Town of Colchester

Social
Services
Youth &
Social Services
Colchester CONNECTION
Colchester Youth & Social Services provides a coordinated
system of programs and services designed to
improve the quality of life for the youth, families and individuals
in Colchester. The services provided include:
Applications and Referrals - Assistance filling out
applications and forms for programs such as food stamps,
medical assistance (HUSKY/Title 19), and Social Security
Disability. Referrals to other programs are also provided.
Back-to-School Supplies - Each fall, children can receive
school supplies such as back packs, notebooks, pencils and
pens and other needed classroom supplies. Families can also
request additional items throughout the year to replace
exhausted supplies. Most of the school supplies are generously
donated by members of the community.
Energy Assistance - Social Services serves as an intake
site for the CT Energy Assistance Program which is
administered by TVCCA in Norwich. The program provides
qualified residents with heating, gas and electric bill
assistance. Social Services also coordinates with Operation
Fuel and Project Warm Up to help keep families warm
during the winter months.
Food Bank - The Food Bank helps individuals and families
supplement their grocery budgets with nutritious
items. Residents who need to access the Food Bank are
asked to call ahead and make an appointment for
Thursday pick-up. This allows volunteers to have boxes
pre packed and fresh items purchased for the boxes.
Residents are asked to use the Food Bank once a month
or more often if there is an emergency situation. Food
Bank supplies are provided thanks to the generosity of
residents who donate food items and money to purchase
needed items. Watch the local papers each week for the
"Food Bank 5" ( items that are especially needed that
week.)
Fuel Bank - The Colchester Fuel Bank is funded entirely
by donations from generous community members. The
Fuel Bank makes it possible for residents in need to
receive small oil deliveries during the winter months to
cover the gap between other heating delivery programs.
Holiday Dinners - In collaboration with the Colchester
Rotary, Lion's Clubs and local churches, families in need
can receive Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets with all
the foods for a wonderful holiday meal. These local civic
groups coordinate with Social Services to ensure that anyone
needing a holiday dinner will receive one.
52 Thursday, August 19, 2010
www.colchesterct.gov
Colchester CONNECTION
Personal Hygiene Supplies - Items that cannot be purchased
with food stamps are donated for residents who
access the Food Bank. In addition to personal hygiene
items, soap, shampoo, laundry detergents and paper goods
are also available.
Santa Anonymous - Parents can ask to have their children
receive gifts and a visit from Santa thanks to the
generosity of the many residents who donate, organize
and carryout this program.
Donations - We are very appreciative of the tremendous
generosity of Colchester residents. Without the monetary
donations, contributions of goods, and the many volunteer
hours given, we would be unable to offer residents the
variety of needed services that we provide. Unfortunately,
due to the lack of space we are unable to accept certain
items. If you wish to make donations, but are unsure if we
can take them, please give us a call.
Accepted Donations
Diapers
Health and beauty products
Non- perishable food items
Paper goods - toilet paper, tissues, paper towels
Personal hygiene items
School Supplies
Soap and laundry detergents
Local agencies that accept donations
Goodwill Industries - Norwich, 860.204.0018
Appliances, clothing, electronics, furniture
Madonna Place - Norwich, 860.886.6600
Books, some children's items
Salvation Army - Willimantic 860. 423.0977,
Norwich 860.889.2329
Clothing, electronics, books, toys, household furnishings
WAIM - Windham Area Interfaith Ministries,
Willimantic 860.456.7270
Clothing, household goods and furniture