Camp Layton Rose summer camp

Applications are now being accepted for New Opportunities' Camp Layton Rose, a summer co-ed day camp for children ages 7-13 who live in Waterbury and Torrington.  The camp, located in Morris across from Bantam Lake, has sessions available between Monday, July 8 and Friday, August 2, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Transportation and meals, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, will be provided.  The cost is $25.00 per child and $10 for each additional child from a household.  Payment is due after camp acceptance.  To obtain an application, call (860) 482-9749 or apply in person at 138 Migeon Avenue in Torrington.

United Way Recruiting Campaign Volunteers

Just like Uncle Sam, the United Way "Wants You"! Volunteers are always welcome to join the annual campaign team and work in one of several divisions such as finance, manufacturing, construction, residential, sales and service, public service, or the Leader's Circle.  If you would like to call or visit a few accounts, sign letters, or volunteer in another capacity between now and November, call our office at (860) 489-4131 or email Stephanie@northwestunitedway.org today!

United Way NWCT Photo Galleries

Photo galleries from the United Way of Northwest Connecticut golf tournament and Women's Initiative gala are now available online at
http://www.northwestunitedway.org/32-annual-golf-tournament-image-gallery and http://www.northwestunitedway.org/image-gallery-womens-gala

Northwest Connecticut Resources

Are you a northwest Connecticut resident who's looking for help?  The United Way of Northwest Connecticut has recently updated Sources, a community resource directory that was designed just for that purpose.  Visit http://www.northwestunitedway.org/find-help and click on SOURCES and you may find exactly what you're looking for!

Day of Caring Volunteers Needed!

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut needs volunteers for a Day of Caring on Friday, June 21st.  A variety of projects offer opportunities to paint, plant bulbs or vegetable gardens at day care centers, clear trails and get area kids' camps ready for summer, to name a few.  Most projects don't require any special skills, just a willingness to donate one day to help make a difference in your community.  If you'd like to learn more, call the office at (860) 489-4131 or email ferreira742@gmail.com today!

Torrington Club Offers Summer Tutoring

The Torrington Women's Club hopes to have at least fifteen volunteers to tutor up to twenty-eight students this summer.  The club has been tutoring school age children for about four years now.  Last fall they received a United Way grant to conduct a grade school tutoring program for dyslexic and learning disabled children. To learn more or volunteer, call June Zeiner at (860) 489-7258. 

United Way of NWCT Golf Photos

A photo gallery for the United Way of Northwest Connecticut's annual golf tournament that was held on May 13 is now available at http://www.northwestunitedway.org/32-annual-golf-tournament-image-gallery.

The tournament raised nearly $14,000, which provides supplemental funding for 24 member agencies. 

Child Care Center Opens in Norfolk

Norfolk Early Learning Center, located at 122 Laurel Way in Norfolk, is now open. The center is owned and operated by Paige Corey and Kailyn Nadeau, both formerly of the Winsted Area Child Care Center. For more information, call 860-542-6016 or visit www.norfolkearlylearningcenter.com

Chef to Help Food Pantry

Jake Gandolfo, a former contestant on Fox channel's Master Chef, will join patrons for a "Pop-Up Dinner" on May 26 at 7 p.m.  at Black Forest Bakery & Café in Canaan. Part of the proceeds will benefit Fishes & Loaves, a local food pantry.  For advance tickets and reservations, call 860-824-8275. Tickets are $30 per person.

FISH Announces Name Change

FISH, Inc. Torrington Chapter has changed its name to FISH of Northwestern Connecticut as the agency provides assistance beyond Torrington. FISH has a food pantry, 35-bed shelter (10 reserved for veterans) and provides other social services. To learn more, visit www.torringtonfish.org

Register for United Way Golf!

There's still time to register for the United Way of Northwest CT golf tournament, which is scheduled for Monday, May 13 at Torrington Country Club in Goshen.

