Suicide Prevention
The United Way Helpline and Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services: www.211ct.org
United Way connects families to services ranging from utility assistance, food, housing, child care, after school programs, elder care, suicide prevention, and more. Dial 2-1-1 or search online, 24/7, to reach a specialist who will assess your needs and provide referrals to the resources in your community.
United Way connects families to services ranging from utility assistance, food, housing, child care, after school programs, elder care, suicide prevention, and more. Dial 2-1-1 or search online, 24/7, to reach a specialist who will assess your needs and provide referrals to the resources in your community.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
State & federal Programs/Services
Department of Children and Families Voluntary Services: portal.ct.gov/DCF/Behavioral-Health-Partnership/Voluntary-Services-Program
DCF Voluntary Services emphasizes a community-based approach and attempts to coordinate service delivery across multiple agencies. DCF may provide, on a voluntary basis (at the request of the family), casework, community referrals and treatment services for children who are not committed to the Department for abuse or neglect. These are youth who do not require protective services intervention, but may require any of the services offered, administered by, under contract with or otherwise available to the Department of Children and Families due to emotional or behavioral difficulties. Parents do not have to relinquish custody or guardianship under this program.
Families can initiate an application by calling DCF’s Careline at 1-800-842-2288.
DCF Voluntary Services emphasizes a community-based approach and attempts to coordinate service delivery across multiple agencies. DCF may provide, on a voluntary basis (at the request of the family), casework, community referrals and treatment services for children who are not committed to the Department for abuse or neglect. These are youth who do not require protective services intervention, but may require any of the services offered, administered by, under contract with or otherwise available to the Department of Children and Families due to emotional or behavioral difficulties. Parents do not have to relinquish custody or guardianship under this program.
Families can initiate an application by calling DCF’s Careline at 1-800-842-2288.
Department of Developmental Services: www.ct.gov/dds
Responsible for the planning, development, and administration of complete, comprehensive and integrated statewide services for people with intellectual disabilities. Services include residential placement and in-home supports, day and employment programs, early intervention, family support, respite, case management, and other periodic services such as transportation, interpreter services, and clinical services. The Birth to Three System assists families to meet the developmental and health-related needs of infants and toddlers who have delays or disabilities.
Responsible for the planning, development, and administration of complete, comprehensive and integrated statewide services for people with intellectual disabilities. Services include residential placement and in-home supports, day and employment programs, early intervention, family support, respite, case management, and other periodic services such as transportation, interpreter services, and clinical services. The Birth to Three System assists families to meet the developmental and health-related needs of infants and toddlers who have delays or disabilities.
The Department of Social Services: www.ct.gov/dss
Administers and delivers a variety of services to children, families, adults, people with disabilities, and the elderly, including health care coverage, child care, child support, long-term care and supports, crisis intervention, energy assistance, food and nutrition aid, and program grants.
Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) is funded by the federal program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. TFA is a cash assistance program for recipients of the Jobs First program. This program is intended to be transitional assistance to supply individuals with tools they need to become self-supporting within 21 months. Find out more here!
Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible individuals and families afford the cost of food at supermarkets, grocery stores and farmers' markets. Individuals can apply for these benefits by completing a state application form. This form can be done online, mailed, faxed, or dropped off at a local DSS Regional Office. Once the form is submitted, individuals will be assigned an eligibility worker who will interview them to complete the application process. Find out more about SNAP here!
Administers and delivers a variety of services to children, families, adults, people with disabilities, and the elderly, including health care coverage, child care, child support, long-term care and supports, crisis intervention, energy assistance, food and nutrition aid, and program grants.
Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) is funded by the federal program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. TFA is a cash assistance program for recipients of the Jobs First program. This program is intended to be transitional assistance to supply individuals with tools they need to become self-supporting within 21 months. Find out more here!
Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible individuals and families afford the cost of food at supermarkets, grocery stores and farmers' markets. Individuals can apply for these benefits by completing a state application form. This form can be done online, mailed, faxed, or dropped off at a local DSS Regional Office. Once the form is submitted, individuals will be assigned an eligibility worker who will interview them to complete the application process. Find out more about SNAP here!
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services: http://www.ct.gov/dmhas
DMHAS works to provide an integrated network of comprehensive, effective and efficient mental health and addiction services that foster self-sufficiency, dignity and respect.
Programs available for individuals who are disabled, living with HIV/AIDS, involved with the criminal justice system, living with gambling addiction, current or recovering addicts, women who are pregnant, persons with traumatic brain injury, or transitioning out of the Department of Children and Families
DMHAS works to provide an integrated network of comprehensive, effective and efficient mental health and addiction services that foster self-sufficiency, dignity and respect.
Programs available for individuals who are disabled, living with HIV/AIDS, involved with the criminal justice system, living with gambling addiction, current or recovering addicts, women who are pregnant, persons with traumatic brain injury, or transitioning out of the Department of Children and Families
Husky Health: www.huskyhealthct.org/members.html
Offers healthcare coverage to eligible children, parents, relative caregivers, elders, individuals with disabilities, adults without minor children, and pregnant women. Husky includes support with preventive/primary care, specialist visits, hospital care, behavioral health services, dental services, and prescription medications. HUSKY is free or low-cost.
Offers healthcare coverage to eligible children, parents, relative caregivers, elders, individuals with disabilities, adults without minor children, and pregnant women. Husky includes support with preventive/primary care, specialist visits, hospital care, behavioral health services, dental services, and prescription medications. HUSKY is free or low-cost.
The National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
A resource for youth and adults to learn more about mental illness, current research and information regarding pharmaceuticals, diagnosis, and treatment.
A resource for youth and adults to learn more about mental illness, current research and information regarding pharmaceuticals, diagnosis, and treatment.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: www.samhsa.gov
SAMHSA and the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services leads public health efforts to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness in communities by providing information related to substance abuse and mental health treatment, referrals, and help-line available to all who suffer from addiction.
SAMHSA and the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services leads public health efforts to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness in communities by providing information related to substance abuse and mental health treatment, referrals, and help-line available to all who suffer from addiction.
Food and Nutrition Services: http://www.fns.usda.gov/
The USDA works with state and federal agencies to end hunger and obesity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs including WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
The USDA works with state and federal agencies to end hunger and obesity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs including WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/family
The CDC increases the health security of our nation as a health protection agency. The CDC uses scientific data to provide a repertoire of health information to help families be safer, stronger, and healthier and reduce the risk of illness and injury.
The CDC increases the health security of our nation as a health protection agency. The CDC uses scientific data to provide a repertoire of health information to help families be safer, stronger, and healthier and reduce the risk of illness and injury.
Public Health and services
Planned Parenthood: www.plannedparenthood.org
Community medical provider and advocate, delivering reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide based on respect for each individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about reproductive health and sex.
Community medical provider and advocate, delivering reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide based on respect for each individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about reproductive health and sex.
U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides assistance with avoiding foreclosure, buying a home, home improvements, seniors, homeless individuals, and veterans. They also provide rental assistance and are the governing body of Section 8 housing. Find out more here!
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Rental Assistance Program (RAP) Is the major state-supported program for assisting low-income families with affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Participants find their own housing, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. For more information, click here!
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New Reach delivers a full spectrum of housing interventions to over 3,500 Connecticut residents each year, including over 2,000 children. Their goal is that all youth, families, and individuals find a safe, affordable home with services and supports necessary to achieve a fulfilling, self-reliant life. Find out more information here!
Eversource's Matching Payment Program allows consumers to maintain their year-round electric and gas service while possibly eliminating back balances if eligible, and pay an agreed-upon amount on time each month. Eversource will match payments once approved for the program and receive energy assistance from CEAP. For every dollar you pay toward the bill, a dollar will be credited to your past-due amount. Click here to find out more!
