Social Services

Chester Food Pantry

The town of Chester needs your help. We will be collecting non-perishable grocery items to help stock the new food pantry being set up at the Chester Town Hall. Items commonly requested include:

* Tuna & Canned Meat

* Peanut Butter & Jelly

* Chunky Soups & Beef Stew

* Pasta & Sauce

* Macaroni & Cheese

* Canned Vegetables & Fruits

*Fruit Juice (Cans, Bottles, Boxes)

*Powered Milk

* Cereals

* Baby items (baby food, liquid baby formula, diapers)

* Personal Care items (Shampoo, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Toilet Paper, etc.)

* Cleaning Supplies

This is only a suggested list - we will accept anything. Please pay careful attention to the expiration dates, as we cannot use any item that is already expired.

Thank you for supporting the Chester Food Pantry.

Energy Assistance

Statewide energy assistance programs that help residents with heating bills and conserving energy will be available starting in early October. Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps income eligible households pay their heating bills. State Appropriated Fuel Assistance (SAFA) helps the elderly and disabled individuals with their heating bills.

You must reapply each year to receive assistance. Applicants for deliverable fuels (oil, propane, kerosene, coal, wood) are urged to apply early, as deliveries for fuel begin November 1st. To make an appointment to fill out an application, please call Rosie Bininger at 526-0013, Ext. 213.

ConnPACE

ConnPACE income limits are currently at $22,300.00 for single applicants and $30,100.00 for married applicants. ConnPACE (Connecticut Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract to the Elderly and Disabled) helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities who do not qualify for Medicaid pay for prescription drugs; participants pay a $30.00 annual enrollment fee and $16.25 copay per prescription. To make an appointment to fill out an application, please contact Rosie Bininger at 526-0013, Ext. 213 on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday morning, or leave a message with your name, phone number, and best time to reach you.

Husky

Free or low-cost health care for Children!

No child should be without health care. Health care for Uninsured Kids and Youth (Husky) makes medical care affordable for Connecticut\'s children. The Husky program provides free or low-cost coverage for children under age 19. Husky covers doctor visits, glasses, dental care, emergency care, mental health services, and more. To get more information about HUSKY or to apply, call toll free 1-877-284-8759 or visit www.huskyhealth.com.

Funding Available for Area Elderly

Old Saybrook: Caring Ways Adult Day Center has been awarded a Title IIIB Grant that will allow individuals with financial need to attend the day center at no cost. There is no financial aid application required. Elderly residents of Old Saybrook and surrounding areas are eligible.

Adult Day Care provides socialization and stimulation for those who are homebound, and they are a source of respite for family caregivers. If you know someone who would benefit from a safe and caring environment within a social atmosphere, with a nurse on site, call Molly or Jo Ann at 860-388-4455.

Caring Ways is supported by Senior Resources Agency on Aging with Title III funds made available by the Older Americans Act.


Rosie Bininger, Director
526-0013 Ext. 213
Email: HumanServices@chesterct.org