The Village For Families & Children Inc

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY EDUCATION PROGRAM (PREP) INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES

THE VILLAGE CCBHC: ADVANCING COMMUNITY-BASED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE IN CT?S CAPITOL REGION - THE VILLAGE FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN’S (THE VILLAGE) PROPOSED CCBHC-IA PROJECT WILL BUILD ON THE SUCCESSES AND LEARNINGS OF THE PRIOR CCBHC EXPANSION GRANT TO FURTHER EXPAND ACCESS TO SUPPORTS AND SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS (SMI), SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS (SUD), AND CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS (COD), AS WELL AS CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH SERIOUS EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE (SED) IN CONNECTICUT’S CAPITAL CITY OF HARTFORD. WITHIN THIS BROAD CATEGORY, THE AGENCY WILL TARGET SERVICES FOR SUBPOPULATIONS THAT EXPERIENCE DISPARITIES IN RATES OF THESE CONDITIONS INCLUDING RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITIES, VETERANS/ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY, AND THOSE EXPERIENCING OR AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS. USING FOCUSED, EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTIONS, THE PROJECT WILL IMPROVE OUTCOMES AND ADDRESS BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE TREATMENT AND RECOVERY, INCLUDING SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH. THROUGHOUT ITS MORE THAN 210 YEARS OF MULTI-FACETED SERVICE DELIVERY, THE VILLAGE HAS DEVELOPED EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND CAPACITY TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES AND IMPROVE WELL-BEING FOR ITS CLIENTS. WORKING WITH OUR DCO, CAPITOL REGION MENTAL HEALTH CENTER, THE AGENCY WILL SERVE A MINIMUM OF 861 INDIVIDUALS OVER THE COURSE OF THE FOUR-YEAR GRANT PERIOD: YEAR 1: 18 CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS; 144 ADULTS (162 INDIVIDUALS) YEARS 2-4: 25 CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS; 208 ADULTS (233 INDIVIDUALS) THE GOALS PROPOSED FOR THIS PROJECT ARE ADVANCEMENTS OF THE SERVICES THE VILLAGE CURRENTLY PERFORMS UNDER ITS 2020 CCBHC EXPANSION GRANT. THEY HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED BASED ON DATA AND EXPERIENCE GAINED THROUGH THAT WORK. THE GOALS OF “THE VILLAGE CCBHC: ADVANCING COMMUNITY-BASED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE IN CT’S CAPITOL REGION” ARE: GOAL 1: INCREASE ENGAGEMENT AND TREATMENT COMPLETION AMONG VETERANS/ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS WITH SMI, SUD, COD BY SCREENING CLIENTS FOR RISK FACTORS THAT MAY LEAD TO EARLY TREATMENT TERMINATION AND OFFERING INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORT AND CONNECTIONS TO RESOURCES TO PROMOTE TREATMENT PARTICIPATION AND RETENTION. GOAL 2: INCREASE ACCESS TO SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SMI, SUD, OR COD GOAL 3: DECREASE ED UTILIZATION AND INPATIENT STAYS BY PROVIDING COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SMI, SUD, COD GOAL 4: IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH SED WHO ARE AT RISK OF SUD. THESE GOALS WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH A VARIETY OF TARGETED ACTIVITIES INCLUDING: - DEVELOPMENT AND PROACTIVE USE OF AN ENGAGEMENT CAPACITY SCREENING TO IDENTIFY AND MITIGATE BARRIERS TO TREATMENT ENGAGEMENT. - INCREASED OUTREACH TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TARGETED AT THE VETERAN/ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY POPULATION. - PARTNERSHIP WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING MANAGERS AND DEVELOPERS TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND INCREASE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING. - CREATION OF AN ACUTE COMMUNITY SERVICES TEAM TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY-BASED CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SMI WHO ARE UNABLE TO ACCESS IN-CLINIC CARE. - INDIVIDUALIZED AFTER-CARE PLANNING FOR CLIENTS PREPARING TO DISCHARGE FROM SUBACUTE CARE FACILITIES. - INCREASED PROMOTION AND PROVISION OF IN-CLINIC MULTIDIMENSIONAL FAMILY THERAPY (MDFT) FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH SED AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THE CCBHC @ THE VILLAGE: ENHANCING MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE ACCESS AND QUALITY FOR CT?S CAPITOL REGION

