Meet the Board of Directors of the Tri-Town Shelter Services 

Thomas Alouise has served as a member, vice president, and president of the board. He has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Business. Professionally he worked in the Information Field for over 25 years as a business owner and also in various sales positions working in the communications industry. Tom has been a board member since 1999.

Betty Anderson joined the board in 2005 and has an extensive background in Accounting and Information Technology. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Connecticut University and her M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration from the University of Hartford . Currently she is Director of Finance for Duncaster, previously RLS. She has served the board as Treasurer and President. Her background in the nonprofit and service sector enables her to bring a needed perspective to the board and, as a resident of Vernon , her ties and connections to the Town benefit the Agency.

June Blacksten has served on the board since 1990, during which she chaired several committees. She volunteers for The Place of Grace Pantry at Grace Episcopal Church in Hartford and occasionally for WNPR pledge drives. In 1992 June helped select residents for Cobbs Mill Crossing Cooperative Housing in Glastonbury . She is a passionate advocate for affordable housing and services to those less fortunate. June has served the board in numerous capacities both as a board member and officer.

Garvin Boudle has been on the U-CONN faculty since 1976. He is currently a member of the Psychology Department with direct responsibility over Information Technology planning and operations. He is a charter member of the University of Connecticut Software License Group and Information Technology Group. His expertise in IT and computer applications continues to be useful, particularly for our annual appeal and database management.

Jennie C. Dixon , Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), is founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Personal Financial Literacy. Formerly Ms. Dixon was professor of Entrepreneurship and Assistant Director of the Entrepreneurial Support Center at Central Connecticut State University . She has also held officer-level positions at major financial services firms.

Brendan Putman is another long-standing member of the board, having served in numerous capacities as a member and officer. With a previous background in social work, he is a strong advocate for compassionate care and equitable treatment of the less fortunate. As a current Attorney-at-Law in local practice, Brendan continues to speak on behalf of those who have “lost their voice” and his complimentary background in both social work and law gives him a unique and balanced perspective that is welcomed on the board.

Mike Venezia has served on the board since 1992. For three years, 2001-2003, he served as the president of the board, during which he spearheaded the acquisition, renovation, and relocation into the new facility that the Shelter has occupied since 2004. As a self-employed professional, Mike brings energy, organizational, sales, and marketing skills that have made him a visionary leader. He continues to direct our annual appeal and has helped design protocols to ensure that this important fund-raising activity runs smoothly and efficiently.

Sharlet Wirzulis came to Connecticut to attend Airline Personnel School and later attended Manchester Community College to obtain a degree as a Para-Legal. She has worked as a paralegal for over 25 years and as a long standing board member she has held the offices of secretary, treasurer, and vice-president. This depth of experience and history with the Agency is valuable. Her willingness to help in practical areas and her common sense approach to getting things done is an asset.

As the Agency continues to serve the homeless and positions itself for potential growth and expansion of services in the future, this necessitates having more board members join us in the effort. If you have an interest in the cause of homelessness and have the desire to be a part of our board, please contact the Executive Director for a tour of the facility, overview of our services, and a conversation about how you might help us to make a difference in the lives of our residents.