Client Services:  Job Matching/Referral, Veterans Services, Certification for Employment and Training, Dislocated Workers, Job Training Partnership Act, Employment Search Programs, Unemployment Compensation Services.

How to apply: Go to the CT Department of Labor's website for information on eligibility for unemployment compensation.

Applying for benefits can be done over the phone using the "Dial to File" system or over the internet at https://iic3.ctdol.state.ct.us/welcome.aspx

Dial to File phone listings for our area:

To appeal a ruling: File an appeal with the Employment Security Appeals Division. For more information go to: www.ctdol.state.ct.us/appeals/applc.htm

If you need an attorney's assistance to help with an appeal call:
The Lawyer Referral Services for Litchfield Country at 860/525-6052 or contact:
Statewide Legal Services for households with low income at 800-453-3320.

Job Search & Training
The State of Connecticut Department of Labor's website www.ct.gov/dol has information and job search tools including:

CT Works One Stop Career Centers:

All residents: Full service CT Works centers offer computerized job matching, assessment and employability planning, vocational counseling and job referral and placement. Resumes may be placed into an employer-searchable database of resumes. The centers have self-service job search support services that include research materials, phones, fax machines, postage, personal computers, software to design and print resumes, and free access to the internet for job search purposes. CT Works One Stops are a collaborative effort of state, regional and local organizations.

The nearest full service CT Works centers are:

New Britain CT Works
260 Lafayette Street
New Britain, CT
Employment services phone: 860/827-6200
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Career Center hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Torrington CT Works
K Mart Shopping Plaza
685 Main Street
Main phone number: 860/496-3300
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Waterbury CT Works
249 Thomaston Avenue
Waterbury, CT
Main phone number: 203/437-3380

A Career Center is available at:
Bristol Community Organization
55 South Street, Bristol, CT.
Phone number: 860/584-2725

Some online job search sites:
www.careerbuilder.com
www.careerjet.com
hartford.craigslist.org
hotjobs.yahoo.com
www.indeed.com
www. monster.com

Older Adults: Maturity Works/Senior Community Services Employment Program (Title V) is a federally funded program that matches low income (at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level) older adults aged 55 plus with jobs in the private or non-profit sector.

Nearest Maturity Works/Senior Community Employment Program locations:
Education Connection
355 Goshen Road
Litchfield, CT
Phone number: 860/567-0863 ext. 150 Voice
Email: info@educationconnection.org
website: www.educationconnection.org
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

People with Disabilities: EveryOne Works Program offers assistive technology and job search assistance services to people with disabilities utilizing the CT Works Centers at the following locations:

Bridgeport CT Works Center
2 Lafayette Square
Bridgeport CT
Main phone number: 203/455-2700
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a - 4:30 p

Stamford CT Works Center
1642 Bedford St., 1st Floor
Stamford, CT
Main phone number: 203/353-1702
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The centers offer services including interpreter services, benefits counseling, information on education and training programs, and magnification with speech, screen reader, text to speech/OCR, word prediction, Braille translator, voice recognition, CCTV, TTY, height adjustable chairs, workstations, keyboard trays, alternative keyboards and mouse systems.

Veterans: CT Works centers have specialized Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOP) to assist veterans with employment and training needs. Services include vocational guidance, case management, counseling services and workshops on topics such as resumes/cover letters, job search and navigating the internet.

To reach the nearest Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOP) call:

The Vocational Rehabilitation Representative, Al Despins (DVOP), can be reached by calling 860/594-6617.

Youth: CT Works Centers and some community based agencies help youth prepare for and locate employment.

Bristol Community Organization has a youth employment program for youths aged 16 to 21 that qualify under Title 1B of the Work Force Investment Act. For more information contact:

Bristol Community Organization
55 South Street
Bristol CT
Main Phone number: 860/589-8623
Email: nmicloskey@bcoinc.org

Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain has a summer youth employment and learning program for youths aged 14-19 that qualify. For more information contact:

Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain
One Grove Street, Suite 315
New Britain, CT
Voicemail: 860/224-7151
Email: info@oicnb.org
Website: www.oicnb.org
Office hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Ex-Offenders: All CT Works centers offer job search services for ex-offenders. Both the Hartford and Bridgeport offices offer in-depth workshops and enhanced job search assistance.