The $185 cost per golfer covers lunch, 18 holes with a cart, driving range, dinner, and 5 raffle tickets, 2 mulligans, and the putting contest.  Two hole-in-one challenges are sponsored by Mitchell-Volvo Torrington and Northwest Hills Dealerships. 

To register, call (860) 489-4131 or email pat@northwestunitedway.org

United Way Director Attends Leadership Conference

Stephanie R. Barksdale, Executive Director of the United Way of Northwest Connecticut, recently attended a United Way Worldwide Staff Leaders Conference in Indianapolis.  The conference was paid through credits granted by United Way.

The three-day event featured a series of learning sessions designed to provide educational and networking opportunities for United Way leaders. Keynote speakers included Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, and Stacey Stewart, President of United Way of America.

Attendees listened to guests ranging from Presidents and CEOs of national and global organizations, government officials, and leaders and members of preeminent Centers of Excellence.  Participants were able to learn about innovative and engaging strategies and explore a variety of topics in roundtable discussions.

"I learned a lot about the impact and importance of grant funding to reduce administrative expenses, inspiring donors to be a force in the community through major gifts, the role of United Way leadership in community impact, and how United Way can improve the high school graduation rate, among other topics," Barksdale said. "Hundreds of executives and staff attend this event.  It gave me a chance to network with United Way peers and learn from them as well."

Needs Assessment Now Online

The 2012 Community Health Needs Assessment, funded by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, United Way of Northwest Connecticut, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Torrington Area Health District, and prepared by Education Connection, is now available as a .pdf file through the United Way website.  The assessment provides valuable information about demographics and the health status of Litchfield County residents.

2-1-1 Answers the Call

2-1-1 Infoline received 1,800 calls during the first quarter of 2013 from residents in the United Way of Northwest CT service area.  Calls answered regarding utilities - 249, Housing - 196, Mental Health - 174, Financial help - 171, Legal sevices - 100, Substance abuse - 99, Health support services - 91, Public assistance - 84, Food - 65, and Tax services - 48. 

McCall Foundation Housing for Veterans

McCall Foundation will celebrate the opening of their transitional housing for homeless veterans on Wednesday, May 8 from 3-6 pm at 231 North Main Street, Winsted, CT. Light refreshments will be served.  The housing will be able to help ten homeless vets and provide outpatient service. Inquiries should be directed to 860-496-2100.

Canaan Community Day

A free ‘Community Connection Day’ event will be held on Sunday, May 19^th 12-5pm at the Town Pavilion, Canaan, CT. (and every 3^rd Sunday through August). The event is designed to help develop a stronger sense of community in Canaan, CT. and help residents connect to community services

Community Connections Coalition’s goal is to strengthen and increase neighborhood based activities that: empower residents and build partnerships by coordinating resources already in the community, bringing out the voices of the residents and ensuring that the services meet the needs of the people. 

This interactive day highlights area community organizations who serve our community.

·     What you can expect: Live music, information booths, farmers, yard sales.

Join our coalition …free space is available to representatives from local farmers, education, government, faith-based, civic and health care organizations that have information to share with local residents. 

This event is sponsored by THE COMMUNITY MISSION and CT Co-Act. For more information about this event or to reserve a table, call 781-413-7604 or visit www.ctco-act.webs.com

United Way of NWCT Golf Sponsors

Twenty-one sponsors have signed up for the May 13 golf tournament to date: Hole in One: Mitchell Volvo Torrington and Northwest Hills Dealerships; Hospitality: Charlotte Hungerford Hospital; Lunch: BD, Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank and Thomaston Savings Bank; Par: RJB Contracting; and Tee Sponsors: Barry Cone's Heating & Air Conditioning, Borgeson Universal Company, Bouffard & Ramsey, Cook Funeral Home, Dr. Robert T. Crovo, Eastside Electric, Litchfield Woods Health Care Center, Maria Seymour Brooker Memorial, National Iron Bank, Northwest Hills Credit Union, Theroux Nowell & Stoughton LLC CPA, Petrovits, Patrick, Smith & Co. LLC, TEC Control Systems, and Torrington Savings Bank.

