Update - January 19

January 22, 2024


 
I don't have to tell you how brutally cold it is, but I do want to make sure you - or people close to you - know that there are options available to stay out of the cold. Please reach out to United Way's 2-1-1 Infoline if you need resources. There is also local warming center and shelter information below.
This e-newsletter includes:
  • Governor Lamont Activates Severe Cold Weather Protocol
  • Connecticut Launches New Jobs Website
  • Update on Baby Bonds Program
  • Internet Safety Training for Parents, Teachers, and Others
  • MPOWER Youth Running Coming to Torrington
  • QPR Gatekeeper Training
Severe Cold Weather Protocol Activated
Due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a period of extremely cold weather resulting in very low wind chill values over the next several days, Governor Lamont directed the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect Wednesday afternoon and to remain in effect through noon on Monday.

This is the first time the protocol has been activated this season. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Transportation can be provided if necessary. 

For emergency management news and resources, visit ct.gov/ctprepares.
With the Governor's announcement, Operation Overflow posted the following and is seeking warming shelter volunteers.

On Friday until 4 p.m., the Armory and City Hall will function as warming centers.

On Friday, Trinity will serve as a warming center from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will be open all day on Saturday, as a warming center. On Sunday, Trinity will open as a warming center at 11 a.m.

Staff could use assistance while the warming center is at Trinity. Please reach out to the Y to volunteer; apply at https://www.nwcty.org/volunteer/ or reach out to Willem Donahue at wdonahue@nwcty.org. You can also come to Trinity Church during the warming center hours, and assist as you can - talk with people, play cards, etc.

IF YOU WANT TO DONATE ITEMS TO OVERFLOW, PLEASE DROP THEM OFF AT THE SHELTER (220 PROSPECT STREET) DURING SHELTER HOURS, BETWEEN 8 p.m. AND 7 a.m. If you have questions, contact Conrad at conradsank@gmail.com.

On January 8, an Operation Overflow meeting was held - in person - to reconnect with each other and discuss how Operation Overflow can assist Project Overflow this winter.

Len Bosco spoke about how the Y is running the shelter at Trinity Church (220 Prospect Street) daily from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., and how people can assist them. The shelter currently has about 24 guests each night.

You can volunteer at the shelter via the Y. Apply at https://www.nwcty.org/volunteer/ or reach out to Willem Donahue at wdonahue@nwcty.org. Volunteering could involve monitoring people in different areas of the building, connecting with guests, and assisting staff with different duties. It could be for two or more hours or a whole shift, likely awake. Volunteers are especially needed during cold weather events when the shelter is open as a warming center.

You can donate money to the Y for the shelter: https://www.nwcty.org/donate/

Shelter wish list:

  • Bus Passes (one card with ten rides is $15.75, a monthly card is $63)
  • Laundry gift cards
  • Gas cards (for guests with cars)
  • Uber gift cards (for those who don't have cars)
  • Y and Planet Fitness memberships (for showers and exercise)
  • Lysol spray cans
  • Hand warmers
  • New gloves
  • New socks and underwear
  • New boots
  • Covid tests
  • Playing cards, games, puzzles
  • Cups, creamer, sugar, bottled water, hot cocoa packets or K-cups
  • Microwavable items (mac and cheese, etc.)
  • New clothing and shoes - The preference is to donate a few items at a time to people who need them, as Overflow lacks space to store unused donations. Come to the shelter and talk to staff about which guests need clothing and what their sizes are. Large clothing donations can go to the Gathering Place (see below)

Meals: Community Soup Kitchen of Torrington, 220 Prospect Street (Maiden Lane entrance). Breakfast is served on weekdays at 8 a.m., Monday-Saturday lunch at 11:30 a.m., and Sunday lunch at 1 p.m.

Volunteer at the Soup Kitchen: https://torringtonsoupkitchen.com/volunteer/ or call (860) 482-0130. They have expanded hours to serve as a warming center in the morning and evening.

