Community Grant Funding, New Childcare Spaces, and Upgraded DSS Phone System

November 21, 2025


 

I hope this email finds you and your family well. I have some great news to share for the city of Bristol, grant money was awarded thanks to the CT DOT's Community Connectivity Grant Program, keep reading to find out more.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on: 

  • CT DOT Grant Funding
  • Early Start CT
  • Upgraded DSS Phone System
  • Bristol PD is Hiring!
  • Community Events

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at any time.

The State of Connecticut is awarding nearly $12 million in grants to 17 towns and cities through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program. The funding will support projects aimed at improving transportation safety and mobility.

The City of Bristol will receive $569,106 for the Emmett Street Sidewalks project.

These state-funded grants provide financial support for local infrastructure initiatives designed to create safer, more accessible conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Click here for more information about the Community Connectivity Grant Program.

Thanks to the Early Childhood Education Endowment, an initiative that was passed by the General Assembly in the 2025 legislative session, the expansion of the Early Start CT program in 2026 marks an important step forward in meeting the growing demand for high-quality early childhood care and education across Connecticut.

Beginning in January 2026, up to 1,000 new spaces will be added to the state’s Early Start CT program, expanding access to affordable early learning opportunities for more families. In addition, the state will increase provider payments by up to 8% to help offset operational costs and support higher staff compensation. The endowment supports the governor’s initiative to implement the largest expansion of early childhood education services in Connecticut’s history. We are thrilled about this program and the tremendous benefits it will bring to children, families, and communities across the state.

Early Start CT is a state-funded early care and education program serving income-eligible families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).

To support this expansion, OEC will soon launch a Request for Applications (RFA) for child care providers interested in offering Early Start CT spaces. The RFA will be open to child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, and public school preschool classrooms throughout the state.

Click here for more information on Early Start CT.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) has successfully launched a new streamlined and user-friendly experience for callers with an upgraded phone system. 

The Benefits Center phone number has not changed.  Customers still contact DSS at 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632). ​ 

The new system includes: 

  • A simplified phone menu designed to help customers reach the right service
  • A self-service experience for checking case status and benefit information 

Customers who enter their Client ID when calling will benefit from a customized service and be routed to the correct call queue. Additionally, for those who prefer to self-serve, the system now allows them to: 

  • Check if DSS has received their documents and when they were reviewed
  • View their case status and, if active, access benefit details 

Customers now have access to call-back options, allowing them to: 

  • Save their place in line, or
  • Schedule a call at a time that works best for them 

Bristol Police Department is hiring entry level and certified officers. Closing date to apply is Sunday, December 7. A written exam is scheduled for Thursday, December 11.

You must have the physical fitness agility card by the time of the written exam. Click here to register for the physical fitness exam.

If you have any questions e-mail Officer Kichar at Recruitment@bristolct.gov.

The Bristol Bazaar is home to over 75 local makers, unique gifts, creative workshops, and Yellow King Bristol.

Shop small, support local and explore thousands of handmade treasures in our one-of-a-kind indoor market space. Open 6 days a week (67 Race Street), click here for more information.