Greenwich Department of Human Services - FY2022 Annual Report

Greenwich Department of Human Services ANNUAL REPORT

LOOKING FORWARD

Demetria Nelson, LCSW, MA Commissioner Greenwich Department of Human Services

The Town of Greenwich and the Greenwich Department of Human Services (GDHS) has had to overcome many challenges since the beginning of the pandemic. We have become stronger from the lessons learned. I am encouraged by our ability to adeptly anticipate changes, plan accordingly, and meet the shifting needs of our residents.

During FY2022, GDHS worked with the Board of Human Services (BHS) to develop the FY2023 - FY2025 GDHS Strategic Plan to secure American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the mental and financial wellness of residents, to increase the community’s access to information about human-services related resources, and to strengthen partnerships with Town departments and non-profit organizations in service of the Town’s residents.

I am grateful for the dedication and selflessness of the GDHS staff, the BHS members, and the Greenwich community. I look forward to engaging in the work that is to come.

The new GDHS logo is the result of the creativity of the young people in our community and an excellent representation of the department. Elements from the young artists are incorporated into the new logo.

THE HEART

Represents Compassion and Empathy.

THE PERSON EMBEDDED IN THE “S” Speaks to the Purpose of the Department.

DEPARTMENT INITIALS

Assists the Community in Identifying and Associating the Department with the Essential Services We Provide.

THE GREENWICH DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES NEW

The Greenwich Department of Human Services (GDHS) has a long history of providing direct and indirect services to the residents of Greenwich, connecting people in need to the essential resources of the community. These resources include health care services, educational and employment opportunities, food, personal safety, shelter, and immigration services.

In July 2021, GDHS embarked on creating a new strategic plan for the next three years. The GDHS Strategic Planning Committee reviewed key statistics, gathered information from current clients, surveyed staff, consulted with Town departments and community partners in the development of the plan. The plan gives GDHS the opportunity to explore sustainability and growth while continuing to enhance the quality of life for Greenwich residents by providing support in meeting basic human needs and promoting services that focus on life-enhancing initiatives.

At the heart of the GDHS plan are four areas of focus: Programs & Services, Public Relations & Communications, Partnerships, and Financial Health – and its comprehensive services.

Grounded with an aspirational vision already in place, the GDHS Strategic Planning Committee also focused its work around developing a new mission and core values for the Department.

OUR VISION

All Greenwich residents have access to the opportunities and pathways that will lead them to well-being and economic stability. This vision is achieved through a robust and integrated system of appropriate services that are equitable, accessible, and available.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Greenwich Department of Human Services is to support our residents by providing direct services, collaborating with community partners, and focusing on life-enhancing initiatives.

OUR CORE VALUES

AT GREENWICH DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, WE ARE:

TRANSFORMATIVE

We focus on excellence in all that we do to make a lasting change in our community.

COMPASSIONATE

We treat clients with dignity and respect.

RESOURCEFUL

We expand the services offered through our community partner relationships.

COLLABORATIVE

We value positive teamwork and develop honest relationships with open communication.

PROFESSIONAL

We act with integrity to offer an inclusive and confidential space for all.

STRATEGIC AREAS OF FOCUS

FY2023 - FY2025

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

1 2 3 4

To develop and implement a framework for continually assessing needs within the community and shifting resources in order to positively impact client outcomes.

KEY PRIORITIES

INCREASING VISIBILITY WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

To broaden awareness of, support for, and participation in the essential services GDHS provides.

PARTNERSHIPS

To strengthen and cultivate community partnerships to provide greater breadth and depth of services to support our clients and the Department.

FINANCIAL HEALTH

To conduct an assessment of and secure resources to fully support GDHS programmatic and operating needs.

Ensure that all Greenwich residents who require its services are aware of the resources available.

ENHANCING USE OF DATA AND TECHNOLOGY

Leverage technology to measure the effectiveness of its programs and services, to track client outcomes, and to help clients access services.

RESPONDING TO CHANGING NEEDS

Understanding that the needs of the community change and a mechanism to respond to the shifting needs in an effective manner will be put in place.

SPECIAL PROJECT PLANS

SECURE

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDS TO PROVIDE:

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• For clients with incomes greater than 300% of the FPL, but less than 80% of the HUD Median Family Income

• $50,000 per year for three (3) years

CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR SENIORS

• Residents meeting the criteria will be eligible for a device, instruction, and one year of free internet service

• $31,250 per year for three (3) years

CHILD CARE

• Pilot program to expand BANC After School Program to pre-school age children at New Lebanon

• $55,000 per year for three (3) years

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

• Fund initiatives specifically targeted towards addressing mental health & addiction concerns

• Average $65,000 per year for four (4) years

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TRAINING

• Provide mental health & addiction training to Town and community agency employees

• $10,000 per year for three (3) years

YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU (YSB)

• Temporarily reclassify the YSB Administrator position from part-time to full-time to meet the growing need

• $73,000 per year for two (2) years

TESTIMONIALS

Patsy saved my mom and my family during COVID, and a million other times. We are so lucky that such a program exists in Greenwich.

