Thank you, Pastor Smalls

An era ended for Pivot Ministries on February 28 2026 with the passing of Reverend Alonzo Smalls, the first Executive Director of the ministry, at the age of 94. His Homegoing was celebrated (pictured) on March 17 at Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ, Norwalk, one of Pivot's founding churches.

Pastor Smalls was celebrated by one of the original leaders of the ministry, Rev. Dr. Joseph Clemmons, who helped hire Pastor Smalls in 1970. In 1968, in response to the needs of the community, Rev. Hank Yorden of Norwalk's First Congregational Church on the Green established the Norwalk Area Ministry, funded by local UCC churches. In 1970, the ministry became focused on drug and alcohol rehabilitation and was renamed Pivot, meaning turning point.

Pastor Smalls, a graduate of New York's Teen Challenge, because the first Executive Director, a post he held for more than 30 years. He was remembered by the four surviving Executive Directors who succeeded him, by present and previous Board members, and by alumni - all Pastor Smalls' "Little Brothers" who celebrated his role in changing their hearts and futures.