CNI Health and Wellness
Too often the ability of low-income individuals to achieve personal enrichment and career opportunities are undermined by the lack of access to needed health care and wellness services. Poor health maintenance and the lack of periodic medical care for children and adults can create a barrier to growth, development and the quality of life.
To increase access to affordable healthcare services and promote healthy lifestyles partnerships have been created with several medical and health support agencies. A comprehensive network of medical services has been assembled including routine medical visits, specialty service referrals, mental health screenings and adult and juvenile dental services. Wellness programs that encourage a responsible diet, regular exercise and smoking cessation are now available.
Key partners include the Norwalk Hospital, the Norwalk Community Health Center, Family & Children's Agency, the Community Health Center Day Street, the Child Guidance Center of Lower Fairfield County, the YMCA and the Norwalk Health Department.
Basic support with the challenges of everyday life is also an important dynamic for low-income households. Assistance with food, housewares, utilities and clothing are often needed to maintain a viable and health household. The CNI has partnered with a variety of support organizations to assist with these ongoing needs. They include Person-to-person, the Human Services Council, Homes with Hope, the Calvary Baptist Church and The Senior Umbrella.
- Caregiver Resource Center
- Community Health Center, Inc.
- Family & Children's Agency
- Norwalk Community Health Center
- Norwalk Health Department
- Norwalk Hospital
- Riverbrook Regional YMCA
The Caregiver Resource Center Resource Directory
The Caregiver Resource Center offers a spectrum of case management and advocacy services, with flexible options to help plan for a person's current and evolving needs.
We are specialists who provide guidance for people through the often complex and confusing healthcare maze. We assist seniors, people with special needs and their families, in planning for and implementing ways to allow for the greatest degree of health, independence, safety and quality of life. Services are available across the continuum of care which includes the home, doctor's office, ER, rehab, assisted living, long term care facility, and hospice.
Some Benefits of The Caregiver Resource Center
- Well-respected company serving the community since 1990
- Assistance for seniors, people with special needs, and their families who are dealing with health, mental health and aging challenges
- All services are individually designed to meet the unique needs of the client and their family
- We are available 7 days a week by appointment, and 24/7 for client emergencies
- Our services are provided onsite in the home, doctor's office, ER, hospital, rehab, assisted living, long term care facility, and hospice
- Professional support and guidance from a licensed, insured and bonded company, who has been serving the community for 29 years
View The Caregiver Resource Center Resource Directory
Community Health Center, Inc. (Day Street)
In support of the Washington Village/South Norwalk Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Plan, CHCI will provide the following in-kind services for residents of Washington Village and the greater South Norwalk neighborhood:
Existing Commitment:
Primary Health Care:
CHC currently serves approximately 100 Washington Village residents (with an average of two visits per year) in our health care programs and will continue to do so over the 5 year CNI grant period.
Dental for Youth:
Through the mobile dental program, we provide oral health services in Head Start and South Norwalk based preschools, as well as every public school in the city and in seven preschool and school readiness programs for a total of 1,474 students. Children receive cleanings twice a year. Through this program we expect to serve 450 Washington Village and South Norwalk students.
Dental for Seniors:
CHC organized and leads the oral health collaborative for the city that brings together those agencies and individuals in Norwalk concerned about improving oral health for children and adults with an emphasis on the residents of South Norwalk. For the past five years on an annual basis, we have provided dental care for approximately fifteen seniors over 60 years of age who meet the poverty guidelines on a voluntary fee basis (except for required lab fees) through a matching grant from the South Western Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA). This commitment involves $15,000 from CHC and a grant of $15,000 from SWCAA. We expect this program to continue in this manner and that we will serve fifteen Washington Village and South Norwalk seniors annually.
Annual Health and Wellness Fair:
CHCI will build upon a highly successful inaugural neighborhood Health and Wellness Fair. Launched in 2013, this annual community event attracts approximately 150 adults and children.
We expect that during the next five years CHCI will provide services to 2,030 additional people at its primary site at 49 Day Street. This expansion of services will include the extension of Behavioral Health services:
- Pain management: Through this new program we expect to serve 20 Washington Village and South Norwalk patients.