CT Works Hartford Office
3580 Main Street
Hartford, CT
Main phone number: 860/256-3700
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Resource Library: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

CT Works Bridgeport Office
2 Lafayette Square
Bridgeport CT
Main phone number: 203/455-2700
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

WIA (Workforce Investment Fund): The WIA authorizes and funds training and employment programs and services to youth and adults who are disadvantaged because of education level, income level, age, criminal history and other issues. The programs are offered through the CT Works centers.

State of Connecticut Employment: For information about employment with the State of Connecticut please visit their website at www.das.state.ct.us/exam/default.asp or call
528-7442.

Dress for Success
Hartford: 860-525-5015
Website: dressforsuccess.org

Dress for Success helps low-income women transition into the workplace by providing job-retention programs, interview attire, employment attire, mentoring programs, coaching and support groups free of charge. Clients are referred by not-for-profit and government agencies.

Education & Employment Information Center (EEIC)
Hotline:  800-842-0229
Hotline hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Website: www.ctdhe.org/edinfo/default.htm

A statewide referral service of the Connecticut Department of Higher Education. They are a central source of free information for anyone who has questions about colleges, careers, and job training.

Small Business Development: Information and guidance for individuals who are interested in starting their own small business. Nearest sites:

Small Business Administration
Connecticut District Office
330 Main Street, Second Floor 
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 240-4700
Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Website: www.sba.gov/localresources/district/ct/index.html

Small Business Administration, SCORE (Service Corps. of Retired Executives) site
c/o Chamber of Commerce
200 Main St., 1st Floor
Bristol, CT
Voicemail: 860/584-4718
Site hours: Call for appointment
Website: www.sba.gov/localresources/district/ct/CT_CTDOSCOR.html
Fee: No charge

Temporary Employment: Temporary employment agencies are listed in the yellow pages of the phone book under the "Employment Agencies" category or are available on the web at www.yellowpages.com/CT/Employment-Agencies

Nearest agencies:

Vista Staffing Solutions
189 Redstone Hill Road
Bristol, CT
Main phone number: 860/582-2879

* Labor Ready
204 North Street
Bristol, CT
Main phone number: 860/314-2319

*Labor Ready specializes in day labor and pays workers at the end of each day. This is a good option for unskilled workers who need to be paid quickly.

Bristol Adult Education
GED Classes
210 Redstone Hill Road
Bristol, CT
Phone:  860/ 584-7865
Website: www.bristol.k12.ct.us/adulted

Offering classes in foreign languages, business & vocational, cultural & special interest, home arts, practical arts, woodworking, arts & crafts, health & recreation, SAT preparation, music.

Bristol Community Organization
55 South Street
Bristol, CT  06010
Phone:  860/ 584-2725

Work experience and summer youth employment for low income or handicapped youth.

Learn to Read

Literacy Volunteers
Lva Greater Waterbury, Silas Bronson Library
267 Grand Street
Waterbury, CT  06702
Phone:  203/ 754-1164

Offers free, one-on-one & small group training in basic literacy & English-as-a-second language for adults & youths not in school.

United Way 2-1-1 for literacy programs throughout the state.

Board of Education & Services for the Blind
170 Ridge Road
Wethersfield, CT  06109
Phone: 1-800-842-4510
Website: www.ct.gov/besb

Information and referral, social services, rehabilitation teaching, legal benefits, low vision services, aids and appliances.

University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System
Litchfield County Extension System
1304 Winsted Road
Torrington, CT  06790
Phone:  860/ 626-6240
Website: www.extension.uconn.edu/pages/department/locations_litchfield.html

Information concerning agriculture, family and consumer sciences, natural resources & 4H youth development.

E.C. Goodwin Bristol Satellite School
431 Minor Street
Bristol, CT  06010
Phone:  860/ 584-8433

For adults and high school students 900 hour courses in welding, auto-mechanics, digital electronics, food trade/baking, computer aided drafting, machine tool/CNC machine, air conditioning-refrigeration & heating, and spring training programs available.  Contact Guidance Office.

