News & Events
“The Current System is Broken” – Child Care Providers Rally for Funding
The Day - Debbi Poirier, director of the Thames Valley Council for Community Action’s Little Learners Early Education Program, described a crisis the program is facing during a rally Wednesday outside the agency’s childcare center. The state hasn’t increased its reimbursement rate for childcare programs. Staff are grappling with inflation, but the center can’t raise fees from parents because they’re based on a sliding scale determined by income. Read more.
CT Legislators Raising Questions About Heating Assistance Program
CT Mirror - With demand this winter for heating assistance far outstripping that of recent years, and with a key nonprofit aid program on temporary hold, state legislators want to know how many households have exhausted their options. Read more.
CT Energy Assistance Program Still Accepting Applications
FOX 61 - The CT Energy Assistance program is still accepting and processing applications even as 'Operation Fuel' announced it's pausing its services. Contact your local Community Action Agency to apply. Watch the story here.
Legislators, Health Advocates, Others Support Legislation for Community Health Worker Coverage
Facebook Live - Senator Matt Lesser and Representative Jillian Gilchrest hosted a press conference to bring attention to Senate Bill 991, which would provide Medicaid coverage for services provided by Community Health Workers. TVCCA CEO and CAFCA Board Chair Deb Monahan shared the value of Community Health Workers to the work of the Community Action Agencies. Watch here!
Operation Fuel Pauses Energy Assistance in March Due to Increased Demand
The Day - Operation Fuel, the only year-round emergency energy assistance program in the state, is pausing its program for the month of March after significant demand... TVCCA still has state funds as well as funding it has raised to assist people in March.
Heating Help Offered on Whalley
New Haven Independent - Symone Wilson was taking a walk along Whalley Avenue last fall when she found a way to stay warm come winter, in the form of one-time emergency utility assistance and an energy matching payment plan. The 28-year-old New Havener connected with those programs to keep her heat pumping and lights shining thanks to the Community Action Agency of New Haven (CAANH).
Stratford Family’s Furnace Fixed Thanks to Bridgeport Nonprofit
News 12 - A Stratford family is thanking the community after their furnace was fixed this weekend. Leighann and Greg Rose's furnace had been broken for over a month and the temperature in their home was 50 degrees. Read more about how the Alliance for Community Empowerment helped!
Federal Funding Increases Announced for SNAP, Child Nutrition Program
WFSB - Federal funding increases were announced for major food programs. The Supplemental Nutritional Insurance Program, or SNAP, and child nutrition programs were said to be getting a significant boost. A news conference with Sen. Richard Blumenthal and advocates took place at 11 a.m. on Monday at CRT in Hartford.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Helps Those in Need
New Britain Herald - United Way of West Central Connecticut has partnered with HRA of New Britain in support of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. With many companies sending out their W2 forms this month, many employees are filing their taxes. Those who earned less than $60,000 in 2022 may be eligible for free tax preparation services through the VITA program. People can make appointments at the Untied Way of West Central Connecticut and HRA of New Britain...
CT Families Struggle with Increased Heating Costs
Connecticut residents have been facing an increase in home heating oil prices, with occasional declines, in the past three winters, with the current average of $4.453 per gallon, a 30.1 percent increase from the same time last year. Electricity bills also have seen a steep increase with the new year.