2000 Best Practice Awards

2000-730 CIL-Rebuilding Hartford
Wethersfield, Connecticut
Contact: Martin Legault (860) 563-6011

The Corporation for Independent Living (CIL) has promoted neighborhood rebuilding by purchasing and rehabilitating boarded up, blighted properties, (many from the HUD REO inventory) for resale to first time homebuyers. To keep the homes affordable, they have identified sources of funds to bridge the gap between the cost of purchase and renovation and the market value of the home. In addition, CIL received a 30% discount on many of the homes through the HUD Sales to Non-Profit program.

2000-937 The Youth Rebuild Program
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Contact: Gail A. Sullivan (203) 368-3111

Youth ReBuild Inc. is a comprehensive, educational, personal development and job skills training program for vulnerable youth. Youth ReBuild is focused on building communities by rebuilding lives one at a time.

2000-1041 Resident-built Community Center at Village
Swampscott, Massachusetts
Contact: Warren Sawyer (781) 595-4665

Residents of Village Heights, using the Habitat for Humanity model, built their own Community Center, which includes a new Neighborhood Networks Computer Center. The 2,100 square foot building cost under $100,000, compared to an estimated open market cost of over $200,000. The building includes a meeting room, laundry, and 2 accessible restrooms.

2000-1080 SeniorNet Neighborhood Networks Computer
New Haven, Connecticut
Contact: Rebecca Olshansky (203) 772-1816

9 work stations, Pentium III's, in a dedicated computer center. Volunteer instructors, retirees from IBM. 10 to 12 classes offered each trimester, 250 graduates annually. Intergenerational program for schoolchildren from Welch Annex elementary school

2000-1082 Project ElderCare
New Haven, Connecticut
Contact: Noella Rhone (203) 854-7810

Provide community-based healthcare clinic, onsite for residents, to help patients develop long term relationship with healthcare provider team, to manage chronic medical problems, reduce routine Emergency Room visits. On-site preventive health care, education, and social services, especially for mobility-impaired residents.

2000-1098 Full Gospel Ministries Foundation Building
Bloomfield, Connecticut
Contact: Lisa Thompson (860) 769-0505

1. Commercial kitchen, for which they paid cash. This is a perfect setup for business incubators, as described at www.nbia.org 2. Child care facilities, and they are going through the onerous Connecticut process to be licensed for day care. 3. Other services, among a lengthy and growing array, include Children of Destiny Department, which has as one of its goals connecting children with their mission in life Marriage Ministry/Pre-marital ministry. Christian Education Department, with a 24 week course in finances, faith, and other subjects, that even picks up members of other churches as students. Fine Arts Department [www.pcah.gov] among other places notes the usefulness of arts programs in reducing violence and affirming community] includes Drama Department, which does skits & plays, and a Liturgical Dance department. There is a separate Music Department. Outreach ministry, which reaches out to people in the community, especially the isolated. Prison Outreach Ministry, visiting 6 prisons at this time; they hope to work a deal where they donate tapes. Yes, I know, many people say lock ‘em up and throw away the key, but over 500,000 ex-cons are released into the population each year, and programs like this are basically the only place they can go. I would certainly much rather see ex-cons reintegrated into the community, myself. Public Relations Department, which does that, and also publishes material. "Raven’s Nest", which offers a food pantry and clothing service to the community. Transportation Department, which offers rides. Neighborhood Networks Computer Center, with at least children’s and job training programs. This church works very hard to get members involved, using their talents. I was very impressed by the level of energy of the people I met on my visit to the site. For many of our residents, social services are a disjoint nightmare, with appointments during a work day they can’t miss, at differing sites for which one needs a car they rarely have. "One-stop shopping" services providers like this church deal with the "whole person", and address problems missed elsewhere. They address issues, such as self-esteem, purpose in life, local networking, and others, that cannot usually be addressed by professionals. They bring back a supportive community that addresses problems when they are small, and easy to fix.

2000-1510 In-The-Making Inc.
Waterbury, Connecticut
Contact: Sr. Marie Burke (203) 757-2666

In-The-Making employs 15-18 women on a part-time basis in order to provide: a recent employment history - gain full employment income to meet shelter and food needs - meet crisis situation compliance with Welfare to Work requirements maintain cash assistance a means to address barriers to full time employment - determine resources a support system to reduce loneliness and isolation - gather ideas a safe, comfortable, friendly place to work - realize possibilities a place to work while looking for full-time work - explore market In-The-Making employment consists of: assembling, sorting, inspecting components from manufacturers working 25 hrs per week, 8:00am to 1:00 (flexible) contracting to short-term employment continuing job search activities (outside work hours) defining own education and training needs performing own education and training needs performing high quality work exhibiting excellent work habits participating in personal development/wisdom sessions (2-3 hrs wkly) maintaining a safe, comfortable work environment (community building) trusting and respecting differences in one another (cultural/personal differences) exploring talents related to craft making (making jewelry, sewing etc) In-The-Making operative principle is: The individual personal histories/stories shared during work hours, in assemble times and in personal development/wisdom times, by staff, volunteers and visitors is hospitality at its best, creating growth-filled relationships and encouragement to challenge injustices as experienced collectively. How this hospitality transforms our lives! For most of us, the letting go of the old consciousness to allow the new consciousness to emerge is a gradual process. As we come to experience how truly magnificent we are, how we are at every moment affirmed by the ever-present creative love of God, we come into a new freedom. No longer do we have to care about what others think of us. No longer need to depend, for a sense of our own worth, on what we accomplish or what we have. We know who we are, and out of that reality we can simply be. And knowing the reality of the infinite creative energy of God in us, we know that we can do all we ever want. How this transforms the lives of staff, volunteers, visitors, and workers as they build community spirit and develop a workforce in/for the service of all!