Mobile Food Pantry in Torrington

The Connecticut Food Bank will deliver fresh produce for low-income households on Thursday, April 18th at noon, at the Northwestern CT Community College parking lot on Holabird Avenue across from the church.  Recipients should bring their own bags. One ticket per household will be given out.

2-1-1 Mental Health Care Barometer

Close to 109,000 adults and 39,000 children in Connecticut live with a serious mental health condition. While mental health is as essential as physical health to an individual's overall well-being, there are often barriers to receiving mental health care. Barriers can include cultural stigmas and lack of insurance coverage. This 2-1-1 Barometer reviews the goals of Connecticut's current mental health plan, which addresses those barriers. This 2-1-1 Barometer also lists many of the mental health care resources available for children, youth and adults, those in the military and those at risk of suicide. Click here for this latest edition of the 2-1-1 Barometer.

Click here for previous editions of the 2-1-1 Barometer.

June 21 United Way of Northwest CT Day of Caring

This year's Day of Caring Committee is already planning projects and scheduling volunteers. Committee members (pictured below, left to right) are: Pat Marciano, United Way Office Manager; Josh Ferreira, Financial Advisor; Kevin Canady, Northwestern CT Community College; Alyssa Caliendo, Village Mortgage Company; Janic Wojtczak, Litchfield Bancorp; and Tiffany Hussey, Litchfield Bancorp. Members not pictured include Stephanie Hart, CT Mutual Holding Company; Paul McLaughlin, Litchfield Bancorp; and Lauren Smith, NWCT Chamber of Commerce.

Projects scheduled to date include painting at Catholic Charities, gardening and building a shed at Falls Village Day Care, painting a LARC group home and maintenance at Camp Moe, and planting a garden and installing cabinets at Winsted Area Child Care. 

While projects primarily benefit United Way member agencies, other non-profits and civic organizations can call the United Way at (860) 489-4131 to inquire about submitting a project. 

Volunteers are always needed! Call or email pat@northwestunitedway.org if you or a group are interested.

The United Way Day of Caring is designed to complete projects that an agency would otherwise not be able to undertake due to lack of funds or personnel, and provides volunteer opportunities for area citizens and businesses.

Alcohol Awareness Month

Community Mental Health Affiliates, a United Way of NWCT member agency, recognizes April as Alcohol Awareness Month.

Awareness helps to reduce the percentage of young people who use alcohol. Last year, the national average of youth in grades 8-12 who used alcohol last month was 27%, but in central and northwest Connecticut regions served by CMHA, that average was 17%, down 24% from the prior year, and suspensions due to alcohol abuse has decreased 61% in the past 6 years.
To learn more about he Substance Abuse Action Council (SAAC) visit www.saacct.org

Litchfield Bancorp Executive Leads Golf

Bob Teittinen, Chief Lending Officer at Litchfield Bancorp, is Chairman of the United Way of Northwest Connecticut’s annual Golf Tournament that will be held on Monday, May 13^th at the Torrington Country Club in Goshen.

“I'm very pleased to once again chair this year’s United Way Golf Tournament” said Bob.  “We decided to reconfigure the event with all-inclusive pricing as well as some select prizes for the raffle winners!  We are hoping for a full field of golfers, as the money we raise here is directly distributed to the United Way sponsored agencies in our towns and these agencies need our help more than ever this year.  I am looking forward to seeing you on the 13^th!”

Two hole-in-one challenges are being sponsored by Mitchell-Volvo Torrington and Northwest Hills Dealerships, should anyone be lucky enough to win!

The tournament raises about $13,000 each year to benefit United Way Community Impact initiatives. The cost is $185 per golfer, which includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, the driving range, dinner, and five complimentary raffle tickets, two mulligans, and the putting contest. Lunch sponsors are Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank, and Thomaston Savings Bank. 

