WEST HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 8, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Watson Inc. presented a check in the amount of $15,000 to Columbus House on September 1, 2016. Alison Cunningham – Chief Executive Officer  of Columbus House, John Brooks – Chief Development Officer, Linda Kosko – Development Manager, and Sheree DiMario - Volunteer Coordinator, visited Watson to accept the donation. 

The funds will be used for apartment makeovers at Harkness House.  Harkness House is run by Columbus House as a component of the organization's Homefront initiative, which helps homeless area Veterans. These funds will provide for new or additional furnishings, window treatments, and appliances in the four apartments.   The team at Columbus house will access each apartment to determine how the funds can be best utilized to provide a comfortable home for the Veterans.   Jim Watson, President of Watson Inc. presented the check. 

"We are so grateful to Watson and their team of dedicated associates for all that they have done over the years for those we serve at Columbus House", said Columbus House CEO Alison Cunningham. "This most generous contribution will enable us to perform a long-overdue makeover at Harkness House which will certainly lift the spirits of all who pass through the doors!"

With this gift, Watson recognizes the service and sacrifice these Veterans have made for their country.  The company appreciates that they give so much to our country, and feels they should be supported in their personal accomplishments. 

Following the presentation of the check, the team from Columbus House was taken on a Watson plant tour by Gavin Watson, Vice President of Operations.

Harkness House is one component of the many services Columbus House offers to Veterans experiencing homelessness.. Located in New Haven, Harkness House provides short term housing and support for 14 homeless male Veterans. . Columbus House program goals are to secure and maintain affordable, stable housing, increase access and connection to services, expand social and employment skills, grow self-determination, and encourage community connections.

Watson has been a long-time supporter of Columbus house, and an active advocate for local businesses to support their communities and give back.  Watson has supported Columbus House by providing gift bags to both the men's and women's shelters for Christmas.  These gift bags contained clothing and toiletry items, as well as a travel or card game.  Each gift bag was packed by a Watson team member and tied with a bow for the Holidays.  Watson has also conducted coat drives, provided pizza for the main shelter, and gift cards for the Veterans on Veterans' day.

Watson has a comprehensive community service program, and is involved in local charities such as Columbus House and the Connecticut Food Bank, as well as national charities and service organizations.  To learn more about the community service programs at Watson, please see their news page:  http://www.watson-inc.com/news/category/social-responsibility/

About Columbus House

Columbus House opened its doors in 1982 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing shelter for homeless men and women.  Today, they provide not only shelter but also housing assistance and services designed to help people who are homeless move toward independence through innovative programs that meet the changing needs of the homeless population. Their vision is to one day end homelessness in Connecticut by providing people with the tools they need to get and stay housed.  Programs include: outreach & engagement; shelter services; rapid re-housing; permanent supportive housing; and population-specific programs for families with children, seniors, Veterans, and those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as people with behavioral health disorders and histories of incarceration.

For more information on Columbus House or their programs, please visit their website at www.columbushouse.org or contact John Brooks, (203) 401-4400 x108 or jbrooks@columbushouse.org

About Watson:

Watson is one of the highest quality suppliers of products and services geared towards enhancing human health and nutrition around the world. We are a leader in developing quality products and innovative ingredient systems for the food and supplement industries. Expertise in custom nutrient premixes, microencapsulation, agglomeration, micronizing, spray drying, and film technology allows us to develop unique formulations and products using Watson manufactured, value-added ingredients. For more information on Watson see www.watson-inc.com.

Contacts:
Watson Inc.
Moira Watson, V.P. Marketing & Communications
moira.watson@watson-inc.com 
800-388-3481 or (203) 932-3000
 
Company info:
Watson Inc.

• Corporate headquarters: 301 Heffernan Drive, West Haven CT 06516
• CEO: James T. Watson
• Website: www.watson-inc.com
• Employees: 300 

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=41353