ANNUAL REPORT2018

AELC 75 Balmforth Ave.

Danbury, CT 06810

Central Office 66 North Street

Danbury, CT 06810

Stamford Office 34 Woodland Ave.

Stamford, CT 06902

Norwalk Office 1 Park Street

Norwalk, CT 06851

For more information visit our website:

www.caawc.org

Washington Office 2 Bryan Plaza

Washington, CT 06794 T. 203-743-3785

OUR OFFICES

COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

Bethel Bridgewater Brookfield

Canaan Cornwall Danbury Darien

Greenwich Kent

New Fairfield New Milford New Canaan

Newtown North Canaan

Norwalk Redding Roxbury

Ridgefield

Salisbury Sharon

Sherman Stamford Warren

Washington Westport

TAKING ACTION, ONE NEIGHBOR AT A TIME.

Warren Office 50 Cemetery Road Warren, CT 06794 T. 203-743-3785

TOGETHER MAKING A

DIFFERENCE

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

THE COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY OF WESTERN CONNECTICUT, INC.

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MissionThe Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut, Inc.

provides social services and programs to low-income individuals

and families in the western area of Connecticut to help

them stabilize and improve their lives.

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Dear Friends,The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut (CAAWC) values

diversity, respect, and collaboration. We remain focused on improving

the self-sufficiency of our clients, preparing them to lead successful

lives. We are committed to creating opportunities that empower the low-

income communities of western Connecticut. Through the hard work of

our dedicated staff, we are inspiring and educating our clients to move

confidently into their futures.

With our community’s support, this past fiscal year, CAAWC served over

14,000 unique individuals. CAAWC’s hard work has led to tangible gains

and improvements to our programs, services, and vision for the future of

supporting low-income individuals.

Everything we do is driven by our mission to provide social services and

programs to low-income individuals and families in the western area of

Connecticut to help them stabilize and improve their lives. Thank you so

much for your generosity this past year.

John W. Cherry Michelle H. James

Board Chair Executive Director

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Our ProgramsCASE MANAGEMENT SERVICE is a collaborative process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors and evaluates 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 and/or Alcohol Abuse Services, Family Planning Services, Mental Health Support Services, and more.

14,273 INDIVIDUALS/6,382 FAMILIES SERVED IN 27 TOWNS ACROSS WESTERN CT

RECEIVED HELP IN ADDRESSING BARRIERS THAT PREVENT THEM FROM ACHIEVING SELF-SUFFICIENCY

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.

5,629 HOUSEHOLDS AVOIDED CRISIS WITH ENERGY ASSISTANCE

RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP) is one of America’s largest volunteer networks for people age 55 and over. The RSVP program allows volunteers to actively participate in their communities by matching their knowledge, skills and talents through meaningful, coordinated and organized volunteerism, which enhances their lives and the lives of those they serve.

1,359 VOLUNTEER HOURS WERE PROVIDED TO LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

AND CHILDCARE PROGRAMS

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VITA) provides free income tax preparation and the option of free electronic filing for individuals and families meeting the program’s eligibility requirements.

279 HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVED FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE

AGE

5

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

RACE

ETHNICITY

AGE

Who We Serve

Asian Black/African American

White Multi Other

<100% 101%-150% 151%-200% >200%

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Through Case Management, individuals and families develop plans for meeting basic needs and creating stability. We directly connect clients with resources and enroll them in benefit programs. In 2018, of the clients served, 134 individuals obtained SNAP benefits and over 300 clients were assisted with attaining health insurance.

Last year, a 62 year old male came to CAAWC seeking health insurance. At the time, the client disclosed that he could not read nor write in English or Spanish and needed people to translate for him. Saira, Community Services Specialist, assisted the client with reviewing

all open applications. The client was unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits, but he was finding that his income was not enough to survive. To assist with his needs, a SNAP application was completed and benefits obtained.

While continuing case management Saira mentioned a detox program and the client agreed to meet and talk about it. The client was accepted into a detox program in July and successfully completed it and is attending outpatient support groups. In September he was placed in the Pacific House shelter. CAAWC, along with Pacific House, are working to find the client housing where he can be in a safe place and stay sober.

Maria, 49, came to CAAWC as a referral from one of her friends. Maria was recently displaced from her home due to a domestic violence incident, and fled from another state back to Connecticut with her children. During her initial time back in the Danbury area, Maria found herself having a hard time effectively navigating through the social service network and was not successful in accessing services she needed to sustain her family and herself.

During the first meeting, Maria’s main priority was to keep her family together under one roof. Due to shelters being over capacity and limited availability for mothers with male children over the age of 13, Maria’s only option was to leave her children in Danbury with relatives while she was placed in a domestic violence shelter outside of the city of Danbury.

