In CRT’s latest monthly newsletter we take a look back at some of the programs and services we provide to people in need here in Central Connecticut – and we highlight some of the big changes brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, including what has been done to support the residents of our homeless shelter in Hartford.

Read the April 2021 newsletter now.

The past year of the Coronavirus pandemic has left many people wondering how they will regain control of their personal financial situation after a year of difficulties and losses.

It has been reported that 51% of people think that it could take years to get their finances back on track, if they are able to do so at all.

CRT’s Director of Community Services, Elizabeth Horton Sheff, spoke with Len Besthoff from NBC Connecticut about how people can retake control of their finances and make a plan for the future.

Remember: There’s no shame in asking for help.

If you need a hand with your personal financial situation, CRT may be able to help you. Connect with our Community Services team for more information.

Complete details from the reporting above are available on the NBC Connecticut website.

This past weekend, CRT was once again a guest on “The Beat of CT” with Jenny Boom Boom and DJ Meechie on Hot 93.7 FM. We talked about recruiting for our YouthBuild employment program, and the new June 15, 2021 deadline to apply for the CT Energy Assistance Program.

Give a listen to get all the details.

Over the past year during the Coronavirus pandemic, Hartford-based Travelers has been donating hot lunches to CRT and other local charities.

CRT ensures these meals are then delivered to clients within its programs.

The Travelers donates 130 meals each weekday. To date, Travelers has provided more than 32,000 meals to CRT clients.  Even better, the partnership will continue through the end of June 2021.

Ashley Afonso from Fox 61 shared this wonderful news with their viewers:

Seven-year old Oscar started an organization to give back to others in need here in Connecticut. Specifically, he has been raising money to donate PPE to those that need these valuable supplies. On Wednesday, a large donation that he sent was given to the residents at CRT’s East Hartford Family Shelter.

Oscar calls his organization “Superheroes Are Found Everywhere” or “SAFE” for short, and he is truly a superhero to CRT!

Leslie Mayes from NBC Connecticut shared the story of this true act of kindness.

More details can be found in this story in the Hartford Courant.

Great news for people living in Connecticut! The deadline to apply for the CT Energy Assistance​ Program is extended to Tuesday, June 15, 2021! The Community Renewal Team (CRT) can help individuals and families complete the application by phone, email, or in-person at our multi-service center in Hartford located at 395 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford.

CRT spoke with Kevin Nathan from NBC Connecticut about this important deadline extension, and how to apply for the program.

 

Featured photo by Dan LeFebvre on Unsplash.

The Retreat Assisted-Living in Hartford is now making small group gatherings available to their senior members (for the first time in a year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic!), and that includes use of the internet cafe room for table games, like Jenga!

We invited Hartford Courant photographer Mark Mirko to come see the action for himself last Friday. He got an amazing shot that ran on the FRONT PAGE of the Courant this past weekend!

On “Pi Day” (March 14, 2021), Dominique Moody from NBC Connecticut shared a variety of learning resources to help parents with school-age children, including CRT’s Learning Hub designed for Hartford families that selected in‐person learning for their children (grades K – 3) and may be adversely impacted by COVID‐19‐related facility closures. Watch the full report below to learn more.

Need help completing and filing your 2020 Federal and State tax return? CRT provides FREE tax prep services in Hartford and Middletown with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program now thru Tax Day (April 15, 2021). Completed tax returns are filed electronically from CRT at no cost to you!

Get more information in this report by Carmen Chau on Fox 61.

There have been multiple snow storms this winter, and they serve as a reminder about the costs for heating your home during these cold months. CRT’s Director of Energy Services, Patricia Monroe-Walker, spoke with Caitlin Burchill from NBC Connecticut about the CT Energy Assistance Program, and how to apply for this valuable resource. As she says, no one should have to choose between “are we going to eat, or are we going to have heat?” Watch this report to learn more.

Get more details in this report on NBC Connecticut.