As an organization dedicated to the well-being of all individuals in our community, we are closely watching the developments surrounding the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community. We want to be there to provide information you may need to stay afloat during this time of urgency. We will update this page as more resources and answers become available. If you are one of our partner agencies with updated information regarding your services, please email amanda.furlong@Middlesexunitedway .
In an effort to be available to our community, our phone lines will remain open. Please call us at 860-346-8695.
GENERAL INFORMATION
2-1-1 is a great resource to find information regarding COVID-19. If you are in need of food, financial support, childcare or other essential services, please visit the site below or call 2-1-1. 2-1-1 has also created a guide to help individuals access information and resources surrounding COVID-19. https://uwc.211ct.org/covid19resources/#COVID-19
http://211.org/services/covid19?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=covid19&utm_content=learnmore
Governor Ned Lamont announced that the State of Connecticut is partnering with United Way of Connecticut to launch an information hotline for questions from the public regarding issues related to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). People who have questions can call 2-1-1 or text "CTCOVID" to 898211.
Answers to many of the questions people may have can already be found by visiting the state's Coronavirus information website at ct.gov/coronavirus. People are encouraged to review that website for answers to their questions first before calling the hotline.
CT UNITED WAYS COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND & ALICE LOCAL FUND
We've joined forces with United Ways across the state to create the Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund. The fund will provide financial resources to individuals and families economically affected by the pandemic.
We are seeking help from any person, family, or organization that is able do to so. If you would like to contribute, please click here to donate:
https://bit.ly/3b8PZcK.
In response to COVID-19, Middlesex United Way has launched the 2020 ALICE Fund, a direct assistance fund, to ensure individuals and families in Middlesex County who are affected by the pandemic receive the much-needed support they need.
We are seeking help from any person, family, or organization that is able do to so. If you would like to contribute, please click here to donate:
http://middlesexunitedway.org/GIVE.
VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most recent updates on Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site closings, please call 2-1-1. Please use the following as alternative filing resources:
https://www.myfreetaxes.com/
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
A listing of all free tax assistance services can be found here: https://uwc.211ct.org/free-income-tax-assistance/
FOOD SERVICES
The Middletown Soup Kitchen (617 Main Street): Sliced meats and cheese and Bread.
The Food Pantry (16 Stack Street): Canned Tuna, Canned Vegetables, and Canned Soups.
These items can be dropped off directly at these locations.
CHILDCARE
2-1-1 Childcare which is operated by the early childhood office and the United Way of Connecticut — is also currently working on reaching all childcare programs in the state to find providers that will remain open.
If you are an essential employee in need of childcare, please take this quick survey. The results of this survey will help mobilize care providers.
Once we know which providers will be open, we will call or email you with information. Emergency childcare services will begin Monday, March 30th.
FINANCIAL STABILITY RESOURCES
If you become unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you should file for unemployment benefits. Click here for more information. For frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) for workers and employers click here.
Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, Internet Essentials will increase speeds from 15/2 Mbps to 25/3 for all customers in response to emergency measures associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19). This speed increase will happen automatically - no action is required by customers. In addition, new customers will receive two months of free service. Click here for more details. Pricing & other info.
Connecticut officials have banned utilities from shutting off services to customers amid concerns about coronavirus. The utilities order applies to all electric, natural gas and water companies in the state. The Public Utility Regulatory Authority said it will be in effect during the public health and civil preparedness emergencies declared by Gov. Ned Lamont. Click here for more information.
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to threaten public health, Access Health CT announced a NEW Special Enrollment Period for qualified uninsured Connecticut residents. More info here.
COMMUNITY NEEDS
617 Main St. Collecting donations from 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM Mon-Sat
Soap, deodorant, shampoo, and body wash. Sliced bread to make sandwiches, lunch meats, canned tuna & cheese. Also, protein and granola bars, individual beverages or juice boxes, bottled water, individual yogurts, cheese sticks, fruit cups and bagged individual serving snacks (like pretzels).
Collecting donations from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wed & Fri
Pasta, pasta sauce, baked beans, peanut butter, canned tuna, boxed cereal, and mac-‘n-cheese. If you have other non-perishable canned or boxed foods, they are also welcome!
Diaper and Formulas are also needed at this time.
Collecting donations from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wed
Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, regular masks, N95 masks, Thermometers, bleach, face shields to put over masks, and personal protective equipment.
Collecting donations from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Mon-Fri
Alcohol "clorox" wipes, bleach, diapers, and disinfectant spray
Sandwiches (they like ham, turkey & cheese, but P&J is also appreciated), fruit, and other healthy snacks are needed. Items do not need to be bagged as some may require refrigeration and it is easier to store them. The YMCA staff will take care of bagging the items.
Food can be dropped off at the Middlesex YMCA Welcome Center, 99 Union Street, Middletown between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Middlesex Health gratefully accepts support from the community. Its needs change daily. Please click here for a current list of items that are being accepted and other ways that you can help.
EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
FedEx has several locations in Connecticut that are actively hiring. If you or anyone you know, are looking for a job due to COVID-19 shutdowns, please visit https://bit.ly/2y6IqVU.
If you are looking for more resources, please continue to visit our website: www.middlesexunitedway.org
Ace Hardware are here and are looking for individuals to fill cashier and sales associates positions.
