October is Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Happy Rosh Hashanah

October 2, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

October really is one of those months where we observe many causes: breast cancer awareness, domestic violence awareness, National Women’s Small Business Month, and world menopause month to name a few. Look out for resources around these causes throughout the month.
 
I’d like to call your attention to an event tonight in Canton regarding kids’ brains and screen time. I know it’s a struggle we have had in our own family and that many other families are experiencing the same thing balancing screen time.

Have a great week,


Eleni
 
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH...
Honoring the strength of survivors, supporting those currently fighting, and remembering those we’ve lost. As your representative, I’m committed to advocating for access to early detection, treatment, research funding, and community support for those fighting breast cancer.
 
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, I’m thinking of all the families in our community who have been affected by this disease. As a reminder, most women should start getting a mammogram at age 40 unless they have a family history that suggests otherwise. Early detection can save lives.
 
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH...
Everyone deserves to feel safe.💜
 
In Connecticut, we’ve made strides to protect survivors of domestic violence by passing critical legislation that strengthens protections and expands resources. From enhanced restraining orders to our state’s Red Flag Law, we’re ensuring that every survivor has the help they need to stay safe.
 
I will always stand with domestic violence survivors and work to build a future free from abuse. You are not alone. 
 
Need to connect to an advocate?
Call, Text, Chat. Email. 24/7
CTSafeConnect.org  |  (888) 774-2900
 
AND DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH IN CT

October is now Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut after Governor Lamont signed a proclamation recognizing all Connecticut residents with disabilities in the workplace and, in honor of their many accomplishments.

The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services has been a wonderful resource in assisting individuals with disabilities, too, from preparing for, maintaining, and advancing in employment. Services include vocational counseling, job search assistance, on-the-job training, and more!

In CT, assistance for job seekers with disabilities is available virtually and in person through a variety of resources, including:

·The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services website for more information on employment and other services available to people with disabilities can be accessed HERE.

·Connect with the Connecticut Department of Disability Services to get resources and job information for individuals with intellectual disabilities HERE.

·Visit one of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s American Job Centers (appointments are recommended). More information is available HERE.

·Explore CTHires, which serves as a one-stop resource to search for jobs, create a resume, and find training. More information is available HERE.

·Attend one of several job fairs that are scheduled across the state. For a full schedule, please visit HERE.

And shout out to Beanz & Co. in Avon and LaSalle Deli and Market in Canton (among others) for providing meaningful employment to our neighbors with IDD.
 
CHANGES TO EARLY CHILD CARE, EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Great news for families across Connecticut!

Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced several changes to our early child care and education programs that will expand the number of children able to access these programs while also lowering the costs for parents.
 
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, family fees for Care 4 Kids - the state program supporting low to moderate-income families with the costs of child care - will be capped at 7% of household income, down from the current rate of 10%.

This change is estimated to save parents an average of $200 per month!
Effective Oct. 1, 2024, families participating in Care 4 Kids can remain enrolled until their household income reaches 85% of the state median income, an increase from the current limit of 65%. This means parents are less likely to worry about whether accepting a raise at work means they cannot receive childcare assistance anymore.
 
I'm also happy to see the capacity of these programs expanded:
  • An additional 1,500 children will be enrolled in Care 4 Kids using existing state and federal funding
  • An additional 900 children will be added to the School Readiness and Child Day Care program by maximizing existing state funds

Here in Connecticut, we are easing the burden of paying for child care while expanding who can receive assistance. These changes are a win for parents, children, and our state.
 
CT SBDC: MANAGING MONEY IN YOUR BUSINESS COURSES
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center, which offers expert advice for business owners, will be offering free interactive courses entitled "Managing Money in Your Business" on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October. The next one is tonight from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can get more details about courses and register by checking out the flyer below.
 
TONIGHT: KIDS' BRAINS & SCREENS SCREENSTRONG WORKSHOP
Adults and caregivers are invited to attend, too!
 
HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH!
Wishing all who celebrate sweetness in the new year!
 
TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, LOGISTICS EXPO & CAREER

FAIR OCTOBER 10TH
A great opportunity awaits local talent interested in the state's transportation, distribution, and logistical businesses! Please see the flyer below for details about an upcoming Expo & Career Fair in Hartford next week!

Sincerely,


Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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