Social Worker Recognition, VITA Tax Help, and More: Woodbridge Human Services News

March is National Social Worker month!  This is an opportunity to recognize the important work that social workers perform every day in the lives of many. Kudos to Woodbridge Human Services Social Worker Judi Young for her dedicated efforts to improve the lives of residents in Woodbridge.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Tuesdays, 9 am - 1 pm. VITA is a free tax preparation service available to individuals who are income qualifying, to people who have a disability, and to those who speak limited English. The program began in early February and will run through April 9.  For required tax documents and to schedule an appointment call 203-389-3429. For more details on Woodbridge VITA services, see the Human Services website here: https://www.woodbridgect.org/223/Human-Services-Department.

Save the Date: Rotary Family Game Night, hosted by Woodbridge Human Services and sponsored by the Woodbridge Rotary Club, will be held on April 10^th at The Woodbridge Center. The evening will feature games, prizes, and pizza. Fun for the whole family! Stay tuned for more information.

Greater New Haven Transit District changes: Effective in mid-March, Greater New Haven Transit District’s “My Ride” program will be merged with M7 Encompass New Haven to provide rides under the Regional Ride Program (RRP). Their new website is available at: www.encompass.m7ride.com. Riders will need to complete an application and register with Encompass (the application can be found at the website). This partnership will create a new on-demand 24/7 rides service for RRP customers. Their telephone number is 1-860-444-4444. The Woodbridge Center’s Transportation Program remains unchanged.

‍Energy Assistance Program: Qualifying residents may schedule an appointment to apply for the 2023 - 2024 CT Energy Assistance Program administered by TEAM, INC.  Please call Human Services Social Worker Judi Young at 203-389 3429 for more information regarding this program.

‍Food Pantry: Residents in need may call for access to non-perishable food each month. If interested in donating, the food pantry needs cleaning products, laundry soap, peanut butter and jams / jellies, coffee (both ground and instant), shelf stable milk, canola and olive oil, condiments (especially ketchup and mayonnaise), canned chicken and tuna, pasta sauce, snack foods, and personal hygiene products such as deodorant, toothpaste, razors, and shampoo.  Please check items for expiration dates prior to donating.

‍Needed! Medical Loan Closet:  Transport wheelchairs, in good working order, are needed for the Medical Loan Closet.  Please contact Human Services to donate.

Identity Fraud:  When your personal information is stolen, it is identity theft.  When your stolen data are used fraudulently, it is identity fraud.  If you think you have been targeted, you may call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.

Woodbridge Tax Relief Programs: Woodbridge residents may file applications for the State and Town Elderly and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) Tax Relief Programs by May 15, 2024. You must be 65 or older or you must have a Total Permanent Disability (TPD) prior to December 31, 2023. This is an income-based program and proof of income and 2023 Federal Tax Return, if filed, are required. Forms may be found online at https://www.woodbridgect.org/164/Renters-Relief-Program.

Woodbridge veteran residents may file applications for the State and Town Additional Veteran Program by October 1, 2024. DD-214 discharge papers need to have been filed with the Town Clerk’s Office by September 30, 2023, for eligibility this year. There is no age requirement. This is an income-based program and proof of income and 2023 Federal Tax Return, if filed, are required. Applications may be completed at the website or in person at the Assessor’s Office at Town Hall. You may also connect to the state program through this website link. The biennial application can be found here: http://www.woodbridgect.org/165/Veterans-Exemption.

Call 203-389-3429 or email humanservices@woodbridgect.org for more information.