Cove Center for Grieving Children
134 State Street
Meriden,  CT  06450 
(800) 750-COVE
www.covect.org
Non-profit agency that provides support to children that have had a death in their family.

Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids – www.yellowpagesforkids.com

Child Support Information – (800) 228-5437

Babyline Welcome Addition Club – (800) 222-9546

New Haven Diaper Bank
14 Gilbert Street
West Haven,  CT
(203) 934-7009

The Clothing Bank
30 Harrison Avenue
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 483-2630
Provides clothing and basic household goods, when available, to shoreline community members.

Furniture Co-op
30 Morris Avenue
West Haven,  CT  06516
(203) 389-1112

Recycling Centers – www.Earth911.com
Find Recycling Centers for paper, metal, auto, hazardous, construction and the like.

Nike
Nike’s Re-use-A-Shoe Recycling Program – www.nikereuseashoe.com

As of November 12, 2008 – this comprehensive program is available to all customers who heat their home with gas, electricity, oil or propane for a co-pay of $75*.  This program is no longer free to Gas and Electric customers.  The program may offer a full range of energy efficiency measures to address inefficient lighting, water heating, inefficient heating equipment, refrigeration and insufficient insulation.  This service can help lower your energy costs with just one, in-home visit by a trained energy-efficiency team.

• All Gas and Electric customers with Central Air Conditioning
• Customers whose homes were built before 1990
• Customers who are high energy users
• Those customers willing to make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes
• A Total Home Energy Assessment
• Rebates up to $600 for qualified Central Air Conditioning Systems
• Incentives for insulation upgrades
• Installation of energy-efficient lighting (compact fluorescent light bulbs)
• Hot water saving measures
• Duct Sealing
• Weatherization measures for your home
• Table top sit down review of all measures taken in your home

Community Renewal Team – Weatherization Program
(860) 560-5749 or (860) 560-5354

Assist those that have been granted Energy Assistance, weatherization products for their residence to reduce fuel waste.

Energy Rebates

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
209 Orange Street
New Haven,  CT  06510
(203) 624-4334
www.rfbd.org
Provides auditory literature for blind and disabled individuals.

Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids – www.yellowpagesforkids.com

State of Connecticut, Bureau of Rehabilitation Service
414 Chapel Street, Suite 301
New Haven,  CT  06511
(203) 974-3000
www.brs.state.ct.us

The Learning Disability Association of CT
999 Asylum Avenue
(860) 560-1711
Hartford,  CT  06105
www.ldact.org

Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries
Pays for monthly Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-payments for financially-eligible individuals 860-443-9946

SCCAA CHOICES Program
Unbaised information and assistance on Medicare, supplemental insurance, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, prescription drug assistance and federal/state programs  785-8533 or 1-800-944-9422

New College Student Loan Program
(203) 265-5657
http://www.culct.coop/ctcua
Governor Rell has announced CT Credit Unions accepting applications for student loans.

State of Connecticut, Bureau of Rehabilitation Service
414 Chapel Street, Suite 301
New Haven,  CT  06511
(203) 974-3000
www.brs.state.ct.us

Colleges with programs for learning disabled students
www.college-scholorships.com/learning-disabilities.htm

The Learning Disabilities Association of Connecticut
999 Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT  06105
(860) 560-1711
www.ldact.org

Home Care Program for Elders – (800) 445-5394

Consumer Law Project for Elders
Advice and legal representations on consumers/medical debt and identify theft.

CTElderLaw.org
Website maintained by Connecticut Legal Services to provide legal information on a wide range of subjects relevant to the elderly in Connecticut - web only NO PHONE

State of Connecticut
Department of Social Service
www.dss.state.ct.us/svc/chcpe/eligibility.htm
Program that provides services to assist individuals to stay at home instead of going into a Nursing Home.  Applicant must meet guidelines.

Protective Services for the Elderly – (203) 974-8029 or 2-1-1 (after hours)

Social Security – (800) 772-1213

Center for Medicare Advocacy – (800) 262-4414

Agency on Aging –www.agencyonaging-scc.org
Contact Person:  Lynn Fredricksen at (203) 785-8533

SCCAA Home Care Program for Elders
Program provides eligible individuals with assessment, care management and payment for home and community-based services.  752-3040  or 1-800-445-5394

Respite Programs
For those ineligible for the Home Care Program, but otherwise in need, care management services and limited support for home care services.

