Making the World a Better Place – Content by Judy
Connecticut has lost a great leader. Edith Prague stood head and shoulders above others. She wasn’t a politician. She was an advocate for those in need. She taught by example. She gave freely of her time, energy, and expertise. Passionate, dedicated, a champion of seniors and those in need is only the start of descripting Edith Prague. She worked tirelessly to create a world and the systems needed to help others. Edith stood up when others said it couldn’t be done. She did what was right even when she knew she would pay a high price. She taught me and many, many others the skills we needed and still use today to create a better world.
I worked with Edith to raise the income limits for ConnPACE. She made the time to help me start and build a mail in campaign that was so successful the ConnPACE asset test has carried over to the MSP program many seniors benefit from today. This campaign grew into thousands of prescription bags being mailed to key state officials from all over the state. Seniors in Connecticut continued to mail them until the income limits for ConnPACE had automatic increases that equaled Social Security increases. Parts of that program has carried over to today’s MSP – Medicare Savings Program – that offers assistance to eligible Medicare enrollees.
During her first term as Commissioner of the Dept of Aging she stood her ground and fought for what was best for Connecticut’s seniors. Then when she wouldn’t play ball with Governor Lowell Weicker, he fired her. He went on the eliminate the Department and threw the needs of the seniors into the Department of Social Services. But Edith never quit!
Again, I worked with Edith to successfully recreate the Department on Aging in 2013. It was a long, hard-won fight. But when it was all over, she was rightfully named the Commissioner. Unfortunately failing health caused her to leave in 2014. And without her, the Department was again swallowed up. This time into the Department of Aging and Disability Services.
(As a side note – it’s beyond me on how aging and a disability are similar. What’s the common ground for each group? If a person celebrates a certain birthday – they then are automatically disabled? If a person has a disability that makes them old? I just don’t get it…)
Being a true problem solver, Edith was a driving force behind lower prescription costs, long-term care, senior housing and was an expert on counseling seniors on which health insurance program was best for them.
The legacy Edith Prague leaves the seniors of Connecticut is endless and the impact of her advocacy will be with us for decades more. She worked tirelessly to create the systems and the programs many use and benefit from today!
Thank you, Edith for making the world a better place!!
TVCCA Energy Assistance Program
Winter is here and home heating costs can be a struggle for many. There is help.
TVCCA is now taking applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program which provides assistance towards a homes primary source of heat – oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, wood or wood pellets. The program is designed to help offset the winter heating costs of Connecticut’s lower income households. Eligibility is based on income, family size, assets, and expenses. Payments are made directly to the utility or fuel company.
Income Limits: Household Size: 1 2 3
Annual Income $39,027 $51,035 $63,044
► Last Day to Apply: May 31, 2022
For an appointment or for additional information, please call TVCCA (860) 425-6681
Connecticut Water Assistance Program 2022
TVCCA is now taking applications for the Connecticut Water Assistance Program. This is a one-time water assistance benefit to help low income households. Covered services include restoration of household water services to eligible disconnected homes; reduction of overdue water bills; and prevention of service disconnection. Help is available for both household water and wastewater bills. Eligibility is based on income and family size. Payments are made directly to your water provider.
Income Limits: Household Size and Annual Income:
1 $39,027
2 $51,035
3 $63,044
► Last Day to Apply: May 31, 2022
For an appointment or for additional information, please call TVCCA (860) 425-6681
Adopt-A-Family
Norwich Human Services and Norwich Youth and Family Services are seeking individuals and organizations that are willing to adopt one or more families for our “Adopt-A-Family” program this Holiday season. All Families are from the Norwich area and are in financial need with most living below the poverty level.
Thanks to the kind and generous support in the past by individuals and organizations such as you, we are able to make holidays more joyful for many young children in the community. If you or your organization would be willing to adopt at least one family, we would greatly appreciate your support.
Please contact Norwich Human Services at (860) 823-3778
You or your organization will choose the size of family you are willing to help. You will be given information about the family in need, including first names, ages, sizes and special interests of each family member. All families have been screened by a case manager to verify information and need.
Please consider sharing this request with your family and friends to help us identify new sponsors.
Thank you! Your kindness will not be forgotten.
The staff at Norwich Human Services
St. Vincent de Paul Place Miracle Bag Donations
The Senior Center will be collecting items to donate to St. Vincent de Paul Place this Holiday Season for use to make Miracle Bags. Miracle Bags are full of hygiene items that are given out not only at the Holidays but also available year round to those in need. Approximately 440 bags are given out monthly. Please donate to this great cause!
Items that are needed: bar soap, deodorant, razors, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, toilet paper, combs, hair brushes, winter hats, winter gloves, winter scarves, socks, individually wrapped candy (fun size bars) and granola bars. Monetary donations and gift cards ($5 or $10) to Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Big Y, Walmart and Target are also appreciated.
*Please be sure all items are new, in unopened containers and not expired.*
If you would like to make a donation, please drop items off at Reception no later than
Friday, December 10th so we can get the items to St. Vincent de Paul Place!