March
2019
COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic
A Message from Richard Porth         
President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut 
 
Connecticut Mission of Mercy, often referred to as CTMOM, is a two-day dental clinic   that provides free dental care to underserved and uninsured Connecticut residents. 

This year CTMOM will be held at Windham Middle School on April 13 & 14.  Windham Middle School is located at 123 Quarry Street, Willimantic, CT 06226. Clinic doors will open at 8:00 AM on both days and those seeking dental care will be seen on a first come, first served basis.

Going without dental care is detrimental to oral and overall health and can result in gum disease and increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke. The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach (CDFO) in collaboration with the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) began offering free dental care through the Mission of Mercy project in 2008. To learn more and for information on how to volunteer or donate to this important event visit http://www.cfdo.org/ctmom.html.

Have You Filed Your Taxes?
 
If you haven't, there is still time to file your taxes for FREE!
 
Visit 211.ct.org/taxhelp to find a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site near you. IRS certified volunteers are trained to help you file your taxes and secure valuable tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
 
Would you rather file your taxes online? If you earned $66,000 or less in 2018 file your taxes for free online at www.myfreetaxes.com.  

The Renters Rebate Program Starts in April

From April 1st to October 1st, Connecticut renters who are at least 65 years old (in most cases) or totally disabled and do not exceed certain income limits can receive rebates on the rent they have paid. Rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons. The renters' rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies. Applications may be filed at your town social service agency or your town's Assessor's Office.

Read 2-1-1's eLibrary paper to learn more about who's eligible for the renters' rebate program and click HERE for a list of locations where applications can be filed in your town or city.

Safe Havens For Newborns Act 

In 2000, the State of Connecticut passed the Safe Havens Act For Newborns, a law that allows anyone to safely drop off a newborn baby, within the first 30 days of life, to any hospital emergency room in Connecticut, without being subject to arrest for abandonment. Under this provision, new parents or caregivers can safely hand over custody of their infant children with no questions asked and without fear of legal repercussion. The intention of this law is to ensure the safety of newborns as well provide support for new mothers, fathers or caretakers that are not able to care for their newborn children.
 
To raise awareness of the Safe Havens Act, the Connecticut State Legislature established April 4th as Safe Haven Day. 
 
If you or someone you know is interested in more information, call 2-1-1, Connecticut's 24/7 health and human service information and referral line, or:
  • Click HERE to access a complete list of designated safe haven locations in Connecticut.
  • Click HERE to read the 2-1-1 eLibrary paper regarding Connecticut's Safe Havens Act.
  • Click HERE to visit the National Safe Haven Alliance website.
Interested in United Way of Connecticut's 2018 Annual Report?
Click HERE! 
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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.