Our Programs

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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.

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:

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 1pm to 4pm 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.
Diaper Program
The DIAPER PROGRAM provides free diapers and wipes once per month to low-income households and individuals who reside within the Greater Danbury area.

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.
Case Management Services
CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES for income-eligible individuals and families who are in need of assistance with DSS applications, Job Search Assistance, Housing Search Assistance, Child Care, ESL Classes, Information and Referrals, Drug or Alcohol Services, Family Planning Services, Mental Health Support Services, among others.
Hispanic Human Development
HISPANIC HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (HHD) are Education & Training, Information & Referral and Employment program services available to the Hispanic Population.
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.
Job Skills Training
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)

Action Early Learning Center

AELC is a comprehensive year-round early childcare program that serves 125 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.

RSVP

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program is one of America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over. The RSVP program allows volunteers to actively participate in their communities and by matching their knowledge, skills and talents through meaningful, coordinated and organized volunteerism which enhances their lives and the lives of those they serve.

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.

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Energy Assistance

For eligible households the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps pay for such heating sources as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, and wood. Individuals and families qualify for CEAP based on their gross annual income and household size. Households applying should be aware that benefits are limited and do not cover the full winter bill and, therefore, should plan to pay part of the bill. Homeowners and renters may apply.

How to Apply?

All applicants must apply in person. Along with our office located in Danbury, intake sites are located in each town we service including:  Danbury, Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, North Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Sherman, Warren, and Washington.

Applicants are required to provide the following information: https://www.ct.gov/dss/lib/dss/pdfs/w1105checklist.pdf

For more information or to make an appointment, call the Energy line 203-748-5422

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.

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