United Way of Connecticut 211 Resource Guide
North Haven Substance Abuse Action Council (SAAC)
Parents Support Group, every Thursday from 8:00 - 9:00 am
CHILD PROTECTION HOTLINE, 24-hour emergency number for reporting abuse or neglect of a child: 1-800-842-2288 The website is: www.ct.gov/dcf
The Department of Community Services and
Recreation operates comprehensive programs and
services available to all North Haven residents.
This department provides a myriad of social service
programs, behavioral health, daycare, youth services,
senior center services and recreation. Services are
conveniently offered at the Town Hall Annex and the
Mildred A. Wakeley Community and Recreation Center
on Linsley Street. The Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center is
located at 189 Pool Road.
Community Services (203) 239-5321, ext. 500
North Haven Counseling (203) 239-5321, ext 500
Recreation (203) 239-5321, ext. 530
Senior Center (203) 239-5432 ext.520
Community Services Day Care (203) 239-7366
COUNSELING PROGRAMS
DCSR offers a range of outpatient mental health,
substance abuse and outreach services to town residents.
These services include individual, couples, group and
family therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication
management. Approximately 100 clients are served at
any given time, with a wide range of mental health and
addiction issues. In the past year, the clinicians have
had approximately 2,700 visits with clients from the
North Haven community. This number includes about
40 visits per month provided by the department’s staff
psychiatrist for medication mangement. Assessment,
treatment, and psychosocial education are provided in a
safe, confidential setting. 24-hour emergency service is
provided. All counseling staff are licensed professionals.
State and private insurance accepted, with a sliding fee
scale as needed.
In addition, informational, preventative and educational
programs are offered throughout the year to the
community. Staff members are available as speakers
upon request, on topics such as parenting, mental
health issues, alcohol and drug prevention, education,
stress management, bereavement and other social
services concerns. Educational materials are available to
the community on a multitude of topics.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Residents seeking assistance will be asked to complete an application in the Community Services office, or they can print out and complete the application by clicking the link below. Residents must call to schedule an appointment for their emergency application to be reviewed.
Application for Emergency Assistance
From July 1, 2009 through May 31,
2010, 59 applications for diverse emergency assistance
requests were submitted and completed, for a total of
$12,233.24 disbursed from the Town Emergency Fund.
If there are social service needs that cannot be met by
this department, staff will assist with information and
referrals to the appropriate agencies or programs.
FOOD BANK / TOY BANK
DCSR maintains and operates a food bank for North
Haven residents. Food supplies are provided by the
Connecticut Food Bank as well as generous donations
from individuals and community organizations. Our “client choice” food bank empowers residents to select
their own food based upon taste and dietary restrictions.
This service is available by appointment Monday through
Friday. 5,139 meals were distributed from July 1, 2009
through May 31st, 2010, compared to 3,654 meals from
the previous year.
Thanksgiving Meal Distribution: 51 households were
provided meals during the 2009 Thanksgiving season.
Holiday Meal Distribution: 38 households took part in the 2009 holiday food distribution.
Easter Basket Distribution: For the past two years, the
DCSR has partnered with North Haven High School’s
National Honor Society in the donation and distribution of approximately 35 Easter baskets for families facing
financial need.
Toy Bank: During the 2009 holiday season, 17 families were
successfully matched with donor families/organizations
(compared to 6 families in 2008). “Adopters” included
private residents as well as organizations. The toy bank
is available year round for parents to select items for
their children’s birthdays.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE
The DCSR processes energy assistance applications
for eligible residents throughout the fall and winter
months. Residents are welcome to obtain information
on eligibility requirements and to schedule their
appointments starting in late August by calling (203)
239-2566. During the 2009-2010 Energy Season, DCSR
staff processed 292 energy applications, which was a
total of 625 residents served.
Emergency fuel assistance is also available for eligible
residents through the town Emergency Fund.