- Smoking cessation: Through this program we expect to serve 40 Washington Village and South Norwalk patients.
Additionally:
- CHCI will assist the uninsured to obtain insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
- CHCI will provide 30 new appointment slots for Washington Village/South Norwalk patients in need of behavioral health.
This commitment is newly generated and is in direct support of the Washington Village/South Norwalk CNI Transformation Plan.
Family & Children's Agency
In support of the Norwalk Housing Authority's Washington Village/South Norwalk CNI Transformation Plan, Family & Children's Agency will provide the following in-kind services for residents of Washington Village and the greater South Norwalk neighborhood:
In keeping with the goal stated to ensure that children, youth and adults are physically and mentally healthy, Family & Children's Agency will continue to provide outpatient mental health counseling to residents of Washington Village. We anticipate that 10 families will require 10 sessions each.
Family & Children's Agency will also continue to provide After School services to children living in South Norwalk to impact the CNI's goal that youth have strong assets to be successful in School and life. We anticipate that 5 children will attend the yearlong program which includes a summer enrichment camp.
Family & Children's Agency will also continue to provide home health aide services to the elderly residents of South Norwalk. We anticipate that 22 seniors will require 4 hours per week of home health aide care.
Norwalk Community Health Center
In support of the Norwalk Housing Authority's Washington Village/South Norwalk CNI Transformation Plan, NCHC will provide the following in-kind services for residents of Washington Village and the greater South Norwalk neighborhood:
- NCHC will provide medical, mental health and substance abuse services to residents of Washington Village through the Mobile Unit and the fixed main location at 120 Connecticut Avenue. Eligibility and insurance enrollment services will also be provided.
- During the five-year Transformation Plan we estimate that about 120 patients will be served annually. Once the new housing complex is completed and occupied we estimate the number served could rise to 250 patients and about 1,000 visits annually.
- NCHC currently serves 114 Washington Village residents per year in its primary care medical program and will continue to do so during the five-year CNI grant period.
- In support of the CNI Transformation Plan, NCHC will develop and implement a new program initiative to provide 136 new patient slots for Washington Village residents in its comprehensive medical care program each year during the five-year CNI grant period. These slots will become available as the Transformation Plan is implemented and assume full occupancy of the new housing complex.
Norwalk Health Department
The Health Department offers numerous programs and services that are available to the entire Norwalk Community, including the residents of Washington Village and the greater South Norwalk neighborhood. These programs and services will continue as scheduled, and the Health Department will work closely with the CNI service coordinators to disseminate information and increase the number of residents from this neighborhood who take advantage of Health Department services. We will work closely with NHA and the Transformation Plan implementation team to develop a reporting and tracking mechanism to ensure appropriate accounting for participation in the following programs:
- The Health Department will continue to offer Fit Kids, a program that teaches elementary and middle school about the nutrition and physical activity with fun, interactive lessons delivered through after school programs at Norwalk Public Schools and at summer camps. This program is offered periodically at Columbus Elementary School in the South Norwalk neighborhood, as well as at other schools in Norwalk where children from South Norwalk are bussed. We serve approximately 300 students during the school year and 150 students at summer camps.
- The Growing Gardens, Growing Health program is available to mothers of children enrolled in the Norwalk Public Schools who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The program teaches mothers and their children the basics of gardening, nutrition, and healthy cooking. South Norwalk residents are eligible to participate in this program.
- In support of the CNI Transformation Plan, the Health Department will develop and implement an initiative such as the NorWalker project to provide educational workshops about nutrition, physical activity, chronic disease prevention, and/or other public health topics for parents and staff of the Learning Center at Washington Village. The Health Department will offer at least two workshops per year at this site for the five-year CNI grant period and will work to recruit at least 10 participants to each workshop. This commitment is newly generated and is in direct support of the Washington Village/South Norwalk Transformation Plan. We will work collaboratively with the Norwalk Housing Authority and its procured People Lead, Housing Opportunities Unlimited, to ensure seamless coordination of service delivery as well as tracking and reporting of outcomes. We believe our support and commitment will directly impact the outcomes you seek for the People component and we look forward to working with you on this exciting endeavor.
