programs that help people in connecticut - Town of Vernon

SAGA: If assistance is denied, a hearing may be requested at the local
office to review the decision. A state fair hearing may be requested to
review a decision by the city or town. Legal assistance for a fair hearing
may be obtained from a local Legal Services office.
Temporary Family Assistance: If assistance is denied, requests for
appeals must be made within 60 days of the date of the decision notice.
To request an appeal, write to Administrative Hearings, Department of
Social Services, 25 Sigourney Street, Hartford, CT 06106. Name and
address must be included. Information and assistance in preparing for a
fair hearing can be obtained from a local Legal Services office.
Unemployment Benefits: If a claim is denied, written notice, which
includes information on the appeal process, will be sent to the applicant.
Appeals may be filed within 21 days of the mailing date of the notification.
Information and assistance are available at each local office. Appeals
are handled by independent referees listed below. Claims should
continue to be filed while awaiting a hearing.
Bridgeport 350 Fairfield Avenue 06604 (203) 579-6271
6th Floor, Suite 601
Hamden 39 Marne Street 06514 (203) 230-3700
Hartford 3580 Main Street 06120 (860) 566-5262
2nd Floor, Room 212
Norwich 113 Salem Turnpike 06360 (860) 892-2253
North Building, Suite 101
Waterbury 249 Thomaston Avenue 06702 (203) 596-4138
Wethersfield 38 Wolcott Hill Road 06109 (860) 566-1494
Women
Family Violence Victim Advocate Program
The Family Violence Victim Advocate Program provides advocates for
victims of family violence in each of the 21 Geographical Area Courts.
It is managed by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
(CCADV). Address: 90 Pitkin Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. Telephone:
(860) 282-7899.
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic
Violence (CCADV)
CCADV is a membership organization whose purpose is to end domestic
violence by changing the social conditions, beliefs and actions that
perpetuate abuse. Address: 90 Pitkin Street, East Hartford, CT 06108.
Telephone: (860) 282-7899. Emergency Statewide, Toll-free Domestic
Violence Hotline: 1-888-774-2900. Website: ctcadv.org. Also see
Crisis Intervention and Family Emergencies in this book.
Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services
(CONNSACS)
CONNSACS is a statewide association of sexual assault crisis programs,
which work to end sexual violence through victim assistance, community
education and public policy advocacy. CONNSACS seeks and administers
funds to develop and support its member organizations; provides
a forum for the exchange of skills and information regarding the
response to, and prevention of, sexual assault and sexual abuse; and serves
as a mechanism for the development and maintenance of appropriate
standards of service for rape crisis centers. CONNSACS advocates for
public policy changes; promotes public awareness; and provides training
and technical assistance to local, state, national, and international
organizations. Address: 96 Pitkin Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. Telephone:
(860) 282-9881. E-mail: info@connsacs.org. Website:
connsacs.org. Emergency Statewide Toll-free Hotline: 1-888-999-5545.
Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal
Fund (CWEALF)
CWEALF is a statewide, nonprofit organization which provides legal
information, referrals and advocacy on family, employment, education
and civil rights law. Through CWEALF’s toll-free Information & Referral
Service people can access – in English and Spanish – information
and resources for assistance on discrimination, harassment and family
matters such as divorce, child support and custody. A Community Advocate
is available to meet in person in the Greater Hartford area. Address:
135 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105. Telephone: (860) 524-
0601. Toll-free Telephone: 1-800-479-2949; E-mail: cwealf@cwealf.org
Website: cwealf.org.
Disabilities
Office of Protection and Advocacy for
Persons with Disabilities (OP&A)
State of Connecticut OP&A provides information on disability rights
and services; advocates for people with disabilities who have been discriminated
against or who are experiencing difficulty securing relevant
supports and services; provides legal assistance within existing resources;
investigates complaints of abuse and neglect of adults with mental retardation
and psychiatric disabilities; provides training and technical assistance;
and supports the development of community advocacy groups.
Address: 60B Weston Street, Hartford, CT 06120-1551. Telephone: (860)
297- 4300. Toll-free V/TDD: 1-800-842-7303. TDD: (860) 297-4380.
E-mail: OPA-information@po.state.ct.us. Website: ct.gov/opapd.
Connecticut Legal Rights Project (CLRP)
CLRP provides free legal assistance and advocacy for low-income adults
who have, or are perceived to have, psychiatric disabilities. CLRP’s advocacy
focuses on an individual’s treatment-related rights and civil rights,
particularly with regard to housing matters. CLRP staff may also assist
clients on cases which involve protecting their civil rights in conservatorship
and commitment proceedings, or in housing discrimination. Main
Office Address: P.O. Box 351, Silver Street, Middletown, CT 06457.
Toll-free Telephone: 1-877-402-2299. Telephone: (860) 262-5030.
Other CLRP offices: Bridgeport (203) 551-7638; Hartford (860) 297-
0808; New Haven (203) 974-7715; Newington (860) 666-7626; Norwich
(860) 859-4703.
Housing
Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness
(CCEH)
CCEH is a statewide coalition of shelters, transitional living programs,
religious organizations, social service agencies and other organizations
and individuals concerned about homelessness. CCEH supports programs
*Spanish speaking staff available.
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Advocacy and Legal Assistance