Large clothing donations: These donations can go to the Gathering Place, 21 Prospect Street, Suite A (860) 618-3455. This is a drop-in center with showers, washing machines, clothing, and referrals. Weekdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Monetary donations: Monetary donations can also be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, for heating, plumbing, etc. at 220 Prospect Street (860) 482-6027 https://www.trinity-torrington.org/donate

Please consider volunteering or donating goods or money to any of the above-mentioned organizations that are helping to shelter and feed the neediest among us. 
From Torrington Emergency Management: During the time the Severe Cold Weather Protocol is in effect:
  • The overnight shelter, located at the Trinity Church on Water and Prospect St., will be open for 24 hours.
  • Daytime warming facilities will be open at the Torrington City Hall Auditorium and the Armory on South Main St., during normal business hours through Friday, January 19.
  • The Armory on South Main St. will be open from 10:30 a.m. through 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

People who need to escape the cold weather elements are welcome to spend some time at these facilities.
Remember That Animal Neglect is a Crime
When we say no one should be outside in brutally cold temperatures, we mean animals too. Animal neglect is a crime, and dogs should not be tethered outside in extreme weather for longer than 15 minutes. If you witness this happening, please call Animal Control to report it. You could be saving the dog's life.
Connecticut Launches New Portal for Jobseekers
Connecticut has launched its new jobs portal, jobs.ct.gov, which is aimed at assisting state residents — and those seeking to move here — in the process of finding a job.

Jobs.ct.gov joins health.ct.gov and business.ct.gov as the next service category in Connecticut's ongoing journey toward an all-digital state government that streamlines and improves access to services and resources.

Some of the resources available through jobs.ct.gov include:

  • Powerful job search tools
  • Job search tips and personal help
  • Free and low-cost training, certificate, and classroom programs
  • Resources to help employers hire, train, and retain employees

All of the resources are Connecticut-specific and focus on connecting jobseekers with a variety of employment and workforce development opportunities.
The strong and steady statewide economy continues to add jobs, but employers in some industries still face workforce shortages, and jobs.ct.gov will be a valuable resource to them. This portal also importantly provides employers with information to reach greater numbers of skilled jobseekers from diverse backgrounds, which is critical to a more equitable Connecticut economy.
An Update on the State's Baby Bonds Program
On Wednesday, Governor Lamont and Treasurer Erick Russell announced that 7,810 children across Connecticut have been born automatically eligible for the Connecticut Baby Bonds program since it launched on July 1, 2023.

Connecticut is the first state in the nation to fund and implement a baby bonds program aimed at building a brighter future for children born into poverty. Children whose birth is covered by HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid program, are automatically enrolled in the program and will have $3,200 invested on their behalf. Those investments, which are managed by the Office of the Treasurer, will grow over time and can be used when the participant is between the ages of 18 and 30 for specific purposes intended to help build individual wealth. These include purchasing a home in Connecticut, starting or investing in a Connecticut business, paying for education or job training, and saving for retirement.

Since its launch, children eligible for Connecticut Baby Bonds have been born in 165 of the state’s 169 towns and cities. Over a full year, it is anticipated that eligible participants will be born in every municipality.
Internet Safety Training for Parents, Teachers, Others
Tweens and teens spend many hours per day online chatting and interacting with friends and people who they may not know well and who may put them at risk. To educate parents, teachers, and others, the US Attorney’s Office, District of Connecticut, in collaboration with the Department of Children and Families, is offering - FREE OF CHARGE - online Internet Safety Training.  
 
This training will introduce parents, teachers, and others to Internet and cell phone applications and video game systems being used by tweens/teens that could potentially put them at risk. Training will take place on Thursday, January 25th, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., via Zoom.  

The Zoom link can be accessed HERE.
MPOWER Youth Running Coming to Torrington
OPEN FOR REGISTRATION NOW!! Youth runners - come train for the GOAL RACE, Celebrate! West Hartford 5K on June 9, 2024.

Registration is only $89 per child for SEVEN weeks of training. Register HERE now. The program starts on April 24!
Chamber of Commerce Job Fair
QPR Gatekeeper Training