FISH FRIENDS IN SERVICE TO HUMANITY OF NORTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT INC

Outline of Programs and Services at FISH NWCT 10/2023

*The mission of FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of NWCT is to meet the most basic of human needs – food, shelter and hope. FISH is a 5O1c3, non-profit, guided by our agency’s bylaws – with a Board of Directors, and Executive Director/CEO and staff – all committed to our program services for the homeless and food insecure.
*FISH covers the geographic area of northwestern Connecticut, serving 22 communities. The goals and objectives of the agency reflect our work – at the shelter, food pantry and the emergency fuel/energy program – recognizing the very human, social welfare challenges of families, individuals and veterans by collaborating, partnering and outreaching to officials and other social service providers and organizations to provide the services currently available to our neighbors in need. *Through the generosity of community donations, the FISH Food Pantry aids over 1700 people/nearly 700 families annually. *Our goal at the emergency FISH Homeless Shelter is to provide a safe and secure haven, in a family friendly communal setting, to people in desperate need as they await housing placement. *The programs and social services at FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern CT are critical to some for their survival and wellbeing.

**Outline of current programs provided by FISH, supported by the generosity of donors:
*Shelter for families, veterans and individuals - 35 beds, 5 of which are designated for vets - Last year representing 77 unduplicated homeless individuals (53 adults, 10 children and 14 vets). During the summer, our school age children enroll in local summer camp programs, and we focus on school needs and extra-curricular programs at the YMCA and in Scouting and PAL for the children. We have high behavioral expectations in our shelter to keep our residents safe and secure as they await housing. Our age range is infants – seniors. We provide meals – dinner and a light breakfast to the residents. Shelter residents are encouraged to be their own advocates, participating in the greater community, yet are welcome to remain in the shelter during daytime hours – as FISH is their home base while awaiting housing.
*Case Management – what makes FISH Shelter extra special is that we have a Case Manager dedicated to overseeing the resources, medical and mental health needs, employment and educational opportunities, and housing possibilities to lead to a homeless resident’s independent living future.
*Food Pantry – FISH distributed enough food to provide over 179,000 meals to nearly 700 area families/1700+ individuals in need, already this year. The FISH Food Pantry depends on the generosity of the community for contributions. *Know that our doors have remained welcoming to all/ newcomers – never missing a beat or a day to the pandemic.
*GED high school accreditation classes are offered to shelter residents and neighbors in the community by EdAdvance. ** Northwestern CT Community College/NCCC offers the opportunity for vocational training certifications and job placements.
*FISH is a satellite office for the area’s energy assistance program.
*FISH provides both medical and mental health services, on site, to shelter residents. FQHC – Community Health and Wellness is the weekly provider. ** FISH makes possible in-house group and family counseling.
*Job counseling, resume writing and coaching is made available.
*Homeless Outreach – in coordination with other area providers and the CAN/Coordinated Access Network, is routine; as well as our annual awareness event for the community “Rally Day to End Hunger and Homelessness in NWCT.” A day where we attract over 250 area residents, throwing our doors open to visitors so they may learn that there is no mystery to hunger and homelessness. One of the events is a free lunch and coat giveaway that last year we distributed 1200 coats+ to neighbors in need! Our 9th Rally is scheduled for November 18, 2023. ** FISH also takes an active role in organizing our cold weather emergency shelter/overflow in NWCT, working in concert with the CAN, the Gathering Place, area agencies who provide services such as behavioral health, drug/alcohol counseling, local and State officials, law enforcement, Hartford Health Care, transportation, food providers, DOH, and the VA.
*“Warm the Children” is coordinated by the agency’s Executive Director annually.
*“Life for Vets” program – multiple providers work with our Case Manager to assist our Shelter’s Veterans. We are pleased to be selected by the VA to serve as an official GPD Vets Shelter.
*Life Skills workshops include – cooking; nutrition; budgeting/banking; managing well on one’s food dollars; resume writing. A collaboration with area providers.
**We at FISH NWCT, see daily the very human, social welfare challenges of families, individuals and veterans facing life crisis.*We strive to restore the confidence and self-worth of those who are the most vulnerable and seek our help. *We are the champions and advocates for the hungry and the homeless of Northwestern Connecticut.