Geriatric Assessment Clinics

Provide comprehensive medical, psychological, cognitive and social assessments of older adults.
 - Dorothy Adler Center 688-6361
 - Hospital of St. Raphael 789-4222
 - Masonic Geriatric Health 284-3900
 - Mid-State Medical Center 237-3000
 - Shelton Lakes 922-3666

Click here for press release on Loans and Grants for Home Improvements

Angel Food Ministries www.angelfoodministries.com
Monthly food/grocer program providing families with approximately $65.00 worth of fresh groceries for a cost of $30.00.  Monthly menus available for preview.  Ordering and payment in advance.  Food Stamps, cash, and money order are acceptable payment options.

The Branford Soup Kitchen - The Community Dining Room serves the south-central Connecticut shoreline from East Haven to Old Saybrook including the towns of Branford, North Branford, East Haven, Guilford and Madison.  The Community Dining Room services:
BREAKFAST: Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
LUNCH: Sunday-Friday 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.
 2nd  4th Saturday, 12:00 noon - 1:oo pm.
TUESDAY FAMILY DINNER AND STORYTIME (for families with children) at 5:30 p.m.
All welcome - for more information please call 203-488-9750 or pkral@communitydiningroom.org

WIC  (Women, Infants and Children)
1401 Chapel Street
New Haven,  CT  06511
(203) 789-3563 or ( 800) 741-2142
www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Assist pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants (up to 1st birthday) and children (up to child’s 5th birthday), who are at a nutritional risk and meet income guidelines.

Meals-on-Wheel
CAA/New Haven 387-7700

North Branford Food Bank
North Branford Congregational Church
1680 Foxon Road
North Branford,  CT  06471
(203) 488-8456
Operating Schedule is every Friday from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Northford Food Bank
CAMS/ACES School
(203) 488-4575
Operating Schedule is every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Food Stamps/SNAP
Department of Social Services
194 Bassett Street
New Haven,  CT  06511
203-974-8000
www.ct.gov/dss

Boost in Food Aid for Thousands of CT Families
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that more Connecticut households are able to qualify for federal food assistance after she directed the Department of Social Services to expand eligibility by raising income levels and dropping a review of assets required for some families to qualify for the program.  The changes, which took effect July 1, will allow thousands of additional households to qualify for food stamps – the long-time safety net service that is now known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.  For more information or to apply for benefits, visit www.ct.gov/SNAP or contact a local office of the Department of Social Services. To find the DSS office nearest you, call the state Infoline at 2-1-1 or see the government “blue pages” in the phone book.  

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3675&Q=444644 . 

Energy Assistance Program
Assist homeowners and renters that are income and asset eligible in offsetting the costs of the winter fuel bill.  Usual program dates are November 1 through April.

Energy Assistance Income Guidelines

Listing of documents needed for application process

Appointments for applications accepted at:

North Branford Social Service
1675 Foxon Road
North Branford, CT 06471
(203) 315-6006
or
Community Renewal Team
282 Main Street Ext
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 347-4465

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program guides will be available Fall 2009.
Energy Assistance Required Forms for will be available Fall 2009.

Southern Connecticut Gas Co. – (800) 659-8299 www.soconngas.com

Three Way Plan Program
A matching payment program for persons granted Energy Assistance through the Community Renewal Team or Operation Fuel.

Operation Fuel Program - www.operationfuel.org

Operation Fuel Winter Program 2011

CITIZENS ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

CT Housing Finance Authority – (877) 571-CHFA

Mortgage Foreclosure Assistance – (877) 472-8313

Home Ownership Preservation Foundation – (888) 995-HOPE or visit www.995hope.com

The Real Options, Overcoming Foreclosure (ROOF) Project – www.theroofproject.org
(New Haven Only)

New Initiative Helps Nursing Home Resident Return Home
Governor Rell has announced applications are now available for a new program aimed at helping people leaving nursing home care and return to community living.
www.ct.gov/moneyfollowstheperson or call (888) 992-8637

New Laws Help Those Who Face Foreclosure
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that more Connecticut families facing foreclosure will be able to get the financial help they need to stay in their homes thanks to new legislation she has signed into law.  “The national recession has threatened to shred the American dream,” Governor Rell said during a bill signing ceremony at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport . “At this point we have moved beyond the fallout of shaky subprime mortgages and predatory lending. Now, people risk losing their homes because they are losing their jobs. Our goal is to provide a safety net for hard-working people who are coping with the loss of a paycheck.”

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3675&Q=444548 . 

Gov. Rell Announces Agreement to Make Foreclosure Mediation Mandatory
Governor M. Jodi Rell and the co-Chairs of the Legislature’s Banks Committee – Senator Bob Duff and Representative Ryan P. Barry – today announced they have reached agreement on legislation that would make mediation a mandatory part of all real estate foreclosures in Connecticut, a move that could sharply reduce the number of borrowers losing their homes. 

