Festival of Trees Nov. 17 & 18 in Shelton

SHELTON - TEAM Inc's 15th annual Festival of Trees will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Nov. 17 and Sunday Nov. 18 at the Shelton Senior Center, 81 Wheeler St.

 

The event will features raffles of decorated trees, wreaths and baskets, along with craft vendors, pictures with Santa and kids' holiday crafts.
 

Tickets Available for Annual "Men Who Cook" Event

Men to Cook for a Cause

Get Help with Winter Heating Bills

 

 

DERBY - Families and individuals seeking financial help to off-set their winter heating bills may apply to TEAM for assistance.

Families and individuals may qualify for help if they fall below these income limits: $34,366 for household of one, $44,940 for a two person household, $55,514 for a three person household, $66,089 for a four person household.

Applicants are deemed eligible based on review of their total household gross income, such as job earnings, unemployment compensation, social security, pension etc.; household size; and liquid assets, as shown through bank statements. If an applicant is approved for assistance, TEAM will make direct payments to their home heating provider.

Both home owners and renters who are residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Woodbridge can apply for energy assistance from TEAM.

To schedule an appointment with TEAM Energy Assistance, please call 203-736-5420 and follow prompts for Energy Assistance, or in Milford, 203-783-3253; Woodbridge, 203-389-3429; Orange, 203-891-4787, and Bethany, 203-393-2100, ext.124.

TEAM Inc. is a private501(c) 3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families . TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury and Woodbridge.

(This is a press release from TEAM)

Free Holiday Concert

 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital invites the community to a free holiday concert on Thurs., Dec. 14 at Assumption Church, 61 North Cliff St., Ansonia.

 

The Griffin Hospital Annual Holiday Concert will feature Valley Soul, a choir of volunteer singers under the direction of recording artist and music industry veteran Angela Clemmons. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments to follow the concert.

 

This can’t-miss gospel performance will feature choir members from faith-based organizations, health and human service agencies, foundations, and other grassroots organizations, serving as a metaphor for the “choir of caring” that collectively wraps its arms around the residents of the Valley.

 

This event is sponsored by the President’s Fund at Griffin Hospital as a thank you to Griffin’s sponsors and the community, and as a celebration of Griffin’s family of employees, medical staff, volunteers, corporators, and trustees for their dedication, compassion and expertise.

 

Register at griffinhealth.org/giving by Tues., Dec. 12 in order to reserve your seat. Seating is general admission on a first come, first served basis.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

TEAM Offers Help with Winter Heating Bills

DERBY - Families and individuals seeking financial help to offset their winter heating bills may apply to TEAM for assistance.

Families and individuals may qualify for help if they fall below these income limits: $34,366 for household of one, $44,940 for a two person household, $55,514 for a three person household, $66,089 for a four person household.

 

Applicants are deemed eligible based on review of their total household gross income, such as job earnings, unemployment compensation, social security, pension etc.; household size; and liquid assets, as shown through bank statements. 

If an applicant is approved for assistance, TEAM will make direct payments to their home heating provider. 

 

Both homeowners and renters who are residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Woodbridge can apply for energy assistance from TEAM.

 

To schedule an appointment with TEAM Energy Assistance, call 203-736-5420 and follow prompts for Energy Assistance, or in Milford, 203-783-3253; Woodbridge, 203-389-3429; Orange, 203-891-4787, and Bethany, 203-393-2100, ext.124.

(This is a press release from TEAM Inc.)

TEAM Seeks Volunteers for Free Tax Preparation Service

DERBY-  TEAM, Inc.,  is seeking volunteers to assist low-income families and individuals in filing their taxes and claiming refunds owed to them, such as federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) that can boost their yearly income by up to 35 percent.  The TEAM VITA program is held at the VITA Clinics located at TEAM Derby, Derby Neck Library and the Milford Senior Center and operates from January 29 to April 16, 2018.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers free preparation of federal and state income tax returns to low-income individuals and families.  No experience is necessary.  All volunteers will receive training appropriate for their position.  Volunteers receive the materials for self-study on basic income tax law for federal and state returns.  In addition, training sessions will take place in January 2018. 

