Peak Hurricane, Attendance Awareness, Back to School Supplies, Bike Sharing Programs

2-1-1 Connecticut | 2-1-1 Child Care | Child Development Infoline | Community Results Center

August

2018

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Peak Hurricane Season

A Message from Richard Porth

President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut

Peak hurricane season in Connecticut began in mid-August and runs through mid-October.

Preparing for emergency weather can help keep you and your loved ones safe, organized and informed during a weather emergency.

What simple steps can you take today?

Download the CTPrepares' smartphone application in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Download or request a free copy of the Connecticut Guide to Emergency Preparedness (available in ten languages).
Sign up for the State of Connecticut Emergency Notification System
Use the Guide to Emergency Preparedness to assemble an Emergency Supply Kit and Family Emergency Plan.
Be aware of inclement weather forecasts and follow instructions provided by public safety officials.

What other steps can you take?

United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 is a gateway to services related to emergency/disaster response and recovery as well as a statewide resource for emergency-related information collection and dissemination. Call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org for access to services and to stay informed during any extreme weather episode.

2-1-1 also maintains several eLibrary papers that can help you get prepared and stay informed including: How to Prepare and Safely Weather a Hurricane/Tornado, and How to Prepare and Safely Weather a Flood.

September is Attendance Awareness Month

September marks Attendance Awareness Month. Attendance awareness is an ongoing campaign to address chronic school absence.

National data collected during the 2015-2016 school year indicates that 8 million students were chronically absent. Defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year (2-3 days every month) for any reason (excused or unexcused absences), chronic absence is an early warning indicator of academic trouble and effects a child's ability to perform at grade level.

Making school attendance a priority and addressing chronic absence in our communities is a necessary step in preparing our youth for later grades, college, and their future careers.

School success starts with regular attendance, and Connecticut United Ways and their community partners are committed to providing our youth with the tools they need to be successful in school. Contact your local United Way to learn more about programs geared toward school readiness and success as well as volunteer opportunities in your community.

To learn more, download the 2018 toolkit Count Us In! Working Together To Show That Every School Day Matters and read 2-1-1's eLibaray paper, Why Attendance Matters.

Back to School Supplies and Clothing

As summer comes to a close, make sure students in your community have the supplies they need for the classroom. 2-1-1's eLibrary paper School Clothes and School Supplies can help students, parents and teacher access resources such as backpacks, shoes and school uniforms.

To learn more about what resources and assistance may be available, visit 211ct.org and search School Clothing or School Supplies or dial 2-1-1 to speak with a contact specialist that can help you find local resources.

Hartford and New Haven Offer Bike Sharing Programs

Bike sharing programs are now available for those living, working or visiting Hartford and New Haven. LimeBike , available in Hartford and Bike New Haven provide bicycle sharing transportation options for individuals without a car, interested in an alternative mode of transportation or looking for a fun way to explore two of Connecticut's cities.

LimeBike and Bike New Haven are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through an easy to download smart phone application. Visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for the bike share program you are interested in.

Check out 2-1-1 Connecticut's Transportation Page to learn more about transportation options and resources available in Connecticut.

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.