MOBILE MAT IN HARTFORD: INCREASED ACCESS TO OUD/MOUD SERVICES WITH VERV (VILLAGE EXPANDED RECOVERY VAN) - THE VILLAGE FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN’S MOBILE MAT IN HARTFORD: INCREASED ACCESS TO OUD/MOUD SERVICES WITH VERV (VILLAGE EXPANDED RECOVERY VAN) PROJECT WILL SERVE ADULTS WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER AND CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS IN NEED OF TREATMENT AND RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES. THE PROJECT WILL SERVE A MINIMUM OF 488 INDIVIDUALS IN THE GREATER HARTFORD REGION OVER FIVE YEARS (72 IN YEAR 1; 104 IN EACH OF YEARS 2-5). ADULTS FROM OTHER SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES ARE INVITED TO ACCESS SERVICES, HOWEVER, HARFORD CONTINUES TO BE DISPROPORTIONALLY IMPACTED BY THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC AND HAS BEEN SHOWN TO HAVE A HIGHER UNMET TREATMENT NEED WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER REGIONS IN THE STATE. IN ADDITION TO THESE GAPS, THE VILLAGE AND OTHER AGENCIES HAVE IDENTIFIED SEVERAL BARRIERS TO OPIOID DISORDER TREATMENT SUCH AS ACCESS TO MAT, TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING INSTABILITY. THE VILLAGE’S PROJECT GOALS FOCUS ON EXPANDING CAPACITY TO OFFER MAT RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES AND HARM REDUCTION TOOLS FOR ADULTS IN HIGH-NEED AREAS WHO ARE AT INCREASED RISK OF EXPERIENCING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISPARITIES. THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE VERV WHICH WILL PROVIDE MOBILE MAT SERVICES, AND A NEW MAT CLINIC ON CHURCH STREET IN HARTFORD. THESE GOALS WILL BE MET THROUGH THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES: 1. PURCHASE AND MODIFY A MOBILE MAT VAN AND COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH TO FOCUS OUTREACH ON HIGH-NEED AREAS, AS WELL AS BUILDING OUT THE CHURCH STREET CLINIC TO BE READY TO SERVE MAT CLIENTS. 2. HIRE AN ADDITIONAL 0.5 FTE SUBOXONE PANELED PRESCRIBER, 2.0 FTE RECOVERY COACHES, AND 1.0 FTE CASE MANAGER 3. PROVIDE RECOVERY SUPPORT RESOURCES THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH AGENCIES THAT OFFER AA, NA, SMART RECOVERY; PRO-SOCIAL ACTIVITIES; TRANSPORTATION; HOUSING SUPPORTS; MEDICAL CARE; FOOD; AND CLOTHING TO REDUCE BARRIERS TO TREATMENT. 4. DISSEMINATE HARM REDUCTION TOOLS SUCH AS NALOXONE AND FENTANYL TEST STRIPS. 5. DISSEMINATE MATERIALS INFORMING COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS OF AVAILABLE EXPANDED MAT SERVICES, WITH A FOCUS ON REACHING DIVERSE POPULATIONS. 6. ASSESS CLIENTS’ CLINICAL AND RECOVERY NEEDS UTILIZING EVIDENCE-BASED ASSESSMENTS AND THE VILLAGE’S RECOVERY NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PROVIDE A WARM HAND-OFF TO EVIDENCE-BASED, CLINICAL TREATMENT OR RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES, AS APPROPRIATE. 7. INITIATE TREATMENT APPROPRIATE TO CLIENTS’ PERSONAL HISTORY, PRIMARY LANGUAGE, AND GENDER IDENTITY, UTILIZING A CULTURALLY INFORMED APPROACH. 8. REGULARLY ASSESS IF HIGH-RISK GROUPS ARE PROPORTIONALLY ACCESSING MAT-PDOA SERVICES AND USE THIS DATA TO DEVELOP PLANS TO ADDRESS GAPS IN OUTREACH, REFERRALS, AND RECRUITMENT, AS NEEDED.

VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE TRAUMA CENTER (NCTSN-CTS)

A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO DECREASING UNDERAGE DRINKING IN MANCHESTER AND VERNON, CT USING THE STRATEGIC PREVENTION FRAMEWORK.

ACEING EITC: A UNITED RESPONSE TO BUILDING PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR CONNECTICUT FAMILIES

COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING/CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING - CONSTRUCTION

2007 ADOLESCENT FAMILY LIFE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

HARTFORD'S ASPIRE-CONNECT-THRIVE (ACT) ACADEMY: A TRAUMA-SENSITIVE SCHOOL INTERVENTION

PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE FATHERHOOD

GRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAMS

VERNON, CT RESOURCES AND OUTREACH FOR COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND SUCCESS (ROCKS) YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PROJECT - THE VILLAGE FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN, INC. (THE VILLAGE) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VERNON ROCKS (RESOURCES AND OUTREACH FOR COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND SUCCESS), THE TOWN’S DRUG AND ALCOHOL PREVENTION COUNCIL, WILL EXPAND CURRENT PREVENTION ACTIVITIES AIMED AT STUDENTS IN GRADES 6-12 IN VERNON, CT. THE PROJECT FOCUSES ON PREVENTING THE USE OF ALCOHOL AND MARIJUANA BY DECREASING ACCESS TO THESE SUBSTANCES, INCREASING PROTECTIVE FACTORS THAT PREVENT TEENS FROM USING, AND EMPOWERING PARENTS AND FRIENDS TO EXERT POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON STUDENTS’ BEHAVIOR. IN 2022-23, THE TARGET POPULATION OF ROCKVILLE HIGH AND VERNON MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WAS 1,610; 54% WHITE, 12% BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN, 21% LATINO, 6% ASIAN, 7% OTHER. KEY METRICS INDICATIVE OF INCREASED RISK OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE INCLUDE HIGH RATES OF CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM AND SUSPENSIONS/EXPULSIONS AND A LOWER FOUR-YEAR COHORT GRADUATION RATE COMPARED TO STATEWIDE AVERAGES. THESE SAME METRICS INDICATE EVEN GREATER DISTRESS IN STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE SCHOOL MEALS – A PROXY FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS – AND STUDENTS OF COLOR. THE 2023 YOUTH VOICES COUNT SURVEY OF 1,348 STUDENTS SUBSTANTIATES THE NEED TO ADDRESS ALCOHOL AND MARIJUANA USE AMONG TEENS. PAST 30-DAY USE FOR ALCOHOL (2.89%) AND MARIJUANA (6.4%) EXCEEDS ANY OTHER SUBSTANCE. THE AVERAGE AGE OF FIRST USE WAS 13 FOR ALCOHOL AND 13.8 FOR MARIJUANA. ADDITIONALLY, STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE HARM CAUSED BY ALCOHOL AND MARIJUANA IS LOWER THAN FOR OTHER SUBSTANCES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF NICOTINE VAPING. THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT HAS IDENTIFIED VAPING AS A PRIORITY AND HAS DEDICATED SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES TOWARD PREVENTION EFFORTS FOR THAT SUBSTANCE. FOR THAT REASON, VERNON ROCKS WILL FOCUS ON ALCOHOL AND MARIJUANA AS TARGET SUBSTANCES FOR THIS PROJECT. UTILIZING SAMHSA’S STRATEGIC PREVENTION FRAMEWORK, VERNON ROCKS HAS DEVELOPED PROJECT GOALS AND CREATED KEY ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES GROUNDED IN A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH TO PREVENTION. OVER THE COURSE OF THE 5-YEAR GRANT PERIOD THE COALITION WILL ACHIEVE STRONGER COMMUNITY COLLABORATION TOWARD PREVENTION EFFORTS, WHICH WILL LEAD TO INCREASED CAPACITY AND READINESS TO ADDRESS YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE. IN YEAR 1, THE PROJECT WILL INCREASE COMMUNITY COLLABORATION BY 1) EXPANDING THE COALITION’S MEMBERSHIP FROM 28 TO 31 TO INCREASE REPRESENTATION OF PARENTS, YOUTH, AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY SECTORS, 2) PROVIDING TRAINING/EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR COALITION MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS, AND 3) INCREASING MEMBERS’ PARTICIPATION IN COALITION EVENTS. BY THE END OF THE 5-YEAR GRANT PERIOD THE PROJECT WILL ACHIEVE 1) A REDUCTION BY 30.8% THE RATE YOUTH REPORT PAST 30-DAY ALCOHOL USE FROM 2.89% TO 2% AND 2) A REDUCTION IN 30-DAY PAST USE OF MARIJUANA BY STUDENTS BY 21.8% (6.4% TO 5%). YEAR 1 STRATEGIES THAT WILL SUPPORT THESE PROGRAM GOALS INCLUDE TRAINING AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS; PROVIDING ALTERNATIVE, PROSOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH; AND PEER-TO-PEER MARKETING CAMPAIGNS AND SOCIAL GROUPS. A FORMATIVE EVALUATION WILL SUPPORT THE COALITION’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES AND WILL GUIDE AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF PROGRAM GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIVITIES.

