Gregg Haddad

Dear Neighbor,

This week, the Connecticut House of Representatives suffered a devastating loss with the passing of State Representative Kevin Ryan. First elected in 1993, Rep. Ryan faithfully represented the 139th District for more than three decades.
 
A dedicated champion of public health, he served on the Public Health Committee throughout his entire tenure. 

Kevin was a friend who represented eastern Connecticut with vigor.  I’d bump into him at events far outside his district and would joke with him about how far he’d travel for a free cup of coffee.  In fact, he put his all into his job and served as a role model.
 
I had the opportunity to travel with Kevin on a couple of occasions and he would rib me by asking how I got to join the excursion.  I knew better, I was invited because Kevin had recommended me.  I’ll always be grateful for his mentorship, his leadership and his friendship.

From the town of Mansfield's website:

The Town of Mansfield Human Services Department is coordinating a season-long campaign encouraging residents to assist their neighbors in need. Over the past year, the department has seen a significant increase in families requiring assistance to help stay in their homes, keep food on the table, and keep people warm during the winter months.   With this increase in need, Mansfield Human Services is providing several options for people to offer hope and help—whether by giving a warm hat, a new toy, sponsoring a family, or writing a check toward summer camp.

The town of Mansfield Human Services Department receives the bulk of its funding for programs through the generosity of people in the community. Mansfield Human Services offers support for families and individuals throughout the year, include seasonal/holiday giving programs, an active food pantry, monthly meal kits, Holiday meal kits, back to school programs, as well as emergency financial assistance.  The Emergency financial assistance program is a vital program that helps families to keep their homes heated in the winter when all other resources are not available, keeps the lights on and helps others to stay in their home or find temporary housing if needed. 

There are a variety of opportunities to support neighbors provided by the Human Services Department: 

Giving Tree.  The Mansfield Senior Center at 303 Maple Road has established a visual and accessible symbol of caring outside of its center.  A spruce tree is covered with plastic bags pinned to the tree that each contain warm gloves, hats, scarves and other warm items donated by residents.   The sign invites anyone to take what they need.

Sponsor a Family/Child. The Human Services Department is still accepting commitments for generous individuals, businesses, departments, or other organizations to sponsor a child or a family in need during their holiday season. To sponsor a child or family, the community is asked to complete the online registration by the close of business on Wed, Dec. 3.  Toys, gift cards, or other seasonal items are being accepted through Dec. 10.  

In past years this sponsorship opportunity falls short of the total need in Town.  The Human Services Department, including Youth Services and the Senior Center, coordinate a shopping opportunity for select families to pick out toys, gift cards, and other gifts.  Toys and gifts for all ages, including gift cards, are also being collected for this program, spearheaded by the Mansfield Resident State Troopers Office.  Last year 150 families received support through sponsorships or the shopping experience.   Donations can be dropped at the Town Hall, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield Community Center, and both the Senior Center and the Human Services Department.  The Resident Troopers Office will have a cruiser (or two if needed) to stuff full of toys at the Winter Welcome in Betsy Paterson Square on December 6 from 4:30 to 7. 

Other seasonal programs include Seasonal Assistance, which residents applied for in November.

Season of Giving Campaign.  For residents who are able to make donations, they can choose from one of four programs the department supports.  The Betsy Hamill Memorial Campership Fund provides camp scholarships to Mansfield youth in need thanks to generous donations from members of the community.  Another option is the Back-to-School Program, which helps families by providing school supplies and assistance to purchase other necessities in late summer.  A donation earmarked for general Community Assistance helps low-income households with basic needs, emergency support, energy assistance, food security, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Food security is another focus of the department that provides food resources in a variety of ways, including a summer meal program for those children who qualify for free and reduced lunches during the school year, Monthly meal kits, an onsite pantry, and mobilizing CT FoodShare’s mobile food pantry.  

With grant funding harder to access, and American Rescue Plan Act funding ending, Innovative fundraising and reliance on community support is required.  The Department hosted a Comedy Show Fundraiser at the Willimantic Elks Lodge on October 17, which was successful at raising $4,000 for the Financial Assistance program. About 200 families access this program in a year.

Plans are underway to host a PJ 5K fundraiser that will include the 5K run/walk and a one mile fun run on March 28, 2026.  The first $10,000 raised will go directly to providing camp scholarships to children whom otherwise would not have this opportunity, and the rest of the proceeds will go directly to the Financial Assistance programs.

Those interested in donating can donate towards any of these programs or to find more information on all that we listed above can go to our webpage at www.mansfieldct.gov/humanservices or can reach out to the Human Services Office Directly by email: human.services@mansfieldct.org or by phone at 860-429-3315.  The department accepts food items, other necessities, monetary donations and donations of time through volunteering year round.  

Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29 this year, shines a spotlight on locally owned businesses. It encourages folks to shop small and support their communities during the busy holiday shopping season.

By participating, you can find unique, personalized gifts while contributing to the local economy by keeping money within your community. Small Business Saturday fosters a sense of connection, strengthening neighborhoods and ensuring that local businesses, which are often the heart of their communities, continue to thrive.