If you’d like to participate or volunteer, call Stephanie Barksdale at (860) 489-4131, email Stephanie@northwestunitedway.org or visit www.northwestunitedway.org.

Mentoring Program Helps Youth

Jennifer Ives-Groebl, a busy mother and Assistant Vice President at Litchfield Bancorp, is making a difference in a child's life as a volunteer of the United Way of Northwest CT mentoring program.

 

Jennifer volunteered for the program because she understands how important it is for grade school children to build learning habits that will contribute to their future success. Since she began her mentoring experience, she's seen measurable improvement in the student's skills. Her commitment shows that anyone can impact a student’s reading proficiency, attendance, and graduation rate. Early help is critical to future success. Volunteer mentors can provide not only basic instruction, but emotional support and guidance as well.

Individuals who wish to volunteer as a mentor should call the United Way of Northwest Connecticut office at (860) 489-4131, visit the website, www.northwestunitedway.org, or email pat@northwestunitedway.org.

 

Harwinton Food Pantry

The Town of Harwinton has opened a food pantry, located at the town hall on Bentley Drive, for Harwinton residents.  The pantry will be open every other Tuesday beginning April 2nd, with hours of 11 am to 1 pm. Non-perishables can be dropped off during normal business hours. Anyone wishing to make a donation should mail a check to Town of Harwinton, POB 66, 100 Bentley Drive, Harwinton, CT 06791.  Queries should be directed to harwintonfoodpantry@gmail.com

CMHA Lime Rock Day

June 1 ~ 6:00 pm ~ Lime Rock Park ~ Lakeville, CT 

A gala fundraiser to benefit CMHA's Northwest Center, which provides mental health care services for those who cannot afford to pay.  

Curated classic car collection ~  Jazz music
Dinner  ~  Dancing

Live and silent auctions of exciting items, including:

Escape to California Wine Country 
5 nights at a 3-bedroom Aspen condo

Las Vegas Exotic Car Vacation ~ Lime Rock Drive Day

www.nwcct.org

Food for Your Neighbors Helps Hungry Neighbors

The United Way of Northwest CT's Food for Your Neighbors program has collected nearly 9,000 items to help curb hunger in northwest Connecticut. Local beneficiaries in Torrington include FISH, Friendly Hands Food Bank, the Community Soup Kitchen, and the Salvation Army; in the Winsted area: Open Door Soup Kitchen, the Salvation Army, and Hands of Grace food pantry of New Hartford; and in the Canaan area, Fishes & Loaves.  Over 100 local businesses and organizations participated in the food drive. 

Susan B. Anthony Receives Donations

Siobhan, an employee of the Susan B. Anthony Project in Torrington, looks over donations that the United Way of Northwest CT received from a generous local retailer. The items will be used to benefit the shelter or help women who are beginning new lives.

United Way of Northwest CT Golf Tournament

Registration is now open for the 32d annual United Way of Northwest CT charity Golf Tournament.  This year's tournament will be held on Monday, May 31st at the Torrington Country Club, 250 Torrington Road, Goshen.

The $185 entry fee includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, and also covers the cost for the driving range, buffet lunch and dinner, 5 raffle tickets, 2 mulligans, and the putting contest.  Late registration begins at 11:00 a.m. that day.

The scramble format will start at 12:30 and prizes will be awarded for first and second places teams, the longest drives for men and women, closest to the pin, a $5,000 putting contest, and the challenging Hole In One contest sponsored by Mitchell-Volvo Torrington and Northwest Hills Dealership. 

The lunch is sponsored by Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank, and Thomaston Savings Bank.

For more information call the United Way office at (860) 489-4131 or email stephanie@northwestunitedway.org

Warm The Children Program Success

The Register Citizen's Warm The Children program raised $10,260, enabling them to buy clothing for 111 children, equalling the success of last year's program.