To become a VITA Volunteer and to learn more about the program, a VITA  Information Session will be held on Monday, October  30, 2017, 5:00 p.m. at TEAM, 30 Elizabeth Street, Derby , CT.  Please call (203) 736-5420 ext. 202 or email spaytas@teaminc.org to reserve a seat.

TEAM Inc. is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families. TEAM programs impact the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury and Woodbridge.           

(This is a press release from TEAM)

TEAM, Inc. to Celebrate 52nd Anniversary

DERBY- TEAM Inc. will host their 52^nd Annual Meeting to be held Thursday, October 12, 2017, beginning at 5:00 P.M. at Race Brook Country Club, 246 Derby Avenue, Orange, CT.

The agency will be making several community award presentations at the meeting:

Liberty Bank will be presented The Chairman’s Award for their broad, profound and positive impact on the quality of social services in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.  

The Town of Seymour and First Selectman Kurt Miller will receive The Partnership Award in recognition of the town’s outstanding support of the agency’s mission during the past years.

CHAZ, from WPLR’s CHAZ and A.J. show a former TEAM participant will be presented with TEAM’s Consumer Excellence Award for his successful accomplishments.

The event will include the unveiling of a new agency video and client testimonials.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend.  Cost is $40.00 for the dinner event.  Reservations are required and may be made by contacting Silvia Paytas at 736-5420, ext. 202 or spaytas@teaminc.org by October 6.

TEAM Inc. is a private, 501c (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting, and empowering individuals and families. TEAM programs impact the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury, and Woodbridge.
 

(This is a press release from TEAM)

Seymour First Selectman Loses Taco Bet; Washes TEAM's Fleet of Delivery Vans

Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller, right, from past taco-eating contest, with former champion Alex Danka
 

SEYMOUR - First Selectman Kurt Miller on Tuesday, June 20, made good on a bet he lost to TEAM Inc.'s President/CEO David Morgan, and spent two hours washing TEAM's Meals on Wheels food delivery trucks

Miller cleaned and polished several trucks in the parking lot of Hot Tamale's Mexican Bar & Grill.

The bet between Miller and Morgan happened last month during a charity taco-eating contest held at Hot Tamale's to raise money for the Meals on Wheels programs, which delivers nutritional meals directly to the front doors of the Valley's elderly folks and shut-ins.

According to TEAM officials, the Meals on Wheels program has taken a financial hit, thus being able to provide fewer amount of meals to those who request the service.

Those interested in making a donation to the program can do so by visiting TEAM's website at:  http://teaminc.org/donate/

To check out Miller in action, click the link below to view it on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/SeymourCT.org/videos/1458349354231127/

Valley's Annual Taco-Eating Contest May 5

Help Ansonia Families Displaced by Devastating Fire

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

ANSONIA >> Efforts are underway to help five families displaced by a devastating fire last week that claimed everything they owned.

Mayor David Cassetti said the city has joined forces with TEAM, Inc. to help the families following last Friday’s fire at a multi-family home at 122 Liberty St. which spread to a nearby, two-family apartment at 55 Fourth St.

Neighboring fire departments in Derby and Seymour assisted Ansonia Fire Department in dousing the raging blaze.

A second collection effort is underway by resident Missy Lundeen, wife of acting Fire Marshal Darrick Lundeen and creator of “Going the Extra Mile” nonprofit grassroots organization that helps Valley families devastated by house fires.
Read more here:

Get Help with Winter Heating Bills

 DERBY - Families and individuals seeking financial help to off-set their winter heating bills may apply to TEAM for assistance.

 

Families and individuals may qualify for help if they fall below these income limits: $33,880.70 for household of one, $44,305.54 for a two person household, $54,730.37 for a three person household, $65,155.00 for a four person household.