Norwalk Hospital
In support of the Norwalk Housing Authority's Washington Village/South Norwalk CNI Transformation Plan, Norwalk Hospital will provide the following services for residents of Washington Village and the greater South Norwalk neighborhood:
Norwalk Hospital will work with the Washington Village Case Management Team to promote resident participation in the following programs and initiatives available at the Hospital:
Diabetes Self-Management Education
Norwalk Hospital's Diabetes Self-Management Education Program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education. Providing the knowledge and skills patients need to successfully manage this condition, the program is staffed be certified diabetes educators who have been recognized for their experience and expertise. Approximately 450-500 area residents participate in the program each year. The program is designed for those with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes and the services are tailored to meet each individual's specific needs. Areas of instruction may include:
- Diagnostic continuous glucose monitoring
- Insulin pump training
- Advanced carbohydrate counting skills
- Nutrition and exercise counseling
- Coping and problem-solving methods
- Reduction of complication risks
- Healthy goal setting Yearly follow-up training
Based on the data from the Norwalk Community Health Center, approximately 11% of the adult population (20 individuals) in Washington Village have diabetes. 47% of the Washington Village adults are obese (86), and 76% of the adult population is overweight. Of the 308 people in Washington Village, 40% (124) are children. The obesity overweight statistical percentages likely pertain to the child population as well. There is a strong correlation between obesity and diabetes. Norwalk Hospital will commit to provide education and services to at least 10 new Washington Village residents per year over the five year grant period.
Kids Healthy Weight Program
Norwalk Hospital offers a Kids Healthy Weight Program with a group focus, so parents and children can learn together. The program is offered in both English and Spanish and reviews the components of a healthy diet referencing Loving Your Family, Feeding Their Future. Participants are taught portion sizes, how to find and avoid hidden sugars and fats, how to read food labels, and how to maintain strong bones with adequate calcium intake and exercise. Each session includes an activity where exercise is the focus. Pedometers are given to all participants to track their walking while at home. The program is presented over the course of three classes with one individualized follow-up visit with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Parents and children have an opportunity to sit one-on-one with the RDN and discuss any questions, concerns or challenges they may be experiencing. The RDN willingly meets with any child who is not initially successful for any additional intervention. Approximately 180 children, plus parents, have participated in the Kids Healthy Weight program to date. The program is available to Washington Village residents.
Dental Health Services
Norwalk Hospital's Dental Clinic currently provides comprehensive oral health care to approximately 1,200 community members. Since opening in 1980, the Dental Clinic has been meeting the needs of underserved individuals who reside in communities served by Norwalk Hospital. The Clinic serves as the dental home for many, offering a full range of services including oral exams, cleanings, surgical procedures, and orthodontics. The Clinic is the primary provider of dental services to those with developmental, mental and physical disabilities.
Mammogram & Breast Health Transportation Van
Beginning Fall 2013, Norwalk Hospital, in collaboration with Pink Aid, will launch the Mammogram and Breast Health Transportation Van Program. The Mammography Transportation Van will transport women from numerous underserved communities to Norwalk Hospital for whole breast care - including free mammograms, as well as ultrasounds, biopsies, surgical consultations, and breast cancer treatments. Bringing the van directly into underserved neighborhoods enables us to reach women in need of services who would not otherwise have access, and more often than not, have the financial means to afford such screenings or treatments. This new service is anticipated to achieve approximately 675 mammograms, 270 dense tissue ultrasounds, and incremental services including follow up treatment transports within the first year. All of the Washington Village adult female population who are financially eligible can take advantage of this new service.
Behavioral Health Services
Norwalk Hospital offers adults, couples and families in the community a variety of treatment services (individual or family psychotherapy) for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Divorce and separation
- Grief and bereavement
- Substance abuse
- Parenting issues
- Psychotic disorders
Group therapy programs are also available where patients are given the opportunity for growth and development of social skills in an interactive and confidential environment. Group sessions are led by a professional group leader.
