News & Events
CAFCA Press Release-CT Energy Assistance Program-CAAs Accepting Applications
Beginning today, the Connecticut Community Action Agency (CAA) Network is accepting energy assistance applications for the 2020-2021 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), which provides home heating assistance to the state’s most vulnerable residents.
CAFCA Press Release-CAAs Receive CHEFA COVID-19 Grant
Connecticut’s Community Action Agency Network was recently awarded a grant from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) as part of the newly established FY 2021 CHEFA COVID-19 Grant Program. Each Community Action Agency (CAA) will receive $11,000 to purchase necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other materials, such as gloves, masks, thermometers, plexiglass, and signage to promote social distancing.
Op-Ed: Community action rises to the cause
"It’s in socioeconomic conditions like these that over 1,000 Community Action Agencies across the country like mine, the Community Action Agency of New Haven, or CAANH, are the greatest resource and place of support to people in crisis, both in Connecticut’s major cities and rural areas." Read more from CAANH's President & CEO Amos Smith in the New Haven Register.
Ground broken on new hydroponics facility in Torrington
A seed planted more than 25 years ago to develop a new revenue stream for one of the region’s largest social service nonprofits began to germinate Tuesday when New Opportunities broke ground on its hydroponics facility in the city’s industrial park.
CHEFA doles out $3M for coronavirus recovery under modified grant program
CAFCA will be receiving $99,000 for CT's Community Action Agencies to use for PPE and social distancing modifications.
The Retreat, CRT’s assisted-living facility in Hartford, is COVID-19 free over 80 days, and counting
How has CRT kept The Retreat COVID-free? Watch this segment from WTNH News Channel 8.
CAFCA Op-Ed: Getting the help you need with compassion
"Today’s social services providers show compassion for their customers, and help them meet their needs without judgment. At Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across Connecticut – and across America – staff consider all of the needs individuals and families may have, and connect them with resources to improve their lives." Read more from CAFCA Executive Director Deb Polun, in the CT Viewpoints section of the CT Mirror.
Facing the challenge posed by COVID-19
The coronavirus crisis has brought unprecedented medical, economic and personal challenges to millions of Americans. Connecticut’s community-action agencies, such as New Opportunities Inc., are on the front lines in the region’s social-assistance network.
Community Action Agencies an essential community partner during crisis
Nearly 100,000 unemployment claims in just over one week. Retail businesses, movie theaters, bowling alleys, casinos and salons closed. Restaurants moved to take-out only, laying off or furloughing employees. Senior centers, libraries, religious institutions and schools closed. These are just some of the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis here in Connecticut over the past two weeks. As we all adjust to these unusual circumstances, many of our friends and neighbors are left stranded, facing the stark reality of unemployment, isolation...
Partnership offers child care to Griffin Hospital staff amid coronavirus pandemic
Valley healthcare providers who spend days and nights working at Griffin Hospital and then come home to take care of their children will get a helping hand with childcare during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. While all child care centers have not yet been ordered to shut down amid the pandemic, Team Inc. and Griffin have partnered to ensure employees who need help with their children can remain on the front lines.