Jeff and the staff of Stonegare Manor are long believers in community service.

Jeff & Eileen Ossen of Stonegate Manor look at a basketball autographed by the University of Connecticut's women's basketball team at the 2004 Greater Windham Community Foundation's annual charity ball's silent auction segment. In all close to $11,000 was raised for the foundation which supports several area nonprofit groups and charities.

Harry Carboni, executive director of the YMCA in North Windham, left, accepts a $3,500 check from Jeff Ossen, owner of Stonegate Manor in North Windham. The money will be used for reupholstering equipment. Ossen has supported the YMCA periodically when funds are needed for specific projects.

Windham Hospital names Jeffrey P. Ossen, Esq.
Philanthropist of the Year

Jeffrey's association with Windham Hospital goes back over 30 year, as his three daughters were born at Windham. In 1991 he became a Corporator of the Hospital and joined the Board of Directors in 1994. He most recently served as Treasurer of the Board. Jeffrey recently noted that he is always impressed when coming to Windham Hospital, as the staff is enthusiastic and caring, with a strong sense of community.

In addition to his love and support of Windham Hospital, Jeff funds a classical music program at the North Windham Elementary School. Since 1998 he has provided more than $15,000 for the music groups such as the Hartford Symphony, the Connecticut Opera Express and Hot Cat Jazz as well as funds for field trips. Jeff notes, "by bringing in various musical programs, the children get exposed to a type of music that they never otherwise would". The library at North Windham Elementary has also benefited from Jeffrey's generosity. In addition to the Hospital and the school, Jeff is proud to donate to CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere). CARE, founded in 1945 to deliver packages for war relief, has since branched out to help in third world countries. Jeff has most recently supported education efforts for girls in Afghanistan and funded a water purification system, bringing water to remote villages in Peru.