Sterling House assistance programs in Stratford.
The Sterling House of Stratford and Fairfield County Connecticut can help the poor and low income. While most of the resources available are for meeting basic needs such as food and clothing, the agency may from time to time have financial assistance available. The non-profit will coordinate emergency assistance and social services for families, individuals, groups and organizations in time of a crisis. Most of the assistance is available from their Resource Connection program.
The site relies heavily on donations from the community and local businesses. So not everyone will be able to qualify for assistance or they may run out of aid to offer. More information on their programs are below.
Examples of what may be available is as follows.
- Food and meals are served to thousands of families per year.
- Hundreds of people receive thanksgiving and/or Christmas meals and free gifts.
- School supplies for children and students. The Good Start Program will pass out free school supplies and new back packs.
- A small, limited scholarship program.
- Employment assistance, information on affordable child care, and financial aid.
- Clothing, including a diaper bank.
- The Sterling House assists the homelessness and victims of domestic violence in partnership with groups such as Bethlehem House or EMERGE.
- Paws Program will have mostly canned and bagged cat and dog food.
- Referrals to financial bills in a crisis. Expenses such as rent or heating bills may be covered.
A food bank is located in the basement of the Sterling House Community Center. Some of what may be distributed includes frozen and seasonal items, non-perishable food, dairy products, and baby formula. The free pantry is primarily stocked with soups, canned vegetables, sauces, stew, tuna and fruits, pastas, tomato sauce (can or jar), cereal, rice, macaroni and cheese, single-serving items and some frozen items on occasions such as powdered milk. There is also a nearby community garden. A variety of free food and grocery items are provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
During the holiday timeframe, the demand for Thanksgiving and especially Christmas gifts is very high. Sterling House can offer income qualified Fairfield County residents with support from Adopt a Family. Free gifts, toys, and Christmas is distributed to children and youth in need from Stratford Connecticut. In some cases, referrals may be offered to other holiday resources, such as those issued by the Fairfield Salvation Army.
Much of the assistance from the Resource Connection is paid for by partners such as Ameriprise Financial, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, FEMA, Citizen’s Bank Foundation, DaVita Foundation, Bank of America Foundation, and TD Charitable Foundation.
Child Development Center is a classroom where children from the Stratford Connecticut community will feel wanted and encouraged, safe, appreciated and part of a community. The classroom is set up for growth and learning. It serves as a form of low cost, quasi day care as well.
There are several different areas of focus, including reading, dramatic play, toys and games, art, and more. Children are given opportunities to discover ideas, learn, experiment, grown, and take responsibility for their work.
The main goal of the Sterling House Pre-School program is to have children become self-confident over the mid to long term. This will help them in school with people and materials. They will be able to become aware and curious of their environment. Activities will also focus on education and good health habits. In addition, basic medical care, including a Hearing and Eye Exam will be provided to children and their parents as well as a Dental Demonstration.
The Sterling House can be reached at (203) 378-2606.
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