Programs for Families and Children

Staff are available to provide information and referrals to various assistance programs and help with applications for these programs. Our goal is to not only help a family through a difficult time, but to help them achieve greater financial stability and independence.

Some of the programs offered to families with children include the following:

“Return to School” Backpack Program: Filled backpacks are distributed each August to Suffield youth who live in low income households. The backpacks are age and grade appropriate and are provided thanks to the generosity of Suffield residents and civic organizations.

Thanksgiving & December Holidays Food & Gift Basket Program: The ingredients for traditional Thanksgiving & December Holidays feasts are provided to Suffield families experiencing financial difficulties. Food & gift baskets are donated by local individuals, families, businesses, school groups, churches and community groups.

Camp Subsidies: Suffield Community Aid has allocated camp subsidies for children in Suffield. The purpose of the camperships is to help provide needed and enriching summer experiences to children who otherwise would find the camp experience financially prohibitive. Attendance at a Suffield-based camp is not required.

Preschool Vision Evaluations: Free screenings are conducted by The Lions Club and trained SCA volunteers at local preschools each spring.

Mental Health Subsidies: SCA offers financial support for Suffield residents to access mental health services.  SCA can assist with co-pays for folks with insurance.  For those without insurance, free and limited counseling sessions will be covered.

Forward Focus: A partnering program to help launch teens and young adults: The purpose of this program is to identify and address individual barriers in the attainment of work, educational or other goals. SCA will consider partial funding for: GED courses, technical & trade school programs, driver’s education, counseling programs, work-related expenses and some college-associated costs. SCA will identify and outreach to persons age 15-24 who have been served by SCA over the years for participation in the program. Other applicants must be referred by social workers, guidance counselors or clinicians.