Energy Assistance Winter Protection Plan through Eversource, protects your service from being shut off from November 1st through May 1st, with no late payment charges. This protection must be renewed annually, beginning in October. There are eligibility requirements for the program, stating that consumers must receive Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, General Assistance, or other forms of aid found on their website. For more information, click here! |
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is designed to help offset the winter heating cost of Connecticut's lower income households, specifically those households whose income falls at or below 60% of the state median income. Click here for more information!
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Susan B Anthony Project - 24 Hour Crisis Line http://www.sbaproject.org/
Ph: 860.482.7133 The Susan B. Anthony Project promotes safety, healing, and growth for all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and advocates for the autonomy of women and the end of interpersonal violence. Counseling & Advocacy Center 179 Water Street Torrington, CT 06790 Office Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm M-F |
CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence CTSafeConnect.org
Connecticut’s leading voice for victims of domestic violence and those agencies that serve them. We are a membership organization of Connecticut’s 18 domestic violence service agencies that provide critical support to victims including safety planning, emergency shelter, court advocacy, counseling and support groups, among other services. Need to connect to an advocate? Call · Text · Chat · Email · 24/7 (888) 774-2900 |
Help.org www.help.org/drug-and-alcohol-rehab-centers-in-connecticut/
Managed by a group of medical professionals, Help.org has created a guide that provides comprehensive information on substance abuse treatment and related topics including available care options, financial support, and free resources that are available in Connecticut.
Managed by a group of medical professionals, Help.org has created a guide that provides comprehensive information on substance abuse treatment and related topics including available care options, financial support, and free resources that are available in Connecticut.
Local Programs
Possum Queen Foundation (PQF) http://possumqueenfoundation.org/
Provides financial and advisory assistance to people located in Northwest Connecticut who have come upon financial hardship due to medical and related expenses. If you are resident of Litchfield County, you may already know someone or a friend of a friend helped by the Possum Queen. We may help a child get to the right resources and provide some bridge financial assistance at the same time. PQF could help purchase a wheelchair for someone that suffered a stroke and can’t afford it. We can help arrange for meals or groceries to be brought for someone that just spent their last dollar on medical expenses. PQF specifically looks for candidates that have extenuating medical circumstances that overwhelming their existing resources. Candidates are periodically chosen, from a pool of applicants, by our distribution board.
Provides financial and advisory assistance to people located in Northwest Connecticut who have come upon financial hardship due to medical and related expenses. If you are resident of Litchfield County, you may already know someone or a friend of a friend helped by the Possum Queen. We may help a child get to the right resources and provide some bridge financial assistance at the same time. PQF could help purchase a wheelchair for someone that suffered a stroke and can’t afford it. We can help arrange for meals or groceries to be brought for someone that just spent their last dollar on medical expenses. PQF specifically looks for candidates that have extenuating medical circumstances that overwhelming their existing resources. Candidates are periodically chosen, from a pool of applicants, by our distribution board.
