Social Services
| Contacts: | Jennifer Strong - Social Services |
| Location: | 3 Buckley Highway Stafford Springs, CT 06076 |
| Phone: | (860) 684-7752 |
| Fax: | (860) 684-0784 |
| Emails: | strongj@staffordct.org |
| Hours: | Monday - Wednesday: 8:00am - 4:30pm Thursday: 8:00am - 6:30pm |
Social Services Happenings and Information
ENERGY ASSISTANCE 2022/2023 SEASON
Cold weather is here! The Stafford Energy Assistance program helps residents afford to heat their homes. Minimum income requirements and documents apply. Please call Jenn Strong at 860-684-7752 or email at strongj@staffordct.org for information. If you heat with electric and currently enrolled in the Matching Payment Plan, please call after January 2023 to apply.
2022/2023 Flyer
Stafford Family Resource Center & Early Head Start Learn & Play Group
Learn & Play Groups provide young children with opportunities to develop important language and socialization skills as well as fine and gross motor skills. Parents and caregivers interact with their child during Learn & Play Groups to support these emerging skills while also connecting with other parents, grandparents and caregivers.
For: Children birth to age 5 and their parent or caregivers
Where: Stafford Community Center ~ 3 Buckley Highway, Stafford Springs
When: Tuesdays from 9:30-11:00 am, Starting Tuesday, September 27 through May 30
(No groups on December 27, February 21, April 11, February 22 or April 12)
Each session consists of free-play with developmentally appropriate toys, an art activity, music and movement, a snack and free children’s books to take home. Pre-registration is not required and there is no fee to participate. When Stafford schools are delayed or closed Learn & Play group is cancelled. If you have any questions please call West Stafford School at 860-684-3181 to speak with either the Family Resource Center or Early Head Start.
Download Learn & Play Group Flyer
Stafford Social Services is a member of the Upper Tolland County Service Unit of the Salvation Army, which includes the towns of Ellington, Stafford, Tolland, Vernon, and Willington. Stafford Social Services can request Salvation Army funds for some essential needs on a limited basis. All other avenues for assistance must have been exhausted first.
In addition to emergency funds, the Salvation Army also assists each year with the Back-to-School Program, and offers a summer camp, Camp CONNRI, for which we coordinate the applications for Stafford residents.
the office also has information about the Salvation Army's emergency shelter and residential substance abuse program.
In addition to emergency funds, the Salvation Army also assists each year with the Back-to-School Program, and offers a summer camp, Camp CONNRI, for which we coordinate the applications for Stafford residents.
the office also has information about the Salvation Army's emergency shelter and residential substance abuse program.
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Stafford Social Services has information available in the office for other resources that might be available to you. Topics include:
Food insecurity: Flo's Friendship Kitchen, additional Foodshare sites, SafeNet Food Cupboard
Housing: Louis Management, CRT Affordable Housing and Family Shelter, Salvation Army Marshall House, other area shelters, eviction/foreclosure prevention programs
Budget worksheets
Medical: UCONN dental clinics, home health aide referral sheet
Counseling/substance abuse: information on Stafford Family Services, Natchaug Hospital, CHR, Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, area AA, Al-Anon, and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, The Network Against Domestic Abuse
Information on how to start the application process for Social Security Disability
Stafford Social Services has information available in the office for other resources that might be available to you. Topics include:
Food insecurity: Flo's Friendship Kitchen, additional Foodshare sites, SafeNet Food Cupboard
Housing: Louis Management, CRT Affordable Housing and Family Shelter, Salvation Army Marshall House, other area shelters, eviction/foreclosure prevention programs
Budget worksheets
Medical: UCONN dental clinics, home health aide referral sheet
Counseling/substance abuse: information on Stafford Family Services, Natchaug Hospital, CHR, Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, area AA, Al-Anon, and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, The Network Against Domestic Abuse
Information on how to start the application process for Social Security Disability
Stafford Social Services conducts benefits screening for Stafford residents to determine qualification for local, state, or federal assistance programs such as Care4Kids, CEAP, CHAP, HUSKY Insurance, Medicare Savings Plans, Operation Fuel, SAGA, SNAP (food stamps), Soldiers, Sailors, & Marine Fund, TANF, and Title 19.