STAFFORD AND ELLINGTON EXPANDING DELIVERY OF PREVENTION (SEED) - THE VILLAGE FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN’S STAFFORD AND ELLINGTON EXPANDING DELIVERY OF PREVENTION (SEED) WILL STRENGTHEN THE CAPACITIES OF TWO LOCAL PREVENTION COALITIONS IN AN AREA OF SUBURBAN AND RURAL CONNECTICUT. OVER 5 YEARS, SEED WILL DIRECTLY IMPACT 4,186 YOUTH AGES 11-18 AND WILL INDIRECTLY IMPACT 2,095 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS. ANNUALLY, SEED WILL SERVE 1,256 YOUTH, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH EVIDENCE-BASED PREVENTION STRATEGIES. STAFFORD AND ELLINGTON ARE ADJACENT COMMUNITIES IN NORTH CENTRAL CONNECTICUT AND HAVE A COMBINED POPULATION OF 27,811 RESIDENTS, 16,339 AND 11,472 RESPECTIVELY. ELLINGTON’S MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME IS $124, 495 WHILE STAFFORD’S IS $92,292. BOTH COMMUNITIES HAVE A POVERTY RATE OF ABOUT 6%. A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF STAFFORD’S POPULATION IS 60 OR OLDER AND THERE ARE MANY GRANDPARENT-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS. ACCORDING TO CENSUS DATA, THE PERCENTAGE OF MULTIGENERATIONAL HOUSEHOLDS IN STAFFORD HAS INCREASED 21% FROM 2010 TO 2020. THE GOALS OF SEED ARE: 1) STRENGTHEN THE COALITION STRUCTURE, SECTOR REPRESENTATION, AND PREVENTION CAPACITIES IN ELLINGTON AND STAFFORD, CT AND 2) REDUCE AND PREVENT YOUTH ALCOHOL AND CANNABIS USE FOR THOSE IN GRADES 6-12. SEED’S OBJECTIVES ARE TO: 1) ASSESS CURRENT CAPACITY OF COALITIONS; 2) DEVELOP DATA-INFORMED ACTION PLANS TO INCREASE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EXPAND COALITION MEMBERSHIP; 3) CONDUCT COALITION MEMBERSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP INVENTORY AND DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO INCREASE MEMBERSHIP AND COALITION READINESS; 4) DESIGN AND LAUNCH MESSAGING AND CAMPAIGNS AIMED AT INCREASING COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE AND COALITIONS IN EACH COMMUNITY; 5) DESIGN AND INITIATE AN 8TH GRADE TRANSITION PROGRAM IN EACH COMMUNITY THAT INCLUDES A YOUTH-TO-COALITION MEMBERSHIP “PIPELINE COMPONENT; 6) UTILIZE CAPACITY ASSESSMENT AND PARTNERSHIP INVENTORY OUTCOMES TO INFORM DEVELOPMENT OF A DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN; 7) CONDUCT A NEEDS ASSESSMENT AIMED AT ENGAGING YOUTH AND ADULTS FROM EACH COMMUNITY, TO CONFIRM THE IDENTIFIED PRIORITY YOUTH SUBSTANCES TO BE ADDRESSED AND ESTABLISH A PLAN TO PRIORITIZE AND ADDRESS ASSOCIATED RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS, CONSUMPTION AND CONSEQUENCE VARIABLES; 8) IDENTIFY EVIDENCE-BASED, EVIDENCE-INFORMED AND COMMUNITY-DEFINED PREVENTION STRATEGIES THAT ARE ALIGNED WITH PRIORITY YOUTH SUBSTANCE CONSUMPTION, IDENTIFIED RISK FACTORS AND/OR RELATED CONSEQUENCES TO BE INCLUDED IN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN; 9) DEVELOP AND DEPLOY COMMUNITY-DRIVEN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN THAT AIMS TO REDUCE AND PREVENT YOUTH USE OF ALCOHOL AND CANNABIS; AND 10) DEVELOP AN EVALUATION PLAN THAT WILL ASSESS PROCESS, CAPACITY AND SUBSTANCE USE SHORT AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES. STRATEGIES WILL INCLUDE EVENTS TEACHING 8TH-GRADE STUDENTS ABOUT POSITIVE SOCIAL NORMS, RESISTANCE SKILLS AND POSITIVE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS; PROMOTING EXISTING MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES; CONDUCTING RETAIL COMPLIANCE CHECKS TO REDUCE THE AVAILABILITY OF ALCOHOL TO MINORS; IMPLEMENTATION OF A CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE MULTI-MODAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN TARGETING TEENS AND PARENTS RELATED TO UNDERAGE DRINKING AND CANNABIS USE; AND OTHER AS DETERMINED BY THE STRATEGIC PLANNING EFFORTS IN YEAR ONE.

