
ABOUT DARLENE
I have had the awesome opportunity to work for, live in, and serve the Norwalk community for 34 years. I truly count it a blessing to have been able to do something that I love, helping people and my community.
Over the years, through my experiences within the city and community, I have cultivated my ability to build consensus among residents and municipal officials. I enjoy interaction with people of varying backgrounds and I have always worked to develop collaborative relationships across the city to foster positive outcomes for my South Norwalk community and the Norwalk community at large.
Originally a Stamford native, I moved to Norwalk in 1991. I started with the City of Norwalk in 1997 in the Youth Services Department. In January 1998, I was offered an opportunity to work as Coordinator of a federally funded program from the Department of Justice called Weed & Seed in partnership with the local Police Department. In 2005, I became the Assistant City Clerk (with a unanimous bi-partisan vote) and held both roles and responsibilities simultaneously. The Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program started with the Weed & Seed Initiative and this year marks 27 years of operation.
Currently, I’m the Youth Services Program Manager where I continue to administer the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program and act as adviser for the City’s Workforce Development Initiative. However, I have worn many hats throughout the city since planting roots and raising my family here. Some of those roles include the following: the Redevelopment Agency, assisting with the CDBG; Coordinator of a city-sponsored mentoring program, Building Futures through Mentoring, program management positions for the Human Services Council and with Positive Directions of Westport, where I facilitated a DMHAS funded housing initiative. In addition to my work-related accomplishments, I have been involved in many volunteer activities within the community. I facilitated the first Westside tree lighting event in Stamford that continues today. I am also a founding Board Member of Norwalk's Community Health Center, having continuously served since 1998. I am currently Vice Chair of the Board.
My most prized accomplishment, however, are my two adult children.
FEATURED
ACHIEVEMENTS
-
Chair, Recreation & Parks Committee
-
Norwalk Community Health Center, Founding board member & current vice-chair
-
Three-term Norwalk Common Council Member, Former President of the Council
-
Second Taxing District, Treasurer
-
Malta House, Former board member
-
South Norwalk Citizens 4 Justice, Member, group responsible for the removal of dumpster containers stored illegally on vacant property
-
Ina Clark Community Garden at SVP, Upgraded garden in partnership with G.E., Redevelopment Agency & Recs & Parks
-
South Norwalk Inner City Clean-ups
-
Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, Received national recognition at the Conference of Mayors, Washington, DC.
-
Job Readiness Pilot Program (Briggs Academy)
-
First Kwanzaa Celebration at City Hall
-
Weed & Seed National Night Out, Currently NPD Community Day event
-
Weed & Seed Homeownership Program Presented at National W&S Conference by CT. U.S. Attorney
-
Americares Homefront Collaborative Home Repair Project
-
Group Workcamps/Weed & Seed Collaborative Home Repair Project, Provided home repair for 46 families