Programs available include:
- Addiction recovery
- Anger management
- Anxiety disorders
- Co-occurring disorders
- Dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Life skills
- Mood disorders
- Relapse prevention
- Spanish speaking group
- Women's intergenerational
- Women's recovery
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Resource Guide
A comprehensive guide will be developed to help community residents access information about available mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse programs and resources within the community. Guides will be available to Case Managers for distribution to area residents.
Community Care Team
Additionally, in response to the Community health Assessment, a new Community care team will be launched in the Fall 2013 to provide wrap around services for individuals with substance abuse and mental health issues.
Riverbrook Regional YMCA
The Riverbrook Regional YMCA is a charitable organization maximizing the personal potential of all individuals of the community. Programs include swimming lessons, health and fitness programs, senior activities, youth and adult sports, early childhood education programs, afterschool child care, summer day camp, volunteer opportunities, and a values-based environment where everyone is welcome. Some civic leaders have referred to the Y as one of the "building blocks" of the community.
The Riverbrook Regional YMCA, in support of the Norwalk Housing Authority's Washington Village/South Norwalk Transformation Plan, will provide the following in-kind services for residents of Washington Village and the greater designated South Norwalk neighborhood in conjunction with a CNI grant and Transformation Plan:
Existing Commitment:
- The Riverbrook Regional YMCA's mission is to be open and accessible to all, regardless of financial situation or ability. The YMCA currently serves 50 Washington Village residents (83 total NHA residents) with swimming lessons and water safety education through swim access swim grants.
- The Riverbrook Regional YMCA currently provides financial aid and scholarships to (2) Washington Village residents for its summer camp program.
New Commitment:
- The Riverbrook Regional YMCA will offer the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program to 75 residents of Washington Village, provided grant funding is available.
- The Riverbrook Regional YMCA will offer its Diabetes Prevention Program to (5) residents of Washington village, provided grant funding is available.
- The Riverbrook YMCA will offer Family Nights free to Washington Village and CNI designated South Norwalk community residents, focused on family fitness, health and wellness, consisting of five eight-week sessions provided program space is available in the South Norwalk Community. Programs can include four one-hour Zumba classes as well as Yoga classes, provided grant funding is available.
- The Riverbrook YMCA will offer twelve one-hour adult fitness and health and wellness classes free to Washington Village and CNI designated South Norwalk community residents provided program space is available in the South Norwalk Community and funding is available. Each class can accommodate up to 20 individuals.
- The Riverbrook Regional YMCA will provide financial aid / subsidies for YMCA membership for approximately (5) Washington Village residents.
Norwalk ACTS - Director's Weekly Shout Outs
Riverbrook Regional YMCA's Race 4 Chase program -
"Race 4 Chase"
The program is in honor of Chase Kowalski, a boy who lost his life in the Newtown shooting. Chase's family was initially inspired by Chase's enjoyment of the triathlon and sought to use the sport as a means to strengthen families and communities. This is the YMCA's third year running the program.
Anthony Allison
Executive Director, Norwalk ACTS
- Bridgeport Rescue Mission
- Calvary Baptist Church
- Homes with Hope
- Human Services Council
- Person to Person
- The Senior Umbrella
Bridgeport Rescue Mission
Since 2010, starting with Roodner Court, Norwalk Housing Authority's largest public housing community, Bridgeport Rescue Mission's Mobile Food Kitchen trucks have been delivering free, hot weekly take-home meals at Norwalk Housing Authority public housing properties to anyone in need. Today Bridgeport Rescue Mission's Mobile Food Kitchen trucks are in South Norwalk delivering meals four days per week including once per week at Washington Village and once per week at Ryan Park.
In the past, Bridgeport Rescue Mission has provided breakfast and lunch for all Norwalk Housing Authority's summer youth learning center programs.