PURPOSE: THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) GRANT WAS ESTABLISHED AS A MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WHO SUPPORT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE. ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: THE VITA GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ORGANIZATIONS WHO 1) EXTEND SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS IN HARDEST TO REACH AREAS BOTH URBAN AND NON-URBAN; 2) INCREASE THE CAPACITY TO FILE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) HEIGHTEN QUALITY CONTROL; 4) ENHANCE TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS; AND 5) SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE ACCURACY RATE OF RETURNS PREPARED AT VITA SITES. END GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOMES: VITA GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE EXPECTED TO 1) FOLLOW EXISTING GUIDANCE GOVERNING VITA SITE OPERATIONS; 2) ENSURE AT LEAST 90% OF RETURNS PREPARED ARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE INCOME IS EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN THE MAXIMUM EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) THRESHOLDS; 2) FILE ALL ELIGIBLE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) ACHIEVE 100% OF THEIR RETURN PRODUCTION GOALS; 4) BECOME MORE EFFICIENT WITH GRANT FUNDS; AND 5) SHOW INCREMENTAL INCREASES IN RETURN PREPARATION EACH YEAR. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: TAXPAYERS WHO ARE LOW TO MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, THOSE FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE, NATIVE AMERICANS, INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN RURAL AREAS, MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE ELDERLY. SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: SUBRECIPIENTS MAY BE UTILIZED BY GRANT RECIPIENTS TO HELP DELIVER KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM AND MUST ADHERE TO GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES. BROADBAND: SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES RELATING TO BROADBAND USAGE ARE NOT KNOWN AT THE TIME OF AWARD.

