Double SNAP Benefits at Farmers' Market & Free Check-up at Walmart
August 1, 2024
I celebrated National Disability Independence Day by speaking with local advocates who support those with disabilities in Windham. Keep scrolling to learn how coaches at a special program in town give those individuals an opportunity toward employment and independence.
Those on SNAP benefits can now double the fruits and vegetables they buy at Willimantic's Farmers' Market thanks to a special program. I'll break down how it works and show you how to apply.
Your family is eligible for a free check-up this weekend. Please keep scrolling to see where you can get a health screening and affordable vaccinations on Saturday.
Here are the sections in today's email:
Let's Talk About It: Support for Those with Disabilities
Farmers’ Market Doubles SNAP Benefits
Free Health Screenings at Walmart on Saturday
Let's Talk About It: Support for Those with Disabilities
We celebrated the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on my weekly radio show “Let’s Talk About It.” Two leaders at Horizons shared information about the organization’s mission of helping those with intellectual disabilities where they live, learn, work and play. This work is in concert with my partnership with the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED) group to ensure we have inclusive policies to help those with disabilities get access to employment and resources.
Horizons, which has been based in Windham for 45 years, is dedicated to helping those with intellectual disabilities in their communities. They engage in activities, education, employment, housing, recreational opportunities, a summer camp, and much more.
One program helps individuals who are finishing high school and transitioning into adulthood by giving them a diverse look at the workforce. They get the opportunity to try different jobs, learn new skills, and discover their strengths. In addition, Horizons has a partnership with Eastern Connecticut State University, which means individuals can interact positively and meaningfully on a college campus.
Chris McNaboe (Horizons CEO) and Paul Rimmer (Director of Supported Employment at Horizons) join me on the show!
Horizons is also committed to empowering those with intellectual disabilities into entrepreneurship. Some of these individuals have unique gifts to share that can spur their careers. Coaches are on hand to guide them on that path toward independence. Horizons has grown over the years and now supports about 1,400 individuals annually across all programs.
Make sure the click on the video below to listen to the entire show and learn more about Horizons' support coaches, the strategies they use to help individuals, amazing stories of success, and much more.
Horizons CEO Chris McNaboe & Horizons Director of Supported Employment Paul Rimmer discuss how the organization is helping those with disabilities.
Farmers’ Market Doubles SNAP Benefits
The Willimantic Farmers’ Market is taking part in a wonderful program to feed those who need help. Connecticut Fresh Match Programs allows SNAP recipients to double the fruits and vegetables they buy, allowing households to stretch their benefits, incorporate more fresh produce into their diets, and support local farmers.
Willimantic’s Farmers’ Market matches SNAP with tokens or coupons to be spent on fruits and vegetables. Those benefits can be used that day or saved for future purchases. Click on the image below to join the Connecticut Fresh Match Program.
The Willimantic Farmers’ Market at Whitewater Park is open Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. through October 26.
Walmart is inviting everyone to get a check-up before going back to school. Stop by the Walmart at 474 Boston Post Road in North Windham on Saturday, August 3 from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.
Walmart Wellness Day offers free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, and more. Insurance is not required to receive a free COVID-19 vaccination. Affordable shots for the flu, HPV, tetanus, and hepatitis will be available. Ask Walmart’s pharmacist for details.
More than five million free health screenings have taken place at Walmart Wellness Day since 2014.
Walmart invita a todos a hacerse un chequeo antes de volver a la escuela. Pasa por Walmart en 474 Boston Post Road en North Windham el sábado 3 de agosto de 10 A.M. a 2 P.M.
El Walmart Día del Bienestar ofrece exámenes de salud gratuitos para la presión arterial, colesterol, índice de masa corporal y más. No se requiere seguro para recibir una vacuna gratuita contra el COVID-19. También estarán disponibles vacunas asequibles contra la gripe, el VPH, el tétanos y la hepatitis. Consulta con el farmacéutico de Walmart para más detalles.
Desde 2014, se han realizado más de cinco millones de exámenes de salud gratuitos en el Walmart Día del Bienestar.