BNT 2024 Annual Benefit Celebrates Building Financial Futures

Milford, CT – November 8, 2024 – Most young people’s first goal after graduating college is finding their first job. For young adults, homeownership seems out of reach at this stage of their lives. But Jasmin Guevara, at the age of twenty-two, saw the dream of homeownership become a reality, thanks to the support and guidance she received from Building Neighborhoods Together (BNT).

Guevara’s inspirational story was shared at the recent Annual Benefit, “Building Financial Futures,” held at the Great River Golf Club in Milford, CT, to support the Bridgeport-based nonprofit, a HUD-certified housing counseling agency.

Guevara, who works for Durango Insurance & Financial Services, thanked Beverly Hoppie, Director of Education at BNT, for her knowledge and wisdom, saying, “Beverly didn’t just teach me about home buying. She helped me believe that long-held dreams could truly become reality. BNT empowered me to face an unforgivable market with confidence, to know that I could take this step even at my young age.”

Guevara added, “The path to homeownership starts with small steps. Becoming a homeowner was more than just owning a property; it was the start of a bright future.”

Terry Floyd, BNT’s Board President, introduced Doris Latorre, Chief Executive Officer of BNT. Latorre said, “I am honored to stand before you tonight as we reflect on BNT’s extraordinary year. This is a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to our work.”

Latorre shared a remarkable milestone for the organization: Earlier this year, BNT was the sole Connecticut recipient of the prestigious Citi Foundation $1 Million Progress Makers award. Larissa Longchamp, Northeast Community Relations Market Manager at Citi, complimented BNT’s commitment to serving low- to moderate-income communities in Connecticut. “We are excited to support BNT’s work in providing affordable housing and delivering financial education and housing counseling statewide.”

Attention turned to a video that highlighted other achievements for BNT throughout 2024, such as serving over 2,300 individuals and families, helping 170 families buy their first home, starting a new financial coaching program, piloting a youth financial literacy program, and being selected for the only Connecticut awardee of the 2025 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards, and more. You can watch the video below.

Doris expressed gratitude to all of the staff at BNT for “going above and beyond to exceed our program goals. They demonstrate extraordinary dedication, innovation, and passion for the work that we do.”

Floyd presented the awards for the night.

Ken Weinstein, Chief Executive Officer of Newtown Savings Bank, was presented with the Community Impact Award.

Christie Stewart, Senior Advisor, The Housing Collective, was recognized with the Housing Leadership Award.

Carol Heller, Senior Vice President, Bank of America, was honored with the Board Service Award.

Senator Richard Blumenthal also made an appearance, encouraging BNT to continue its work to fight the housing shortage in Connecticut, saying, “Never doubt that you are making such a transformative difference.”

A new aspect of this year’s event was a silent auction, which included items such as season tickets to the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, a 2-3 night stay at a beautiful getaway, a VIP suite for the Bridgeport Islanders and Belleville Senators game in late November, and more.

The event also recognized sponsors, which included Gold Sponsors, Elizabeth & Joseph Massoud Family Foundation, JP Morgan Chase & Co, M&T Bank, Newtown Savings Bank and The Ways Solutions; Silver Sponsors, Bank of America, Bankwell, Fairfield County Bank, The Housing Collective, Ives Bank, TD Bank, and Webster Bank; and Bronze Sponsors Avangrid, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, First County Bank, and Liberty Bank.

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