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".  Click Here to read a description of the Emergency Funds utilized by NMSS and other ways to "Help New Milford Social Services" Thank you. 

New Milford Social Services has received ARPA funds to assist New Milford households who were financially impacted by COVID. Applications are available HERE.   There is no income cap to applying, however, proof of residency and financial impact are required.  Funds can be used for home expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, car-related, child-related expenses, and other qualified home expenses.  Grants are limited. Applications and supporting documentation must be sent to New Milford Social Services, 2 Pickett District Rd, New Milford, CT 06776

HOMEOWNERS: for mortgage or foreclosure assistance, homeowner education and approved lenders and "Time To Own" program,  reach out to CHFA(CT Housing Finance Authority).

INTERNET service assistance: Affordable Connectivity Program can help households with cost of broadband (internet service). See if you qualify through their website: www.fcc.gov/acp

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*NEW NEWSLETTER!*  (click below)

~November/December Newsletter 2023~

-[To request the newsletter be sent to you via email, please contact Monika at socialservices@newmilford.org. Please specify your request and include your name and e-address.

• *NEW*:  New Milford Food Insecurity Team [NMFIT] Brochure-  discover where you can get food in New Milford or donate and volunteer!

• Annual Report - *New-FY21-22*
  

• Follow us on Facebook: @newmilfordsocialservices   

What's Happening at NM Social Services!

September 4, 2023 we will begin to take early applications for the CT Energy Assistance Program.   We are the intake site for New Milford residents, under the age of 60 to apply for CEAP, Matching payment program, NewStart, and Operation Fuel and other resources to help reduce your energy payments. Please call our office, 860-355-6079 x1 for an appointment and an application packet. 

To learn more about savings and conservation of energy visit: EVERSOURCE-assistance and Home Energy Solutions

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It's HOLIDAY time!  Between September 4, 2023 - November 3, 2023 we will open registration for the Thanksgiving special food program and the Santa Fund (holiday gifts for children).  Registration forms in English, Spanish or Portuguese are available at our office or email us with your request.  These programs due require an update proof of income and residency. 

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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.