The new legislation builds on changes Governor Rell, Senator Duff and Representative Barry developed last year that expanded mediation services offered through the Judicial Branch. Under that change, more than a quarter of recent foreclosure proceedings have gone to mediation – and about 70 percent of those cases have been resolved amicably, without the borrower being forced to leave the home or the lender forced to take over the property.

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3675&Q=435630 .

Americares Homefront
88 Hamilton Avenue
Stamford,  CT  06902
www.americareshomefront.org
(800) 887-HOPE
Americares Homefront is a community based volunteer-driven home repair program that provides free repairs to low income homeowners thus enabling them to remain in their homes with an improved quality of life.  The program is sponsored by the International Relief Organization, Americares.  Applications are available on line or at this Office of Social Service.

CRT Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention (860) 347-4465 or (877) 254-6601
44 Hamlin Street
Middletown, CT  06457
www.crtct.org
Landlord/Tenant conflict resolution grants for back rent and mortgages.  Mortgage holder agreements and payment rescheduling for delinquent mortgages.

Connecticut Housing Investment Fund – (800) 992-3665
Low interest loan to pay for insulation, energy conservation measures, heating improvements and renewable resource improvements for your home.

HUD
United States Department of Housing
One Corporate Center
20 Church Street, 19th Floor
Hartford,  CT  06103-3220
www.hud.gov  or (860) 240-4800
Assists eligible persons with home ownership, rental help, public housing and Housing Program.

HUD Section 8/RAP Housing
Applications may be obtained at:
John D’Amerlia and Associates
2 Lakewood Road
Waterbury, CT  06704
(203) 757-1138 or toll free 1-866-923-6347

Hillside Terrace
167 Branford Road
North Branford,  CT  06471
(203) 488-5664
Rental housing apartments for Senior Citizens and disabled persons.

Interfaith Housing - (203) 483-7420

Home Solutions Program
CRT
44 Hamlin Street
Middletown, CT  06457
(860) 347-4465 or toll free (877) 254-6601
Home Solutions is a state-wide combined loan and grant program designed to offer financial assistance for Hazardous Materials Abatement, Septic System Repair, Replacement & Enlargement, and Senior Citizen Emergency Home Repairs projects.  Also included in the Home Solutions Program is the Energy Conservation Loan that may only be used in conjunction with lead and asbestos abatement activities.  Funding for these programs is provided by the State of Connecticut through the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Recently lost your job or worried about lay-offs?
The Connecticut Department of Labor can help you learn more about our legal rights, education and training, unemployment benefits, as well as, explore jobs by visiting www.ctdol.state.ct.us/ or call (860) 263-6000.

The Connecticut Regional/Workforce Alliance can help you learn more about available career resources visit www.workforcealliance.biz or calling (203) 867-4030.

State of Connecticut Employment Site
www.das.state.ct.us/exam/default.asp

State of Connecticut, Department of Labor – www.ctdol.state.ct.us/
Education and training, CT Job Central (formerly known as CT Job Bank).  Unemployment Compensation, wage and workplace standards, Family Medical Leave Act.

Legal Aid – (800) 453-3320

Adult Probation – (203) 789-7876

CT Women Education and Legal Fund – (800) 479-2949

Charter Oak Health Plan
The Charter Oak Health Plan offers a health Insurance benefits package to adults of all incomes, has affordable monthly premiums based on income.  Offers full coverage, medical and pharmacy.
Further information and to apply please contact Charter Oak at 1-877-772-8625.

New Law Allows Extension of COBRA Coverage for Unemployed
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has signed legislation that will greatly reduce the cost of health insurance for Connecticut citizens who have been laid off from small businesses and want to continue their coverage under the federal “COBRA” law.

“This will bring tremendous relief for so many families struggling to pay bills and simply stay afloat in this recession,” Governor Rell said. “Losing a job and health insurance at the same time makes a bad situation even worse, but this legislation allows us to use federal stimulus funds to make insurance under COBRA more affordable to a greater number of people. And the need for this relief has never been more critical.”

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3675&Q=438686 . 

Yale New Haven Shoreline Medical Center
Satellite Emergency Services
111 Goose Lane
Guilford, CT  06437
(203) 453-7123
www.ynhh.org/shoreline

Wal-Mart Pharmacy
Wal-Mart Pharmacy offers an extensive list of generic mediations available for $4.00 each.  The list is available on line at www.walmart.com , once on the main page, click on the pharmacy link.

