Human Services for June 2023

‍COVID Clinic:  In partnership with Griffin Health and the Department of Public Health, there will be a second all-ages COVID - 19 vaccination clinic held in the Center Building gym on June 1.  No appointments are needed - ages 6 months to 100+ are welcome.  Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available for both the primary series and the bivalent booster.  The clinic will run from 2 pm to 6 pm.  Please bring a health insurance card and a photo ID if you have them, but it is not necessary to have either to receive a vaccine.  Check with your physician to see if you are up to date on your vaccines.

Living Treasure Committee Volunteers Sought:  Human Services will hold the 5th annual Living Treasure event on September 14.  The event honors residents age 60 or over who have demonstrated positive actions to improve the quality of life in Woodbridge, who have contributed and may continue to contribute their time to enhance our community, and who have performed this work on a volunteer, unpaid basis.  Members of the community are welcome to join the event planning committee which meets during the months of June, July, August, and September.  This event raises funds for The Woodbridge Center.  Please call 203-389-3429 to volunteer.

Food Pantry:  Residents in need may contact Human Services for access to non-perishable food each month.  The food pantry is currently looking for donations of canola/olive oils, ground coffee and tea, baking mixes/snacks, jams and jellies, crackers, salad dressing, deodorants, and laundry detergent.  Kindly check all expiration dates prior to drop-off.

Volunteer Appreciation Event:  The Human Services Department honored approximately 150 volunteers at the 33rd Annual Volunteer Recognition celebration.  Many thanks to all receiving this honor for their dedication, their time, and their generous contributions to the Town of Woodbridge.  The Human Services Special Recognition Award was presented to Barbara ‘BJ’ Ahern, the Surreybrook School, and the Woodbridge Recreation Commission.  Outstanding Volunteers this year are Katie Behr, B. Patrick Madden, and Sheehan Munim.  The Community Organization and Business Award was given to Bethany Fuel LLC, Boy Scout Troops 63, 907, and 410, and Whitney Rehabilitation Care Center.  The Woodbridge Center Award was presented to Deb Urso of Hamden Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and the First Selectman’s Youth Award was presented to Jack Morrison.  Congratulations to all these wonderful volunteers!

Emergency Preparedness:  In the event of a summer weather emergency or power outage, elderly residents and those with disabilities are encouraged to register for the Emergency Call List by calling the Human Services Department at 203-389-3429.  The Department will provide outreach to all on the list prior to anticipated emergencies.

Hot Weather Safety:  Too much heat is not safe for anyone, it is even riskier for older people and those with health problems.  Please make sure children, older adults, and pets are not left outdoors or in cars for prolonged periods of time.  According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), isolated seniors are often susceptible to heat exhaustion if they spend long periods of time in a very warm home, do not find ways to cool off, or do not actively hydrate.  Additionally, the NIH advises, “older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that affect the body’s response to temperature, and to take prescription medicines that alter the body’s ability to control temperature or sweat.”  Hydration is a key element in averting heat exhaustion or even heat stroke as well as making sure air conditioning and/or fans are used during hot days.  One way to check for dehydration is to pull up the skin on the back of the hand for a few seconds; if it does not return to normal almost immediately, the person is dehydrated.  The following tips are always a good reminder: drink plenty of liquids but avoid drinks containing alcohol and caffeine; Try to keep your home as cool as possible by opening windows overnight and keeping shades or curtains closed during the day; Dress for the weather using natural fabrics such as cotton; Do not try to exercise or do other outdoor activities when it’s hot.  If you need help getting to a cool place, please call The Woodbridge Center Monday - Friday to arrange transportation at 203-389-3430.

Got Yarn?  The Woodbridge Center’s craft group is looking for donations of new, clean yarn for projects they donate to Human Services and other agencies.

Services to Homebound residents:  The library, in conjunction with the Human Services Department’s Friendly Visitor Program, offers delivery of library materials to the homebound.  Through this program, library service is offered to residents who are 60+ as well as those who are disabled, temporarily disabled, or lack transportation to come to the library.

Residents may request books, large-print titles, audiobooks, magazines, CDs, and DVDs.  The Senior Center arranges for delivery of the requested materials to homebound persons.  The library now has no overdue fines and offers automatic renewals for items unless another patron is waiting for them.  Contact the library at 203-389-3433 or askus@woodbridgetownlibrary.org if you are interested in these services even if you do not have a library card.

To reach Woodbridge Human Services call 203-389-3429 or 203-389-3415 or email humanservices@woodbridgect.org