SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS

• Food Pantry.   Food, fresh produce and commodities are delivered by truck weekly to feed those in need.  The pantry is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Through this program the SSC serves more than 800 families per month, running solely with donations. Staffed by volunteers and college interns, the food pantry program is a low-cost operation where donated and purchased food is provided to low-income families and individuals.  Our pantry has been in operation since 1964 and was recognized by Foodshare this year for being one of the top five agencies in 2005 in terms of pounds of food received from Foodshare.  The Spanish Speaking Center received 200,465 pounds of food from Foodshare.  This, in addition to the Postal Service drive in May, the Thanksgiving Drive from St. Ann’s Church and numerous smaller collections from other churches and schools, provided for over 12,000 visits to our pantry last year.  We are always in need of volunteers, donations and your prayers. Cash donations are well spent at the local Foodshare where every $1 donated can purchase up to $10 worth of food for our families.
  
  
• Case-management - Utilizing the Department of Social Services/Social Security. Helping clients utilize and maintain services from the DSS/Social Security is a prime example of how the SSC aids their clients in resolving day-to-day issues. This may be as simple as helping clients fill out re-determination forms, confirming that they are still eligible for services. The SSC understands that for those relying on these services maintaining access is crucial, yet an often difficult task due to language barriers or a general lack of familiarity.  Crisis intervention in cases of utility termination, homelessness, domestic violence and other critical issues is also provided by the case-manager, as well as information and referrals for other services.
  
  
• Health Care Advocacy.   SSC advocates for access to care for Latinos; making sure people have access to care despite language barriers.  A special emphasis has been placed on Health Literacy, in particular in the area of Diabetes, which is highly prevelant in the Latino community.  Written materials as well as blood sugar screenings have been provided through a mini-grant from CT Association for United Spanish Action (CAUSA).
  
  
• Senior's Health Care Advocacy.  Provided for elderly clients of the SSC by working to explain Medicaid and Medicare to ensure that clients have access to health care and medication(s) and also that they understand the medication(s) being taken or if changes to medication(s) have occurred.