Aging and Disability Resource Center Community Choices officially opens in North Central Connecticut

5/11/2010

(HARTFORD, CT) --- On Tuesday, May 4, 2010, in the North Lobby of the State Capitol, North Central Aging and Disability Partnership (NCADP), a partnership among Connecticut Community Care, Inc., Independence Unlimited, Inc., and North Central Area Agency on Aging, celebrated its launch of Connecticut’s third Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Community Choices. More than 100 people were in attendance.

Department of Social Services Director, Bureau of Aging, Community and Social Work Services Pamela Giannini explained the history and the goals of the national ADRC concept to the audience, giving thanks to Jennifer Throwe, Choices state coordinator, for her tireless dedication to implementing this program throughout Connecticut. Currently Connecticut has ADRC’s in the South Central, Western, and now North Central regions.

After the unveiling of the Community Choices logo, Amy Porter, DSS Director, Bureau of Rehabilitative Services spoke on the topic of access and partnership, followed by Julia Evans-Starr, executive director, Connecticut Commission on Aging, who spoke about systems change.

After the unveiling of the partnership logo (NCADP), executives of each partner agency spoke on the key concepts of Together. Stronger. Community., the NCADP’s tagline. Carmen Reyes, executive director, North Central Area Agency on Aging spoke on the importance of the partners working “Together.” Candace Low, executive director, Independence Unlimited, Inc. discussed how together the partner agencies are “Stronger.” Lastly, Molly Rees Gavin, president, Connecticut Community Care, Inc. spoke on the importance of “Community” in all that the agencies do.

To “Get Connected, Get Answers,” call the North Central Aging and Disability Resource Center at
1-800-994-9422 ext. 251 or TTY 860-523-7991 (with automatic answering capability).

Community Choices- North Central Aging and Disability Resource Center - offers free unbiased information by trained counselors to support, assist and educate individuals about community resources and services, options counseling including employment and long-term planning, advocacy and non-financial short-term support. With one phone call, callers can be connected to and learn about available resources for people 18 years of age or older. Community Choices helps individuals with community resources, options counseling, long-term care planning, health insurance options, self-advocacy training, peer support, independent living skills, care planning and care management, and care transitions.

The North Central ADRC is made possible by an Administration on Aging grant through the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services and is staffed by the members of the NCADP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NCADRC Kick-off (left to right): Pamela Giannini, Molly Rees Gavin, Candace Low, Carmen Reyes

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