APRIL
2016
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Connecticut Learns and Works Conference 
A Message from Richard Porth  
President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut
In Connecticut, more than one-third of households live below the ALICE threshold, which is a basic cost of living for the essentials of Housing, Child Care, Food, Health Care, Transportation, and Taxes described in the Connecticut ALICE Report.   This budget contains no provisions for savings.  The ability to save and build assets is also significantly impacted by factors such as income and available job opportunities.  It is vital to protect good jobs and promote opportunities for learning and training to help ALICE households climb the ladder.

The Connecticut Learns & Works Conference is an annual conference for educators, counselors, employment and training specialists, and business persons interested in career and workforce development.  In addition to an overview of the current economic climate in Connecticut, the conference features workshops on various topics including the Connecticut Second Chance Society for former inmates, a panel discussion on the Financial industry, and a discussion on women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. Attendees may choose to attend one 50-minute workshop from each of four sessions.   

The conference will be held at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill on May 13th.  There is a registration fee of $95.  To register ahead of the event, please click here.  For more information on this conference, please visit the CT Learns and Works website or contact Debra Barr at  Debra.Barr@ct.gov or Jessy Geroge at  Jessy.George@ct.gov.

To learn more about the challenges that ALICE families face in Connecticut, please visit the Connecticut ALICE website.
Art2Mid-Level Development Assessment 

Facilitated by the Village for Families and Children in Hartford, the Mid-Level Developmental Assessment (MLDA) program provides a high quality, easily accessible resource to parents of children ages 3-6 struggling within their home or school environment.  

The MLDA consists of three appointments that include a family interview, a developmental test, and a session to discuss the results and provide feedback to parents.  The assessment enables appropriate services to be provided in a timely fashion, before problems escalate, to address a family's concerns and bring the child back to a normal developmental trajectory.  The program is currently only available in the Hartford area, but is being considered for expansion to other parts of Connecticut.  

For more information, please visit this page  or call the Child Development Infoline at 1-800-505-7000. Providers and parents may also make referrals at this link .

April is National Volunteer Month.  Volunteers provide assistance to those in need through a variety of vital services that help improve life in the broader community.

Developed as a collaboration between United Ways and volunteer centers in the state,  the Volunteer Connecticut website  can help you find opportunities to lend your time all throughout the state. Civic Participation  From the drop down list, you can select your town and you will be directed to a volunteer center to find upcoming opportunities.

Volunteers can also dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org and use the search feature to find specific volunteer opportunities in Connecticut.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has declared April as Alcohol Awareness Month.   Alcoholism is a chronic and progressive disease affecting many Americans and can be fatal if left untreated.   Alcohol Awareness month provides opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of the disease and its causes.  This awareness helps to promote effective treatment and recovery. 

2-1-1 maintains a directory of substance abuse resources in Connecticut that includes a variety of services related to both
detoxification and education and prevention. These include inpatient and outpatient detoxification centers, alcohol support groups, and substance abuse counseling.  

Additional information can be found in this  2-1-1 eLibrary article  or by dialing 2-1-1.