Sterling House is one the architectural gems of Stratford. The Romanesque-style mansion, registered in the National Registry of Historic Homes and built by architect Bruce Price of New York, was built on Main Street in 1886 by John Sterling, whose family was among Stratford's oldest and richest.
The mansion was donated by the Sterling family to the town of Stratford in 1931 during the Great Depression with the stipulation that it be used as a community center. The property has since been held in trust by the town. In addition to its unique architectural features, the grounds at Sterling House were designed by the famed New York City Central Park landscape designer Frederick Law Olmstead.
Today, a variety of community services are offered at Sterling House, including programs for youths and adults, recreational activities, a child development center and a summer youth program. Sterling House also has a food bank.
Sterling House derives its funding from several sources, including contributions, fundraising and special events (35%), fees and dues (52%), support from the town of Stratford (11%) and rental/other (2%).
The Connecticut Women's Consortium is an independent nonprofit organization located on the fourth floor of Corporate Plaza 2. The mission of the Consortium is to help women deal with community, academic and health-care issues, including mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence. The Consortium does not provide direct assistance but rather offers help through education and training.
The Alzheimer's Association provides services for both those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and family members who often are the caretakers. There are four Alzheimer's Association chapters of the national organization in Connecticut aside from the Hamden office: in Rocky Hill, Norwich, Norwalk and New Milford.
The chapter offers telephone support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It also offers training programs for caregivers, as well as support and educational programs.
The association also is active in raising money for research into finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease, which is its ultimate goal.
Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence is an assisted-living facility in Greenwich. The facility offers residents a variety of recreational activities and private rooms complete with cable television. Parsonage Cottage features a recreation room, a beauty salon and a wellness center. Health services offered include medication management, blood pressure monitoring, regular meetings with nurses and social workers and exercise classes focusing on holistic health.
