New London — Escorted by an honor guard of elementary-aged children, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy attended the 41st annual meeting of the Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut to honor the agency’s mission and volunteers.

Malloy said that attending Tuesday’s event, which was held at the B.P. Learned Mission, a program of the agency, was a bit like “preaching to the choir” because those in attendance believe in helping children and their families.

“I appreciate the work you do,” the governor said. “Early intervention is the best way to deal with problems before they fester and get worse.”

Malloy, who is entering his third year in office, said he had to make some tough decisions early on because there had been no job growth in the state for decades and there was a $3.6 billion deficit.

He told the audience that he decided he would not balance the budget on the backs of partner agencies, such as the Child & Family Agency, and he would not cut back on education, which he said was key to ensuring the future of the next generation.

“A big part of our society has not recovered from the great recession,” Malloy said. “... Cutbacks on assistance organizations like this one would be devastating. What we learned is that we can’t do it by ourselves. We need to rely on our partners in the community. Thank you for your investment into the community.”

Thomas P. Gullotta, chief executive officer of Child & Family Agency, said the agency has done some great work this year, including adding a school-based health center in Pawcatuck, improving energy efficiency at the Smith-Bent Children’s Center and expanding the Groton child care facility by 20 children.

The organization has 650 auxiliary volunteers and last year served nearly 17,000 children.

Gullotta thanked outgoing Chairman Alva Greenberg, for her dedication to the agency. Sally Crawford was named the new chairman.

He also thanked the volunteers who give a “voice” to those who are most in need.

“Through your involvement, you give a voice so that life can be better for the next generation,” Gullotta said.

Child & Family Agency also presented several awards. Husband and wife Ed and Gail Ettinger were recognized as Volunteers of the Year; Chris Jacobson was given the Lillian Erb Annual Sale Award; and Lois Thomsen, Diane Brown, Ellen Cole, Carol DiMaggio, Linda Burrows, Ruth Hammell and the Groton Auxiliary Charity Book Shop were recognized as 2013 Auxiliary Volunteers of the Year.

i.larraneta@theday.com