

2-1-1 Community Connection	June 2014

Message from Richard Porth

President/CEO, United Way of Connecticut

Be Prepared for Hurricane Season

June 1st marked the official start of hurricane season, which lasts until the end of November. The storm threat to Connecticut peaks in mid-August, making now the ideal time to update (or create) an emergency storm plan for your family.

The State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security website has information and advice about hurricane preparation, including a detailed printable workbook to guide you through developing an emergency plan which can be downloaded here.

Another way to be prepared is to register for CTAlert. CTAlert is Connecticut's emergency notification system, which sends out information and alerts by e-mail, text message, or telephone call to state residents who are registered on the site. Click here to learn more and register for emergency alerts.

As always, in the event of a storm emergency you can visit www.211ct.org or dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in the state for up-to-date information about emergency shelters and storm relief resources in your community.

Summer Food Sites Open Throughout the State, Provide Free Meals for Kids

When school is out for the summer, kids and teens under 18 can receive meals and snacks free-of-charge through summer food programs. The meals are made possible through funding from the USDA and are available at participating sites throughout the state.

The goal of the Summer Food Service Program is to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals and snacks all summer long. Food is provided at no cost to children or their families, but hours of operation vary by site.

For more information and to find summer meal sites near you, call 2-1-1 or text CTMeals to 877877. Additional details about the program are available on the CT Summer Food website at www.ctsummerfood.org.

ConneCT Kids Summer Planning Guide

The official State of Connecticut website for children, ConneCT Kids, has published its online summer planning guide for 2014.

The guide has advice for parents and teens about finding summer jobs, volunteer opportunity listings, summer safety tips, links to summer programs throughout the state, and more.

In addition to their listing of select youth summer camps, the 2-1-1 ChildCare website has a searchable database of camps that enable you to find the best fit for your child's needs and interests. For more information visit the 2-1-1 ChildCare website or dial 2-1-1.

Upcoming Changes to Social Security Services

Later this year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be implementing two service changes that will help prevent fraud and enable the agency to meet increased demand for services at its local offices.

The first change occurs on August 1st, when the SSA will cease to provide Social Security number printouts. Anyone needing proof of their Social Security number will need to request a new Social Security card.

Beginning on October 1st, benefit verification letters will no longer be provided at SSA offices. Letters are available instantly online with a my Social Security account, or can be mailed upon request by calling (800) 772-1213.

For more information about these upcoming changes, click here.

The mission of United Way of Connecticut is to help meet the needs of Connecticut and its residents by providing information, education and connection to services.

2-1-1 | 2-1-1 Child Care | Child Development Infoline | Community Results Center

For more information, contact us at unitedwayservices@ctunitedway.org

United Way of Connecticut | 1344 Silas Deane Highway | Rocky Hill, CT 06067

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