A week ago, NEON was informed by the state Department of Social Services that it had been designated an "agency at risk" because of its financial and management problems and said it would begin contingency plans to decertify NEON and move its program elsewhere. Also Oct. 11, the state Department of Corrections terminated its contract with NEON to run a group of halfway houses. In The Hour story, NEON interim President and CEO Chiquita Stephenson was quoted as saying the latest payroll move was part of a series of internal changes taking place to stabilize the agency and make it stronger. Meanwhile, NEON Family Day, planned for Saturday, Oct. 19, is designed to bring together families that have directly benefited from NEON services for a day of food, fun, games and an opportunity for reflection on the importance of the programs and services operated by Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now, NEON Inc.