FISH Inc. Torrington - New Executive Director

FISH, Inc. of Torrington, CT announces that Winsted resident Deirdre Houlihan DiCara has accepted the position of Executive Director.  DiCara will replace retiring director Kevin Purcell, who came out of retirement in 2009 to lead the organization.

Deirdre is a former CEO for the Girl Scouts of Northwestern CT, where she served for twenty-three years.  She has also led the Winsted Health Center Foundation and Southbury-Middlebury Youth and Family Services. She will start her new position on March 18.

FISH, a United Way of Northwest CT member agency, is a 41-year old social service agency that provides shelter, emergency food and related programs for homeless individuals, families, and those in need in Litchfield County.  DiCara said she plans to network with others to provide the best services for those facing a crisis. www.torringtonfish.org

United Way of NWCT Golf Tournament

Registration is now open for the United Way of Northwest CT Charity Golf Tournament!

The tournament, which is scheduled for Monday, May 13 at the Torrington Country Club in Goshen, is $185 per person. The all-inclusive price includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, driving range, dinner, five raffle tickets, two mulligans, and the putting contest.

Sponsorships are available as follows: Dinner $1,750 (includes one four some) Lunch $1,250 (includes one four some) Golf Cart $750, Hospitality Station $500, Par Sponsor $250, and Tee Sponsor $150.

Dinner only reservations are $45 per person.  The lunch is sponsored by Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank, and Thomaston Savings Bank.

Community Mission Church Seeks Donations

The Community Mission Church, located at 93B Main Street, Canaan, CT, is seeking donations of food and clothing. They're open daily for people who need food and clothes. Non-perishables can be delivered Monday through Friday between 4 and 7 pm or between 11 and 4 on Saturday. To learn more, visit www.thecommunitymission.webs.com or call their office at 860-453-4331.

March Luncheon

The Register Citizen is hosting a free luncheon on Thursday, March 21st. The featured speaker will be Brian Kelly, Communications and Marketing Director for Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. He'll educate his audience about the need for mentors for at-risk children and the opportunities for adults to volunteers.  The lunch will take place at 12 noon at 59 Field Street, Torrington. To sign up, call the United Way of Northwest Connecticut at (860) 489-4131 or email cheryl@northwestunitedway.org

To visit the Register Citizen: www.registercitizen.com

To learn more about Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, www.bbbsnutmeg.org

Red Cross Helps Disaster Victim

The American Red Cross is helping an individual who was displaced by Monday's house fire on Griswold Street in Torrington by providing emergency housing, food, and clothing. Red Cross disaster assistance is free of charge and made possible by generous donations. For more information, visit www.redcross.org

Winsted Food Pantry Needs Donations

The Open Door Soup Kitchen, located at 160 Main St., St. James Place, Winsted, CT, has joined the United Way of Northwest CT Food For Your Neighbors program for the first time. They can use everything. Donations should be delivered to the kitchen's entrance at the rear of the building. They're open 5 days a week and the second and third Saturday. Hours are 9 am to 1 pm.  Last year they served 11,000 meals that helped 12,000 people.

Connecticut Vaccine Program

Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP)

The Connecticut Vaccine Program is Connecticut’s childhood vaccination program. It ensures all children in the state get the vaccinations they need, when they need them, to stay healthy.

Finding a Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP) Provider

There are hundreds of health care providers enrolled in the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP) throughout the state. Contact your health care provider to see if they're enrolled or call (860) 509-7929 to find a CVP provider near you.
How the Program Works

The state buys vaccine at the lowest possible price through a government contract, and gives the vaccines at no cost to clinics, private doctors, and other health care providers. These providers then vaccinate children without charging patients for the cost of the vaccine (health care providers may still charge an administration fee). Without this program, some insurance companies may not cover the full cost of vaccine, making it too expensive for some families.

