Social Services Department
Welcome to New Milford Social Services!
Our mission is to offer resources and programs to enhance the well-being and self- sufficiency of New Milford residents experiencing financial hardship by addressing basic needs including food and household maintenance. We support our community through empowerment, advocacy, compassion and connection to opportunities to increase the resilience of our residents in need. Most programs require an interview with a staff person. Need assessment is assisted by a professional social worker. Proof of residence and household income may be asked. Please call for an appointment. This department assists residents under age 60.
New Milford Social Services Staff :
- Ivana Butera, LMSW - Director
- Alyssa Cole, LCSW - Social Worker & Post-Crisis Navigator
- Maria De Oliveira, LMSW - Social Worker & Diverse Community Advocate [*María habla español/ fala português]
- Wanda Fyler, Program & Volunteer Coordinator [*Wanda habla español]
- Monika Roberts; Office Coordinator
 Donate to Social Services' Emergency Funds. (Please include in "donation memo" your designation to a specific fund (Good Samaritan, Hope Fund, Food Bank, Fuel Bank, SNAP @ Farmers Market, Santa Fund) or indicate "for fund most in need". Want to read more about how to help us, click: "How You Can Help New Milford Social Services". Thank you for your support!
HOMEOWNERS: for mortgage or foreclosure assistance, homeowner education and approved lenders and "Time To Own" program, reach out to CHFA(CT Housing Finance Authority).
Find Food Assistance in New Milford>>> NMFIT Brochure
For More Information SNAP and Medicaid changes due to the passing of Federal bill H.R.1 go to the CT DSS website
Use the CT DSS SNAP Work Rules Pre-Screener to see if you need to prove your continued eligibility to receive SNAP benefits
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*NEW NEWSLETTER!* (click below)
~2026 Winter Newsletter-1Q edition~
-[To request the newsletter be sent to you via email, please contact Monika at socialservices@newmilfordct.gov. Please specify your request and include your name and e-address.
- Follow us on Facebook: @newmilfordsocialservices
Community Notice: CT has an urgent need for licensed Foster parents. If you are able, please visit the Annie C. Courtney Foundation, Inc for more information on how you can help a CT child in need. Fast-track foster parent licensing now available for residents of New Milford and surrounding towns. Are you interested in changing young lives? Can you commit to 3 days of training? Become licensed before the New Year with this special offer from CT Department of Children and Families. Limited spaces. First-come, first-served. Three all-day classes will be held Nov 21-23, 2025. Overnight accommodations/meals included. Prefer to sleep in your own bed? No problem! Go home at the end of each training day. Please call 475-235-2184 to learn more.
What's Happening at NM Social Services!
Danbury VITA is at JPCC, social services' wing, Room 36 on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am-2pm. To make an appointment to have your tax return completed, free, by a tax preparer volunteer you will need to make an appointment online: Danbury-VITA.org .
Access Health CT will be at JPCC, social services' wing, Room 34, on the following dates : Thursday~February 19th, Thursday~March 19th, Thursday~April 30th, Thursday~June 25th, Thursday~August 27th and Thursday~October 2th. Visit their website to reserve your time to speak with an enrollment specialists about your concerns or issues regarding your health insurance plan or application. If you have a life changing experience you can also apply in person with them. Use this link to schedule your time: https://www.accesshealthct.com/2025-enrollment-events/ They do accept walk-ins if time permits.
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PROGRAM UPDATES AT NMSS!
Heating Season will be CLOSING for home heating fuel asisstance by April 1st and for electric heat by May 30th. Make an appointment or if you have done this with us in the past, pick up an application packet to fill out and drop back off.
Renter's Rebate will start up again in May 2026. This is for Seniors over the age of 65 and disabled adults under age 65 who were renters in 2025. Please gather your 2025 income documentation including your tax return, as well as rent receipts and receipts for electricity and heating fuel.
Now's the time to sign up for Summer Camps and apply for any available scholarships before funds run out. See more information in our 2026 Winter newsletter.
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The New Milford Food Bank is for local residents experiencing food insecurity who are families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities or any financially constrained household or individual.
The NMFB is a "Choice" pantry and we follow "SWAP" nutritional guidelines by offering a wide range of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food options, recipes and nutritional education.
Please bring your own reusable bags to pick up fresh vegetables, meats, dairy, bakery and shelf-stable canned & boxed goods. Please provide proof of address and ID. Proof of income is not necessarily required but recommended so we can assist you with other emergency assistance programs that do require income documentation.
We are open on Thursdays, 9am-4pm but if you are unable to make it on Thursdays due to work or special circumstances, please contact our Program Coord., Wanda Fyler @ 860-355-6079 to discuss an appointment for another day and time . "This institution is an equal opportunity provider"
Check out our podcast interview with NMYA!
Check out our NMYA produced video of "Feeding People and Beyond"- addressing food waste at NMFB!
The New Milford Food Bank is a member of NMFIT : NM food insecurity team.
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