United Way's Free Information and Referral Service
Did you know about Connecticut’s most comprehensive and up-to-date searchable database of health and human service providers can be found online at www.211ct.org. The site contains links to much of the same information used by United Way professional call specialist staff and is easy to sort by town or zip code.
With just a few clicks of the mouse, visitors can: access a free, searchable database of child care providers in Connecticut; search for housing resources, utility assistance, volunteer opportunities or places to donate household items, clothes, etc., and so much more. The site recorded more than 800,000 searches in FY 11. Many visitors to the site are human service professionals who find online access an effective way to locate services needed by their clients, and still more are residents from across the state looking for programs serving their communities.
The Social Services Department provides assistance for residents with social, emotional, and economic needs of every kind. Our services help residents achieve self-sufficiency, maintain economic well-being and adjust to difficult circumstances and events in their lives. Like Simsbury itself, our services have grown and changed over the years. Today, our major program areas include services to families, youth, seniors and persons with disabilities.
Each year, the Social Services Department provides thousands of units of service to Simsbury individuals and families through programs which include: Financial Assistance, Medical Assistance, Counseling, Cheese Day Program, Holiday Program, Emergency Shelter, Private Funds, Eviction Assistance, Landlord/Tenant Mediation, Fuel Assistance, Renter’s Rebate Program, Trigger Lock Program, Information, Referrals and Notary services. In addition, we offer many services to our elderly and persons with disabilities through the Senior Center, Friendly Visitor Program, and the Dial-A-Ride Program.
Counseling and support services are available to individuals who may be experiencing emotional problems, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other personal problems.
Financial assistance is available for those who meet eligibility requirements.
Back to School Clothes Program |
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The Simsbury Social Services Department is once again offering its Back To School Program for Simsbury families. Eligible families will receive a Wal*Mart gift certificate to purchase school clothes or school supplies for their children. To be eligible, families must be enrolled in a Social Service program or be income eligible. For further information or to set an appointment, please call the Social Services Department at 658-3283.
Information and Referral
Do you have a question about child care, mental health, housing, state or federal programs, substance abuse treatment, child abuse, domestic violence, counseling, senior services, or other topics? Call us – We will answer your question(s) or find the information for you.
Counseling
Professional, confidential, counseling is available to town residents free of charge. Problems may include drug/alcohol, grief, relationship issues, personal growth, depression, low self-esteem, or other issues
Family Therapy Program
This Program will pay for five (5) family therapy sessions, with a local family therapist, under a Youth Service Bureau Grant. For information or to schedule an appointment to apply, all the Department at 658-3283.
Financial Assistance
Financial donations made to the Social Services Department are used to assist residents who are struggling financially. Assistance is available for food, shelter, heat, rent, car repairs, camp scholarships, and other needs.
Renter Rebate Program
This State of Connecticut Program provides an annual rebate to renters who are 65 or older (as of December 31st) or disabled and meet income guidelines. The Program is offered May 15th through September 15th. Rebates range from $50 - $900 each year.
Free Bed Funds
Funds are available to help with payment on outstanding bills from Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital. For information or to schedule an appointment to apply, call the Department at 658-3283.
Dial-A-Ride
The program is available to residents of Simsbury who are age 60 and older, or persons with disabilities.
The program runs two (2) buses, Monday through Friday, and provides transportation around town for shopping, Senior Center activities, hairdresser/barber appointments, Library, Town Hall, and visiting with a friend. The first Monday of each month a bus goes to Buckland Hills Mall, the second Monday to Enfield Square, the third Monday to the Shoppes at Farmington Valley in Canton, and the fourth Monday to WestFarms Mall. Tuesday mornings a trip is provided to Granby Center for banking, Laundromat, food shopping, library and Granby doctors. Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings transportation is provided to stores along Route 44, the Simsbury Commons,
Big Y/Wal*Mart, Avon doctors and convalescent homes. Doctor appointments in Avon should be scheduled for early or mid-afternoon Wednesdays and Friday mornings. Schedule your Dial-A-Ride reservation when you schedule your doctor’s appointment.
Reservations are accepted between 8:00AM to 12noon at least the day before you need the ride at 693-6876. The service is door-to-door. If, because of space/time constraints or mechanical problems, we are unable to serve anyone on a given day, priority will be given to medical and food shopping appointments. Use of the buses is free. However, we do ask, if possible, that an annual donation be sent to the Social Services Department. The drivers cannot accept donations.
Medical Transportation This program, funded by a ConnDot Grant, provides transportation to medical appointments outside the regular Dial-A-Ride Program. Call to make your reservation (693-6876) as soon as your medical appointment has been scheduled.
Energy Assistance
The Simsbury Social Services Department has been designated as an official intake site for residents wishing to apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. The program is available to assist households in paying for bills incurred after November 1st for primary heating services.
This year the Energy Assistance Program has increased income guidelines and assistance levels. We encourage Simsbury residents to apply. Please call the Department at 658-3283 to schedule an appointment or for additional information. Documentation is required.
Keep Simsbury Warm
The Social Services Department is seeking financial donations to help needy Simsbury residents keep warm this winter. Due to the high prices of heating our homes, many Simsbury residents are at risk of having no heat this winter. Please help us to help them. Thank you.
Medical Assistance Program
This Program is offered through the Social Services Department, and is designed to assist needy residents pay for prescriptions and medical co-pays. The Program offers a yearly grant, payable to a medical provider. Income guidelines apply. The Program is sponsored through donations made to the Department.
Emergency Cell Phones
Used cell phones are available for seniors and disabled residents. These cell phones will access the 911 emergency services system ONLY. Stop by the Social Services Office to pick up your free emergency cell phone.
Food Programs
Cheese Day This Program provides fresh fruits and vegetables to eligible resident on a monthly basis. Along with the fresh fruits and vegetables, bread and canned goods are offered. Income guidelines apply.
Food Closet This Program provides non-perishable food items and paper products, as well as bread items. Income guidelines apply.
Bread Day Tuesday mornings, at 9:00AM, bread and pastry items donated from Panera Bread Restaurant, Brookside Bagels, Fitzgerald’s Market, and Dunkin Donuts are put out in the Rotunda for residents to take.
Holiday Program This Program provides assistance during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
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