Community Fund of Darien 2020
Community Fund of Darien COVID-19 Coronavirus Mental Health

Get Help If You’re Struggling: Town, Community Fund Mail Out Links to Mental Health Resources — and Here’s More

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Don’t let COVID-19 let you feel so down that it interferes with your ability to help yourself or others. Get help, now, and here are some first steps suggesting where you might go. In an ongoing effort to help town residents with many of the emotional difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the town Human Services Department and the Community Fund of Darien have gathered links to resources and put the information both online and in postcards being sent to residents this week. Here’s their joint announcement, with Web links, and Darienite.com has added further information below that:

Monday’s Announcement
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our daily lives, stress, worry and fear can seriously impact our mental health.  The “new normal” of unemployment or working from home, virtual learning, isolation from family and friends, and other uncertainties make prioritizing mental health even more challenging. The added financial and emotional stress of the holiday season can also exacerbate an already difficult time for many, especially those living with depression or anxiety.

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.

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.

Letters to the Editor
1909 Christmas postcard

Thanks to All Who Participated in Darien Human Services Holiday Gift Giving Program

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To the editor:

On behalf of Darien Human Services, I would like to thank everyone who participated in our Holiday Gift Giving Program. Individuals, book groups, church groups, clubs, and families donated gifts of toys, clothing, and gift cards to help make the holiday wishes of 51 families and 52 seniors come true. A big thanks goes to Joe Marzano, the Darien YMCA, and participants in the House Basketball Program as well as employees of The Pi Group who donated hundreds of household goods items to help stock the shelves of our Household Supply closet with much-needed cleaning supplies, paper goods, and personal grooming products. Janet Keeler, Sophie Long, the DHS Advisory Council, and Darien High School staff, students, and families donated hundreds of dollars of gift cards to local stores and restaurants. For the fourth consecutive year, Vineyard Vines generously donated hundreds of items of clothing for our gift giving program.