Social and Youth Services / Berlin, CT

Social and Youth Services

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Berlin Social & Youth Services is dedicated to the development, coordination and implementation of programs and services that help provide for basic human needs, promote the healthy development of children and youth, support the healthy functioning of families, and promote dignity, competence and independence for persons in all phases of life.

Applying for Assistance

Participants in any of the Social Service programs are required to fill out an intake form. Other information may be needed as deemed appropriate for the desired service.

Donations

We gratefully accept monetary donations, gift cards, and nonperishable, unexpired food. If you have a large donation, please contact us at 860-828-7136 to coordinate the details. We kindly ask that donations be limited to the items listed above, as we are unable to accept clothing, household items, medical supplies, baby food/formula, etc.

To donate by mail, please make your check payable to Berlin Social Services and mail to:

Berlin Town Hall
Attn: Social Services Department
240 Kensington Road
Berlin, CT 06037

To donate online, please click the box below:

	Energy Assistance The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps Connecticut residents afford to heat their homes. Applications for CEAP typically take 30-45 minutes. Basic benefits towards your heating bill range between $250 to $600 depending on your income level, household size and whether there is a vulnerable member in the household. Berlin residents may apply for CEAP through New Opportunities of Greater Meriden. To schedule an appointment, please call 203-235-0278 or fill out an online CEAP Application. Holiday Assistance The Holiday Assistance Program helps households at each holiday by collecting non-perishable food and toiletry items from Donors to be collected and distributed by our Volunteers. Our Holiday Distribution Center is the Pistol Creek Clubhouse located at 600 Spruce Brook Road. Completed registration forms must be submitted to the Berlin Social & Youth Services Department at Town Hall by the deadline. For further information, please call 860-828-7136. Renters Rebate Renter’s Rebate is for Renters 65 years and older; 50 years + for surviving eligible spouse; or 18 years old with 100% permanent disability. Must have 1 year residency. Income eligibility is $55,100 and less for married couples and $45,200 and less for single individuals. Renter’s Rebate Program begins in April and runs through September 30th. Documentation needed: Income from prior calendar year (tax return or 1099), rent receipts from prior calendar year, and utility payment history for gas, electric, and water for prior calendar year. Please call 860-828-7059 to schedule an appointment or click here for more information.
	Medicare CHOICES Counseling CHOICES provides counseling on all types of Medicare, including Part A, Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage. A trained CHOICES counselor is available in the Berlin Social Services Department. To schedule an appointment, please call 860-828-7059. Short-term Case Management Information & Referral Quick Links for State of CT Department of Social Services HUSKY Health Coverage Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Medicare Savings Program Information for all Programs Offered by CT DSS How to Apply for Social Services Benefits in CT Central CT Health District Recovery Coach Recovery Coach services are available to individuals who desire to begin their journey of recovery from opioid addiction as well as guidance to family members who are grappling with the consequences of their loved one’s addiction. Call/text 860-249-6340.
	Summer Adventures Program Berlin Youth Services and Berlin Upbeat collaborate each year to provide an adventure-based outdoor education and leadership program during the summer. The program is open to middle and high school students from Berlin. For an application or more information, please email summeradventures@berlinct.gov Camperships Each year the Berlin Children’s Fund raises money to help provide meaningful summer camp experiences for Berlin children who otherwise could not afford to attend camp. Applications are available annually beginning in April. For an application or more information, please email revans@berlinct.gov or call 860-828-7059. Berlin Upbeat Program Berlin High School offers the Upbeat Program to their students. Originally funded as a drug and alcohol prevention program, they take pride in strengthening good decision-making and leadership skills within the students through service projects focused on giving back to the community. For more information, find out Who is Upbeat? After-School Programs
	The Youth Diversion Team (Formerly Known as the Juvenile Review Board) The Youth Diversion Team is a collaborative effort between Social Services, the Police Department, Berlin Public Schools, Juvenile Court, and DCF. The purpose of this program is to divert first-time juvenile offenders from the Juvenile Court System and make them directly accountable to their community for their unlawful acts. It is also a way for the Team to identify youth and families who need other community services and connect them to those services. FWSN (Family With Service Needs) Case Management Community Education Programs
	Schedule Food Pantry Appointment Berlin residents experiencing hardships may receive an assortment of nonperishable food items from the food pantry once a month. The pantry is available by appointment only on three Thursdays each month. To schedule an appointment, please call 860-828-7136. Residents need to complete the intake formunless already receiving services from Berlin Social & Youth Services. Other Food Pantries Available for Berlin Residents New Opportunities Pantry - 11 Church Street, Meriden. Monday-Friday 10am-3pm. No appointment needed. Klingberg Family Pantry - 370 Lynwood Street, New Britain. 2nd and 4th Tuesday 11am-2pm. Available for use once a month by appointment only. Please call 860-832-5532. Connecticut Foodshare’s Mobile Pantry provides food at more than 100 locations in a no questions asked, outdoor “farmers market” setting. Items offered typically include fresh produce and other perishable foods. Please click here to view schedule. Donations The food pantry is supported by donations from individuals and groups throughout the community. We gratefully accept monetary donations, gift cards, and nonperishable, unexpired food. If you have a large donation, please contact us at 860-828-7136 to coordinate the details. We kindly ask that donations be limited to the items listed above, as we are unable to accept clothing, household items, medical supplies, baby food/formula, etc. Volunteer Opportunities The food pantry operates thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, who assemble and distribute essential bags for individuals and families in need. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 860-828-7136 for more information.
	Housing Guidance If you are facing a housing crisis, please call 211 or click here Please click here to search for affordable rental housing. Elderly/Disabled Housing For information on Percival Heights and Marjorie Moore, please call the Berlin Housing Authority at 860-828-4500. Berlin Social Services does not handle or process housing applications. Evictions The Social Services Department manages the storage of personal belongings left behind during evictions in the Town of Berlin. When an eviction is scheduled, the State Marshal notifies the department. If any items remain on the premises after the eviction, the Town arranges for their storage. If the property is not retrieved within the designated period, a public auction may be conducted to offset storage expenses. CT Eviction Prevention Fund CT Eviction Guide for Renters Berlin Social Services is the designated agent in the community to verify eligibility of persons who wish to purchase homes which have been set aside by developers as affordable housing. After you have identified the lot number of an eligible property which you wish to purchase you may contact Berlin Social Services at 860-828-7007 for an application.