December
2017
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Operation Fuel, Inc. Winter Program   
A Message from Richard Porth          
President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut  

The Operation Fuel Winter Program began accepting applications on December 1, 2017. The program provides assistance of up to $500 for heating expenses for households in Connecticut with incomes at or below 75% of the State Median Income who are in crisis. To learn more about the Operation Fuel Winter Program and its eligibility criteria click and how to apply HERE or dial 2-1-1.

Operation Fuel is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to providing year-round help with energy costs for 40 years. Visit http://www.operationfuel.org  to learn more about Operation Fuel and click HERE to learn more about Operation Fuel's 40 years of service.


Use 2-1-1 to Find Resources During the Holiday Season
 
There are a number of programs and organizations working to make this holiday season a happy time for families in need throughout Connecticut. Whether food, gifts, or holiday meals, 2-1-1 has the most up-to-date information about holiday assistance available. Visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 for information on resources and services being offered across the state.
 
Interested in when and where holiday meals are being offered this season? Visit 211ct.org  and search "Christmas Meals" to find a location near you to enjoy a holiday meal or click HERE for a list of 35 locations offering meals throughout Connecticut.

2-1-1 Counts Now Displays Age and Gender Information
 
2-1-1's online data dashboard, 2-1-1 Counts, is a tool that provides real-time, searchable and visual presentations of  2-1-1 call center data.

If you are interested in learning more about what services Connecticut residents are seeking when they call 2-1-1, check out ct.211counts.org to analyze call data, observe trends and identify statewide and community specific needs. 2-1-1 call data can be filtered by ZIP Code, municipality, legislative district and custom time frame.

Recently, Connecticut became the first state to include demographics' (gender and age) information about 2-1-1 callers on the 2-1-1 Counts Website. With this new feature, elected officials, decision makers, stakeholders, interested parties and concerned citizens can dig even deeper into 2-1-1's call center data.

Support Groups
 
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Support groups create an environment where individuals can share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with others. Connecticut 2-1-1 maintains a database that includes nearly 500 support groups focused on a variety of needs and life circumstances including:
  • Parent Support Groups
  • Domestic Violence Support Groups
  • Pet Loss Support Groups
  • Support Groups for Loss of Loved Ones
  • Alzeheimer's Support Groups
  • Kinship Caregiver Support Groups
     

Click HERE for a complete list of support group topics or visit 211ct.org and search "support groups" for a list of specific support groups offered across the state. If you or someone you care about is in need of emotional support, information and/or resources, consider learning more about an appropriate support group or calling 2-1-1 to speak with a Call Specialist about other community resources.