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The Seventy Times Seven Project showing of "Life In Occupied Palestine"

Written by kate on 10/09/2009

The Seventy Times Seven Project will be showing the documentary "Life in Occupied Palestine" on October 21 at 7:00 p.m. with a discussion concerning the status of Palestinian Christians to follow. The movie will be screened at Darien Library and members of the public are welcome.

Help spread the word...

Written by Erica B on 11/07/2008

...about Aging in Place in Darien!

Did you know that there is a project of The Community Fund of Darien that offers free membership and provides the following services and information to seniors 65+?

  • Free referral to local programs and vetted service providers, such as handymen, electricians, dog walkers, book-keepers, caregivers, computer assistance, grocery shoppers, transportation, long-term care advice, Medicare/Medicaid assistance, counseling, health and wellness programs, problem solving, assessment of your needs, and coordination of assistance;

  • Free Out & About Newsletter highlighting senior services, upcoming events, health tips and ideas for living at home safely;
  • Free Senior Resource Directory of local services that benefit seniors.

Yes, it's true...and we need your help spreading the word to family members, neighbors, friends, and co-workers who you think might be able to benefit from all of this wonderful, free information! 

You see, two years ago, members of Darien's non-profit organizations, churches, and businesses gathered together with community activists to assess the needs of our seniors and begin an intiative to provide services that would enhance their quality of life at home. Aging in Place in Darien was born, and since that time, the AIP committee has been working hard to ensure the project's mission to help seniors live independently, comfortably, and with dignity in their own homes for as long as they desire.

If you would like to sign up for Aging in Place membership (and why wouldn't you?!) or for more information, please contact Alyssa Israel at The Community Fund by calling 203-202-2912 or emailing AIPcoordinator@communityfunddarien.org.

Also, check out the following blogs that focus on caring for and meeting the needs of aging adults:

Aging With Grace

New York Times' New Old Age 

Get Caught Caring

Written by Erica B on 09/04/2008

CARE DarienOn Friday, September 5th at noon, come to Town Hall and join over 50 Darien organizations and businesses for the kick-off of CARE Darien, a town-wide campaign to help create a Community of Accountability and Respect for Everyone. CARE Darien is an initiative of the Human Services Planning Council, and its purpose is to encourage conversations among family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers about how we can collectively make a positive change in the ways that we interact with one another, whether it be a simple "please" or "thank you", developing new understandings about cultural subjects through seminars and workshops, or a more elaborate exercise in "paying it forward." Together, as a community, we can find the answers to important questions, such as "How can I become more accountable for my actions, be they positive or negative" and "How can I be more respectful and welcoming of people’s differences?"  

Over the next few months, there are a variety of activities and events taking place throughout the community that will support the CARE Darien campaign, beginning with a screening of the classic film To Kill A Mockingbird, Friday, September 5th, at 7:30 p.m. at Weed Beach. Visit care.darien.org for more information on the campaign and events to come.

Child Guidance at the Library

Written by Erica B on 04/16/2008

Today, Susan Jasko, clinical coordinator of Darien's Child Guidance will be visiting the Library again from 1pm to 2pm in the Children's Room. She'll be available to answer any questions you may have about services provided to Darien children and their familiies. See you then!

Creating Connections

Written by Erica B on 04/08/2008

Please help spread the word. The Community Fund of Darien has updated its incredible resource directory called Creating Connections - it's where you'll find contact information for mental health and support services for the entire Darien community. Click here to access the directory through The Community Fund, or visit Town Hall's website.

And remember that you can always dial 2-1-1, toll-free, 24-hours a day for information on community services and contact information for human services.

Something for the entire family

Written by Erica B on 03/21/2008

Within the past few months, I've have the fortunate opportunity to become more familiar with some of the non-profit organizations in town, and I have to say that I'm constantly blown away by all of the great things that are going on here.

A few weeks ago, I made a visit to Family Centers, which is located at 590 Post Road, in the building we typically associate with the Center for HOPE. It's a wonderfully warm space filled with materials that encourage hope, empowerment, and brighter futures - incredibly impressive in and of itself, I thought. Little did I know that Family Centers is not just a brilliant place to be, but also offers over thirty programs and services that are available to make all of our lives a little easier each day. WOW!

Just some of the programs for children and their families include Head Start, Homework Club, The Den for Grieving Kids, parenting workshops, and mental health and crisis counseling. Family Centers also offers senior health insurance counseling, friendly visitors and support groups, employment assistance, and housing resources, among others.

Perhaps there is a program available that could benefit you or someone you know. We could all use a little bit of help from time to time, right? Luckily, on Tuesday, March 25th, from 4 to 5 p.m., Gil Consolini, director of behavioral health at Family Centers, will be visiting Darien Library's Children's Room to discuss the programs and services available to Darien residents.