Target Pharmacy
Target Pharmacy offers an extensive list of generic mediations available for $4.00 each.  The list is available online at www.target.com, once on the main page, click on the pharmacy link.

Disabled Children’s Relief Fund – (516) 377-1605
Provides eligible disabled children with equipment, prosthesis and rehabilitative services.
Preference given to applicants that benefit physically.

CONNPACE
PO Box 5011
Hartford,  CT  06102
800-423-5026
www.connpace.com
Program to assist persons over 65 years of age or those over 18 years of age and disabled to defray their prescription expenses.  Applicants must meet income guidelines.

State of Connecticut
Department of Social Service
194 Bassett Street
New Haven,  CT  06511-1002
(203) 974-8000
www.ct.gov/dss
State agency that administer programs such as:

• Food Stamps
• Child Care
• Rehabilitation Services
• Title 19            
• Child Support Enforcement
• Services to the Elderly
• Husky
• Housing Programs
• Financial Assistance
  (Applicants must meet income and asset guidelines)

Home Care Program for Elders – (800) 445-5394
State of Connecticut
Department of Social Service
www.dss.state.ct.us/svc/chcpe/eligibility.htm
Program that provides services to assist individuals to stay at home instead of going into a Nursing Home.  Applicant must meet guidelines.

Center of Medicare Advocacy – (800) 262-4414

Medicare (800) 633-4227 – www.medicare.gov

Safe Haven Act for Newborns – (800) 842-2288
A program that allows a parent to voluntarily give up custody of an infant, age 31 days or younger, to the Nursing Staff at any Emergency Room

Family and Medical Leave Act
www.dol.gov

Covered employers must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 work weeks of unpaid

leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:
 - for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee;
 - for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care;
 - to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or
 - to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.

Medicare Savings Program

Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Service (888) 979-6884

Domestic Violence Services – (203) 789-8104

Sexual Assault Hotline – (888) 999-5545

Sexual Assault Crisis Program – (203) 348-9346 or (203) 329-2929

Family Counseling Services, North Branford  - (203) 315-6014

Low Income Pet Sterilization  Program
The Department of Agriculture (DOAG) is pleased to announce effective immediately, the start of a new program, which intends to further reduce the surplus companion pet population in Connecticut.  The new program is part of the agency’s Animal Population Control Program (APCP) and plans to help low-income citizens by providing vaccination/sterilization vouchers for their pets.  The expansion is the result of the 2007 passage of Public Act No. 07-105; titled An Act Concerning the Expansion of the Animal Population Control Program.

Connecticut residents, who qualify for one of six low-income programs as outlined by the new legislation, will need to complete and submit a Low Income Pet Sterilization Application.  Applications are available in all public Town of North Branford Buildings, such as the lobby of the Town Hall, Community Center, Senior Center and Library.  Approved individuals will be eligible to receive up to three (3) vouchers per household per year.  The APCP will dedicate 10% of its FY 2008 income to the new program, which is expected to be between $40,000 and $60,000.

The APCP has provided vaccination/sterilization benefits to more than 50,000 municipal pound pets since the program’s inception in 1995 and has helped to reduce euthanasia by 50% and the number of impounded pets by one-third. 

For more information about this new program, please contact the APCP office at (860) 713-2507, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or go to the agency web-site at www.ct.gov/doag

The Tax Clinic
Quinnipiac University
School of Law
275 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden,  CT  06518-1950
(203) 582-3238
www.quinnipiac.edu
The Clinic assists taxpayers who do not already have the tax representation or can not afford to pay for legal assistance.  The Clinic offers assistance if you are being audited by the IRS or involved in a federal tax controversy.

Department of Transportation
Half-fare I.D. cards for Connecticut transit buses
860-525-9181

Medicaid Transportation
Medical transportation by appointment for participants of the Medicaid program
888-248-9895

Volunteer Transportation
c/o East Shore Health Dept.
29 Business Park Drive
Branford,  CT  06405
(203) 481-4233
When available, may be able to provide local transportation to elderly and disabled person for medical appointments.

My Ride
2319 Whitney Ave.
Hamden,  CT  06518
(203) 288-6282
Transportation services for disabled persons program.  Door to door service in nineteen communities, 7 days a week from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.  Any resident of the Greater New Haven service area unable to use the fixed route bus service may complete an application.

Town of North Branford
Senior Center – Transportation Van
1675 Foxon Road
North Branford, CT  06471
(203) 315-6018
May provide medical transportation to Senior Citizens.

