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1. What programs/services are available for youth, adults, elderly and families?

We offer a variety of programs and services including: Community Education and Awareness, Early Childhood Development, Information and Referral, Financial and Energy Assistance, Social Work and Counseling for all ages, In-School, After-School, and Summer Programs for Youth, challenge course and outdoor education center, Juvenile Review Board, Emergency Shelter and Crisis Response.

For more information, please call 860-665-8590.

2. Can you assist with emergency financial needs: housing, utilities, food, medical, etc?

Yes, we can help. Our social workers are very knowledgeable of federal, state and local assistance resources and will assess your situation confidentially and connect you with appropriate services. We also offer a food bank, clothing closet and emergency assistance including energy and other basic needs.

For more information, please call 860-665-8590.

3. What are the days and hours of operation for the Food Bank and clothing closet?

- Tuesdays 12 noon until 3 p.m. and Thursdays 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
- 2nd and 4th Monday of each month 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information, please call 860-665-8590.

4. How do I know if I am eligible for assistance?

There are a wide variety of federal, state and local assistance programs and services with different and sometimes confusing eligibility guidelines. Our social workers can assist with assessing your eligibility, connecting you and your family with appropriate resources and helping you with filling out applications such as social security disability etc.

For more information, please call 860-665-8590.

5. Where can I find available affordable housing?

Affordable housing is very limited. The Department has a list of apartments and senior housing. A social worker can assist you in looking at your options based on your financial circumstance.

For more information, please call 860-665-8590.

6. I am having conflict with my landlord, what do I do?

The Housing Education Resource Center specializes in landlord tenant issues. Their counseling hotline is available Tuesday and Fridays at 860-296-4372. Feel free to consult with our staff by calling 860-665-8590 regarding your individual situation.

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7. I think my elderly parent(s) is at risk. What can I do?

If you are concerned about your elderly parent(s), or any friend, neighbor, family member it may be helpful to consult with a physician, nurse or social worker. Please contact us  860-665-8660 and we can discuss the situation with you. It may be appropriate to consult with Protective Services for the Elderly- they can be reached for referral at 1-888-385-4225.

For more information, please call 860-665-8590.

8. Do you offer counseling services?

Human Services offers confidential counseling services to children, adults, seniors and families. Our clinical staff are masters level and licensed professionals including Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers and Professional Counselors. Services are available on a sliding scale fee by appointment Monday through Friday, days and evenings.

For more information, please call 860-665-8597.

9. Do you accept donations?

We accept food, clothing and financial donations. These contributions support the Newington Food Bank, Holiday Food, Toy and Gift Program, Clothing Closet, Youth Services and our Special Needs Fund, which assists eligible low-income households with emergency shelter, energy, medical, medication assistance and other basic needs. We are very appreciative of the generous contributions made by civic, school, business, religious organizations and town residents.

For more information, please call 860-665-8590.

10. Do you offer volunteer, community service or college field placements?

We offer numerous volunteer and community service opportunities within the Department including Food Bank, Holiday Food, Toy and Gift Program, Clothing Closet, Youth Leadership, Youth Mentors and Office Assistance.

Volunteers also help plan community awareness and education programs.

We accept a limited number of field placement students from surrounding colleges and universities.

For more information, please call 860-665-8597

11. What activities are available for Newington Youth?

We offer a variety of programs and activities to middle school and high school age youth.

- The Adventure Learning Program (ALPS) is part of the 5th grade Health and Wellness curriculum teaching skills in problem-solving, decision making, teamwork and communication.

- S.C.O.R.E. (Student Challenge of Recreation/Education) is an after-school program offering social, recreational, cultural and adventure based activities for middle school age youth. Program brochures are distributed and available on our website during September and January.

- The Summer Youth Adventure Program offers a full schedule of daily programs for youth entering 5th through 9th grade.

- We utilize High School youths for mentoring during our Summer Youth Adventures and SCORE programs.

- The Youth Leadership Council is composed of middle and high school age youth who actively plan awareness activities toward bullying, substance abuse and violence prevention and provide ongoing input to the department regarding youth programs and issues.

For more information, please call 860-665-8594.

12. What is the Newington Challenge Course & Outdoor Education Center?

Newington Challenge Course combines low and high ropes elements enable participants to grow at team and individual levels, exploring risk, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and coaching. Low ropes activities focus on collaboration. These challenges call upon every member of the team to participate, while presenting numerous opportunities for self-discovery and team growth. High ropes elements emphasize risk-taking, trust, and coaching. These challenges allow participants to expand their comfort zones—sometimes dramatically—and recognize fears that may block personal achievement. Each moment is rich with discoveries, whether a person is climbing, supporting "on belay," or finding an effective way to encourage a teammate.

The Outdoor Education Center provides opportunities to explore and remain active outdoors during all seasons. We offer canoeing, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and top-rope rock climbing experiences. Our wood heated "Yurt" enables us to facilitate day-long or overnight adventures through all seasons!

All of our outdoor activities use the "Challenge by Choice" philosophy. The challenge-by-choice approach enables each participant to experience their own success in the context of their own aspirations. All of our challenge course and outdoor activities are facilitated by certified trained instructors.

For more information, please call 860-665-8594.