When he’s not advising companies on major real estate decisions, Choyce Peterson Principal and co‑founder John Hannigan is quietly doing something just as impactful: helping local parents build stronger, healthier families.
This year, Hannigan and his wife, Joan, were honored at the Saint Joseph Parenting Center’s annual benefit dinner, where they received the Catherine A. Klie Award. The award recognizes volunteers who embody the compassion, dedication, and community spirit of the original SJPC founder in Akron, Ohio. In short, it’s given to people who show up — consistently — for families who need it most.
A decade‑plus of hands‑on involvement
Based in Stamford, the Saint Joseph Parenting Center (SJPC) provides parenting classes, a fatherhood program, case management, and essential support like a food pantry and hot meals for families at risk of child abuse or neglect. Hannigan has been involved with the organization since its launch in 2010, especially through the 24/7 D.A.D. (Dads Are the Difference) program.
The fatherhood program, introduced in 2013, offers 12 weeks of classes on topics like self‑care, co‑parenting, and building healthy family dynamics — all taught by volunteer dads. Hannigan taught the very first class of the very first session, and he hasn’t stopped since. Over the past six years, he’s volunteered in at least one class for each of the program’s 19 sessions.
Support from the Choyce Peterson team
Several members of the Choyce Peterson team attended the benefit dinner to cheer Hannigan on. Principal Alan Peterson shared the team’s pride, saying, “We are so proud of John’s volunteer efforts with SJPC. His outstanding work with SJPC demonstrates his dedication to this important cause in our community.”
SJPC Executive Director Rhonda Neal echoed that sentiment, noting, “John has been instrumental not only to the success of our 24/7 D.A.D. Program, but is to be recognized for his commitment to our organization since its inception in 2010. SJPC is grateful for his selflessness.”
About the Saint Joseph Parenting Center
Founded in 2010, SJPC offers 28 parenting classes, a fatherhood program, case management, a food pantry, hot meals, and incentives for participation. Their mission is simple but powerful: equip parents with the tools and knowledge they need to break unhealthy patterns and build safer, more nurturing homes for children from birth through age twelve.