Mary Wade – www.marywade.org
(203) 562-7222
For those 60 years of age or older, weekend transportation.

AT&T (SBC)
1 Science Park, 1st Floor
New Haven, CT  06511
(800) 922-4605, (800) 842-1512 (TDD/TTY)
www.sbc.com
Programs for elderly, disabled and low income homes, such as:

Exemption from Directory Assistance Charges
Lifeline Monthly Credit
Reduced Installation Charges

Southern Connecticut Gas Co. –  (800) 659-8299
Three Way Plan Program
For persons granted Energy Assistance through the Community Renewal Team or a non-profit agency.  A matching payment program.

Comcast Cable
Comcast Cable offers a 10% discount on the Basic 1 level of service to qualified Senior Citizens (65years of age or older) low income customers.  Applications at this Office of Social Service.

United Illuminating - (877) 947-3873
Wise Use Program
Provides energy audits to residential customers.  If eligible, may provide energy saving products to residential customers.

UI Forgiveness Program
Residential customers covered by the Winter Protection Program and who heat by electricity may quality for UI’s Forgiveness Program.  If you quality, we will work with you to develop a monthly budget agreement.  If you keep that agreement, we will match your payments to reduce your back balance.  Please call the Forgiveness Hotline at 1-800-322-9288 for more information.

UI Matching Payment Plan
This program helps low-income customers maintain year round service and pay down delinquent balances by company-matched dollars.  A payment arrangement plan helps qualified hardship customers pay past due electric bills.  Under MAPP, if payments are current, a past due balance can be “forgiven” over time.  Please call 1-800-442-5004 for more information.

Called into Active Duty?
You may quality for temporary suspension or disconnection of your electric service if you are called into active duty in the U.S. military.  Please call 1-800-442-5004 for more information.

CT Vets to Benefit from 4 New Laws
Governor M. Jodi Rell today was joined today by several Connecticut veterans at a bill signing ceremony for four new laws that will benefit veterans and their families, including a measure the Governor spearheaded that streamlines the process for disabled veterans to receive a local property tax exemption.  “This year, I have signed 240 bills into law and for the 250,000 veterans in Connecticut , these four bills may have been among the most important,” Governor Rell said. “The legislation builds on our long, proud legacy of service and commitment to our veterans.”

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3675&Q=444490 . 

Veterans Affairs (800) 827-1000 – www.va.gov
Administers programs and provides healthcare facilities for Veterans with honorable discharge.  Programs include pharmacy, loans, pensions, burial, life insurance, and more.

State Veterans Cemetery
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Billing Office
287 West Street
Rocky Hill,  CT  06067
All war-time veterans released under honorable conditions that entered the service or died when a resident of the State of Connecticut and their spouses may be offered free burial plots, markers and perpetual care.

Soldiers, Sailors and Marines  (203) 789-7841
Non-profit agency providing assistance to veterans with an honorable discharge.  Assistance may include areas such as shelter, food, pharmacy, and the like.

Department of Consumer Protection
Trade Practices Division
165 Capital Avenue
Hartford,  CT  06106
www.ct.gov/dcp/site/default.asp
Prohibits businesses, inside and outside the State of Connecticut to solicit you over the telephone for the sale of their products of services.  Prohibits your name on marketing lists compiled for the sale to others and blocking caller ID on your phone.

New Haven Legal Assistance
Screening, advice, self-help materials and legal representation on Medicare issues.

Safelink Wireless Cell Phone Program
The Safelink wireless cell phone program is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and monthly airtime minutes at no charge for income eligible customers.  One may apply at www.safelinkwireless.com

INFO LINE 2-1-1
Infoline is an integrated system of help via the telephone-a single source for information about community services, referrals to human service agencies, and crisis intervention.  It is accessed toll-free from anywhere in Connecticut by simply dialing 2-1-1.  It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, TDD access and multilingual caseworkers are available.  State and federal funding is also available through CEAP (Connecticut Energy Assistance Program).  For more information, go to www.infoline.org.

Hurricane Preparedness 
How to Prepare and Safely Weather a Hurricane/Tornado

Be Aware. Be Prepared

DSS Information – (800) 842-1508

DSS New Haven – (203) 974-8000

Modest Needs - www.modestneeds.org
Three types of grants available to assist persons meet their needs.  Online applications only.
Self-Sufficient Grant: Small emergency expenses
Back to Work:  Small fee or expense allowing unemployed persons to return to full-time work.
Independent Living Grant: Small irregular expenses to improve quality of life during a short term emergency.

Click here for information on seasonal flu shots