Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/572563
www.HartfordBusiness.com September 21, 2015 • Hartford Business Journal 27 Sisters Maureen Faenza and Theresa Fonti THE BASICS Name of organization: The House of Bread Inc. Title: Co-Founders & Co-Directors Size of organization: Annual budget $1.5 million Maureen Faenza Education: Bachelor's degree, St. Joseph University; Master's degree in community and economic development Previous jobs: Elementary school teacher, religious education director in a parish ON THE JOB Guiding business principle: Treating people fairly and trying to be non-judgmental Best way to keep your competitive edge: Being aware of what is happening in the nonprofit world Proudest accomplishment: Working with a board of directors who embrace the mission of the House of Bread and do all they can to help us accomplish that mission Goal yet to be achieved: Still in the thought process Favorite part of the job: Creating new projects Least favorite part of the job: Asking for money Personal touch in your office: Open- door policy JUDGMENT CALLS Best business decision: Always trying to respond to the needs of those in the city who are often ignored Worst business decision: Having to maintain property outside of the state Best way to spot trends: Collaborate with other agencies doing similar work Next big move: Retirement Your pet peeve: Hartford is my hometown. It gets a lot of bad news, but I think it's a great city. PERSONAL SIDE City of residence: Hartford Favorite way to relax: Reclining in my favorite chair and reading a good book Hobbies: Cooking and reading Last vacation: Road trip out west: Utah, Arizona, and Colorado Favorite movie: "The Godfather" The car you drive: Ford Five Hundred, 2005 Currently reading: "Nightingale," by Kristin Hannah Favorite cause: House of Bread Theresa Fonti Education: Master's degree in education and religious studies from Boston College Previous jobs: Elementary and high school teacher, pastoral associate ON THE JOB Guiding business principle: Respect and dignity for clients, staff and volunteers Best way to keep your competitive edge: Continue to address the needs of the poor through collaboration with other not-for-profit agencies Proudest accomplishment: Successful fundraiser that helped expand our feeding programs Goal yet to be achieved: End homelessness Favorite part of the job: Being with our clients, seeing our mothers receive their GED, and sharing this accomplishment with their families Least favorite part of the job: Feeling of frustration when seeking help in finding housing Personal touch in your office: All are welcome JUDGMENT CALLS Best way to spot trends: Keep up with latest literature, keeping in touch with similar organizations Next big move: Retirement PERSONAL SIDE City of residence: Hartford Favorite way to relax: Gardening, going for walks, being with family Hobbies: Gardening, walking with friends Last vacation: Jersey Shore Favorite movie: "Gone with the Wind" The car you drive: 2003 Toyota Currently reading: "The House I Loved," by Tatiana DeRosnay Favorite cause: Children in need Show your finances who's boss Simsbury Bank Cash Management Solutions To learn more, visit SimsburyBank.com/CashManagement Simsbury Bank's Cash Management Suite gives you the flexibility to simplify and manage the flow of money through your organization. Whether you need to view and conduct business online or are looking for automated financial services, we can offer a comprehensive package tailored to your unique business needs. P H O T O | S T E V E L A S C H E V E R