 

Applicants are deemed eligible based on review of their total household gross income, such as job earnings, unemployment compensation, social security, pension etc.; household size; and liquid assets, as shown through bank statements. If an applicant is approved for assistance, TEAM will make direct payments to their home heating provider. 

 

Both home owners and renters who are residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Woodbridge can apply for energy assistance from TEAM.

 

To schedule an appointment with TEAM Energy Assistance, please call 203-736-5420 and follow prompts for Energy Assistance, or in Milford, 203-783-3253; Woodbridge, 203-389-3429; Orange, 203-891-4787, and Bethany, 203-393-2100, ext.124.

 

TEAM Inc. is a private,501(c) 3  non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families . TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury and Woodbridge.

(This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.)

 

Festival of Trees Coming to the Valley

 

 

SHELTON -The 13th Annual TEAM Festival of Trees and Wesley Village Craft Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 19th and 20th from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Wesley Village in Shelton at 580 Long Hill Avenue.  The event benefits Volunteer Caregivers at TEAM, Inc. and life-enriching programs for seniors at Wesley Village. 

 

The two days include activities and fun for the whole family, including the viewing of beautifully decorated themed trees and wreaths donated by area businesses, organizations, and individuals.  Participants may buy raffle tickets for the chance to win any of the donated trees.  All drawings will be held on Sunday, November 20th, at the close of the event. Winners do not need to be present. 

 

The event also features a Holiday Craft Fair, with nearly 50 vendors offering a variety of unique gifts and handmade crafts.  A local photographer will be taking PHOTOS WITH SANTA from      11 AM - 2 PM both days.  Throughout both days, there will also be a holiday bake sale and a variety of refreshments available from local food trucks.

Parking and shuttle service will be available at Long Hill Elementary School, with handicapped parking available at Wesley Village. Please use the main entrance at Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community for this event. (Shuttle pick-up and drop-off will be coordinated at this entrance only.) For more information, please contact Silvia Paytas at 203.736.5420 x202 or for vendor information, contact the Office of Mission Development at Wesley Village at 203.925.4952.

 

TEAM, Inc. provides supportive services to over 5,000 low and moderate-income families in the lower Naugatuck Valley region and Milford. Located in Derby, TEAM programming assists socially and economically vulnerable families to meet their basic needs and become more self-sufficient. Services reach all sectors of the community through affordable child development, elderly nutrition, asset development, housing crisis avoidance, energy assistance and senior supports. For more information on TEAM, please visit www.teaminc.org

 

The Wesley Village Campus provides a continuum of relationship-centered care: award-winning assisted/independent living at Crosby Commons, specialized assisted living and memory care at Lifestyle Transitions, independent living cottages at Wesley Heights, five-star rated skilled nursing care and short-term rehab at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, and outpatient therapy and fitness services at The Wellness Center. The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. The campus is located at 580 Long Hill Avenue in Shelton, CT. To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, please visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

 

(This is a press release from Wesley Village)

Need Help with Winter Heating Bills?

DERBY- Families and individuals seeking financial help to off-set their winter heating bills may apply to TEAM for assistance.

 

Families and individuals may qualify for help if they fall below these income limits: $33,880.70 for household of one, $44,305.54 for a two person household, $54,730.37 for a three person household, $65,155.00 for a four person household.

 

Applicants are deemed eligible based on review of their total household gross income, such as job earnings, unemployment compensation, social security, pension etc.; household size; and liquid assets, as shown through bank statements. If an applicant is approved for assistance, TEAM will make direct payments to their home heating provider. 

 

Both home owners and renters who are residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Woodbridge can apply for energy assistance from TEAM.

 

To schedule an appointment with TEAM Energy Assistance, please call 203-736-5420 and follow prompts for Energy Assistance, or in Milford, 203-783-3253; Woodbridge, 203-389-3429; Orange, 203-891-4787, and Bethany, 203-393-2100, ext.124.

 

TEAM Inc. is a private,501(c) 3  non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families . TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury and Woodbridge.