Why not stop by and find out about some of the great things going on in Darien? I hope to see you there!

Darien Boy Scouts need your help!

Written by Erica B on 03/19/2008

On May 4th, the Darien Boy Scouts troops 53 and 35 will be holding their 35th annual tag sale, and they are looking for donations of the following:

Lawnmowers • Furniture • Lawn Furniture • Pictures • Children’s Furniture • Lamps and shades • Computers & TV’s (purchased after 2006) • Sporting Equipment • Lawn and garden tools • Household items • Dishes and decorative items • Knick knacks and jewelry • Games and toys • Bikes, tricycles and scooters • Holiday Items

The Darien Boy Scouts will pick up donations from Darien residents on April 12th and 26th between 9am and 12pm, so be sure to call early to be added to the schedule. 656-1830 ext. 3

Drop-offs will be accepted on April 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 26th from 9am to 12pm at Scout's Cabin, 140 West Avenue.

For small BOAT donations call Steve Bennett 655-9299 or Sbennet3@optonline.net

The following items cannot be accepted for the tag sale: soft goods such as clothing or mattresses, exercise equipment, Xmas trees, construction materials such as sinks and window frames, swing sets, office desks, skis and boots, sofa beds, typewriters, air conditioners, or items with toxic materials such as paints or propane tanks.

You've got questions? We've got answers!

Written by Erica B on 03/07/2008

There are so many pressures on kids today - from school, family, friends, and teammates - that it can be difficult for them to simply get through the day without stress or anxiety. As a community, we want nothing but the best experiences for the children in our lives, and when we know of a child who could benefit from a little guidance, we want to ask for help. We just might not know who to ask.

Beginning Wednesday, March 19th, from 1pm to 2pm, we're going to do something new and very exciting at Darien Library. On every third Wednesday of the month, Susan Jasko, clinical coordinator of Darien's Child Guidance office, will be available in the Children's Room to answer any questions you may have about mental health and related services available to Darien children and their families. Child Guidance is a non-profit, community-based organization that provides assistance with child, adolescent, and family therapy, educational workshops, and parenting consultations, among other services.

So in between browsing for books or checking out the dvds at the Library, stop by the Children's Room to talk to Susan. If you've got questions, we've certainly got answers!

Family & Children's Agency of Norwalk

Written by Erica B on 02/29/2008

Family & Children's Agency (FCA), a non-profit, family-serving organization based in Norwalk, has been serving lower Fairfield County for over 65 years. FCA currently provides support to residents in Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, Westport, and Wilton, with a mission to help individuals, families, and organizations meet life's challenges successfully. By implementing over 30 programs in areas such as youth development and mentoring, family counseling with licensed clinical staff, and adoption assistance, FCA makes tremendous strides daily in supporting the entire community in all stages of life.

One of FCA's goals is to provide quality services to seniors who wish to live independently and safely in their own homes. The following services are offered:

-Home Health Aides assist with bathing, dressing, and preparing meals.
-Homemakers handle laundry, light housekeeping, and shopping.
-Companions socialize with seniors and provide transportation for running errands.
-Carpenters and handymen assist with house maintenance issues, such as snow removal, repairs, and heavy lifting.
-Live-In Services provide 24/7 caregiver service. All caregivers are screened by a registered nurse.
-Lifeline allows for easy access to emergency services simply by pressing a button.

On Saturday, April 5th, FCA will host its annual fundraising gala, "Soaring to New Heights," at Darien's Woodway Country Club. A silent and live auction will be held. To find out more about FCA's programs, the spring gala, or volunteer opportunities, please call 855-8765 or visit the website.

 

Do you know about 2-1-1?

Written by Erica B on 02/20/2008

If you dial 2-1-1 on your phone, anywhere in the state of Connecticut, you will be connected with a professional call specialist that will be able provide you with information about the network of community and social services available in your local area.

Accessible 24/7/365, the call specialists at 2-1-1 will help answer your questions about a variety of topics, including where to seek child counseling, transportation means for disabled residents, where to find reliable, affordable child and elderly care, how to obtain a passport, and what types of addictive behavior support groups are conducted nearby. (Remember to continue dialing 9-1-1 for police, fire, and EMS response service, and 4-1-1 for the telephone directory). The online 2-1-1 Navigator also provides questionnaires that determine whether you may qualify for state or federal programs that assist in paying for food, health insurance, and child care.

2-1-1 began in 1976 as an initiative by the United Way of Connecticut to provide easy access to a comprehensive database of health and human services, and since 2001, the FCC has used Connecticut's 2-1-1 as a model for the entire country. What innovation!

So help spread the word about 2-1-1. Perhaps you or someone you know could benefit from it, and there are many, many organizations and agencies wanting to lend a hand.

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