PURPOSE: THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) GRANT WAS ESTABLISHED AS A MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WHO SUPPORT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE. ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: THE VITA GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ORGANIZATIONS WHO 1) EXTEND SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS IN HARDEST TO REACH AREAS BOTH URBAN AND NON-URBAN; 2) INCREASE THE CAPACITY TO FILE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) HEIGHTEN QUALITY CONTROL; 4) ENHANCE TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS; AND 5) SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE ACCURACY RATE OF RETURNS PREPARED AT VITA SITES. END GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOMES: VITA GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE EXPECTED TO 1) FOLLOW EXISTING GUIDANCE GOVERNING VITA SITE OPERATIONS; 2) ENSURE AT LEAST 90% OF RETURNS PREPARED ARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE INCOME IS EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN THE MAXIMUM EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) THRESHOLDS; 2) FILE ALL ELIGIBLE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) ACHIEVE 100% OF THEIR RETURN PRODUCTION GOALS; 4) BECOME MORE EFFICIENT WITH GRANT FUNDS; AND 5) SHOW INCREMENTAL INCREASES IN RETURN PREPARATION EACH YEAR. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: TAXPAYERS WHO ARE LOW TO MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, THOSE FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE, NATIVE AMERICANS, INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN RURAL AREAS, MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE ELDERLY. SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: SUBRECIPIENTS MAY BE UTILIZED BY GRANT RECIPIENTS TO HELP DELIVER KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM AND MUST ADHERE TO GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES. BROADBAND: SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES RELATING TO BROADBAND USAGE ARE NOT KNOWN AT THE TIME OF AWARD.

PURPOSE: THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) GRANT WAS ESTABLISHED AS A MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WHO SUPPORT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE. ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: THE VITA GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ORGANIZATIONS WHO 1) EXTEND SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS IN HARDEST TO REACH AREAS BOTH URBAN AND NON-URBAN; 2) INCREASE THE CAPACITY TO FILE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) HEIGHTEN QUALITY CONTROL; 4) ENHANCE TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS; AND 5) SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE ACCURACY RATE OF RETURNS PREPARED AT VITA SITES. END GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOMES: VITA GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE EXPECTED TO 1) FOLLOW EXISTING GUIDANCE GOVERNING VITA SITE OPERATIONS; 2) ENSURE AT LEAST 90% OF RETURNS PREPARED ARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE INCOME IS EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN THE MAXIMUM EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) THRESHOLDS; 2) FILE ALL ELIGIBLE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) ACHIEVE 100% OF THEIR RETURN PRODUCTION GOALS; 4) BECOME MORE EFFICIENT WITH GRANT FUNDS; AND 5) SHOW INCREMENTAL INCREASES IN RETURN PREPARATION EACH YEAR. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: TAXPAYERS WHO ARE LOW TO MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, THOSE FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE, NATIVE AMERICANS, INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN RURAL AREAS, MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE ELDERLY. SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: SUBRECIPIENTS MAY BE UTILIZED BY GRANT RECIPIENTS TO HELP DELIVER KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM AND MUST ADHERE TO GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES. BROADBAND: SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES RELATING TO BROADBAND USAGE ARE NOT KNOWN AT THE TIME OF AWARD.