Every Thanksgiving, Bridgeport Rescue Mission provides 500 turkeys and bags of fixings to Norwalk Housing Authority households as well as coats for their entire families. Approximately 45 of these households are Washington Village and CNI designated South Norwalk community residents.
In addition to providing complete turkey dinners and coats for 45 Washington Village and CNI designated South Norwalk community households, Bridgeport Rescue Mission will increase this service for another 45 households.
Homes with Hope
In support of the Norwalk Housing Authority's Washington Village/South Norwalk CNI Transformation Plan, Homes with Hope will provide the following in-kind services for residents of Washington Village and the greater South Norwalk neighborhood:
Homes with Hope, Inc. has maintained for 15+ years a Women's Mentoring Program and we hope to expand this to Washington Village. This innovative activity has matched many women of all ages with a "mentor" to assist those who are struggling through the challenges of daily life. That mentor spends one hour per week for a commitment of a year, meeting with our client, offering advice, counsel and generally being a friend. The program has been very successful in providing clients with an unbiased view to problems, challenges and difficulties. There is no compensation involved to the mentor volunteers and gifts from them are discouraged at all times. This brand new service to Washington Village residents would benefit, we believe, at least 20 residents per year. Each volunteer would contribute 52 hours per year of friendly counseling.
Homes with Hope, Inc. has maintained a Food Pantry for more than 20 years. About 50 % (approx. 2000 bags per year) of the food which leaves the Pantry goes to Westport residents and about 30% (approx. 1200 bags per year) goes to Norwalk residents. We believe there is a need for residents of Washington Village to use our Food Panty and we would undertake to ensure that at least 400 bags per year go to Washington Village residents through a food provision program.
Human Services Council
In support of the Norwalk Housing Authority's Washington Village/South Norwalk CNI Transformation Plan, the Human Services Council will provide the following services for residents of Washington Village and the greater South Norwalk:
- The Human Services Council currently serves 100 Washington Village residents per year through the Community Prevention Task Force Family Day Celebrations and will continue to do so over the five year CNI grant period. Additionally, the Human Services Council serves 40 youth thru this project by specifically providing backpacks and school supplies.
- The goal of the Family Day Celebrations is to unite families from surrounding neighborhoods together for a fun-filled, substance free afternoon with human service agencies, providing access to information regarding available services and resources, and building necessary relationships to support shared values that promote a respect for cultural diversity and awareness especially around the concerns of education, underage drinking and tobacco use, health and wellness.
- The goal of the Family Day Celebrations is to unite families from surrounding neighborhoods together for a fun-filled, substance free afternoon with human service agencies, providing access to information regarding available services and resources, and building necessary relationships to support shared values that promote a respect for cultural diversity and awareness especially around the concerns of education, underage drinking and tobacco use, health and wellness.
- The Human Services Council currently serves youth living in Washington Village through the Dr. Robert E. Appleby School Based Health Centers and will continue to do so.
- The goal of the Dr. Robert E. Appleby School Based Health Centers (SBCHs) is to improve the overall physical and emotional health of students in order to maximize their educational experience and potential. The majority of youth we serve reside in zip code 06854 which the federal government has deemed and medically underserved area (MUA). The SBHCs emphasize the early identification of physical and behavioral/mental health concerns and the prevention of more serious problems through timely, on-site care. Services include:
- Diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries;
- on-site preventative medical healthcare services, including, asthma, injury prevention, motor vehicle safety, nutrition, reproductive health, diabetes testing, oral health, hygiene, exercise/physical activity;
- on-site preventative behavioral/mental healthcare services, including, individual, family and group counseling, focusing on grief and bereavement, substance abuse, suicide prevention, tobacco use, violence prevention, stress management, parenting, self-esteem, healthy relationships and motivation;
- community outreach and educational support services;
- youth leadership opportunities.