Clients who are determined to be eligible can make an appointment for assistance with filling out the necessary forms. Call (860)684-7752 to make an appointment.
Clients who are determined to be eligible can make an appointment for assistance with filling out the necessary forms. Call (860)684-7752 to make an appointment.
Stafford Social Services is an intake site for Stafford residents who need to document their household income in order to qualify for winter protection, payment arrangements, or assistance programs from Eversource.
Required documentation for intake:
Identity - state issued ID or birth certificate for each member of the household
Income - Gross income for EACH household member who is 18 or older for the 4 consecutive weeks immediately prior to your application, such as:
Pay stubs, self-employment worksheet or unemployment printout
SS, SSI, SSDI, cash assistance and/or food stamps benefit statement
Pension statement or VA letter
Child support and/or alimony documents or rental income
Utility - Eversource bill
Assets - All pages from the most recent bank account statements for each household member who is 18 or older showing bank name, customer name(s), account numbers, all transactions, and beginning and ending balances. Savings passbooks must also be brought in.
Required documentation for intake:
Identity - state issued ID or birth certificate for each member of the household
Income - Gross income for EACH household member who is 18 or older for the 4 consecutive weeks immediately prior to your application, such as:
Pay stubs, self-employment worksheet or unemployment printout
SS, SSI, SSDI, cash assistance and/or food stamps benefit statement
Pension statement or VA letter
Child support and/or alimony documents or rental income
Utility - Eversource bill
Assets - All pages from the most recent bank account statements for each household member who is 18 or older showing bank name, customer name(s), account numbers, all transactions, and beginning and ending balances. Savings passbooks must also be brought in.
Stafford Social Services is the coordinating agency for holiday and back to school programs. We work with Santa's Toy Box, the Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Salvation Army, the local scouts, and local corporations, businesses, schools, churches, and individuals to coordinate local holiday efforts, including Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Social Services also runs a Back-to-School program at the end of the summer to help families in need to prepare their students for the new school year.
Those wishing to participate by donating may call the office for ideas and drop off schedules. Those wishing to apply for assistance will be asked to fill out a screening form. Call 860-684-7752 for information.
Those wishing to participate by donating may call the office for ideas and drop off schedules. Those wishing to apply for assistance will be asked to fill out a screening form. Call 860-684-7752 for information.
2 River Rd. #101, Stafford Springs, CT 06076
Phone: (860) 684-6121
The Stafford Community Thrift Shop is located in the Cooley Mill Building across the railroad tracks from the town hall. Parking is available at the Eagle Mart Convenience Store parking lot across the street.
The Stafford Area Community Thrift Shop has been proudly serving the community since 1972. Volunteers donate their time, and all of the proceeds are returned to the community. They support the Stafford Emergency Food Bank, and partner with Stafford Social Services to help provide for some of the needs of income-eligible families.
The thrift shop accepts clean, gently used clothing, small furniture, and household items.
Hours are:
Monday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday CLOSED
Phone: (860) 684-6121
The Stafford Community Thrift Shop is located in the Cooley Mill Building across the railroad tracks from the town hall. Parking is available at the Eagle Mart Convenience Store parking lot across the street.
The Stafford Area Community Thrift Shop has been proudly serving the community since 1972. Volunteers donate their time, and all of the proceeds are returned to the community. They support the Stafford Emergency Food Bank, and partner with Stafford Social Services to help provide for some of the needs of income-eligible families.
The thrift shop accepts clean, gently used clothing, small furniture, and household items.
Hours are:
Monday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday CLOSED
MEDICAL CAR AND SENIOR BUS SERVICES
Curbside transportation service is available to Stafford seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Bus Transportation
Currently the Town is in the hiring process for a driver for our bus. When the bus is on the road again, it will offer services like social/cultural trips out-of-town shopping trips to a location that offers access to groceries and other items. Examples of trips include the Aldis/Ocean State Job Lot Plaza in Enfield, CT, or an area Walmart. The driver/attendant is able to assist with putting groceries on and off the bus as well.