PURPOSE: THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) GRANT WAS ESTABLISHED AS A MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WHO SUPPORT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE. ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: THE VITA GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ORGANIZATIONS WHO 1) EXTEND SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS IN HARDEST TO REACH AREAS BOTH URBAN AND NON-URBAN; 2) INCREASE THE CAPACITY TO FILE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) HEIGHTEN QUALITY CONTROL; 4) ENHANCE TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS; AND 5) SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE ACCURACY RATE OF RETURNS PREPARED AT VITA SITES. END GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOMES: VITA GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE EXPECTED TO 1) FOLLOW EXISTING GUIDANCE GOVERNING VITA SITE OPERATIONS; 2) ENSURE AT LEAST 90% OF RETURNS PREPARED ARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE INCOME IS EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN THE MAXIMUM EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) THRESHOLDS; 2) FILE ALL ELIGIBLE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) ACHIEVE 100% OF THEIR RETURN PRODUCTION GOALS; 4) BECOME MORE EFFICIENT WITH GRANT FUNDS; AND 5) SHOW INCREMENTAL INCREASES IN RETURN PREPARATION EACH YEAR. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: TAXPAYERS WHO ARE LOW TO MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, THOSE FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE, NATIVE AMERICANS, INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN RURAL AREAS, MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE ELDERLY. SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: SUBRECIPIENTS MAY BE UTILIZED BY GRANT RECIPIENTS TO HELP DELIVER KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM AND MUST ADHERE TO GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES. BROADBAND: SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES RELATING TO BROADBAND USAGE ARE NOT KNOWN AT THE TIME OF AWARD.

HARTFORD-TOLLAND-WINDHAM VITA PROGRAM

PURPOSE: THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) GRANT WAS ESTABLISHED AS A MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WHO SUPPORT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE. ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: THE VITA GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ORGANIZATIONS WHO 1) EXTEND SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS IN HARDEST TO REACH AREAS BOTH URBAN AND NON-URBAN; 2) INCREASE THE CAPACITY TO FILE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) HEIGHTEN QUALITY CONTROL; 4) ENHANCE TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS; AND 5) SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE ACCURACY RATE OF RETURNS PREPARED AT VITA SITES. END GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOMES: VITA GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE EXPECTED TO 1) FOLLOW EXISTING GUIDANCE GOVERNING VITA SITE OPERATIONS; 2) ENSURE AT LEAST 90% OF RETURNS PREPARED ARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE INCOME IS EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN THE MAXIMUM EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) THRESHOLDS; 2) FILE ALL ELIGIBLE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) ACHIEVE 100% OF THEIR RETURN PRODUCTION GOALS; 4) BECOME MORE EFFICIENT WITH GRANT FUNDS; AND 5) SHOW INCREMENTAL INCREASES IN RETURN PREPARATION EACH YEAR. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: TAXPAYERS WHO ARE LOW TO MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, THOSE FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE, NATIVE AMERICANS, INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN RURAL AREAS, MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE ELDERLY. SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: SUBRECIPIENTS MAY BE UTILIZED BY GRANT RECIPIENTS TO HELP DELIVER KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM AND MUST ADHERE TO GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES. BROADBAND: SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES RELATING TO BROADBAND USAGE ARE NOT KNOWN AT THE TIME OF AWARD.

PURPOSE: THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) GRANT WAS ESTABLISHED AS A MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WHO SUPPORT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE. ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: THE VITA GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ORGANIZATIONS WHO 1) EXTEND SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS IN HARDEST TO REACH AREAS BOTH URBAN AND NON-URBAN; 2) INCREASE THE CAPACITY TO FILE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) HEIGHTEN QUALITY CONTROL; 4) ENHANCE TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS; AND 5) SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE ACCURACY RATE OF RETURNS PREPARED AT VITA SITES. END GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOMES: VITA GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE EXPECTED TO 1) FOLLOW EXISTING GUIDANCE GOVERNING VITA SITE OPERATIONS; 2) ENSURE AT LEAST 90% OF RETURNS PREPARED ARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE INCOME IS EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN THE MAXIMUM EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) THRESHOLDS; 2) FILE ALL ELIGIBLE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) ACHIEVE 100% OF THEIR RETURN PRODUCTION GOALS; 4) BECOME MORE EFFICIENT WITH GRANT FUNDS; AND 5) SHOW INCREMENTAL INCREASES IN RETURN PREPARATION EACH YEAR. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: TAXPAYERS WHO ARE LOW TO MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, THOSE FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE, NATIVE AMERICANS, INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN RURAL AREAS, MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE ELDERLY. SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: SUBRECIPIENTS MAY BE UTILIZED BY GRANT RECIPIENTS TO HELP DELIVER KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM AND MUST ADHERE TO GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES. BROADBAND: SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES RELATING TO BROADBAND USAGE ARE NOT KNOWN AT THE TIME OF AWARD.