While working with Lisa, one of our Community Services Specialist, a case plan was developed to map out the goals that Maria needed to achieve to become self-sufficient. Initially she was assisted with properly accessing assistance through the 211’s Coordinated Access Network (CAN), which would allow her access to prioritized housing opportunities for those who are homeless, displaced in shelters or occupying places not meant for human habitation. In addition to accessing placement on the CAN list, Maria was able to secure SNAP benefits, health insurance benefits, and a full time job as a certified nursing assistant. After months of patience from Maria and diligent advocacy of the Community Services Specialist, Maria was able to secure housing through the Rapid Rehousing Program. Maria was able to reunite with her children in their own home.

No Wrong Door

A Success Story

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Action Early Learning Center (AELC) is a comprehensive NAEYC accredited year-round early childcare program that

serves children from low-income families and individuals from the Greater Danbury Area in the age range from eighteen

months through five years. Our program prepares children to enter kindergarten armed with the tools necessary to

succeed.

Early Childhood Education

125 CHILDREN ENROLLED IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES

100% OF CHILDREN RECEIVED AGE APPROPRIATE MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND EYE CARE 55 CHILDREN WERE

DEVELOPMENTALLY READY TO ENTER KINDERGARTEN

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In Connecticut in 2018, the unemployment rate was 4.0%, 48% of CAAWC’s clients indicated that job readiness

skills were a big need facing the community. CAAWC’s Job and Life Skills Program guides individuals to achieve what

they often never thought was possible: financial stability and promising careers. Through computer and employable

skill workshops, clients learn with and from each other, soft skills improvements that help increase their knowledge

towards self-sufficiency.

In 2018, CAAWC initiated a new branch of the Job and Life Sills Program in Danbury where we were able to host

four new workshops that enabled clients to improve their knowledge of financial Iiteracy. The Job and Life Skills

Program provides clients with the skills and training that will help them compete in today’s workplace — attaining

and succeeding at jobs. Services include resume development, interviewing, job search, job readiness, and life skills/

motivational activities.

Results• 110 increased skills/competencies

required for employment

• 26 secured employment

• 73 completed and maintained a budget for over 90 days

• 9 completed ESL Classes (started in October 2018)

• 54 maintained a job for at least 90 days

• 60 successfully completed Microsoft courses

Job and Life Skills Program

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An individual’s health impacts every aspect of life: success in school or work, relationships,

and even physical well-being. One in eight people living in Connecticut are food insecure;

they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

One in six children in Connecticut live in food insecure homes. Most individuals lack the

knowledge of what is healthy and how to adjust their lifestyle to better equip their families.

CAAWC partnered with the University of St. Joseph’s SNAP- ED program in 2018 to host a

nutrition program to better educate our clients on healthy habits for their families.

Diapers can be expensive and can be a struggles for a family trying to meeting basic needs. Through the support of

our community, our families gained access to not only diapers and wipes but also books, clothing, baby food, and

equipment. In addition, diapers can be expensive and can be a struggle for a family trying to meet their basic needs.

THROUGH COMMUNITY DONATIONS TO THE DIAPER PROGRAM, CAAWC WAS ABLE TO SERVE 174 FAMILIES

36,225 MEALS WERE PROVIDED TO FAMILIES

4,011 INDIVIDUALS WERE SERVED THROUGH THE FOOD PANTRY

Diaper Program & Food Pantry

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FinancialsThe Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut

Statement of December 31, 2018 and 2017

Changes in Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions 2018 2017Revenues, gains and other supportFederal and state grants $8,588,925 $7,588,268Childcare program income $437,518 $435,539Local grants and contributions $76,853 $58,381Bond debt service funding $41,998 $38,497Other income $22,934 $26,343Net assets released from restriction $15,324 $2,277Total revenues, gains and other support $9,153,552 $8,149,305

ExpensesSpecific assistance $5,328,938 $4,419,913Salaries and benefits $3,004,484 $2,810,809Materials, supplies, and other consumables $255,946 $226,034Professional and contracted services $190,961 $169,681Occupancy $179,217 $185,691Repairs and maintenance $61,053 $108,960Depreciation $58,899 $56,217Other $34,454 $95,246Conferences and training $24,305 $10,929Interest $14,001 $15,698Total expenses $9,152,258 $8,099,178Changes in Net Assets without Donor Restrictions $1,294 $50,127

Changes in Net Assets With Donor RestrictionsSupport and revenueContributions - $1,890Net assets released from restrictions ($15,324) ($2,277)Changes in net assets with donor restrictions ($15,324) ($387)

