FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRISTOL, Conn. — After much reflection, Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach, Inc. announces that our Community Center will be closing following the decision by our church to not renew our lease. While we are saddened that this chapter is coming to an end, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve shared with the Bristol community over the past eleven years.

On August 15, Brian’s Angels will celebrate eleven years since a simple act of kindness changed everything.

What began with one bottle of water, offered in memory of Brian, grew into something none of us could have imagined. With the unwavering generosity of this community, that single gesture blossomed into a mission that has provided meals, clothing, hygiene items, blankets, friendship, encouragement, and hope for thousands of our neighbors experiencing hardship.

When Brian’s Angels was founded, Pat Stebbins was enjoying retirement and never imagined she would lead an organization that would impact so many lives. But Brian’s memory gave her purpose every single day.

“It was always Brian who kept me going,” Pat said. “Even on the days when I wanted to stop, I knew I couldn’t. This mission was always about honoring him and making sure people who were struggling knew someone cared.”

As the years passed, Brian’s Angels became far more than a nonprofit. It became a family.

Together, volunteers, donors, local businesses, churches, civic organizations, and thousands of our community members created something truly special. Every meal served, every coat donated, every blanket distributed, every encouraging conversation, and every act of kindness became part of a legacy built by people who believed that compassion can change lives.

Even when the world changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, our mission never stopped. Volunteers adapted, wore masks, practiced social distancing, and found new ways to safely continue serving those who depended on us. Through uncertainty and unprecedented challenges, this amazing community continued to show up with generosity, determination, and love.

Pat credits that commitment to the people who stood beside her.

“There were times my health kept me away, but Brian’s Angels never stopped because of the incredible volunteers who carried the mission forward. Your dedication has been one of the greatest sources of pride and love in my life. You believed in Brian. You believed in me. And together, you kept this mission alive.”

To every volunteer who gave their time, every donor who gave so generously, every business that partnered with us, every church that opened its doors, and every individual who allowed us the privilege of serving them—thank you.

You are the story of Brian’s Angels.

To every volunteer—you became the heart of this organization. Thank you.

To every donor—you believed in our mission and made it possible. Thank you.

To our community partners—you stood beside us and strengthened our efforts. Thank you.

And to every individual we had the privilege of serving—thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you, even if only for a moment.

Before this chapter officially closes, we hope to gather one last time to celebrate everything we have accomplished together. A community celebration will be planned for our volunteers, supporters, partners, and clients—a chance to reconnect, share memories, and honor the countless lives touched through this ministry of compassion. Please watch our social media pages for details as they become available.

Although our Community Center will be closing, Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach, Inc. is not saying goodbye. Our organization will continue finding new ways to provide a “hand up” to members of our less fortunate community. While that work may look different than it has over the past eleven years, our mission remains the same. More details about this next chapter will be shared in the coming months.

On behalf of everyone who has been part of Brian’s Angels over the years, we simply want to say…

Thank you.

Thank you for believing in this mission.

Thank you for believing in each other.

Thank you for allowing Brian’s Angels to become part of Bristol’s story.

Serving this community has been one of the greatest privileges of our lives. We leave with full hearts, knowing that together we made a difference—one meal, one conversation, one act of kindness at a time.

As we turn the page, we do so with profound gratitude for every person who helped write this remarkable story.

It has been our greatest privilege to serve the Bristol community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Pat Stebbins, Founder
Board of Directors
Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach, Inc.

“Brian’s Angels was never about me—it was always about our community. Watching so many people come together to help complete strangers has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Thank you for allowing us to serve you, for believing in our mission, and for proving that kindness truly can change lives.” — Pat Stebbins, Founder