PURPOSE: THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) GRANT WAS ESTABLISHED AS A MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ORGANIZATIONS WHO SUPPORT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE. ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: THE VITA GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ORGANIZATIONS WHO 1) EXTEND SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS IN HARDEST TO REACH AREAS BOTH URBAN AND NON-URBAN; 2) INCREASE THE CAPACITY TO FILE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) HEIGHTEN QUALITY CONTROL; 4) ENHANCE TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS; AND 5) SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE ACCURACY RATE OF RETURNS PREPARED AT VITA SITES. END GOAL/EXPECTED OUTCOMES: VITA GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE EXPECTED TO 1) FOLLOW EXISTING GUIDANCE GOVERNING VITA SITE OPERATIONS; 2) ENSURE AT LEAST 90% OF RETURNS PREPARED ARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE INCOME IS EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN THE MAXIMUM EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) THRESHOLDS; 2) FILE ALL ELIGIBLE RETURNS ELECTRONICALLY; 3) ACHIEVE 100% OF THEIR RETURN PRODUCTION GOALS; 4) BECOME MORE EFFICIENT WITH GRANT FUNDS; AND 5) SHOW INCREMENTAL INCREASES IN RETURN PREPARATION EACH YEAR. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: TAXPAYERS WHO ARE LOW TO MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, THOSE FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE, NATIVE AMERICANS, INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN RURAL AREAS, MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE ELDERLY. SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: SUBRECIPIENTS MAY BE UTILIZED BY GRANT RECIPIENTS TO HELP DELIVER KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM AND MUST ADHERE TO GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES. BROADBAND: SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES RELATING TO BROADBAND USAGE ARE NOT KNOWN AT THE TIME OF AWARD.

HARTFORD-TOLLAND-WINDHAM VITA PROGRAM

THE VILLAGE FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN, INC. (THE VILLAGE) IS A DYNAMIC, REGIONAL MULTI-SERVICE ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO OUR MISSION OF BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF STRONG, HEALTHY FAMILIES WHO PROTECT AND NURTURE CHILDREN. OUR PROPOSED VISTA PROJECT ALIGNS WITH THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND HEALTHY FUTURES FOCUS AREAS. THE VISTA PROJECT WILL SEEK TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF OUR FINANCIAL CENTER PROGRAMMING, DESIGNED TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO FINANCIAL SECURITY, BENEFITTING APPROXIMATELY 200 INDIVIDUALS IN THE HARTFORD AREA. VISTA MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPAND THE SCALE AND REACH OF OUR COALITION IN THE ROCKVILLE/VERNON AREA TO ADDRESS THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC, BENEFITTING APPROXIMATELY 500 COMMUNITY RESIDENTS. OVER THE COURSE OF ONE YEAR, VISTA MEMBERS WILL CONTRIBUTE TO OUR PROJECT BY BUILDING CAPACITY IN THE AREAS OF VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT, DEVELOPING INTEGRATED SYSTEMS TO PROMOTE CROSS-PROGRAM EFFICIENCY, ESTABLISHING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS TO BUILD SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS AND DATA COLLECTION AND EVALUATION.