Statements of Endorsements 

 

 

A monetary value cannot be placed on the efforts or outcomes of the services that CCOM offers, nonetheless, every now and again letters come in that encourage us and remind us of the far reaching effects of the work being done here. Below you will find snippets from such letters.

 

“For the past decade, Christian Community Outreach Ministry (CCOM) has made important contributions to the homeless and at-risk populations of Danbury via counseling and faith-based supportive services and case management.

 

…We commend the staff of CCOM for their commitment to serve the people of Danbury through their Christian outreach of love and on-going support.”

 

-Bill Beattie, Founder and Executive Chairman of Jericho Partnership, Inc., 2008

 

 

“In times of economic stress and diminishing government support for social services, CCOM provides a vital, cost-efficient service. CCOM is one of the agencies in Danbury that improves the quality of life for everyone in the community and is worthy of your support.”

 

-Alan D. Baker, Chief of Police (Danbury, CT), 2008

 

   “This letter serves to highly endorse the activities and ministry of CCOM in the Danbury area. …I was first introduced to the Reverends Meredith and Wanda Payton and the ministry of CCOM at the Dorothy Day House while serving meals to the homeless. I have known the Paytons for approximately 10 years. I have witnessed the Payton’s tireless sacrifice and ministry to the people they serve. [They] have a heart for the poor and suffering people in our community. They are knowledgeable and experienced in counseling…through their efforts, many people have been helped physically and spiritually. CCOM is a ministry whose very mission is to make a difference and restore people’s broken lives. I now gladly serve on the Board of Directors for CCOM. [CCOM] is a valuable asset to the community.”

 

-Peter A. Scalzo, Attorney at Law (Gager, Emerson, Rickart, Bower & Scalzo, LLP), 2008

 

 

“This faith-based organization has been active for many years serving the neediest in our community, the homeless and those most at risk, through counseling and case management. CCOM recently expanded their services by adding employability training soon also a male transitional living facility.

 

My congratulations and a great “thank you(s)” to the staff of CCOM are for their dedicated service to the people of Danbury founded on their love for Christ and their neighbors. This is a cause worth supporting.”

 

-Hein Enslin, President (Stratcor), 2009

 

 

“As a member of the Board of Directors of Christian Community Outreach Ministries, Inc. I fully support and endorse Christian Community Outreach Ministries. I have seen the phenomenal transformation of lives through their programs and endeavors. The benefit to the individuals and to the community at large is overwhelming!”

 

-Dianne E. Yamin, Attorney at Law (Yamin & Yamin, LLP) 2008

 

 

“I am pleased to endorse the spectacular services provided to the greater Danbury community by the Christian Community Outreach Ministries, Inc. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working alongside Pastors Meredith & Wanda Payton as they’ve built a splendid organization providing services to the disadvantaged population of our community.

 

I heartily endorse the activities of the Christian Community Outreach Ministries and encourage our community to embrace their mission and support the organization.”

 

-Mark D. Boughton, Mayor (Danbury, CT), 2008

 

 

“For the last few years Teen Challenge has developed a relationship with Christian Community Outreach Ministries (CCOM). We have had students come into our program and successfully commence and graduate and go on to continue [to walk in] their calling in their facilities. We have also received some of their clients here at New Haven’s Men’s home.

 

We have developed a…friendship…knowing that both ministries are working together to help individuals to achieve their potential as citizens, fathers, husbands, and [all around] positive assets to society.

 

It is with great honor I encourage [all] to embrace this ministry as we have done for the last 4 years.”

 

-Ivette Mastrobuono, Staff (Teen Challenge New Haven), 2008

 

 

 “I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know how much our friendship means to me, and how proud I am to be associated with Christian Community Outreach Ministries. Service provided by your ministry truly reflects the heart of Jesus.   Loving and serving the needs of people in the greater Danbury community is what you all do so well. As you know faith without works is dead, and all the people of this area need to know the great works you and your group are doing. Thank you for allowing me to contribute in even a small way.”

 

-Randy Trowbridge, MD (Team Rehab), 2008

 

 

“Since 1996 Christian Community Outreach Ministries, Inc. (CCOM) has increasingly served and transformed the lives of those in our community who truly need the helping hands of our good Samaritans.

 

The Reverends Meredith and Wanda Payton have a passion and a calling to help the homeless, the poor and those who suffer from addicted behavior. The Paytons are supported in their ministry by a strong and diverse board of directors from different church denominations, ethnic and racial backgrounds and professions. The Paytons, the Directors and the many volunteers are indeed good and caring people committed to helping others. CCOM is truly a special organization that is changing lives through its compassionate and very effective programs.”

