NORWICH, Conn. (Sept. 2, 2026) – The Connecticut Sun Foundation and Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut welcomed Connecticut Sun leadership and staff to tour a Norwich home Tuesday that is nearing completion for first-time homeowner Leslie Souvenance and her 2-year-old daughter.

The Connecticut Sun Foundation donated $6,530 toward finishing touches on the home, including a new bedroom window overlooking the backyard and a safety fence that will provide a secure outdoor space for Leslie’s daughter to play. The family is expected to move into the home later this month.

Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti, Director of Community Relations Shamare Holmes and members of the organization’s front office visited the site, met with Leslie and learned more about her homeownership journey.

The project reflects the Connecticut Sun Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting families and strengthening communities across Connecticut.

“Being able to contribute to a house for a family in Norwich that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it, we know we’ve made a great decision,” Rizzotti said. “Contributing a window that can create more light and joy in somebody’s home and building a fence so that the family can feel safe and secure is something that really means a lot to us.”

Rizzotti said the initiative aligns with the broader mission of the organization and the WNBA’s longstanding commitment to community service.

“The WNBA has always paved the way, in terms of being a professional sports league, that has stood for more than just the sport that it plays.” Rizzotti said. “Between working with Brittney Griner to build a playground in Groton or using Connecticut Sun Foundation funds to help finish off a home here in Norwich, we are fulfilling our mission and we’re fulfilling the mission of what the WNBA stands for.”

The donation provided key features that will enhance both safety and quality of life for the family as they prepare to move into their permanent home.

“Seeing my daughter run through,” Souvenance said when asked what she is most looking forward to. “Just to hear her footsteps. That’s what I’m really gearing up to hear. Just the first sight of her running down the hall when we’re finally home.”

Holmes said the project demonstrates how targeted investments can create meaningful change for local families.

“Community initiatives like this really set the tone for what it is that we do,” Holmes said. “We’re all about families, and we’re all about creating legacies, however big or small. It took roughly $6,000 to provide a family with a window and a fence to provide safety for a family that is going to be in their forever home.”

Holmes added that partnerships like the one with Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut enable the organization to address specific community needs, even when larger funding commitments are not possible.

“Sometimes you can’t do it all, but you do what you can, you do what makes sense for your budget and you do what makes sense for the communities that you’re serving,” Holmes said. “It’s bigger than money. Even if it’s not a dollar, it’s mainly connecting and engaging. That, too, is providing impact and support in many ways. We care about our fans, and we’ve led the way in helping fill gaps and build bridges for resources to reach the most underserved communities across Connecticut. We’re proud of how we’ve shown up and look forward to hearing about our lasting impact for years to come.”

The Connecticut Sun Foundation’s contribution will help complete the final stages of construction as Leslie and her daughter prepare to begin a new chapter in their Norwich home.

Established in 2003, the Connecticut Sun is a professional women’s basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association that takes residence at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.connecticutsun.com or call 1-877-SUN-TIXX.

Related News

Connecticut Sun Forward Kennedy Burke to Represent Turkey at 2026 FIBA World Cup

Connecticut Sun Finalizes 2026 Opening Day Roster

2024 WNBA Champion Kennedy Burke Signs with the Connecticut Sun

Connecticut Sun Acquire Aaliyah Edwards