SOCIAL SERVICES, CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF

ARRA Supplemental Funding for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program provides economic stimulus by advancing the economic and social well-being of low-income individuals and families of the state of Connecticut. With an award of $12,060,854, 99% of the funding is used for the following goals and objectives. Goals are to provide assistance to local communities, working through a network of 12 community action agencies and 1 community action state association, to reduce poverty and the effects of poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income families and individuals to become fully self-sufficient. Objectives of this award are for the provision of services and activities for low-income families and individuals to: (a) remove obstacles that block achievement of self-sufficiency; (b) secure & retain meaningful employment; (c) attain an adequate education (with particular attention toward improving literacy skills); (d) make better use of available income; (e) obtain & maintain adequate housing and a suitable living environment; (f) obtain emergency assistance through loans, grants, or other means to meet immediate & urgent needs; (g) achieve greater participation in the affairs of the community; (h) address the needs of youth through youth development programs; (i ) make more effective use of, and coordinate with, other programs; (j) ensure on an emergency basis for the provision of such supplies & services, nutritious foods and related services, as may be necessary to counteract conditions of starvation and malnutrition; (k) coordinate & establish linkages between governmental and other social services programs to assure effective delivery of services (with particular regard to employment and training activities provided under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998) to avoid duplication of such services; (l ) ensure coordination between antipoverty programs in each community and that emergency energy crisis intervention programs under Title XXVI (relating to low-income home energy assistance) are conducted; and (m) coordinate programs with and form partnerships with other organizations, including religious organizations, charitable groups and community organizations. 1% of the funds specifically address the goal of identifying and enrolling eligible individuals and families in federal, state and local benefit programs.

Clarification of Codes