• Vaccines covered by the CVP

Expanding Access to Vaccines
A new law (Public Act 12 – 1) created the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP). It requires health care providers who give pediatric vaccines to get the vaccines through the state in most cases. By buying more vaccines from the federal contract, we can get more vaccine to Connecticut children at a lower cost. Through the CVP, children in Connecticut can now get three new vaccines:
1. pneumococcal conjugate
2. influenza (flu)
3. hepatitis A.
These three vaccines are needed for children to be enrolled in day care, and vaccination for both hepatitis A and influenza are needed for pre-kindergarten enrollment.

Why vaccines are important to you and your family

Immunizations have had a big impact on making children in the United States healthier. Most parents today have never seen first-hand the effects that vaccine-preventable diseases can have on a family or community. While these diseases are not common in the U.S., they are still common in parts of the world. It is important that we continue to protect our children with vaccines because outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases can, and sometimes do, happen in this country.

Good For Your Children — Good for Connecticut

The CVP helps make sure that all Connecticut children get the immunizations they need by the age of 2 years old. This is important because serious illness is most likely to happen in the first two years of a child’s life. By getting more children vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases, all of which can be serious, we help to improve the health of everyone in Connecticut.
Information for Parents The CVP Parent Page provides information just for parents which includes how vaccines work, where to get your child vaccinated, and when you should get your child vaccinated.
Information for Providers Information for providers including enrollment forms, patient eligibility criteria and communication memos can be found on the CVP Provider Page.
Questions or feedback? We want to know! If you have questions or feedback regarding vaccinating your child or about the CVP, contact the Connecticut Immunization Program at (860) 509-7929 or via email at dph.immunizations@ct.gov.

Wine Tasting to Benefit LARC

A wine tasting will be held on Friday, March 8 to benefit LARC in Torrington.  The event will be held at the Torrington Lodge of Elks, 70 Litchfield St., from 6 - 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the locations listed below and are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

• LARC, 314 Main Street, Torrington
• Tony's Drive-in Package Store, Route 4, Harwinton
• Chamber of Commerce, 333 Kennedy Drive, Torrington
• Bowen Agency, 26 Center St., Winsted

Food Drive Underway!

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut Food For Your Neighbors program is now underway!
Collections will be accepted through Thursday, March 14.

The following businesses have offered to serve as drop off points for the community: Bantam Market, Chamber of Commerce of NWCT, Community Mental Health Affiliates' offices in Torrington and Lakeville, Litchfield Bancorp, National Iron Bank in Cornwall and Norfolk, Northwest Community Bank, Northwest Hills Credit Union, YMCA branches in Torrington, Winsted, and Canaan, Petrovits Patrick Smith and Co, Rainbow Press, The Register Citizen, Torrington Area Health District, Torrington Municipal and Teachers Federal Credit Union, Torrington Savings Bank, Union Savings Bank, and WZBG.

Participating food banks in Torrington include FISH, Friendly Hands and Salvation Army; the Winsted Salvation Army, and Hands of Grace in New Hartford.

Requested items include pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, canned meats, vegetables and fruits, tuna, chili, stews, or any canned and dry goods. Small toiletries are also accepted.

Volunteers are needed for the final day of the drive on Thursday, March 14, from any hours between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The United Way asks that Torrington area food collections be delivered that day to the depot, which will be located at 59 Field Street, Torrington, to the rear of the Register Citizen building. Volunteer duties will include counting and sorting items. To volunteer, call the United Way at (860) 489-4131 or email cheryl@northwestunitedway.org

Blizzard Advisory Information

Preparing for a Major Winter Storm 

The approaching major winter storm is being billed as potentially historic and is expected to bring well over a foot of snow and high winds to Connecticut on Friday and Saturday.

Before, during and after the storm, visit www.211ct.org for information and resources. United Way
2-1-1 will have up-to-date information about places to take shelter in the event of power outages and more. Click on the links below to help you prepare for the storm.

Storm Preparation Resources:

• 2-1-1 - Winter Storm Disaster Information & Resources
• 2-1-1 eLibrary - Winter Storms and Blizzards
• Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security 
• National Weather Service 

Stay safe during the storm! 

