Make a Difference: Madonna Place

WHO: Michael, 23, father of two children, ages 4 and 7.

AGENCY: Madonna Place, 240 Main St., Norwich, CT 06360.

SITUATION: As a teenager, Michael made some negative choices that made it difficult for him to find a job and be a positive father to his two young children. He started working with the Fatherhood Initiative Program at Madonna Place and is beginning to rebuild his life with the skills he has learned from the staff and the father-focused parent education groups. Michael is visiting his children more and is in the process of gaining joint custody. He is rebuilding his relationship with the mother of his two children, and he is catching up on his child-support payments because he has found a job.

WHAT TO GIVE: Gift cards to Wal-Mart or ShopRite to help provide Christmas items and basic necessities for Michael and his children.

TO DONATE: Contact Wendy Yagarich, director of programs, at (860) 886-6600.

www.theday.com/makeadifference