LGBTQIA+
True Colors, Inc.: www.ourtruecolors.org
A non-profit organization that works with social service agencies, schools, organizations, and communities to ensure that the needs of sexual and gender minority youth are both recognized and competently met. The organization hosts the largest LGBT youth conference in the country and manages the state’s only LGBT mentoring program. |
The Matthew Shepard Foundation:
www.matthewshepard.org This foundation has a longstanding mission to erase hate by replacing it with understanding, compassion and acceptance through local, regional and national outreach. Offers resources for LGBT youth who are going through the coming out process, information on suicide prevention, and information about hate crimes. |
Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network: http://www.glsen.org/
Dedicated to providing educators, parents, and students the information on how to build a safe, inclusive, and affirming place where all members of the school community can be valued and treated with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Dedicated to providing educators, parents, and students the information on how to build a safe, inclusive, and affirming place where all members of the school community can be valued and treated with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
GLAAD: www.glaad.org/
GLAAD is an online media platform for tackling tough issues to shape and provoke dialogue that leads to positive cultural change in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and their allies. GLAAD provides current research, news, and politics related to the advancement of equality. |
PFLAG: www.pflag.org
A parent and family organization that envisions a world where all people are respected, valued, and affirmed, inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. PFLAG supports families, allies and people who are LGBTQ, provides education and resources about the unique issues and challenges facing people who are LGBTQ, and Advocates for change in policies that achieve full equality for people who are LGBTQ |
Pre-K - 5
Sesame Street: www.sesamestreet.org
Sesame Street is an educational organization whose resources bring critical lessons in literacy & numeracy, emotional well being, health & wellness, family health, and respect & understanding to children in over 150 countries. Sesame Street provides families with up to date information on childhood and family development, diversity and tolerance, crafts, games, interactive activities, forums for parents, videos, music, books and articles, and opportunities of things you can do as a family.
Sesame Street is an educational organization whose resources bring critical lessons in literacy & numeracy, emotional well being, health & wellness, family health, and respect & understanding to children in over 150 countries. Sesame Street provides families with up to date information on childhood and family development, diversity and tolerance, crafts, games, interactive activities, forums for parents, videos, music, books and articles, and opportunities of things you can do as a family.
PBS: www.pbskids.org/parents
PBS is a resource for families, providing information on child development and early learning. It also offers access to educational games and activities
PBS is a resource for families, providing information on child development and early learning. It also offers access to educational games and activities
advocacy
The Anti Defamation League: www.adl.org
The ADL holds its mission to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice for all people, irrespective of religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. Utilizes a network of professionally staffed regional offices, and a national headquarters consisting of experts in varied fields from research, law, education, and intergroup and interfaith understanding.
The ADL holds its mission to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice for all people, irrespective of religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. Utilizes a network of professionally staffed regional offices, and a national headquarters consisting of experts in varied fields from research, law, education, and intergroup and interfaith understanding.
The Human Rights Campaign: http://www.hrc.org/
America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.Provides resources for families of all kinds and serves as a platform to advocate for all populations.
America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.Provides resources for families of all kinds and serves as a platform to advocate for all populations.
The American Civil Liberties Union: www.aclu.org/
The ACLU is a national advocacy group, working in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual and civil rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country. This organization is non-profit and non-politically affiliated.
The ACLU is a national advocacy group, working in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual and civil rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country. This organization is non-profit and non-politically affiliated.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: www.naacp.org
The NAACP ensures the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons with the goal of eliminating race-based discrimination. NAACP offers resources in the form of advocacy work, legal support, and literature to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens, achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States, and educate persons as to their constitutional rights.
The NAACP ensures the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons with the goal of eliminating race-based discrimination. NAACP offers resources in the form of advocacy work, legal support, and literature to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens, achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States, and educate persons as to their constitutional rights.
Lambda Legal: www.lambdalegal.org
Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. As a nonprofit, Lambda Legal does not charge clients for legal representation or advocacy
Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. As a nonprofit, Lambda Legal does not charge clients for legal representation or advocacy
The National Disability Rights Network: www.ndrn.org
The NDRN is an advocacy group that works on behalf of the nation’s largest providers of legal advocacy services for people with disabilities, protecting the civil and human rights of all people with disabilities.
The NDRN is an advocacy group that works on behalf of the nation’s largest providers of legal advocacy services for people with disabilities, protecting the civil and human rights of all people with disabilities.
The National Center for Transgender Equality: www.transequality.org
The nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people. This website provides resources for transgender individuals including materials regarding protections and policies that help and hinder the transition process, terminology, and access to supports on a national and local level.
The nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people. This website provides resources for transgender individuals including materials regarding protections and policies that help and hinder the transition process, terminology, and access to supports on a national and local level.