Always Home is excited to announce the addition of three new members to its volunteer Board of Directors: Rev. Christa Swenson, Pantea Umrysz and Natalie Webb. Elected at the October Annual Board meeting, each woman brings unique experience and a deep understanding of the community, along with genuine commitment for Always Home’s mission, Preventing Family Homelessness.

Rev. Christa Swenson is Senior Pastor of Mystic Congregational Church, an open and affirming congregation she has led since 2016. In both her work and personal life, Christa is dedicated to promoting justice and fostering a community where everyone feels valued.

Pantea Umrysz is co-owner of East Coast Pro Painting LLC, a member of the Groton Economic Development Commission and serves as a mentor for students of the Groton Public School system. As a Groton resident and small business owner, Pantea is committed to contributing to the region’s growth and prosperity, believing that “every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to our collective vision of a vibrant and thriving community.”’

Natalie Webb is a licensed, registered dietitian nutritionist, President of the Nutrition Network, the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions at the University of Hartford and a Consulting Registered Dietitian for the be well^™ with Big Y^® program, covering the Connecticut region. She is particularly sensitive to the needs of others in her role as Regional Leader for New London County for Lasagna Love, a nationwide initiative to “feed families, spread kindness, strengthen communities.” 

“All these women are united by a shared passion to give back to the community,” shared Tricia Cunningham, Always Home’s Executive Director. “They not only uplift those around them, through their actions and example, they inspire others to make a difference. At a time when our region’s housing affordability crisis is affecting low-income families and the communities in which they live and work, we are truly fortunate to have Christa, Pantea and Natalie join Always Home’s Board.”

Stepping down from the Board is former President, Annmarie Seifert, Ph.D. (Campus Dean and Chief Administrative Officer of UConn Avery Point) and former Secretary, Rev. Adam Thomas (Rector, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Mystic). “Annemarie and Adam’s many years of service have left a lasting impact on the organization,” said Cunningham. “Their contributions have not only shaped the success we see today but have also helped create a robust and inspiring strategic direction to lead us forward.” Filling the Board officer positions are current members Rev. Lonnie Brown (Senior Minister, Union Baptist Church, Mystic) as President; Ali Dunigan as Vice President; Robert Sampson as Treasurer; and Crystal Sides (Senior Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, Dime Bank) as 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 2-1-1/Eastern Coordinated Access Network (ECAN). In Fiscal Year 2024, Always Home served 458 families in housing crisis (1,515 family members including 935 minor children).