 

(This is a press release from TEAM)

TEAM, Inc. Seeking Volunteers

DERBY - TEAM Inc., is seeking volunteers to assist low-income families and individuals in filing their taxes and claiming refunds owed to them, such as federal Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit that can boost their yearly income by up to 35 percent. 

The VITA program is held at the VITA Clinic at TEAM, Inc. 30 Elizabeth St., Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., and the Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive. It will operate from January to April 15, 2017. 

 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offers free preparation of federal and state income tax returns to low-income individuals and families. No experience is necessary.  

All volunteers will receive training appropriate for their position. Volunteers receive the materials for self-study on basic income tax law for federal and state returns.  
In addition, training sessions will take place in January 2017. 

 

To become a VITA volunteer or for more information about the program, call 203-736-5420 ext. 234 or email dstroman@teaminc.org.

 

TEAM Inc. is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families. 

TEAM programs impact the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury, and Woodbridge.

 

(This is a press release from TEAM) 

TEAM, Inc. Gets Financial Boost from Hewitt Foundation

Pat Carey, President of the Hewitt Foundation Board and David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO

DERBY - TEAM, Inc. has announced the Hewitt Foundation presented the agency with a $70,000 donation in support of the Elderly Service programs. 
Serving more than 940 Valley seniors, many of whom are elderly and homebound, TEAM’s Elderly Services Department includes Meals on Wheels, Homemaking, Medical Transportation and Volunteer Caregivers. 

Without the daily and weekly contact these services provide, many of these seniors would be isolated and without interaction with the community. 
Meals on Wheels, for example, provides a simple, inexpensive service that can help prevent the need for more costly services, such as hospitalizations and nursing home care. 

TEAM’s staff provides a nutritious well balanced home delivered meal for frail homebound individuals 60 years of age and older, giving priority to those with the greatest economic or social needs and particular attention to low- income, minority individuals. 
Each meal meets nutritional requirements and special dietary needs are considered. 

The Program also provides a wellness check, an opportunity for socialization, nutrition education, nutrition counseling, and access to social services based on the needs of meal participants five days a week. 

(This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.)

TEAM, Inc. Gets Counseling Grant

DERBY- The Department of Social Services (DSS) recently awarded the Connecticut Association for Community Action, Inc. (CAFCA) a statewide contract to manage the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Case Management program. CAFCA subcontracted with its network of Community Action Agencies including, TEAM, Inc. to ensure that qualifying individuals and families have access to SSBG case management services throughout the state.

 

TEAM has SSBG Family Support Specialist in place to offer services depending on customer need. These services include counseling, crisis intervention, ongoing assessments, goal planning, life-skills training, monitoring and encouraging client progress, assistance with obtaining housing, transportation assistance, job readiness training, education, and employment assistance, income management and daily living skills training, and referrals to additional community support services including treatment or other services.

 

The SSBG case management services are available for vulnerable individuals and/or families, with special emphasis on those who are less able than others to care for themselves, and include those who are: economically disadvantaged; physically, mentally or developmentally disabled; abused or neglected; in need of drug or alcohol services; in need of mental health support services; in need of supportive services to remain in the community; and in need of shelter.

 

To qualify for SSBG case management services, individuals must be deemed in need of services by Family Support staff, and make below $17,820 per year. Families must make below $32,040 per year for a family of two (increasing $8,280 per additional family member) and also have a child under the age of 18 living in the household. 

 

For more information on the SSBG Case Management program, contact Amy LaChioma, Director of Family Support Services at alachioma@teaminc.org or 203.736.5420 ext. 246.

(This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.)

Help with Winter Heating Bills Available

DERBY- Families and individuals seeking financial help to off-set their winter heating
bills may apply to TEAM for assistance.

Families and individuals may qualify for help if they fall below these income limits: $33,132 for household of one, $43,327 for a two person household, $53,521 for a three person household, $63,716 for a four person household.