 

-Harold C. Wibling, President, (The Savings Bank of Danbury), 2009

 

  “I am pleased to be able to write this letter of support for the outstanding work being done by the Christian Community Outreach Ministries, Inc. (CCOM) under the leadership of Pastor M. Payton. While I have only recently learned more about the ministry and it vision for transforming the lives of men and women who are struggling with a variety of problems, it is clear to me that the many programs being offered are tremendous opportunities to get help, guidance and direction to create a better future.

 

I am extremely impressed with the singular focus on reaching out to those in need (the homeless, impoverished, single parent families, children, unemployed) by offering many wonderful special programs and creating a residential “home away from home” all managed by a truly caring group of staff and volunteers who give their time and energy to help.

 

At Western Connecticut State University we will begin a series of conversations with CCOM to explore how our students may get involved in the project’s programs since many are interested in careers in social work, nursing, counseling and related fields. There may be opportunities for internships and other cooperative ventures as appropriate”

 

-Walter Bernstein, Ed.D, Vice President for Student Affairs (WCSU) 2009

 

 “Christian Community Outreach Ministries, Inc. and the Pastors Payton have done more for my family than years of tough-love parenting, rehabilitation centers, and hundreds of thousands of dollars.

 

I was never an overly religious person, and when a state employee told me she had exhausted all avenues to help my daughter, and suggested a local Pastor and his Christian Outreach Program, I was skeptical, to say the least. However, having tried everything I knew, I called CCOM and met with the Pastors.

 

They offered me a shoulder to lean on, someone to share my burden with and lot’s of love. They found my missing daughter in 24 hours. They loved and supported her, when I had nothing left in me to give. As my family healed, my eyes opened, and I began to see the wonderful work they were doing, the success stories, the true love and care within the ministry.

 

I began to volunteer, attend church, share my burdens and become a shoulder for others.”

 

-Paula Ralston

 

“I am pleased to write this letter of support for Pastor Meredith Payton and Christian Community Outreach Ministries which has been working with MCCA for the past two years. The organization has been working with clients of our residential services, both the Detoxification and Evaluation Program and McDonough House, on a weekly basis to help meet some the spiritual needs of these residents. Participation of our clients is voluntary and the work of Rev. Payton and his volunteers has been very well received by many of the clients, many of whom continue involvement in the services after completion of treatment a MCCA.”

 

-Joseph J. Sullivan, LCSW, President (MCCA) 2008

 

CCOM was awarded the MCCA 2008 “Community Servant of the Year” Award.

 

  

“I am most pleased to endorse the work of Christian Community Outreach Ministries, Inc. and its life-changing programs serving Danbury and our surrounding communities.

 

CCOM is truly a blessing to our area and greatly needed. Through its excellent leadership and faithful co-workers, truth and love combine to hive practical expression of God’s heart to needy individuals and families. Through Christ-centered programs, CCOM is addressing many pressing issues including homelessness, substance abuse, poverty, employability training and a host of physical, spiritual and emotional needs.”

 

-John MacLean, President (Target Flavors, Inc.) 2008

 

 

“I am writing to endorse Christian Community Outreach Ministries, Inc. as vital organization in the Danbury community. They provide services that are so important, particularly as we see unemployment rates climbing, homelessness increasing, and social services decreasing.

 

WERACE has been involved with CCOM since 2006. Because of their willingness to provide space for adult education classes, WERACE has been able to service 250 ESL students and over 70 students who are taking classes to complete their high school education. This is a significant help to our program. CCOM provides this space free of charge.

 

WERACE has also worked with CCOM to provide services for ESL students who want to learn skills to prepare for better employment opportunities. Through a federal grant, students have increased their English and math literacy skills and are learning computer skill at CCOM’s Career Development Learning Institute (CDLI). Through this collaboration 30 immigrant adult students will be better prepared for the workforce.”

 

-Virginia Mitchell, Director (WERACE) 2009

 

 

 “Thank you for the work you and CCOM are doing to answer God’s call to meet the needs of our brothers in Danbury. CCOM is providing the opportunity to restart lives in a productive kingdom impact[ing] way.

 

I urge all our local churches to join CCOM in its work and to pray for you [Pastors] and CCOM’s clients.”

 

-John Holbrook (Holbrook Farm) 2008

 

“CCOM’s work demonstrates the twinning of Christian care and practical support. Their work among the homeless through transitional housing, skills training and meeting basic needs is invaluable to those who are served.”

 

-Clive Calver, Senior Pastor (Walnut Hill Community Church) 2009

 

 

“The Christian Community Outreach Ministries Program is a valuable asset to the Greater Danbury community. I have had the privilege of seeing the fine work that Reverends Meredith and Wanda Payton perform at their Danbury location. Their selfless commitment to serving others in need is a beacon that illuminates the many opportunities that surround all of us. Their fine work has helped many, especially those on the lowest rung of our society. The community is enriched by their dedication to service and benefits from their tireless and unsung efforts.”

 

-John M. Murphy, M.D., Executive Vice President (Danbury Hospital) 2009