2000-1561 Precision Wood Products Cabinet Shop
Hartford, Connecticut
Contact: Patricia Spring (860) 236-3617

The program serves the Hartford region by drawing on the large hard-to-employ workforce and by providing employees to the region’s growing precision manufacturing sector.

Precision Wood Products (PWP) is a non-profit furnishing and millwork precision manufacturing plant designed to train and employ those who have multiple challenges to sustainable wage employment. Their mission is to create community-based economic development ventures that serve low-income people on their way toward economic self-sufficiency.

A training program, the Manufacturing Technology Training Program (MTT), which offers comprehensive support, career and life skills training, ESL classes, and counseling and referral to unskilled and unemployed Hartford residents, optimizes learning opportunities for individuals at PWP manufacturing plant.

2000-1940 Stamford Showcase
Stamford, Connecticut
Contact: Linda Marinilli Kristal (203) 340-5608

Federal agencies, led locally by EPA and HUD, are working in partnership with the City, land owners, the State and elected officials to facilitate redevelopment of brownfields in a target community.

2000-2218 Hall Neighborhood House Care Around
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Contact: Pearl M. Dowell (203) 332-4323

Hall Neighborhood House located in Bridgeport, Connecticut is being nominated for a Best Practice award for its effective use of partnerships amongst government agencies and private business to meet a locally documented need for odd hours and extended week childcare. This locally designed partnership yielded 8 million dollars of funds from the State of Connecticut (CHEFA, HHS, City of Bridgeport and First Union Bank). this alliance enabled Hall House to acquire and renovate 70,000 square feet of space for the purpose of developing a state of the art childcare facility in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut.

2000-2220 Targeted Security Enhancement Program
Norwalk, Connecticut
Contact: Melissa M. Leigh (203) 854-7810

Matching grant program to help low and moderate income households living in high crime neighborhoods make physical improvements to their homes to protect them from crime. Security improvements are designed by a team consisting of a community development planner, a community police officer, a housing rehabilitation specialist and the homeowner or resident, and may include the installation of fencing, exterior lighting, window locks, dead-bolts and security alarm systems. Efforts are made to cluster improvements to make not just a property-by-property impact, but a block-by-block impact. Efforts are also made to organize watch groups and to educate residents about how they can work with community police officers to make their neighborhoods safer.

2000-2362 Hartford Housing Authority Alpha Beta Omega
Hartford, Connecticut
Contact: Kevin Henry (860) 723-8508

The A/B Club is designed for High School students(9-12th) who attend 1-4 high schools in the city of Hartford, Bulkeley, Weaver, Hartford High or A.I.Prince Tech, to create self-sufficiency and end the cycle of dependency that has plagued families in America. The A/B Club motto symbolizes the essence of the program, "As you let your light shine your unconsciously give others permission to do the same." This is evident in their commitment to reach back to tutor and mentor 7th and 8th grade middle students who have a "C" average or below, and bring them up to a "B" or better grade average. Each A/B Club member is required to maintain an "A or B" average through out the academic year. In addition, they are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of Community service work a year. A/B Club members are expose on a yearly basis to an array of educational and economic opportunities that will assist them in their goal to become tomorrow's leaders.

2000-2387 Connecticut Fair Housing Commission
Hartford, Connecticut
Contact: Nanci Downing (860) 247-4400

The Mission of the CFHC is to ensure that all people have equal access to housing opportunities in Connecticut, with a particular emphasis on providing assistance to individuals pursuing legal rights and remedies related to fair housing. Also, CFHC provides fair housing referral and counseling services, participates in legal actions regarding fair housing, and advocates for policies and programs which expand available housing opportunities for all people.

