Our Programs
Take Action and ParticipateAction Early Learning Center
AELC is a comprehensive year-round early childcare program that serves 153 children from low-income families and individuals (from the Greater Danbury Area) in the age range from eighteen months through six years. A high quality education is provided to children, in conjunction with workshops provided to parents that help improve life skills. The center is open year round and fees are determined by a sliding scale based on household income and need. AELC is NAEYC accredited , it is open year round and is funded by the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services, Danbury School Readiness, the United Way of Western Connecticut.
Community Food Rescue Program (CFR)
CFR rescues food at local supermarkets/retail stores every day of the week. We have two vehicles that rescue and deliver to local food pantries on the day of their pantry distribution. We assist several agencies directly from our food hub – Dorothy Day, RVNA, Renewal House, Center for Empowerment, and two local shelters to name a few. We make home deliveries to any of our clients that are homebound or unable to get to CAAWC’s weekly drive-up pantry on Thursdays. CFR does five mobile pantries every month at low-income senior housing complexes bringing food to them and allowing them to shop for what they need.
Community Support Services
CSS is a collection of programs designed to provide services to clients in crisis under the H.S.I model (Human Services Infrastructure). Community Support Services is one of our most popular and sought after programs at CAAWC. Some of the most popular programs under Community Support Services are:
Case Management Services
Diaper Program
The DIAPER PROGRAM provides free diapers and/or wipes once per month to low-income households and individuals who reside within the Greater Danbury area. Diapers are distributed Wednesdays from 2 pm to 4 pm.
The Eligibility Criteria:
- Photo Identification
- Verification of Household Income (last 4 weeks) – Income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Social Security Cards for all household members.
Food Pantry
The FOOD PANTRY provides free food once per month to low-income households and individuals who reside within the Greater Danbury area. The Food Pantry is open every Thursday from 9 am to 11 am. Time slots are distributed starting at 8:30 am and supplies food to clients on an eligibility basis that is determined by income.
The Eligibility Criteria:
- Photo Identification
- Verification of Household Income (last 4 weeks) – Income must be at or below 235% of the FPL
- Social Security Cards for all household members.
Emergency Assistance
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE is a service provided to connect individuals and/or families dealing with crisis to appropriate services such as a homeless shelter, clothing pantry or other emergency services that will assist in meeting their current emergency needs.
Energy Assistance
Energy Assistance is a program that assists eligible participants with their primary source of heat, so they are able to stay warm in the winter. This includes assistance with the costs of obtaining fuel, utilities, and ways to combat the rising cost of energy. Assistance is provided to participants through the CEAP program, Operation Fuel and the Elderly Emergency Fuel program.
Job & Life Skills
Job Skills Training provides clients with the skills and training that will help them compete in today’s workplace – attaining jobs and succeeding at jobs. Services include résumé development, interviewing, job search, job readiness and life skills/motivational activities. Computer classes in Microsoft Office Suite 2016 and Financial Literacy are also made available. (Currently available for clients in our Stamford office)
SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides nutritional support to low-income people. If eligible, SNAP benefits can help families afford a nutritionally adequate diet. SNAP benefits are not cash. SNAP benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM or bank card to buy food at most grocery stores.
VITA Income Tax Program
VITA provides free income tax preparation and the option of free electronic filing for individuals and families meeting the program’s eligibility requirements. Our VITA program serves the community during Tax Season.
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