 

Applicants are deemed eligible based on review of their total household gross income, such as job earnings, unemployment compensation, social security, pension etc.; household size; and liquid assets, as shown through bank statements. If an applicant is approved for assistance, TEAM will make direct payments to their home heating provider. 

 

Both home owners and renters who are residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Woodbridge can apply for energy assistance from TEAM.

 

To schedule an appointment with TEAM Energy Assistance, please call 203-736-5420 and follow prompts for Energy Assistance, or in Milford, 203-783-3253; Woodbridge, 203-389-3429; Orange, 203-891-4787, and Bethany, 203-393-2100, ext.124.

(This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.)

Voice Your Opinion in TEAM's Needs Assessment Survey

DERBY- TEAM requests public input as the agency embarks on planning for its 2016-2019 Strategic Plan. In order to plan effectively for the next three years, TEAM is seeking input from municipalities,organizations, and local residents to identify the needs within the community.

The survey seeks input on topics like Jobs, Education, Housing, Childcare, Transportation, Elderly, Health Care, Community Needs and more.

While TEAM has sought survey input from clients on specific topics, this is the first time in that a comprehensive survey has been done across the Lower Naugatuck Valley community.

“Feedback from the survey will provide for critical guidance for TEAM’s planning and coordination of efforts to address the complex needs in our communities," said TEAM President/CEO David Morgan. "I encourage all residents to make sure their voice is heard.  Your responses will help continue to improve services in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities”.

The Community is invited to participate by going online to: www.tiny.cc\TEAMsurvey.  Paper copies are available at the following: locations:

·         TEAM, Inc., 30 Elizabeth Street, Derby

·         Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Shelton, Seymour and Oxford City/Town Halls

·         Local Libraries – Ansonia, Derby, Shelton and Seymour

The anonymous paper survey will be available until Jan 15, 2016 and is expected to take less than 15 minutes to complete. The online survey is available until Jan. 21, 2016.  Your responses are confidential and extremely valuable.

 

For more information please call 203-736-5420 ext. 207.

TEAM Inc. is a private, 501c (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. It aims to achieve its mission by conducting activities that address the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and families including resource mobilization, education, advocacy and service delivery. TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge
(This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.)

Diaper Need Awareness Week: Dry, Clean Diapers For All Children

DERBY - Monday, September 28 marks the start of “Diaper Need Awareness Week,” organized by the National Diaper Network.

Though diapers are a basic need for every child in their first years and are essential to the health and well-being of the child, safety net programs that provide assistance to low-income families such as SNAP (food stamps) and WIC do not cover the purchase of diapers.

Infants and toddlers use between 8 and 12 diapers per day, at a cost of $70-$80 per month. Unable to afford a constant supply of fresh diapers, parents may frequently leave their baby in a soiled diaper for long periods of time, leading to rashes, infections, and other health problems. Desperate parents may occasionally resort to drying out soiled diapers for reuse. A Yale University study found that about 30 percent of low-income parents can’t afford to change their children’s diapers as often as they should be changed.

“Diaper need is a major problem for so many families in our state, affecting not just the health of children, but the economic prospects for parents forced to miss work because they can’t send children to daycare without a proper supply of diapers,” says TEAM President/CEO David Morgan.

Without a sufficient supply of disposable diapers, children are not able to enter child care and parents may not be able to return to work or school, leading to economic instability and continuing the cycle of poverty.

To address the needs of families in the Valley, TEAM Diaper Bank provides monthly diapers and wipes to more than 200 eligible families residing in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton.

As part of Diaper Need Awareness Week, TEAM Diaper Bank will be hosting 2 workshops providing diapering and potty training support for all families with young children in the community. The public is invited to register for the workshops, held Monday, September 28 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at Irving School, 9 Garden Place in Derby, or Thursday, October 1 from 5:30-7:30 PM at TEAM Early Education Center, 80 Howard Avenue in Ansonia.

For further information about TEAM Diaper Bank or to donate, please contact Ayanna Williams at awilliams@teaminc.org or 203-736-5420 ext. 204.
(This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.)