Healthy Living
Letter to the Editor Farming

Darien Human Services Can Provide Support and Referrals for Those at Risk of Suicide

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To the Editor:

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and there has never been a more critical time to focus on depression and our mental health. Our lives have been disrupted by COVID-19, social distancing, and unprecedented economic challenges. Many of us may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression for the first time. Suicidal thoughts, like other mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Although common, they should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

Consumer and Finances
Energy Assistance Program

Applications Accepted Soon for CT Energy Assistance Program

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The Darien Human Services Department will begin accepting applications for the 2020-2021 Connecticut Energy Assistance Program on Monday, Sept. 14 for households who heat with oil and on Tuesday, Oc 13 for households who heat with electricity, gas, or propane. — an announcement from the Darien Human Services Department

Residents must meet the following income restrictions:

Maximum Household Income

Proof of income is required, including:

· Social Security benefits

· Pensions or annuities

· Dividend and interest income

· Employment income

· Child support and/or alimony payments

· Unemployment, workman’s comp. or disability payments

Proof of liquid assets is also required:

· Checking and/or Savings accounts

· Stocks, Bonds, CDs and IRAs

Individuals, couples, and families may have liquid assets up to $15,000 for home owners and $12,000 for renters and still be eligible. Applications must be filed by 3/18/21 for households with oil or gas heat and 5/6/21 for households with electric heat.

Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor Pilgrim

Darien Human Services Dept Is Available If You Need Help (and It Accepts Donations)

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To the editor:

During these challenging times, Darien Human Services would like to reassure residents that we are available to assist those in need. Please call 203-656-7328 or email Ali Ramsteck, director, aramsteck@darienct.gov.

We continue to maintain contact with vulnerable or frail seniors on our Emergency Call List. If you would like to be added or would like to add someone to the list, please call 203-656-7328 or email aramsteck@darienct.gov.

Many members of our community are asking how they can help during this crisis. We have an unprecedented number of people who are struggling financially. To support your neighbors in need, we gladly accept donations of gift cards (Palmer’s Market, Stop & Shop, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens) or you can mail a check (payable to Darien Human Services) to Human Services, 2 Renshaw Road.

Healthy Living
Corbin Cares logo square

Senior Center’s Food Pickups End, New Program Replaces Them With Deliveries to Seniors and Those in Need

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With Darien Senior Center having ended its food pickup service in the Town Hall parking lot on Monday, a new, expanded program called “Corbin Cares” has been launched in town to have deliveries of breakfasts, boxed lunches and dinners to seniors and others in need during the COVID-19 epidemic. The effort, expected to begin this week, is a collaboration between nonprofits, local businesses and town government departments. Darien seniors and others identified by the town Human Services Department will be eligible for it as well as others in need in surrounding communities. The project is funded privately and is seeking donations from the public. The project, which has the support of Darien’s Department of Public Health and the First Selectman’s Office, is expected to begin this week.

Charity Events and Opportunities
Household Goods Closet wide facebook

Darien Human Services Asks You for Household Goods Donations for Darienites at Poverty Level

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The Darien Human Services Department will be holding a household goods drive beginning Monday, March 2. Here’s the department’s announcement:

Many Darien residents (up to 5%) live at or below the poverty level. Services are available in town to provide these families and individuals with food and clothing, but not everyday essentials such as toilet paper, paper towels, personal grooming and hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. Furthermore, families and individuals in need are prohibited from purchasing these items with food stamps. The Darien Human Services Household Goods Closet was designed to fill this gap by providing much-needed cleaning supplies, paper goods, and personal grooming and hygiene products to eligible Darien families and individuals.

Healthy Living
Seniors Phone Emergency Call List Human Services Storms Townwide Emergencies

Elderly and Disabled Can Sign up for Town Emergency Call List, Darien Human Services Says

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The staff of Darien Human Services keeps a list of seniors and disabled individuals to contact prior to a storm or town-wide emergency to provide reassurance and peace of mind. — an announcement from the Darien Human Services Department

Staff will also inform residents of resources available in the community such as emergency shelters and cooling centers when necessary. If you are a Darien resident and would like to have your name added to the Emergency Call List, please call Human Services at 203-656-7328. More information on services available to seniors, people with low incomes and veteransalso available on the town government website. 

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