News & Events
Supply Chains, COVID Don’t Stop Annual Shelton Toy Drive
To guarantee a happy holiday for area children, one local organization has kicked off its annual toy collection drive earlier than normal. TEAM, Inc.’s Toys4Kids, which houses its holiday store at the Echo Hose Ambulance Training Center’s Coram Avenue facility, is already underway. Last year’s drive distributed holiday gifts to more than 1,650 families in the Valley, a 34 percent increase from the previous year.
Lamont Makes Derby Appearance to Tout State Funds for Two Nonprofits
Gov. Ned Lamont held a press conference on the Derby Green on Wednesday to highlight state money flowing to two groups that help families and young people — TEAM Inc., the Valley’s trusted community action agency, and; “Valley Save Our Youth,” an Ansonia-based community group that strives to help young people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. TEAM, Inc., a social service agency does everything from operate Meals on Wheels to providing heating assistance.
Bridgeport Nonprofit Helps Homeowners with Unpaid Sewer Bills from Going Into Foreclosure
A Bridgeport nonprofit is using federal resources to help homeowners with unpaid wastewater treatment or sewer bills from going into foreclosure. The head of Alliance Dr. Monette Ferguson says the federal government and ARP funds are helping the non-profit to provide a brand new water and sewage assistance program for their catchment area. Ferguson says the program is intended for residents who are behind on their water or sewage bills.
State Assistance, Tips Available To Help Handle High Heat Bills
There are some lingering signs of summer, but behind them, fall is here. Soon, Connecticut will have the inevitable frigid nights, and it will be time to turn on the heat. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association predicts heating a home could cost up to 30% more this year due to economic recovery from the pandemic. The winter months can mean a freeze on spending for Jalissa Banks, whose apartment does not equate to a smaller energy bill.
Hartford Artist Paints Mural Honoring Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Other Female Leaders
State and local officials honored the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) and other female leaders at the Women’s Empowerment Center in Hartford. If you’ve been to Market Street recently, you’ve likely seen some recognizable female faces on a wall. “Former First Lady Michelle Obama, first Latina Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, we’re looking at the ‘notorious’ RBG, we’re looking at Ella Grasso, who was the first elected governor in Connecticut and the U.S."
New Opportunities Opens Hydroponic Farm in Torrington
Ten years ago, New Opportunities President and CEO Dr. James H. Gatling wanted to fund his organization in a sustainable way, with less dependence on grants and donations, which were dropping off. His first brainstorm was to build a fish farm. That idea evolved into a hydroponic farm for herbs and greenhouse vegetables. Finding the right location took time, and brought the agency to Torrington where Gatling set his sights on a plot of land on Technology Park Drive.
Connecticut’s Moratorium on Utility Shutoffs Ended. Here’s Where You Can Still Get Help.
For Lee Carenza, the state moratorium on utilities shutoffs was important for as long as it lasted, helping people who lost their jobs or were furloughed. “It got them through to where people are back to work for the most part and able to meet their needs,” said Carenza, director of community services for Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA). Carenza said his organization has taken in over 2,155 applications since Aug. 1.
Alliance For Community Empowerment cuts ribbon in Bridgeport’s East End
An anti-poverty agency is making critical services like rental and utility assistance available to residents of Bridgeport's East End. Alliance for Community Empowerment held the ribbon-cutting at their newest facility on Stratford Avenue and Carroll Avenue in the East End of Bridgeport today. For the first time ever, the agency will be making critical services available - everything from energy, rental, and utility assistance to COVID shots and help finding jobs.
Community Action Agencies Now Accepting Energy and Heating Assistance Applications
The Connecticut Community Action Agency (CAA) Network is now accepting energy assistance applications for the 2021-2022 heating season. Connecticut residents who need assistance paying their utility bills and primary heating costs can apply for energy assistance at their local CAA. Community Action Agencies are the only nonprofit agencies administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in all 169 cities and towns.
Opinion: The action in Community Action Month
They say it takes a village to raise a child. What does that mean, exactly? That their community interacts with and supports them, which is crucial in helping that child grow in a safe and healthy environment. As a little girl in the Head Start program run by my local Community Action Agency, I had no way of knowing just how true this is — and how it would come to shape the trajectory of my life.