CT Rides Public Transformation Information - http://www.ctrides.com

Commuter Express Bus Service, Local Bus Service, Rail Service, van pools and other alternatives to driving alone.

Financial Assistance

Cash assistance may be possible through programs such as those listed below. Please call the specific agencies for more details regarding eligibility.

Temporary Family Assistance (TFA):
State of Connecticut Social Services Office
New Britain Office
30 Christian Lane
New Britain, CT

Applications are also available:

Money Management/Budgeting

Throughout the year, the Plymouth Public Health/Human Services Department sponsors workshops on various topics including budgeting. Please contact the department for upcoming topics @ 860/585-4028.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service/Money Management International (CCCS): The only non profit credit counseling service organization in CT. They offer confidential financial counseling and debt management services. For more information, please visit their website at www.creditcounseling.org or call 800/208-2227.

“Credit Repair Scams”:  some businesses promise to “repair your credit” but in reality some of these businesses take your money and do nothing to help your credit. Before you contact a debt management company, call the CT State’s Attorney office (860)808-5318, or the Better Business Bureau (203)269-2700 to see if the company is legitimate.
The Attorney General’ office has two good papers on this topic: 
 Law in Plain Language:  Credit Repair:  http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?A=2066&Q=292378

How to Spot Credit Repair Scams and Correct Your Credit History Yourself:
http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?a=2066&q=29238

Connecticut State Median Income 7/1/10 - 6/30/11*

The State Median Income levels are established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These guidelines are used to determine eligibility for various local, state, and federal programs. 

* Information obtained from 2-1-1

Federal Poverty Levels 4/1/10 – 3/31/11

Annual Income Guideline

Monthly Income Guidelines

Food Programs

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plan) formerly called Food Stamps:  the amount of benefit a household can receive depends on the income, age and number of people in the household and certain deductible expenses.  The program does have income and asset restrictions. No lien is placed on an individual’s home. Visit the State of CT site for more information.

Nearest SNAP application sites:

Phone: 860/585-4028
Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 2:30 pm

Phone: 866/723-2591
TTY: 860/612-3569
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Food Pantries:  food pantries offer assistance to families and individuals in need.  They can be a good option for individuals who have either run out of food stamps or were ineligible for food stamps and need to supplement their groceries.

Nearest Food Pantry sites:

Website: www.plymouthfoodpantry.org
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Site Hours: Monday 10-12Noon, Friday 10A-12P, of each month 5-7P

DONATIONS: Monday and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or by appointment.

If the delivery is large, i.e. from a school or Cub Scout Pack or other large group, please call and make an appointment for delivery. Accommodations for other hours by appointment only.

Drop-off site for non-perishable items is at Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps building, 191 Main Street, Terryville daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There is a box inside the back door to collect donations.

CLIENTS: Monday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and monthly on the second Tuesday 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

When there is a holiday on a Monday, the Food Pantry will be open on Wednesday. If the Plymouth Public School System is closed due to inclement weather, the Food Pantry will be closed. If it is a Monday, they will open on Wednesday.

If you are interested in applying to access the food pantry, you must complete an application and show proof of residency in the town of Plymouth, Terryville, or Pequabuck. PLEASE CALL FIRST for an appointment to meet with the coordinator. All information will be kept strictly confidential. Delivery is available to Gosinski Park. Please call the above number for details.

MISSION: The Plymouth Community Food Pantry provides food and referrals to those in need. 
We are dedicated to working in and with our community to end hunger, its causes and effects.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS : All donations of food and related items are welcome, but these items are most in need: applesauce, beef stew, canned fruit, canned pasta meals, canned tomatoes, hot and cold cereal, coffee and tea, cookies, crackers, detergent, hash or other canned meats, instant mashed potatoes, jello, jelly, juices, macaroni and cheese, mayonnaise, pancake mix and syrup, paper goods, pasta, peanut butter, pudding, rice, shampoo, soap and other personal care items, soup, spaghetti sauce, tuna fish and large paper bags.

