Community Connections
Shining a local light on:
Bridgeport Pride Center
Proudly serving:
Bethel, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Danbury, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Norwalk, Redding, Ridgefield, Southport, Stamford, Weston, Westport, Wilton
Learn more about their charity:
Community Connections
Community Connections shines a light on local charities whose compassion, service, and dedication strengthen the fabric of our community. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire others and help the spirit of giving spread throughout our towns.
Under the spotlight today: Bridgeport Pride Center
An interview with Sarah Beirne, Director of Development, Bridgeport Pride Center
How do you brighten our community?
We brighten our community by creating a welcoming space where LGBTQ+ people and our neighbors feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Through our food and hygiene pantry, clothing closet, support groups, arts events, and social programs, we meet everyday needs while building meaningful connections. Whether someone needs essentials, support, or simply a place to belong, we’re here to remind them they matter.
Who do you serve in our community?
The Bridgeport Pride Center serves LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies in Bridgeport and surrounding communities. We welcome everyone of all ages.
What are you most proud of?
We’re most proud of the care our community shows one another. Through our food pantry, we’ve distributed over one ton of food, made possible largely by donations, and our community closet has provided clothing to more than 100 people. Beyond these essentials, we’ve created a safe, calm, fun, creative, and welcoming space for anyone who needs it—a place where people can feel supported, be themselves, and know they belong.
What was the spark that started your organization?
Our spark grew from 16 years of Pride and a dream of a place to belong. At a celebration in the park, a generous seed gift from Leonard and Litz helped turn that dream into a home for Bridgeport’s LGBTQ+ community and our neighbors.
What is one of your future impact goals?
One of our goals is to expand our food pantry to offer fresh produce and refrigerated essentials alongside shelf-stable staples, helping more neighbors access nutritious food in a welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity.
How did you change a life?
We change lives by meeting basic needs and nurturing belonging. Whether someone needs food, clothing, connection, or a safe place to be themselves, we welcome them with care and dignity—reminding them they matter and don’t have to face life alone.
Who are your community partners?
DSSD
City of Bridgeport
Leonard & Litz
M&T Bank
Circle Care Center
& many more
Local-Insta thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Community Connections series possible!
Celebrating the charities that make our community stronger.
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