Governor Malloy Proclaims 2-1-1 Day

United Way 2-1-1 has been helping Connecticut residents get connected to the health and human services resources they need for 37 years. For that reason, Governor Dannel Malloy has proclaimed February 11, 2013 to be 2-1-1 day in the State of Connecticut.   United Way 2-1-1 Facts ·         2-1-1 is Connecticut's statewide, confidential, multilingual information and referral service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing information and access to health and human services and crisis intervention by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.211ct.org.   2-1-1 became a reality in 1976 when Connecticut United Ways joined in partnership with the State of Connecticut to establish 2-1-1 (formerly Infoline).   2-1-1 has the state's most comprehensive, up-to-date database of health and human services provided by both nonprofits and government agencies.   For 37 years, 2-1-1 has been here to help people in Connecticut to access a variety of human and social services each day, ranging from childcare to affordable housing, support for a homebound parent to food or crisis counseling and much more.   2-1-1 assists the state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and many other departments in responding to emergencies and natural disasters.   2-1-1 handles thousands of calls each year relating to suicide prevention and crisis intervention, is fully certified by the American Association of Suicidology.   2-1-1 serves as a gateway to programs and services for programs such as Birth to Three, Help Me Grow, HUSKY, Child Care and Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services.   2-1-1 answered over 410,000 calls and had over 640,000 visits to 211ct.org in 2012. United Way 2-1-1 was established as Infoline in 1976 as a public/private partnership of United Way and the State of Connecticut. By the mid-eighties, it had gained national recognition as a model system. Nationwide, over 86% of the population has access to health and human services resources via 2-1-1.

About United Way of Connecticut The mission of United Way of Connecticut is to help meet the needs of Connecticut and its residents by providing information, education, and connection to services. United Way of Connecticut furthers its mission by providing 24/7 toll-free information and referral through United Way 2-1-1; specialized services in child care, child development and disabilities, and HUSKY health insurance; and by collaborating with local United Ways and Connecticut state agencies and elected officials. United Way of Connecticut provides services with support from the State of Connecticut and local United Ways.

CMHA Receives Grant

Community Mental Health Associates, a United Way of Northwest CT member agency, has received a grant from the Foundation for Community Health to integrate behavioral and primary care for children and families in Northwest Connecticut.

Sharon Hospital's Regional Healthcare Associates Pediatrics will refer patients to CMHA psychotherapists, who will provide counseling and collaborate with the pediatricians.

"This is the way that care should be provided," said Ray Gorman, CEO of CMHA.  "Studies show that 27% of pediatric patients may have behavioral problems. We hope that this approach will help close the treatment gap."

Red Cross Offers Flu Safety Tips

The current flu outbreak is one of the worst in years, now affecting 41 states, including Connecticut.  Symptoms include high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny nose, and vomiting and/or diarrhea in children. For more information about how to prevent and treat the flu, visit www.redcross.org.

Girl Scout Cookie Drive

The Girl Scout Cookie program starts on January 5, 2013 and will continue until the end of February. The program provides girls with skills such as decision making, money management, goal setting and people skills. Customers can also purchase cookies for delivery to service men and women overseas. For more information, visit www.gsofct.org.

Sandy Hook Funds and Donations

Here are a few additional ways to donate and support the victims' families:

St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown is accepting donations by PayPal. http://www.strosechurch.com/donate-to-sandy-hook-families

Fairfield County Community Foundation. Contributions will address mental health issues. http://www.fccfoundation.org

Newtown Youth & Family Services. http://www.newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org

Regional Hospice and Homecare of Western Connecticut. Offering bereavement support.  Call 203-702-7400.

Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung Memorial Fund. Mail or bring contributions to the Teachers Federal Credit Union, 773 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06763 or call 800-992-2226.

The Town of Wolcott. Make checks payable to Sandy Hook Fund and mail to Town Hall, Attn: Linda Bruce, Finance Officer, 10 Kenea Ave., Wolcott, CT  06716 or bring donations to their town hall.

