News & Events
Film Catalyzes Conversations About Black Maternal Health
New Haven Independent - The panel for the screening consisted of six Black women doctors, nurses, and health professionals working and leading in the field here in New Haven and across the country. From Dr. Cynthia Hall McCraven, a well-known OB/GYN who leads with her desire to impact health outcomes for Black women, to Kulwinder Nicole Bajwa, a nurse midwife who works tirelessly to elevate the role of midwives and changes how the medical profession addresses issues of maternal health, the panel was impressive.
Community Renewal Team Unveils Upgraded Family Shelter Amid Rising Homelessness
CT News Junkie - Community Renewal Team, Inc., showed off renovations Monday to its family shelter in East Hartford, making it a more welcoming place for families who have lost their homes. CRT Vice President Christopher McCluskey said the ongoing renovations showcase a broader problem, though: homelessness continues to rise and lawmakers in Connecticut and Congress need to address the problem.
Plan for 150-slot childcare center moves forward in Groton
The Day- A plan to build a $17 million childcare center and expand the number of childcare openings in town moved a step forward on Tuesday. The Groton Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special permit for Thames Valley Council for Community Action for a 23,000-square-foot childcare facility at 36-38 Central Avenue that will partially replace its current facility and expand the number of spots for children. The proposal would increase the number of childcare spots from a maximum of...
Hartford pledges $300K for youth summer work program. An ‘important opportunity to earn a paycheck’
Hartford Courant - CRT is one of 7 agencies in the Hartford area selected to administer the Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program. This program works to connect youth in the region with paid summer jobs that will promote career readiness and skill development. Participants are residents ages 14-21 living in a north-central Connecticut community or are Hartford residents ages 14-24. Wages range from $14 to $18 per hour, depending on program placement and the participant’s age. Participants are supported...
Whalley Social-Service Job Hunters Seek A “Fresh Start”
The fair, hosted by CAANH at its offices at 419 Whalley Ave., was the first of what Glass hopes will become an annual event to recruit New Haveners to join the agency in its commitment to community engagement — and to equip prospective hires with the necessary skills to navigate a job fair. Established in 1978, CAANH is a social service agency dedicated to offering its patrons with “pathways to prosperity” through emergency assistance around, for example, water and heating bills, with the guiding mission of deconstructing generational...
Public Housing Evictions On The Rise
New Haven Independent - Jannie Ellison did not find help with the Housing Authority. She turned to the Community Action Agency of New Haven, where a case worker suggested that she apply for CASTLE, the city’s eviction prevention fund. She said she never heard back from that program. Eventually, she returned to the Community Action Agency, where she learned about UniteCT. She tried to apply for the state-issued funds, only to learn that she needed an active eviction case filed in the court system...
Service dog Rosie among volunteers fetching prestigious service awards
The Day - During the semi-monthly Thames Valley Council for Community Action Retired Senior Volunteer Program Veterans’ Coffeehouse, Congressman Joe Courtney and AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith presented Rosie with a Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award, a pin and medal, for volunteering 598 hours in the last two years as a therapy dog, offering comfort, support and companionship to community members.
The “Secret Sauce” to Greater Impact.
SVP Connecticut - Dr. Monette Ferguson is a powerhouse leader and a vital member of the SVP’s Board of Directors. She works tirelessly to close the opportunity gap in CT as she fights against generational poverty and racial inequity. Dr. Ferguson has worked in the nonprofit sector for almost 20 years and currently serves as Executive Director for Alliance for Community Empowerment, an urban community action agency. She was born and raised in Bridgeport CT and says that it is...
Mobile food pantry’s weekly visits offer lifeline to Meriden residents
Record Journal - Each Thursday, a truck filled with fresh produce arrives in Meriden with enough food to distribute to around 200 people. The truck belongs to Connecticut Foodshare’s Mobile Food Pantry program, which partners with New Opportunities of Greater Meriden and Mount Hebron Baptist Church to provide free, fresh and healthy food to community members in need.
New London, Groton school meals programs will feed Norwich children this summer
The Day - During Friday’s online call, state Rep. Derell Wilson, D-Norwich, expressed concern that there was no free summer meals site in heavily populated Taftville, where many low-income families live. Deborah Monahan, executive director at the Thames Valley Council for Community Action, offered to have her agency, which runs a childcare center in Taftville, provide meals in Taftville.