Date: Fri 19-Feb-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: JAN

Quick Words:

social-services-counseling

Full Text:

Counseling Center Takes On Newtown's Social Services

BY JAN HOWARD

The Department of Social Services at Town Hall is doing a "brisk" business,

according to Family Counseling Center social worker Peggy Grimes, who is

coordinating the department's services in the absence of a town social worker.

The office is open daily to help Newtown residents with their social service

needs, such as energy assistance, tax relief, rent relief, medical and

financial entitlements and other matters of concern.

"We're getting busy. People are finding out we're here, and they are coming

in," Ms Grimes said.

As a temporary measure, the social service needs of the community have been

met since January 15 by clinical staff members from the Family Counseling

Center.

In January, First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal announced that the town had

contracted with the Center to provide a social worker on an hourly basis for

several hours a week. Karen Hoyt, the former director of human services,

stepped down in January prior to moving out of town.

Mr Rosenthal also said at that time that the town had begun an assessment of

the social service needs of the community that could bring about a

reorganization of the department.

The Family Counseling Center is also in the process of an evaluation of the

social service needs of the community so a long-term solution to the

department can be reached.

Under the current organization, the department calls for a director of human

services who oversees the senior center director, an outreach worker for the

elderly, a municipal agent for the elderly, and an administrative staff

member.

Ms Grimes said the social services office receives many requests for energy

assistance at this time of year as well as concerns about housing.

"This town has a lot of problems," Ms Grimes said. "You don't see them, but

they are out there.

"The food pantry is being used regularly," she said. "The Connecticut Food

Bank was very generous this year so we have plenty of food available." She

said food is available for families in need and for people living in motel and

single room accommodations.

The food pantry is sponsored by the Salvation Army. Its hours are Monday, 2:30

to 4 pm, and Friday, 1 to 3 pm.

Ms Grimes said the department is also starting its Easter baskets project that

is sponsored by local Girl Scout troops. The baskets provide food and gift

certificates for local families and individuals in need.

The department's office hours are from 8 am to 4:30 pm weekdays.

The office is staffed between an administrative assistant, Ann Piccini, and

Family Counseling Center staff members, Ms Grimes, LCSW, DCSW, Meg Currie,

LCSW, and Liz Melaga, a social work intern, from Monday to Friday, as follows:

Monday: Ms Currie, 9:30 to 11:30 am.

Tuesday: Ms Grimes, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Ms Melega, 10 am to 4:30 pm.

Wednesday, Ms Currie, 1:30 to 4:30 pm.

Thursday: Ms Grimes, 9 to 11 am or 8 to 10 am.; Ms Melega, 9 am to 3:30 pm.

On Friday, Ms Grimes is available to do home visits or handle emergencies.

The Department of Social Services office can assist residents with the

following needs: emergency assistance, such as food, shelter and energy;

accessing various state and federal programs, including social security,

disability, Medicaid, Medicare, Husky Plans, General Assistance/SAGA and

ConnPACE; and crisis intervention, including advocacy and information and

referral.

The office is also able to make home visits to assist the elderly and disabled

who are not able to come to the office.

"I encourage people to call and ask about available services," Ms Grimes said.

"The only stupid question is one that is not asked."

She said residents should contact social services even if they think their

problems are not covered under the above programs.

"If we don't cover them, we can give them a referral to what agency can help

them," she said.

Senior Center Director Marilyn Place said that last weekend someone called the

Senior Center about service for a woman who has cancer.

"I saw her on Monday. I called Peggy and Liz on Tuesday," Ms Place said.

It seemed the family did not know that Hospice will service someone who isn't

within two weeks of death. Another agency was providing service but they

couldn't provide everything that was needed.

"Liz called Hospice, and Hospice came immediately," Ms Place said. "Within

four hours of my call, the service was in the home. It was a marvelous example

of how the system can work."

To reach the Department of Human Services, call 270-4330 between 8 am and 4:30

pm.

To reach the covering clinical staff when they are not in Town Hall, call the

Family Counseling Center at 426-8103 and ask for Peggy Grimes.

After hours, the Department of Human Services answering machine message

directs crisis or urgent calls to the Family Counseling Center at 426-8103.

The center has a crisis worker on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Elderly and disabled residents who need assistance falling within municipal

agent duties will be referred by the Senior Center staff at 270-4310 or

270-4315. Eric Rodko at Western Area on Aging, 800/994-9422, is also available

for questions involving the CHOICES Program.

For transportation, elderly and disabled residents should call SweetHART bus

for scheduling or application at 748-2511.

Other important phone numbers in case of loss of power or other concerns are:

Carole Ross, Human Resources, 270-4246; First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal,

270-4201; Town Hall switchboard, 270-4200; and police, 270-4255.

(Kaaren Valenta contributed to this story.)