Connecticut community action agency assistance programs

The programs and services offered by non-profit Connecticut based community action agencies are extensive. While clients can apply for financial help and government grants at the centers listed below , the focus is on providing long term self-sufficiency.

Case managers will work with families in Connecticut and help them find a job or gain new skills. Individuals can also register for financial literacy, which can include budgeting, credit counseling, and similar services. Thousands of residents use the services offered by these non-profits. Grants for financial aid in Connecticut: Applications are accepted for:

Grants for financial aid in Connecticut

Connecticut community action agency assistance programs.

Weatherization . This federally funded program can help homeowners and even qualified renters reduce their heating and cooling costs. While there is a waiting list, a focus is on those Connecticut low-income families with an elderly member, people with disabilities, and children. Not only will it improve the energy efficiency of their homes, it will also ensure and improve health and safety.

Some of what can be paid for includes insulation of attic walls, floor, duct, pipe and water heater, Air sealing, and CFL lighting. While not as common, your heating system can be tuned up or even replaced. Weatherization may also provide for repairs of broken windows, glass, doors, and primary and storm window replacement.

Veteran programs and services

Community action agency food programs for children and seniors

are offered. Veterans and their immediate family members can sign up for services such as eviction prevention. Homeless veterans can get help in quickly finding and paying for new, more affordable housing.

Also get help in applying for benefits, including health care and cash assistance. The state of: Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) was designed to help the working poor, unemployed and low income pay their primary heating bill.

Any financial aid is limited and will only pay for a portion of your costs. Only a onetime cash grant will be paid out by CEAP, and your non-profit agency administers it at the local town and county level. There is also a: Furnace Replacement/Repair Program . This may only be offered as funding allows, and also when a heating system is broken, unsafe or inoperable.

This particular repair or replacement program is available for CEAP eligible clients. Conservation programs offered at the same time include services such as Clean Test and Tune-up services.

This is another services focused on heating systems and furnaces. Yet another energy type program is: CHAP/Contingency Heating Assistance Program . This resource is available for more moderate income households whose income is higher than Federal Government Poverty guidelines. Many people who don’t qualify for CEAP (see above) will receive financial assistance from this resource.

It can provide a grant or extra oil or fuel in an emergency. Operation Fuel

is a non-profit organization that partners with community action agencies. It can help households facing a crisis. It follows its own guidelines when it comes to qualifications. Beyond Shelter is a partnership with the Connecticut Department of Social Services as well as the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness.

It can help reverse and prevent homelessness. It offers supportive services to assist in the transition from emergency shelter to permanent housing. The program may provide education on landlord/tenant rights, life skills workshops, assistance with food and furniture, money management and more.

Caseworkers from your local agency also provide up to one year of follow-up services. The Connecticut: Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Programs can assist low and moderate income individuals and families faced with losing their home and who may be at risk of homelessness due to inability to pay their mortgage or back rent.

It can provide landlords/mortgage holders as well as tenants the ability to use mediation in order to find a solution to their dispute. This is when a neutral person negotiates an agreement that is fair to both the tenant/homeowner and landlord/bank. The objective of mediation is to allow families the ability to remain in their current home.

Tenants can learn about their rights in the eviction process, and landlords are also available to get help including information about their responsibilities in housing matters. Homeowners can learn how to rework or modify mortgage payments. Supportive Housing

Education and job training services

can provide rental assistance and housing support services for low income families and individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS. The program can help HIV positive people secure and/or maintain stable housing, gain self-sufficiency, and get referrals to other local and government organizations. The

transportation program provides limited and regionally based transportation services to low income and seniors. Rides can be offered for doctor's appointments, job interviews, senior centers, shopping, and personal appointments, such as banking. Information

is always readily available. Many Connecticut residents seek affordable child care, housing, financial, employment services, and holiday assistance. Case managers know it is very difficult to navigate the difficult and complex public aid and social service systems. Information on various resources are identified and you can get help in applying for them.

Locate information on local and statewide resources.

Financial management and credit counseling classes in Connecticut

Community action agency food programs for children and seniors: Meals on Wheels provides healthy dinners and/or lunches to homebound seniors in Connecticut. The elderly and senior citizens can receive a free meal delivered right to their door. In addition, volunteers and staff of the various charities and non-profits that offer this service also provide social interaction through daily contact.

Weekend meals may be offered, as well as special diets can be met. Free Summer Food is offered for children and students. They can enjoy free healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks at summer meal programs and feeding sites.

These meals are meant to replace school lunches and breakfasts. Senior centers and community café distribute healthy yet tasty meals in a friendly atmosphere. Older adults in Connecticut can receive nutritionally balanced, hot, noontime meals. The centers may also offer other recreational activities or workshops.

Other critical services are offered for the elderly. The agencies will insure the wellbeing of senior citizens. So many centers, often working with agency on aging centers, offer affordable homemaking services for those finding it difficult to maintain their homes. Locations also serve as information and referral resource to seniors and their immediate family members.

Education and job training services:

Head Start program

is offered at many centers in Connecticut. Clients, including the currently unemployed, can get educational services, career counseling, job training and placement services. A skills assessment guides the development of a training plan for each recipient, and that may include adult education classes and vocational training.

Many recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) register for this, as a well paying job is important to leaving TANF. Learn more on

free job training in Connecticut Summer Youth Employment can provide work experiences and resume development opportunities to students. It will help them prepare for the world of full time work.

Low income youth are also offered career counseling and educational support while learning on-the-job problem solving and leadership skills. Case management and family services

are available. A focus is on offering job search and employment training if needed, with a goal of eventually eliminating the need for government assistance.

Locations of Connecticut community action agencies

A holistic approach is taken, whether your need is caused by some catastrophic experience or whether you have been facing poverty for an extended period of time. This should help make the process seamless for the client.

The goal of any community action in Connecticut is to promote continual movement of low-income and unemployed people towards self-sufficiency.

While resources available depend on the center and government funding, some of the following assistance programs and services may be offered. Agencies can help people apply for food vouchers, rental and energy assistance, furniture and clothing referrals, and other state of Connecticut and social services.

Community Employment Services focus on empowering and assisting people in achieving long term self-sufficiently. Work-ready skills are provided for individuals on an as-needed basis. This can include such activities as basic computer skills training, resume review, and general counseling. One-Stop Career Centers

is offered by many community action agencies in partnership with Connecticut Works. The locations provide a variety of employment services to job seekers. Individuals who need help finding work or a better job will receive job search assistance, career exploration, resume writing, referrals to adult and higher education classes, access to training programs and other related services.

Many centers also offer pre-employment and career development training programs to youth.

Assistance for youth from low income families is offered. Curriculums and workshops offered include The Apple Resource Guide as well as the widely used FDIC Money Smart Program. Community action centers can help arrange adult mentoring, cultural enrichment experiences, and extensive case management.

Other workshops also help with developing money management skills and give insight o