In a modest corner office in the Middlefield Community Center, there is a light of hope that shines for Middlefield and Rockfall residents who find themselves suddenly faced with an emergency financial or family need.
That corner office is the home of the Middlefield Community Services Council which day by day quietly fulfills its mission of helping town residents in their time of need.
Now, it’s possible that you didn’t know that a small community like Middlefield could offer such service, and that’s exactly why Council Coordinator Antoinette Astle, Middlefield’s senior and social services director, wants to get the word out especially at this time of the year.
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“With the economy in a state of flux, and faced with another winter heating season, folks may not know that they can come here in emergency and crisis situations,” says Astle. “We want people to know that we are here to lend that extra hand.”
That “extra hand” comes in the form of emergency help with fuel assistance, medical bills, rent and mortgage assistance, food and other emergency needs.
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Astle stresses that the Council’s role is to meet the emergency need and is not a long-term assistance agency. However, the director can help with referrals to those long-term care agencies.
“We encourage folks not to wait until their situation becomes an emergency, but to come see us when they realize that it’s headed that way..
All inquiries and assistance are confidential. Some financial information is required and those details are available by calling Astle at 860-349-7121.
“We want to make people aware that the Council is here and can help. Give us a call, come down and see us. We’re here for you and we want to help.”
Established in 1987, the present day council emerged from a Thanksgiving food basket distribution. Today, the council not only provides food baskets on Thanksgiving, but also on Christmas and Easter. It operates two food banks, one at the Community Center office and another at Sugarloaf Terrace. It recently instituted a back-to-school backpack program.
The council’s only source of funding is through the generosity of residents and community service organizations.
“It’s neighbor helping neighbor," Astle says.
And that is the heart beat that helps the Middlefield Community Services Council to live out its mission.
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