Sandy Hook Resources Available

There are many resources available for people who wish to support the families of the Sandy Hook victims:

• Send a condolence card to Sandy Hook Message Condolences, P.O. Box 3700, Newtown, CT  06470
• The United Way of Northwest Connecticut is a collection point for Operation Fuzzy Wuzzy II. Stuffed animals can be brought or mailed to 16 Bird Street, Torrington, CT 06790.  Donations will be accepted through Thursday, December 27th.  Holiday office hours are: Dec. 18-20, 8-5 p.m., 8 to noon on Dec. 21, closed Dec 24-26, and 8-5 on Thursday, Dec. 27
• Checks can be mailed to: United Way of Northwest Connecticut, the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main Street, Newtown, CT  06470, or dropped off at any Newtown Savings Bank branch location.
• Contact David Deschenes, United Way of Western CT, (203) 792-5330 x. 239 or visit www.uwwesternct.org
• UConn has established a memorial scholarship fund to cover college costs for students who currently attend the elementary schools as well as their siblings. Visit www.friends.uconn.edu/sandyhook
• Information about counseling and trauma resources for children and families can be found at www.211ct.org/parents/trauma.asp or http://www.211childcare.org

Red Cross Seeks Nominations

The American Red Cross is accepting nominations of local community heroes to be honored at one of their five Heroes Breakfasts in Connecticut. There are ten categories of nominations. Nominations will be accepted until December 31, 2012.

Who qualifies as a hero? It could be a firefighter who rescued a trapped family -- someone who acts as a Good Samaritan -- a neighbor who performs CPR, just to give a few examples.  The event must have occurred in 2012, and nominees must live or work in Connecticut.

For more information, contact Lyn McCarthy, lyn.mccarthy@redcross.org or click on the picture below.

Jamie Foxx: National Spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Jamie Foxx (far right) with Los Angeles-area Bigs & Littles

Actor and comedian Jamie Foxx is now starring in his greatest role ever -- as national spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Foxx will represent the organization at national and local level events to help generate funding so tht more children can be served. According to Andy Fleischmann, President and CEO of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, a United Way of Northwest CT agency, more than 34,000 children across the United States are on a waiting list to be matched with a "Big".

Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully screens adult volunteers and matches them with youngsters who need safe, long-term mentoring. Many of the children come from single, low-income households. They might have a parent who is incarcerated or deployed in the military.

Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 111 municipalities in Connecticut. To learn more, visit www.nutmegbigbrothersbigsisters.org.

Mystery Dinner Raises Funds

A Murder Mystery Dinner held on Saturday, November 17th raised over $240 for a United Way Parenting Support Program. The dinner was hosted by Canaan Child Care, Falls Village Day Care and Cornwall Child Center, all United Way of Northwest CT member agencies.

About 100 people attended the event.  The volunteer actors were Mike, Carissa and Rebecca Conlogue, Jamie Weisberg, Michael Hodgkins, Shannon Hall, Kathy Seabrook, and Marsha Harvey.

WARM THE CHILDREN

The Register Citizen's Warm The Children drive has collected just over $2,000 so far.  With the cost of winter outerwear such as coats and boots, you can help keep a child warm by donating to this worthy cause.  Send your contribution to the Warm The Children Fund, c/o The Register Citizen, POB 58, Torrington, CT 06790.  There are no administrative fees, and a representative from the Register oversees all purchases.  Residents who are interested in obtaining warm winter clothing such as coats, boots, hats and gloves can register at the Torrington or Winsted Salvation Army, FISH, and Friendly Hands Food Bank.

Susan B. Anthony Wants Volunteers

Interested in Volunteering? Susan B. Anthony could use your help. Be a client service or general office volunteer, babysit for clients or help organize special events. Call (860) 489-3798 or go to www.sbaproject.org and click on community involvement.