Changes in Net Assets ($14,030) $49,740

Net assets - Beginning of Year $556,277 $506,537

Net assets - End of Year $542,247 $556,277

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Jane AlexanderMukta BahlRita BankJohnny & Julie BarnesSanjay BarnwalMary Beth BassElpida BaumanDivya N BhagwaniBoston Red Sox FoundationMichael J BrownLatoya BrownJames BucherCaraluzzi’sCartus CorporationCharter CommunicationsSpinivasamurthy ChillaraDanielle CalpCelio Garcia CsiceoloRodrigo DalmolinDanbury Church of ChristDaniel Mahoney

Bruna DeAlmeidaJared DevalkAmy DolanFairway MarketDeborah DufelEaton CorpEspinal GrocaryAshley EvelynFirst County Bank Foundation, Inc.Maria FrancoCarole GellineauLaurel GiacoloneHarold GomezBernice GuerraMaria HernandezGary HirschLauren HowlandSharon HsuCarmen HughesE. Brent JamesKyra James

Patricia JosephDanielle KingMary KorinLinde Nipun MarwahAileen MikoajczykChristina MonteiroMutual Security Credit UnionAshok NandaNetwork for GoodNew Fairfield Community Thrift ShopNewtown Savings BankYumi NiiyamaEric NotaroPatrick O’BrienSandra OrdonaMinaxi P. PatelJulieta PenalotaFreda PetersPrice RiteDaniela Rodriguez

Darick RodriguezGarciela RojasRamona SantosSavings Bank of Danbury Criag & Joanne ShermanSikorsky Credit UnionStephen SimalchihStanley Black & Decker, Inc.Steve LewisStop & ShopJaneth TanelandTemple B’nai ChaimBarbara TilsonTeresa TringaliU-HaulUnion Savings BankSonya D. Van Norden WalmartGreg WilliamsYoga Culture

On behalf of The Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut, we would like to say thank you for your financial support in 2018. With your partnership, we were able to grow through the year and come out ahead. We are so thankful for the board members, staff members, donors, and volunteers who have come together.

Board of DirectorsJohn W. Cherry, Board Chair Creighton W. Lee, Sr., Vice Chair Clay Cope, TreasurerJuly Miliano, Secretary

Jose AgostoGlenda ArmstrongMayor Peter Bass Elise ColemanElla FraserRev. Dr. Robert Jackson Mary KorinRichard MatzingerAli RamsteckCynthia Whitaker

Leadership TeamMichelle H. James, Executive Director

Jane Bucher, Finance Director

Gloria Sanchez, Human Resource Manager

Sonya D. Van Norden, Site Director (Stamford)

Mini Santosh, Childcare Director

Elizabeth Garron, Contract Compliance

Junior Mendez, Energy Program Manager

Stephanie West, Program Manager

Thank you!

Bethel

Bridgewater

Brookfield

Canaan

Cornwall

Danbury

Darien

Greenwich

Kent

New Fairfield

New Milford

New Canaan

Newtown

North Canaan

Norwalk

Redding

Roxbury

Ridgefield

Salisbury

Sharon

Sherman

Stamford

Warren

Washington

Weston

Westport

Wilton

CENTRAL66 North St.

Danbury, CT 06810 203.744.4700

AELC75 Balmforth Ave.Danbury, CT 06810

203.743.3785

STAMFORD34 Woodland Ave.

Stamford, CT 06902203.602.8833

WASHINGTON2 Bryan Plaza

Washington, CT 06794860.868.0058

NORWALK 1 Park St.

Norwalk, CT 06851203.939.9650

Communities We Serve

Our Offices

TAKING ACTION, ONE NEIGHBOR AT A TIME

AELC 75 Balmforth Ave.

Danbury, CT 06810

Central Office 66 North Street

Danbury, CT 06810

Stamford Office 34 Woodland Ave.

Stamford, CT 06902

Norwalk Office 1 Park Street

Norwalk, CT 06851

For more information visit our website:

www.caawc.org

Washington Office 2 Bryan Plaza

Washington, CT 06794 T. 203-743-3785

OUR OFFICES

COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

Bethel Bridgewater Brookfield

Canaan Cornwall Danbury Darien

Greenwich Kent

New Fairfield New Milford New Canaan

Newtown North Canaan

Norwalk Redding Roxbury

Ridgefield

Salisbury Sharon

Sherman Stamford Warren

Washington Westport

TAKING ACTION, ONE NEIGHBOR AT A TIME.

Warren Office 50 Cemetery Road Warren, CT 06794 T. 203-743-3785

TOGETHER MAKING A

DIFFERENCE

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

THE COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY OF WESTERN CONNECTICUT, INC.

For more information visit our website:www.caawc.org

Job & Life Skills Program