Donor Profile of Lucia Rilling
Lucia Rilling’s involvement with Person to Person (P2P) began through her political ties with her husband, Harry Rilling, the Mayor of Norwalk. As Norwalk’s First Lady, Lucia sought meaningful ways to give back to the community, and P2P immediately stood out. “P2P struck me as being really unbelievably helpful to people in the community,” she says. Now a board member and dedicated supporter, Lucia remains impressed by how the organization works tirelessly to better the lives of others.
Lucia sees the growing immigrant population in the area as a reminder of the importance of doing more to help those adapting to life in a new country. She believes that everyone has a role to play in supporting newcomers as they navigate the challenges of assimilation. “P2P plays a critical part in this process,” Lucia notes, “by providing essential resources to help people advance and thrive.” She emphasizes, “This country was built on the backs of people from outside this country,” underscoring the importance of helping newcomers learn, adapt, and access the resources available to succeed.
Lucia’s commitment to helping others stems from her own unique upbringing. Born in Stamford to Ecuadorian parents, she moved frequently due to her father’s military career, attending 21 schools before high school. Her experiences gave her a deep sense of respect, gratitude, faith, and the belief in helping those around her—values she attributes to her culture and upbringing. “Offering of self, who I am, what I am, how I think it is appropriate to exist among others,” she says, explaining how these principles guide her charitable work.
Lucia is particularly moved by the direct impact of P2P’s services. One memory that stands out is an encounter at the Annual Coat Giveaway. A young woman, who had recently arrived in the U.S., approached Lucia with a baby in her arms and another child by her side. The woman, who spoke no English, had fled dangerous conditions in her home country. Lucia helped her register as a client and ensured she had transportation back to her temporary housing. The encounter left a lasting impression on Lucia, reminding her of the profound challenges that so many face when they arrive in a new country.
For Lucia, P2P’s mission is about more than providing immediate help—it’s about creating pathways for people to build better lives. “P2P provides resources to ensure opportunities are equitable for everyone so they can move up and realize their dreams,” she says. As P2P continues to address the needs of the community, Lucia believes the organization’s founders would be proud of the work being done, especially as the challenges facing families persist.
As both a board member and an active participant in P2P’s initiatives, Lucia Rilling plays an essential role in helping the organization carry out its mission of supporting and uplifting the community.
