’s journey toward homeownership on Howard Avenue, connecting her personal story with NHS’s work to revitalize neighborhoods.
Janice currently lives directly across the street from the land where NHS built the home she is preparing to purchase. Her story illustrates NHS’s holistic approach to neighborhood revitalization, which combines housing development with opportunities for residents to put down roots in the communities they call home.
Recognizing Our Team and Community Partners
The celebration also included the presentation of NHS’s Employee of the Year award to Becky Skau, recognizing her contributions to the organization and its mission.
Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres provided by ConnCAT’s Orchid Cafe and participated in a raffle featuring a basket valued at more than $400! The basket included a $100 gift certificate from Sweatfluence, dinner for two at Barcelona Wine Bar, a three-month membership to MakeHaven, and a $35 gift card to Edge of the Woods. Franches Garay of LISC was announced as the raffle winner!
The evening concluded with closing remarks and board business led by Oliver Gaffney and Mina Minelli, including the welcoming of three new members to NHS’s Board of Directors:
- Kishore Kapoor – Attorney Seat
- Maria Solomon – City/Public Institution Seat
- David Perry – Lending Institution Seat
Thank You for 47 Years of Community
NHS’s 47th Annual Impact Celebration would not have been possible without the generosity of its sponsors and supporters. We extend our sincere thanks to:
JPMorgan Chase, Webster Bank, KeyBank, Ascend Bank, Yale New Haven Health, North Haven Sewer Company, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Hartford Community Loan Fund, Julie Thalen, Ron Proto, and Bob Caplan.
We are also grateful to our staff, board members, volunteers, community partners, and residents who continue to make our work possible.
For 47 years, NHS of New Haven has worked alongside the community to create affordable housing, expand homeownership opportunities, improve homes, and empower residents to shape their neighborhoods. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building vibrant, equitable, and resilient communities throughout New Haven.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone. We look forward to continuing this work together!
