OPUS is an organization dedicated to supporting Person-to-Person in their mission to provide more than 24,000 people in our community with food, clothing, emergency assistance and scholarship programs. We do so through fundraising, volunteering and generating awareness of these programs and initiatives.

We were founded on Valentine’s Day in 1996, when a group of women envisioned how they could pool their time, talent and commitment in helping families in need. As Katherine Michele, co-founder and first president of OPUS, explains:

“Our hope was to bring an entirely new audience, full of energy, creativity, professionalism, and a new perspective to Person-to-Person.”

Since then, hundreds have joined us, logging countless hours volunteering and fundraising to help Person-to-Person in its mission. In the process, we have created lasting friendships and proven that women united in a shared goal is a pretty powerful thing.

We want to thank you for your continued volunteerism, generosity, and friendship!

This past year we were able to provide food, clothing, and financial assistance to 24,873 people in Lower Fairfield County. This was made possible by sharing your time, talents, and commitment to helping families in need.

Your involvement with OPUS is more impactful this year than ever.  Demand for food assistance has spiked over 60% since before the coronavirus pandemic began, and Person-to-Person has provided almost twice as much food as they did at this time last year.  Over a third of those seeking food assistance and 40% of those seeking financial assistance had never asked Person-to-Person for help before.

As we approach OPUS’s 25th Anniversary in February 2021, we hope you will continue to get involved and join us in helping Person-to-Person serve our community.  We invite you to join us through volunteer opportunities, attending member events, and our annual fundraisers and benefits.

Our main goals this year are to:
1. Make OPUS members more aware of, and engaged with, P2P’s mission to create educated, financially stable, and hunger-free homes for all.
2. Balance our call to action for fundraising efforts with volunteer opportunities, ensuring our OPUS members know all the ways they can get involved and support our mission.

This year, in the face of COVID, will certainly be different than years prior.  We know that your different perspectives, experiences, and new ideas will help us rise to the challenge and do great things!

We look forward to a productive year ahead while making lasting friendships with this amazing network of women!

Cristina Paolazzi, Meghan Thornton, and Sarah Vrabac