News & Events
Free Weatherization Program to Help Residents Save Money Gets Funding Infusion
As the cold weather moves in and Connecticut braces for soaring home heating costs, a program to help low-income residents save money is getting a huge infusion this year. The recently passed federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill includes $3.5 billion earmarked for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), a federal program administered by the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. This is about 10 times what was allocated last year.
Annual Breakfast to Support TEAM Toys 4 Kids Made Magic Happen for Over 1,000 Children
The TEAM Toys 4 Kids event kicked off Sunday in Seymour, serving over one thousand children. In the season of supply chain struggles and COVID-19, these Valley residents went all in to make magic happen for the kids. The Yankee Clipper Barbershop owners Tom and Diane Baklik hosted their annual fundraiser breakfast to benefit the largest holiday toy drive in the region, TEAM Toys 4 Kids. Guests were asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation.
As COVID Changes the Face of Need in CT, Poverty-Fighting Agency Doubles Space in Downtown Danbury
A poverty-fighting agency that serves families in need from Greenwich to the Massachusetts border has doubled its space in downtown Danbury to house new services and reach more people in time for the busy cold-weather season. The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut now has room for its food pantry, for more case management and energy assistance cubicles, and for a classroom space with plans to run language and life skills programs.
Experts: CT Baby Bond Program Provides Kids Born Into Poverty with Brighter Future
Like most parents, Shondell Vann wants the best for her child. She doesn’t want her 2-month-old daughter, Maria Jackson, to grow up with limits or restrictions. So the Bridgeport resident was excited about the CT Baby Bonds program, which started July 1, and creates a trust for babies whose births are covered by the state’s Medicaid program. When those children are between the ages of 18 and 30, they can submit a claim to access funds from the trust.
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.