2000-2541 Connecticut Fair Housing Awareness Program
Hartford, Connecticut
Contact: Marcia Bonitto (860) 270-8025

The State of Connecticut's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) identified lack of knowledge and understanding of fair housing laws and rules by state, municipal and housing authority staff as one of the major impediments to fair housing choice. To address this problem a partnership was formed with the Connecticut Fair Housing Center, Inc. (a non-profit fair housing agency) to develop a comprehensive training program for all municipalities and housing authorities that conduct business with the State through the Department of Economic and Community Development. To ensure the success of the project participation from the CT HUD office, the CT Association of Realtors, and Fannie Mae was also secured. The full project groups determined that training for real estate agents and staff of financial institutions was also needed. Separate trainings for these groups were incorporated into the overall strategy. A half day training seminar curriculum and a thorough resource guide to fair housing tailored to the needs of local community development and housing authority staff was developed. Between mid-April and the end of May 2000 nine (9) training sessions were held for DECD employees, staff of other State agencies, municipal staff and housing authority staff. Over 400 people attended these sessions that were held a various locations throughout the state. Additional trainings for housing authority staff (August 28th at the ConnNAHRO conference), Realtors (at the CT Association of Realtors conference) and for staff of financial institution staff ( in coordination with the Fannie Mae and the CT Mortgage Bankers Association) are now being finalized.

2000-2846 Housing Authority of the Town on Manchester
Manchester, Connecticut
Contact: Randy Manchester (860) 643-2163

Through partnerships, we have been able to establish the scholarship program, with funds from the Drug Elimination Program, whereby we provide funds for continuing education, job training and retention. Initially, we met with various groups, such as Manchester Area Conference of Churches, etc. to determine what services were already in place. We talked with our residents to determine what they needed to get a better job. We discovered that lack of funding for education was a serious problem. The education aspect was very broad in range. One resident needed basic education to be able to read, while another needed further education to pursue a physical education career. We funded remedial reading courses, nurse’s aide training and college courses.

2000-2864 Community Housing Assistance Revitalization
Hartford, Connecticut
Contact: Connecticut State Office (860) 240-4800

The Community Housing Assistance Revitalization Teams’ purpose is to coordinate activities and services to targeted communities receiving HUD funds. The CHART is charged with gathering data/ profiles on each of the target communities, conduct a team site visit to the community, develop a coordinated , cross discipline HUD strategy for the community, monitor HUD activities and conduct consultations with local officials, including the Mayor, Department Head or Directors or others involved with HUD programs. In Connecticut, the CHARTs are also representative of the six Congressional Districts and meet on a regular basis to communicate the changes and activities taking place within HUD programs and identified needs of HUD’s clients.

2000-1761 CT Fair Housing Commission
Hartford, Connecticut
Contact: Cynthia Watts-Elder (860) 541-3451

For the last four years, the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CCHRO) has sponsored the "Kids’ Court Competition and Kids Speak". The competition is open to all public middle and high school students with the purpose being to educate and raise their consciousness about civil and human rights issues and the laws addressing them. Kids Speak is the initial component of the competition before the selective rounds begin. Kids from across the state (last time 750) meet at the State Capital State, where they listen to people like the chief of police… talk about civil and human rights issues. Kids are then given the opportunity to speak and express their views and experiences with their peers. The segment is designed to prepare students for the Kids’ Court Oral and Written Competition. The topic for the statewide finals held in May 1999, was "Inclusion of Students With Disabilities in the Mainstream Classroom". Preparation began in mid-December 1998 when each participating school was provided with a competition schedule and other pertinent information. At the same time, students who wished to participate were provided with a packet of research information. In addition to learning and understanding state laws on public education, participant students had to act as if they were the superintendent of schools. They had to develop a plan along with a budget addressing all issues to provide equal access to students with disabilities. They also had to consider how such an inclusion would effect other students in the mainstream classroom and address those issues. Each student submitted a written argument between 4 and 6 pages depending on grade which then passed through two rounds of a selection process conducted by a competition committee. In Round III, (the regional finals conducted in March’99), students were judged on an oral presentation in defense of their written argument. In Round IV, regional winners competed in a final statewide competition held in May 1999. Last November 1999, students were once again presented with a hypothetical scenario pertaining to the topic of "Hate Crimes in America’s Schools, How Can We Stop The Hate?" Statewide finals will be held in May 2000. This program is televised on Connecticut Television Network and begins with an introduction by Attorneys Rae Vann and Cheryl Sharp. They advise students of their original vision for the program and of the fact that they started the program to give back to a community that had given so much to them.

2000-2011 Urban League of Greater Hartford/Housing and Economic Development
Hartford, Connecticut
Contact: Beayanka Pinkey (860) 527-0147

The Housing and Economic Development Office of the Urban League of Greater Hartford has expanded fair housing choice for minorities in the Greater Hartford area by providing housing counseling and specifically introducing the Affordable Mortgage Program (AMP) that has since 1993 has assisted some 345 applicants to realize their dream of home ownership. The AMP is supported by 5 lending institutions and has provided financial support through reduced fees and more lenient home mortgage financing. Local Banks have provided some 55 million dollars in mortgage financing. For the past 6 years, the Urban League has hosted a Housing Fair that has brought together housing providers with the housing consumer. The most recent fair held on May 13, 2000, was attended by over 250 persons.

Content Archived: April 20, 2011