EVENTS
DCSR conducts events throughout the year to assist
residents. Here is a snapshot of events from 2009:
2nd Annual Energy Forum: Took place on September
12, 2009 at North Haven Middle School. This free event
included participation from utility companies, nonprofit
organizations and volunteers. Footage of the entire
program is available on the town website.
Annual United Way Diaper Drive: October 26-30th, 2009:
Approximately 600 diapers were collected between the
collection sites: Community Services Office, Library,
Recreation, American Legion and donated to the various
diaper banks.
YOUTH SERVICES – PROGRAMS
Youth Services programs are designed to promote and
foster positive youth development, provide health
and wellness activities, substance abuse prevention
programs, cultural and educational offerings and
employment opportunities. The Youth Services Bureau
is actively involved in professional organizations such as
Connecticut Youth Services Association (CYSA), Planning
for Children and Youth Committee (PCYC), and the Substance Abuse Prevention Council (SAPC).
Project Graduation, which completed its 22nd successful
year in 2009, is a joint project involving members of
DCSR, North Haven High School PTSA and the graduating
class of North Haven High School. This program, which
provides the Senior Class with an all-night drug/alcohol
free celebration on graduation night, is supported by
generous donations from North Haven community
members and local businesses. The event takes place
annually at Quassy Amusement Park, in Middlebury, CT.
293 students from the class of 2009 attended last year,
which is the largest attendance to date.
Internet Safety: On October 28, 2009, in collaboration
with Middle School PTSA, the PTSA Council, North Haven
Police Department, and the DCSR, the Interim Director of
the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science presented
an informative presentation on the complexities of
online exploitation. Approximately 50 people attended.
Anti-Bullying Seminar: This presentation was brought
to the community through a collaboration between the
Planning for Children and Youth Committee (PCYC) and
Youth Services. 50 people attended this event.
Vision Goggles Workshop: 9th grade Health classes at
North Haven High School participate in this program
each semester every school year as part of one of the
activities under the Substance Abuse Prevention Council
in partnership with the high school’s health faculty.
DUI Checkpoint: In December 2009, the Youth Services
Bureau coordinated involvment of seven N.H.H.S.
students who assisted during a nighttime DUI checkpoint,
in partnership with the North Haven Police Department.
The 2nd Annual Community-Wide Forum, in collaboration
with the Substance Abuse Prevention Council, took place
on March 16, 2010 at 7pm at North Haven High School.
North Haven parents presented on the susceptibility
of prescription drug use and abuse. Information was
provided about prescription opiate medications that
may put our youth at risk.
Prescription Medication Disposal Event: took place on
Saturday April 24, 2010 at Fire Headquarters. A total of
30,667 units of non-controlled substances was collected,
and 2,572 of controlled substances were collected, with
a total of 33,239 drugs and additional medication in
liquid form has been kept out of out water ways and soil,
and away from the potential of our youth accessing the
medication. The estimated street value of the collected
medication was quoted as in excess $50,000.00.
Workforce Alliance: Two grants were awarded by the
Workforce Alliance to the Department of Community
Services and Recreation and North Haven Public Schools
to offer both summer and year-round employment
programs for students who meet eligibility guidelines.
For Summer 2009, a $45,000 grant was awarded
enabling 25 students to work at 11 host sites. During the
2009-2010 year round program, an additional $18,405
grant was awarded enabling 15 students to work during
the academic year.
Substance Abuse Prevention Brochures: Brochures
from the Substance Abuse Prevention Council were
mailed to homes of all students enrolled at North Haven
High School and North Haven Middle School during the
2009-2010 academic year. These brochures served as a
resource flyer for parents regarding prescription drug
abuse, signs and symptoms to identify and resources
available for parents.
Speaker at North Haven High School: The CT Burns
Foundation sponsored a school wide presentation by a
drunk driving crash surviving burn victim. His message
was about making good choices, not driving under the
influence, and stressing the importance of not being
distracted by texting and/or using the phone while driving.