Medical Transportation
The medical transportation car is available for appointments Monday through Thursday. The driver/attendant will pick up the client at their private residence and transport them to their medical appointments. After the appointment, the client is returned home. If the client requires a prescription, we can sometimes fit in a pharmacy stop before returning the client home (check with the driver if their schedule permits). The driver travels to doctors, hospitals, and clinics in Somers, Enfield, Stafford, Willington, Tolland, Vernon, Willimantic, Rockville, Manchester, and South Windsor. We recommend that as soon as the client is aware of their appointment, they call the office at (860) 684-7752 to book their ride. If the time is already booked with another client, we can suggest another time that may be available. *There is currently a barrier between the front and back seat of the vehicle and we only take more than one rider if they are from the same household, so riders are not required to wear a mask.
Many of our clients enjoy these services because they are no longer able to drive. Others enjoy maintaining their independence by not having to rely on children or relatives for rides to the store. Often times, clients are not comfortable driving in winter weather, but need to get their weekly errands done. This is a free service for Stafford seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Interested parties should call 860-684-7752 for additional information and to schedule your ride.
Curbside transportation service is available to Stafford seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Bus Transportation
Currently the Town is in the hiring process for a driver for our bus. When the bus is on the road again, it will offer services like social/cultural trips out-of-town shopping trips to a location that offers access to groceries and other items. Examples of trips include the Aldis/Ocean State Job Lot Plaza in Enfield, CT, or an area Walmart. The driver/attendant is able to assist with putting groceries on and off the bus as well.
Medical Transportation
The medical transportation car is available for appointments Monday through Thursday. The driver/attendant will pick up the client at their private residence and transport them to their medical appointments. After the appointment, the client is returned home. If the client requires a prescription, we can sometimes fit in a pharmacy stop before returning the client home (check with the driver if their schedule permits). The driver travels to doctors, hospitals, and clinics in Somers, Enfield, Stafford, Willington, Tolland, Vernon, Willimantic, Rockville, Manchester, and South Windsor. We recommend that as soon as the client is aware of their appointment, they call the office at (860) 684-7752 to book their ride. If the time is already booked with another client, we can suggest another time that may be available. *There is currently a barrier between the front and back seat of the vehicle and we only take more than one rider if they are from the same household, so riders are not required to wear a mask.
Many of our clients enjoy these services because they are no longer able to drive. Others enjoy maintaining their independence by not having to rely on children or relatives for rides to the store. Often times, clients are not comfortable driving in winter weather, but need to get their weekly errands done. This is a free service for Stafford seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Interested parties should call 860-684-7752 for additional information and to schedule your ride.
The Stafford Social Services Diaper Bank, in collaboration with the Stafford Family Resource Center and Early Head Start EASTCONN, assists income eligible Stafford families of young children by augmenting their supply of diapers.
Applications can be picked up from any of the three organizations, or can be printed from the link on this web page.
Anyone with questions or wishing to make a donation to the program can call Jenn at 860-684-7752.
diaper bank application
Applications can be picked up from any of the three organizations, or can be printed from the link on this web page.
Anyone with questions or wishing to make a donation to the program can call Jenn at 860-684-7752.
diaper bank application
The Stafford Social Services Holiday Program assists income eligible Stafford households. The program is supported by Santa's Toybox, Stafford Stuff-a-Bus/Stuff-a-Cruiser, The Stafford Thrift Store, and donations from many area churches, civic organizations, businesses, and private individuals.
Holiday Toy assistance is available to adults with primary custody of minor children. Holiday Dinner assistance is available to any income eligible household. Documentation of SNAP benefits, Husky Ins., or energy assistance can be used to qualify. Otherwise, current income documentation is required. Gift assistance may be in the form of gift cards or toys. Dinner assistance may be gift cards or meal baskets.
Applications for the 2023 holiday season will be available in late October or early November.
Holiday Toy assistance is available to adults with primary custody of minor children. Holiday Dinner assistance is available to any income eligible household. Documentation of SNAP benefits, Husky Ins., or energy assistance can be used to qualify. Otherwise, current income documentation is required. Gift assistance may be in the form of gift cards or toys. Dinner assistance may be gift cards or meal baskets.
Applications for the 2023 holiday season will be available in late October or early November.
There is a self-help support group meeting at the Stafford Community Center beginning on Thursday, March 2nd. Participants work with other people who know what it's like to gradually take back control of their space.
Buried in Treasures Support Group Flyer
Buried in Treasures Support Group Flyer