DIRECTIONS: From Rt. 6, turn onto Allen Street. Take 2nd right onto Fairview Avenue. Take second right onto Dewey Avenue. Turn left into parking lot.

VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are always welcome to staff the Food Pantry. Please contact the coordinator for more information.

Monetary donations are gladly accepted to help defray the ongoing operations of the Pantry. They may be mailed to the above address or dropped off at the office which is located in the white house next door to the pantry. Donations are tax-deductible and you will receive an acknowledgement, including the amount of your donation.

Food for Gosinski Park

The Plymouth Community Food Pantry, in cooperation with the North Central Area Agency on Aging, sponsors this program for senior residents living in Plymouth, Terryville, or Pequabuck aged 60 or above who are able to pick up food at the Gosinski Park Community Room. You do not have to be a resident of Gosinski Park.

How it works:

• Apply for the program by calling Erin Kennedy, Coordinator, at 584-1750.
• After you sign up, you will receive free food and personal care items once per month.
• Monthly, volunteers will deliver food to the Gosinski Park Community Room. You can pick up your items there.

Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-12 pm

Eligibility: Must meet income guidelines, bring income documentation and photo ID

Soup Kitchens:   serve prepared meals to individuals and families in need.
Nearest soup kitchen sites:

Website:www.terryvillecongregationalchurch.org
Hours: Last Sunday per month 12:00p
Eligibility: For anyone in need

Phone: 860/589-0662
Website: www.cfcstorehouse.org
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 1-2:30p
Eligibility: For anyone in need

Phone: 860/583-4651
Hours: Monday - Friday 11:30a - 12:45p
Eligibility: Call for more information

WIC Women, Infants and Children’s Program:  WIC provides specific nutritious foods and nutrition education to eligible pregnant women, postpartum women up to six months regardless of how pregnancy ends, breastfeeding women up to one year after delivery and infants and children up to their fifth birthday.

Phone: 860/585-3280
Website: www.bristolhospital.org
Hours: M,T,Th 8a-4:45p, W 8a-5:45p, F 8a-2:45p
Eligibility: Call for details

School Lunch Program:  offers free or reduced price school meals to children whose family income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.  Parents/guardians can apply at any time during the school year for this program.   

*Families with children enrolled in the Plymouth School system apply at the school where the child/children are enrolled.

Clothing

Free or low cost gently used clothing is available at the following locations:

10 Park St.
Plymouth CT

Phone number: 860/283-2853
Site hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10a - 2p
Eligibility: No restrictions

Utility/Heating Programs

Telephone Credit Program:  Lifeline/Conn. Telephone Connection Assistance Program (CTCAP):  Lifeline is an FCC telephone credit program for customers receiving assistance from one of the following state or federal benefit programs:   Care 4 Kids, CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), and Contingency Heating Assistance Program (CHAP), CONNPACE, SNAP (food stamps), Personal Care Assistance, Refugee Program, Rental Assistance, SAGA, State Supplement to the Aged, Blind or Disabled, SSI, Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Title 19 Medicaid including HUSKY and Healthy Start, Head Start and School Lunch Program. 

The credit offers a discount of $30 on line connection and reduces monthly charges by $9.00 per month for local telephone services.  Lifeline customers also receive an additional bill credit of $.85 for a portion of the Federal Subscriber Line Charge and are exempt from the Universal Service Fund – Local and Local Number Portability charges. 
Applications are available at: http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=10201 

Emergency Energy Assistance may be available at:

Matching Payment Programs:  also known as Arrearage Forgiveness programs are payment incentive programs offered by CT’s regulated natural gas and or electric utilities to their income-eligible customers.  Although the specific requirements are different at each utility, one common qualification is that the customer must be eligible for energy assistance.  To discuss the programs offered by your utility company call:

Energy Conservation Programs:  weatherization programs for CEAP/CHAP energy assistance recipients may be available.  Funds are limited and a priority is given to households with a child under age 6 or with someone who is disabled or age 60 and over.  There may be a waiting list.  A separate program exists for homeowners who need furnace repair or replacement.  This program is also limited. 

