In 2020 Family Matters completed its 26th year. During that time it has served hundreds of Bridgeport area families, providing a safe and happy playgroup and early learning experience for children ages birth to five. Thanks to donations from area churches and individuals, the Family Matters program is offered free of charge. For the last 20 years, Richard Worth has served as volunteer program coordinator, and since 2018 Cynthia Cummiskey has served as program director. Cynthia holds a BA in Music from Yale University and an MA in Education Philosophy and Policy from Columbia University Teachers College. She has taught Kindermusik, applied piano, and general music for 35 years. She and her husband have two boys, aged 25 and 21.

Before Covid-19 restrictions, Family Matters held class on Tuesdays mornings at Olivet church during the school year and at the outside playground at Trinity Episcopal Church in Trumbull during the summer months. The program also offered several day trips during the year, including trips to Quassy Amusement Park and to Silverman’s Farm in Easton.

Since June 2020, Family Matters has offered an online Zoom class to keep children engaged and in touch. Currently two classes a week are offered: Tuesdays at 10am and Tuesdays at 4pm. A typical 30 minute class might include singing, introduction to different instruments, puppets, and games, books, exercise, and dancing, as well as drawing and simple skills involving letters and numbers for the afterschool class. Family Matters emphasizes joy and fun and music and learning, and inclusion for all children. It’s a great opportunity for parents to engage with their children, especially as Covid limits our interaction with others.

Any parent interested in Zooming into the Family Matters classes on Tuesday, either morning or afternoon, should contact Cynthia Cummiskey by text at 203-856-3038.

Peace and Love

The Family Matters Team