-DG

Case Manager: Patsy Schumacher

I don’t know what to say. Thank you for helping me remain in my current apartment; being homeless was my worst nightmare for the holiday season.

-PM

Case Manager: Rebecca Gabriel

I would like to thank you very much for working on our rent rebate and getting us into Camp Connri. We will never forget the kindness we received from you.

-DM

Case Manager: Elrita South

Just a note to say thank you for all the amazing people that work there. They are so kind, so caring and go out of their way to help. What would we do without your services.

-JR

Homecare Supervisor: Marcia Lawrence

Thank you for helping my mom when she needed it most. You were so kind and diligent in providing the research and follow-through to get my mom the care she needed.

-SF

Case Manager: Tina Corlett

PARTNERSHIPS & PROGRAMS

GDHS works closely with and provides funding assistance to 18 local partner agencies.

IMPACT OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Since 2006, GDHS has assumed the responsibility for oversight of local Human Services Organizations that receive Town funding. In FY22, $896,400 was distributed to community agencies to support and supplement the efforts of GDHS in meeting the needs of Greenwich residents. Here is how we helped.

150+ Children Provided with Homework Help Quarterly.

4,313 Number of Clinical Contacts Provided to Greenwich clients by Child and Family Therapy and Mobile Crisis.

144 Greenwich Children Served, on Average, Per Quarter.

2,901 Behavioral Health Sessions Provided to Greenwich Residents.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

CHILD GUIDANCE CENTER

FAMILY CENTERS, INC.

KIDS IN CRISIS TEEN TALK

1,713 Individual Counseling Sessions.

MOTHERS FOR OTHERS

30,800

Diapers Distributed by Greenwich-Based Agencies and GDHS.

8,070 Diapers Distributed Directly by Mothers for Others to Greenwich Residents.

2,690

Roundtrips Provided to Greenwich Residents.

RIVER HOUSE

PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY GDHS

Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund, Inc.

The mission of the Fund is to accept charitable contributions to support programs and services offered by the Town of Greenwich’s Department of Human Services.

Currently, some of those programs include: Campership Scholarship, Back to School Supplies, Boots and Shoes, Youth Conservation, Holiday Aid and BANC After School Program.

The Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt public charity. Contributions donated to the fund are fully tax-deductible under the IRC Section 170. The Fund is overseen by an independent Board and was created to promote community awareness of Department programs and designed to address the needs of the Town’s low income, disabled and vulnerable population.

Donations can be made online at www.greenwichdhsfund.org

BOOTS AND SHOES

provides vouchers and gift cards for children, in kindergarten through 9th grade, to purchase footwear.

HOLIDAY AID PROGRAM

assists Greenwich families and individuals with food, gift cards, toys, clothing and other gift items at Thanksgiving and for the Winter Holidays.

YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU develops, coordinates, and facilitates a network of resources that support the enrichment and engagement of young people in the Town of Greenwich.

GREENWICH LAND TRUST provides teens, ages 15-16, with working/ learning experience.

THE GREENWICH CAMPERSHIP PROGRAM makes it possible for children from low income Greenwich families to enjoy a memorable and fun-filled experience at summer camp. Full and partial scholarships are available to many local day camps, as well as, a few sleep-away camps in Connecticut.

GREENWICH YOUTH CONSERVATION PROGRAM

provides teens, ages 14 -15, with summer employment, educational and recreational/socialization programs. This program is provided in collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Department.

The Greenwich Department of Human Services is overseen by a nine member board and services are provided by a dedicated professional staff and a network of community providers.

Human Services Board

Patty Roberts Chairperson

Winston Robinson Vice-Chairperson

Natalie Queen Secretary

Debbie Appelbaum

Gillian Ingraham

Gregg Pauletti

Tara Restieri

Dawn Turner

Susan Warner

BYRAM ARCHIBALD NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER (BANC)

is a licensed after school program that dedicates itself to the surrounding community by nurturing children in their social and emotional growth and provides them with an opportunity to explore the world through education, play and interaction with other children.

BY THE NUMBERS

4,588

2022 HIGHLIGHTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

103 clients received transportation to access their medical providers, food, and to meet other needs such as medication pick-up or translation during medical or legal appointments.

650 families were referred to Neighbor to Neighbor and received food support.

64 clients received job development services through its community Partnership Program with Family Center’s RITE Program.

112 teens aged 14 -15 participated in the Greenwich Youth Conservation Program (GYCP). This summer employment, educational and recreational/ socialization program was provided in collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Department.

71 children in kindergarten through 3rd grade participated in BANC After School Program and were provided school supplies/backpacks, headphones, and scholastic books.

441 applications for Renter’s Rebate with total awards of $212,434.

332 applications for Energy Assistance with total awards of $160,000.

74 households applied for Operation Fuel with total awards of $36,976.

84 residents received home care services.

200 gift cards were provided to families for back-to-school footwear for children ages 5 - 15 years old, through the Salvation Army Emergency Aid Program.

1,106 individuals received gift cards for the Winter Holidays provided by our Holiday Aid program.

120 children ages 5 - 14, from 81 families, received a partial or full scholarship and attended summer camp.