Save the Children recently announced its plans to relocate to Fairfield after 40 years in Westport.
In 1974, Save the Children purchased and moved into the nearly 60,000 square foot Westport Headquarters on Wilton Road in Westport and employed 75 people. Today, 40 years later, Save the Children has 300 employees in Westport and 900 across the United States.
Save the Children gives children in the United States, as well as around the world, a fighting chance; a healthy start, an opportunity to learn, protection from harm and disaster relief. This advocate for large scale change for children ages newborn – 18 years of age (primarily 0 – 12 years), works in 18 states in the U.S. and 90 countries outside the U.S.
Save the Children sold its Wilton Road property November 26, 2013 to STC Green LLC of Westport and has signed a 15 year lease for approximately 60,000 square feet with Rooster River Plaza LLC at Riverview Office park located at 501 Kings Highway East in Fairfield.
I caught up with President and CEO Carolyn Miles and asked what their greatest challenge is globally: “I would say in our global work its kids dying of preventative things under the age of 5. About 6.6 million kids die of basic things like pneumonia, malaria, and things we know how to treat.”
And in the U.S.: “In the U.S. it really is literacy and making sure poor kids in rural area’s get through elementary school and can read. It’s shocking that there are millions of kids in the United States that get through 5th grade and can’t read.”
“We work with the poorest families and the poorest kids. Health, education and protection of kids are our major areas at work. This organization will be a $650 million dollar organization this year. It’s a great organization full of a lot of people that care a lot about kids,” continued Miles.
Why the move? “The way the space is laid out (in our Westport building) didn’t work for us. We actually had people across the street – the organization has grown a lot and we didn’t have the right space, the parking wasn’t enough and being close to the water was difficult during Storm Sandy.”
“In the Fairfield location we will have an open floor space instead of offices. We think it’s a great opportunity to have a fresh beginning in a new part of Fairfield County. We really did want to stay in the area. We’re very excited about becoming a part of the community. We look forward to meeting all our new neighbors and to continuing our work.” Save the Children believes the move positions this global nonprofit for future growth.
What is at the top of your wish list? “Every child could survive through the age of 5 and would then have an opportunity to get a good education.” Save the Children is “always trying to raise funds for their work”, seeks Volunteer’s and Interns are welcome. For more information please visit www.savethechildren.org.
“I am very excited about Save the Children’s move to Fairfield,” said First Selectman Mike Tetreau. “It is a great boost to our local economy and I believe it is an organization that fits our town. We welcome them with open arms!”