Bridgeport native Fernando Muñiz has spent his career in nonprofit organizations and government, focusing on helping people navigate some of life’s most complicated systems. Early in his career, he served as an AmeriCorps member at Catalyst CT before moving through several smaller nonprofit organizations and ultimately joining the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, where he served as Deputy Commissioner. Most recently, Muñiz was CEO of a national organization working with people involved in the criminal justice and child welfare systems. “I’ve always been drawn to work that helps people navigate systems that can be complicated and, frankly, overwhelming,” says Muñiz. “What I love about nonprofit work is that you get to combine big-picture thinking with very practical, human work. At the end of the day, it’s about helping people have a better life.”
Now, Muñiz is bringing that lifelong commitment to service back to Fairfield County and to a community with which he has a personal connection. A Fairfield University alum, he has returned to the area as the new Executive Director of Operation Hope of Fairfield, where he will continue his work helping individuals and families navigate challenges and build more stable, hopeful futures.
Operation Hope of Fairfield helps people move from crisis to stability. While the organization is perhaps best known for its food pantry, its services extend far beyond food assistance, providing housing and homelessness services, case management, clinical support and other resources that address the underlying challenges individuals and families face. Says Mr. Muñiz, “What I think is especially powerful is that we meet people where they are. Someone might walk through our doors because they need groceries, because they’re experiencing homelessness, or because they’re struggling to keep a roof over their head. Our job is to listen, understand what they need, and help them take the next step. This community believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to have food on the table and a safe place to call home.”
Since joining Operation Hope of Fairfield, Muñiz has been impressed with the depth of the community’s commitment to the organization. Volunteers have been here for years, donors have supported the organization for decades, local businesses continually step up, and people show up when there’s a need. He’s also been struck by the staff's dedication. “This is difficult work, and they approach it every day with compassion, professionalism, and a real belief in the people we serve,” he says. “It all really reflects Fairfield at its best.”
For Muñiz, the focus now is to build on everything Operation Hope of Fairfield has accomplished over the past 40 years and think bigger about what’s possible. He sees an opportunity to create a model for how a community can respond to homelessness and hunger in a way that is both compassionate and effective, continuing to provide immediate help for those in need while also creating a pathway toward their long-term stability.
The new campus being planned is a huge part of that opportunity, but Muñiz emphasizes that it’s really bigger than just a new building. As Operation Hope has grown, so has the breadth of services it provides. The new space will allow the organization to bring those programs together, strengthen its services, welcome more people into the organization and create a place where people can get the support they need under one roof. “I want the space to feel different from what people might expect from a social-service organization. It should feel dignified and connected to the community,” says Muñiz. The goal is to create a place where someone can walk in during a difficult moment and feel that they are not alone. Social work and homelessness services will also be integrated into the campus, making it easier for someone in crisis to access the help they need without navigating a maze of different agencies and locations. “Ultimately, though, what excites me most is what the space will make possible. The building is a tool. What matters is how we use it to help more people move from crisis to stability.”
There is still plenty of work to do before the project becomes a reality. Operation Hope is currently raising the resources needed to move forward while continuing to work through the design, permitting, financing and other details that come with a project of this size. It’s a significant undertaking, but the organization is fortunate to have an incredibly strong group of supporters behind it. The goal is to raise approximately $9.5 million, and the quiet phase of the campaign is already underway, with support being built among individuals, foundations, businesses and government partners. For Muñiz, community involvement is at the heart of the effort. “The most important thing is that we want the community to feel ownership of this project. This isn’t just Operation Hope’s building. It’s an investment in the future of our community.”
And there are many ways for the community to be part of that investment; not all of them involving a large financial contribution. “Obviously, we need financial support to build the new campus, and we’re grateful for every person, business, foundation, and organization that chooses to invest in the project. But people can also volunteer, donate food, support our Community Kitchen, sponsor programs, or simply help spread the word about what Operation Hope does.” Since joining the organization, Muñiz has discovered there is a place for everyone. “Some people give their time. Some give financially. Some bring food. Some make introductions or help us tell our story. All of those contributions matter.” His invitation is simple: “I’d encourage people to come see us. Talk to our staff. Once you see the work happening here and meet the people behind it, I think you understand why this community is so important to Operation Hope.”
Since becoming Executive Director, Fernando Muñiz has come to appreciate even more deeply just how woven Operation Hope is into the fabric of this community and the dedication of the people who have built their careers around helping others. What stands out most is the spirit of possibility. The belief that even the most difficult challenges can be met with action, compassion and a willingness to help.
It’s a spirit Muñiz hopes to carry forward as he begins this next chapter. “We should be proud of what Operation Hope has accomplished,” he says. With that same spirit, and a community firmly behind it, Operation Hope of Fairfield is poised to build on its 40-year legacy and make an even greater impact in the years ahead.
Get Involved: To learn more about Operation Hope, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities or ways to donate, visit operationhopect.org.
What I love about nonprofit work is that you get to combine big-picture thinking with very practical, human work. At the end of the day, it’s about helping people have a better life.
I want the space to feel different from what people might expect from a social-service organization. It should feel dignified and connected to the community.
Once you see the work happening here and meet the people behind it, I think you understand why this community is so important to Operation Hope.