Nearest Energy Conservation/Furnace Repair Improvement Site:

Low Interest Energy Conservation Loan Programs:  the CT Housing Investment Fund administers two state energy conservation programs.  1)  Single Family Loans are available to homeowners (1-4 units) for the purchase and installation of cost-saving conservation improvements;  2) Multi-Family Loans are provided to owners of apartment buildings enabling both tenants and owners to save money through cost-saving energy improvements.

For more information and eligibility requirements:

Contact CHIF: 800/992-3665
Website: http://www.chif.org/owner_borrowers/index.shtml#energy

Home Energy Audit Program:  From November to June, CT residents who heat with oil or propane can have their furnaces cleaned and receive an energy audit for $75. (The State of CT states this service is usually valued around $800.) Residents have to use a provider who is registered with the program. Information of how to get this benefit will be sent to anyone interested in applying. There is no income limit for this program. To apply, call the CT Office of Policy and Management at 866-940-4676. There is no application available for download.

Furnace Replacement Rebate Program:  is an incentive program for CT households to replace their existing residential furnaces or boilers with more energy efficient models.
To apply call the CT Office of Policy and Management at:  866-940-4676.
Applications for the Furnace Rebate Program are available at:

Utility Shut-Off Protection:  CT residents are protected from shut-off of their utility services under certain circumstances.  The following briefly outlines the circumstances that apply for water, phone, electric and natural gas services.

Water:  households with a person who is seriously ill or who has a life-threatening illness are protected from water shut-off under the following circumstances:  if a doctor provides written verification that a person in the household is “seriously ill”, the household is protected from shut-off during the winter moratorium period (Nov. 1- April 15).  If the doctor’s verification states that the person has a “life-threatening” illness, the household is protected from shut-off year round. 
If the water is already shut-off:  if your water company is a regulated water company, the protection is the same and the company would be required to turn the water back on.  To find out if your water company is a regulated utility call the DPUC:  (800)382-4586.

Land-line Telephone:  state regulations state that residential land-line phone service cannot be terminated nor non-payment while any resident is seriously ill as certified to the phone company by a doctor.  However, the customer must agree to a payment arrangement for the unpaid balance and keep the account current while paying off the unpaid balance.

Electric and gas:  In CT, utility companies that provide natural gas and/or electric service are limited by law as to when and under what circumstances they are permitted to shut off a customer’s service.  Life-threatening Shut-Offs:  electric and gas companies may not shut off or refuse to turn on utility service at any time if a lack of service is life-threatening regardless of the amount of money the customer owes.  Proof of “life-threatening” situations is usually required.  Please contact your service provider to find out what documentation is required to be coded as a protection customer.  

Winter Moratorium/Winter Protection:  protection for low-income persons from heat source shut-offs that are not life-threatening is available from Nov. 1- May 1 under certain circumstances depending on whether the company provides electric or gas service.  Northeast Utilities protects hardship cases from NON- heat utility shut-offs.  Gas companies have detailed specific terms regarding shut-off and “hardship” cases.  Please contact your provider regarding their specific terms and see the pamphlet “Rights of Utility Customers” published by the Legal Assistance Resource Center of CT at:  http://www.larcc.org/pamphlets/utility_energy/rights_of_utility_customers.htm

Payment Arrangements:  if you are facing a shutoff you should contact your utility company immediately and explain the situation.   You may be required to submit proof of unemployment or other documents in order to support your claim.  You might need to agree to a payment arrangement.  If you cannot afford the payment arrangement they are offering, do not agree to it.  If you agree to an arrangement that you cannot keep, the utility company does not have to offer you another arrangement.  If you feel the payment arrangement offer is not fair, ask to speak to a supervisor at the utility company and ask for a “below-budget arrangement”.  The company may refer you to Statewide Legal Services or the State Social Services Office to help you complete a “budget sheet”.  If none of these options works and you feel that you should be offered a lower payment arrangement, contact the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) at 800/382-4586 to see if they can assist you. 

Transportation

CT Rides Public Transportation Information

Commuter Express Bus Service, Local Bus Service, Rail Service, Vanpools and other alternatives to driving alone.