Peter Tercyak

Representative Peter Tercyak joined his legislative colleagues to announce that a $2.5 million grant for renovations at the Community Mental Health Affiliate facility on 26 Russell St. in New Britain is expected to be approved when the State Bond Commission meets Friday.

The New Britain facility houses the Central CT Winter Shelter and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program Team Time Social Club. The funding will allow CMHA to make necessary improvements to the facility while also expanding operational space, allowing them to improve and expand the services they offer.

“As a psychiatric nurse for over 30 years, CMHA has had a special place in my heart for a long time,” Representative Tercyak said. “The people there do wonderful work, and their clients are models of recovery, empowerment and community involvement.”

CMHA is an organization with close ties to the New Britain community. It provides mental health and behavioral assistance to children, adults and families.

“Thank you very much Representative Betty Boukus for everything you’ve done to secure this critical funding,” Rep. Tercyak said.

“These renovations show our community’s commitment to these valuable programs,” Representative Boukus said. “Social rehabilitation is one of the most effective therapeutic approaches of treating serious mental illness in a safe and welcoming environment. Also, a high percentage of homeless individuals suffer from mental illness and the Winter Shelter Program offers a break from the elements in the most dangerous months of the winter season.”

“CMHA is an organization that acts as an essential lifeline for those living with serious mental illness,” Representative Rick Lopes said. “Mental health services are a crucial component of a healthy community and these funds are part of the promise we made to improve those services.”

The Central CT Winter Shelter runs yearly from December through March to accommodate the increase in shelter participants during those months. Averages of more than 170 mentally ill homeless individuals use the facilities and are linked to other needed services through the program. The Team Time Social Club provides a peer-support program with opportunities to participate in group activities that promote social and life skills as well as connecting to other needed services.

Improvements will include total interior renovations: new kitchen, cafeteria, pantry, utility, dining room, bathrooms, game room, new HVAC system, windows, doors, flooring and a backup generator. An ADA-compliant elevator, entrances, and front patio will also be installed.