Education Luncheon: The Power of Volunteers in Nonprofit Success
Unlocking Impact: The Power of Volunteers in Nonprofit Success
Join us for an engaging luncheon exploring the vital role of volunteers in nonprofit organizations. From board members to program facilitators, volunteers are the backbone of mission-driven work, bringing passion, expertise, and hands-on support to organizations striving to make a difference. This discussion will highlight best practices in volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement, as well as the profound impact volunteers have on communities. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a dedicated volunteer, or someone looking to get involved, this event will provide valuable insights and connections to strengthen the spirit of service.
REGISTER HERE
Our Panelists:
Carla Miklos – Executive Director, Operation Hope of Fairfield, Inc.
Carla Miklos is the Executive Director of Operation Hope of Fairfield, Inc. An advocate for affordable housing, homeless prevention, and economic opportunity for over two decades, she joined OH in 2007. Carla has an extensive background in finance, banking and corporate real estate, but her desire to use her skills to help her community led her to work in homeless prevention and economic empowerment. As the former Director of Family Assets, at Lifebridge, Inc. (previously Family Services Woodfield/FSW in Bridgeport, CT) she helped develop a homeless prevention loan fund, a microenterprise initiative, Individual Development Account (IDA) programs for youth and adults, and other efforts to provide community residents with education, support and asset building opportunities. Carla was instrumental in creating a US Treasury designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), focused on providing access to savings, credit, capital and financial education to underserved populations.
Since joining OH, Carla refined and redesign its programs and services to meet the ongoing challenges of ending hunger and homelessness. Programs include a community kitchen, food pantry, permanent supportive housing, affordable housing, rapid rehousing, housing first, homeless prevention, and a clinical support team. She has been active in local and state efforts, including serving on the boards of The Housing Collective, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH), the Partnership for Strong Communities’ Reaching Home Campaign Steering Committee, Bridgeport Housing First, Opening Doors Fairfield County (ODFC) – the county’s Continuum of Care, and the Fairfield County CAN.
Carla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from the University of Bridgeport, as well as a Master’s degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University. She is currently working towards earning a Mindfulness Facilitator Certification through Copper Beach Institute in West Hartford.
Fiona Wilkes – Director of Development, Mercy Learning Center
Fiona Wilkes is the Director of Development at Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, a women’s education center that provides free literacy and life skills education to low-income women in the greater Bridgeport area using a holistic approach within a compassionate, supportive environment. Prior to joining MLC in May of 2024, Fiona spent the last decade working in Development and Communications for various non-profits in Fairfield and Westchester Counties, most recently at Liberation Programs. At MLC, Fiona manages an over $3M budget by managing all individual donors, private foundation giving, and fundraising events. She is also responsible for managing in kind donations to stock MLC’s food and diaper pantry as well as providing essential personal care supplies for its students. Mercy Learning Center relies heavily on volunteers with many small group classes being taught by regular, highly trained volunteer tutors. In this role, and in past positions, Fiona is seasoned in recruiting and managing all aspects of the volunteer process.
Fiona holds a bachelors degree from Susquehanna University, an MBA from Washington State University, and is a volunteer Crisis Counselor with the CrisisTextLine.
Thank you to Our Sponsor:
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Details
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
11:30 AM Registration and Networking
12:00-1:30 PM Lunch and Program
Location: Westport Library, Komansky Room, 20 Jesup Rd, Westport, CT 06880
Luncheon Fee
AFP MEMBERS – $30
*GUEST of AFP Member & FUTURE MEMBERS – $35
A BENEFIT for all AFP-Fairfield County Chapter Members! We encourage you to invite a prospective member to an AFP educational program at a special rate of $50.
*Reservations can be made online by the guest, but the Member must attend the event. Walk-in guests will not qualify for special rate. Guests may only receive a special guest rate one time.
REGISTER HERE
Thank you to Our 2025 Education Series Sponsor:
