July
2019
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Free Summer Meals For Kids 18 and Under Across Connecticut  
 
A Message from Richard Porth         
President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut 

Only 1 in 5 Connecticut kids & teens who rely on free or reduced-price school meals during the school year get the nutrition they need during summer. Summer Meals provides free, nutritious, meals and snacks to kids and teens, 18 years of age and younger, throughout the summer at various locations across the state.
 
Summer Meals are an extension of the National School Lunch Program. The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and many sites are operated at schools, playgrounds, parks and libraries. While meals may vary from site to site, all Summer Meals meet federal nutrition guidelines.

For more information and to find Summer Meal sites near you:
Are You Struggling With Addiction?    
Substance Use Disorder
Substance Use Disorder

Addiction is a serious problem that can effect anyone. No matter what type of addiction you or someone you care for is struggling with, there is help. You are not alone. 

2-1-1 CT can help you get connected with the help you need to start your recovery. Last year, 2-1-1 CT received nearly 6,000 calls from individuals seeking substance use treatment and recovery resources. To learn more, click HERE or on the video to the right and be sure to visit the Substance Use Disorder page on 211ct.org. 

If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211 or text CTRecovery to 898-211. Start your recovery today!

Stay Cool While Conserving Energy
 
 
Staying cool during the hot summer months often requires an increased reliance on fans and air conditioning. Energize CT offers a quick list of tips on how to conserve energy and keep energy bills down while staying cool this summer.

You can reduce your energy use and save money, starting with no-cost and low-cost suggestions such as:
  • On cool nights, try opening your windows rather than running your air conditioning unit.
  • Use ceiling or portable fans in place of room air conditioners.
  • When possible, locate your air conditioner in the shade. Direct sunlight on a window air-conditioning unit increases its workload.
  • Consider installing an appliance timer to minimize running your air conditioner when you are not home. 
 Visit EnergizeCT.com for a complete list of money and energy saving tips.

Operation Fuel 

Operation Fuel is a private charitable program that may be able to provide cash assistance of up to $500 for utility expenses for eligible Connecticut households in need.  Operation Fuel partners with local government and community-based organizations at more than 100 sites throughout Connecticut to ensure that families in need have access to year-round energy assistance. 

Operation Fuel intake sites are currently accepting applications for gas and electric utilities assistance.  In order to apply for Operation Fuel assistance, you must submit an application to your local fuel bank.  To find the fuel bank that serves your town click HERE or call 2-1-1 to speak with a Contact Specialist. For more information on Operation Fuel, visit www.operationfuel.org 

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The mission of United Way of Connecticut is to help meet the needs of Connecticut and its residents by providing information, education and connection to services.