- The goal of the Dr. Robert E. Appleby School Based Health Centers (SBCHs) is to improve the overall physical and emotional health of students in order to maximize their educational experience and potential. The majority of youth we serve reside in zip code 06854 which the federal government has deemed and medically underserved area (MUA). The SBHCs emphasize the early identification of physical and behavioral/mental health concerns and the prevention of more serious problems through timely, on-site care. Services include:
- The Human Services Council currently serves youth living in Washington Village through the Norwalk Mentor Program and will continue to do so over the five year CNI grant period.
- The goal of the Norwalk Mentor Program is to encourage the social, academic and mental growth of Norwalk's youth through a one-on-one relationship where a caring adult serves as a role model to a student as he/she goes through a difficult period and/or faces new challenges. By sharing fun activities and exposing youth to new experiences, a mentor encourages positive choices, promotes high self-esteem, supports academic achievement and introduces the mentee to new ideas and future opportunities. Currently, the Norwalk Mentor Program has 271 mentor/mentee matches in all 19 Norwalk Public Schools.
Person-to-Person
In support of the Norwalk Housing Authority's Washington Village/South Norwalk CNI Transformation Plan, Person-to-Person will provide the following in-kind services for residents of Washington Village and the greater South Norwalk neighborhood:
- Clothing: The Person-to-Person Clothing Center is currently available to residents of Washington Village and South Norwalk, and serves approximately 157 Washington Village and South Norwalk residents each year. Person-to-Person will continue to provide clothing by appointment over the five year CNI grant period.
- Emergency Food: The Person-to-Person Norwalk Food Pantry currently serves residents of the greater Norwalk area, including approximately 200 Washington Village and South Norwalk residents each year. The Food Pantry provides enough food for 3 meals per day for 7 days to clients according to family size, no more than once every 30 days. Person-to-Person will continue to provide food by appointment over the five year CNI grant period.
- Emergency Financial Assistance: The Person-to-Person Emergency Assistance Program provides approximately $300,000 each year to Lower Fairfield County in emergency financial assistance for the payment of rent, utilities, security deposits and other expenses to low-income residents of Lower Fairfield County. In 2013 we are increasing the amount of financial assistance available to residents of the greater Norwalk area. Grants of approximately $500 per household are provided for rental assistance, and approximately $250 per household for assistance with the payment of utility bills.
- All Services: Working with the Norwalk Housing Authority's People Lead, Housing Opportunities Unlimited, to identify additional needy Washington Village and South Norwalk residents and connect them to our services, Person-to-Person expects to serve 50 additional residents per year for the five year CNI grant period.
The Senior Umbrella
Senior Services Coordinating Council, Inc., acting through The Senior Umbrella, will assist the residents of Washington Village and South Norwalk with financial benefit application assistance for the following programs:
Medicare Part D: This is the prescription coverage program available through Medicare for persons who have Medicare Part A and B and who must enroll to receive prescription drug benefits or for those who already have Medicare Part D and wish to makes changes to their drug plan.
QMB, SLMB and ALMB: These are programs for low-income seniors that help pay some or all of the Medicate Part B premiums.
Medicaid: Medicaid or Title 19 is a program of medical/financial assistance offered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services which pays for some medical bills for people with low incomes and assets.
SSI: Supplementary Security Income is a federal program that will increase the income of a person whose Social Security benefit is less than $500 per month and is his/her only source of income.
SNAP: The Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (formally Food Stamps) is the federally funded food voucher program that assists persons of any age within very low income limits.
These services are provided to at least 120 seniors and the disabled from Washington Village annually. Residents typically require two visits annually (many on site).
Additional program services include:
Elderly and Disabled Renters Tax Relief: This State program for seniors and persons with disabilities who have low incomes provides grants ranging from $500-$700 per year. Medical Insurance Counseling: Our trained staff will assist seniors and disabled individuals with medical insurance issues, redetermination of benefits, re-evaluation of Medicare Part D plans, etc. This service is provided to approximately 120 Washington Village residents annually.
Our agency will also assist elderly and disabled residents of the new Washington Village with appropriate information and referrals to other service providers for assistance with housing problems, with home visits when needed and with access to other community services.
With the assistance of on-site services coordinators, we expect to be able to serve an additional 50 Washington Village residents per year.