Aldi is currently hiring individuals in all of their stores as well as their warehouses.
Big Y Supermarkets are hiring at all 38 of their Connecticut locations including positions as a night crew clerks, food services, cashiers, and meat and seafood clerks.
BJ's are hiring for temporary and permanent positions right now. Additionally, the wholesale club is offering increased pay and bonuses to frontline Team Members now through at least April 12, 2020.
Gaylord is currently hiring RNs, Patient Care Technicians and other direct care staff. Once you have applied, email Vicki Gelpke at vgelpke@workforcealliance
Bozzuto's Inc. is currently hiring CDLA drivers and Diesel Technicians. Sign on BONUS is available!
Positions are available in Durham, Meriden, Middletown, New Haven, Portland, Wallingford and other statewide. Contact Vicki Gelpke with any questions at vgelpke@workforcealliance.biz
Amazon is hiring for warehouse associate jobs in North Haven, Wallingford and Milford packing and sorting vital orders at an hourly rate of $17.25+ an hour until April 30. There are multiple shifts available and no experience is required. Apply at amazon.com/connecticutjobs.
3M Purification Inc. is hiring in Meriden for a cartridge production machine operator to work in the production of liquid and air filtration products second shift (3:10 a.m. to 11:40 p.m.) plus overtime. A high school diploma/GED is required. Apply at 3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us.
American Green Fuels is hiring in New Haven to help manufacture biofuel products. Jobs include chemical operator, shift supervisor and chemical lab technician. Apply at americangreenfuels.com/careers.
Brook & Whittle is hiring in Guilford and North Branford to help manufacture product labels for medical, home, food and beverages on second and third shifts: press operators (flexographic and digital), maintenance mechanics, pre-press operators and more. Apply at brookandwhittle.com/careers.
CVS Health/Aetna is hiring for multiple positions throughout Connecticut, including for store associates, pharmacy technicians, shift supervisors, trainees, and customer health care concierges. Apply at jobs.cvshealth.com.
Emergency Resource Management is hiring EMTs, paramedics and management personnel. Apply at ermanagement.com.
Masonicare is hiring in Wallingford and multiple Connecticut locations. There are openings in nursing and other direct care positions, as well as positions in IT, dining services and housekeeping. Apply at masonicare.org.
Medtronic is hiring in North Haven for an equipment maintenance technician II to help maintain manufacturing equipment used to produce medical devices. Apply at medtronic.com.
Middlesex Health is looking for individuals to fill the following roles: billing accounts receivable follow-up representatives (part-time), patient reps, medical assistants, community breast health navigators, resident care PCAs, patient care technicians and dietary aides. Apply at middlesexhealth.org.
Shop Rite locations in East Haven, Hamden, Clinton and Milford have openings for clerks, maintenance and cashiers, with hours and wages varying. Apply at shoprite.com.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Middlesex United Way is looking for volunteers, groups or individuals, to make protective face masks for nonprofit agencies throughout Middlesex County who are providing frontline services to individuals in need. To sign-up to make masks or find out more information, please visit here: www.middlesexunitedway.org/masks
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our elder neighbors are especially isolated, separated from their families in nursing homes. Use your love and creativity to uplift them! Make cards, drawings, or creative writings to share. Some will be given to residents, others will be displayed on “Galleries of Caring” in their halls. You may send your works of compassion to the elder care facilities below. Cards and messages of support to the staff who are working extremely long hours and potentially putting themselves in harms way, are also welcome! To sign-up or find out more information, please visit here: https://bit.ly/3bRuWfu
Family Resources
These online resources are available from home to Middletown residents and may require your library card number. Click here to access online resources. https://russelllibrary.org/online-resources/ (link)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uSJYBFO6Su0SmscxEaVHFyYqzUMiJRZy/view?fbclid=IwAR3CR4Va2MJoEjcO7F_97Pn603UPCSvi7c8CV4lVaLQtpASHH75L64VQZY8 Click here to access resources for families and children in the Middletown area. This guide include information on online learning, food services, and much more.
Students can access the Connecticut State Library’s eAudio and eBook collection from RBDigital!
Visit RBDigital and select the register option on the right side of the page and follow these simple steps:
Create a username and password and use ctstatelib20 for the access code.
Provide first name, last name, e-mail, and postal code.
Check the box to accept the terms of service and privacy policy and click on the register button.
Tips for families including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing. Click here for more information.
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3210-tips-for-families-coronavirus
Keep things simple! Give yourself a break, we are all doing the best we can! Read to and delight in your child! Take care of yourself and one another with love and compassion!
www.Vroom.org A free app that provides daily ideas to build children’s brains.
Preschool Lesson Plans - https://www.education.com/lesson-plans/preschool/
Footsteps2Brilliance - https://www.footsteps2brilliance.com/
Action Guides: What Families Can Do To Support Early Learning & Development
https://www.ct.gov/oec/lib/oec/earlycare/elds/sections/actionguides.pdf
PBS Learning Media - Bring the World to Your Classroom (or home) https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/
PBS PreK-12 Resources for Emergency Closings - many different lesson ideas for all ages and subjects https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/emergency-closings-collection/#.XnJNti2ZND0?utm_source=email&utm_medium=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=
BPS Virtual Learning Commons - Reading and Listening, Grades K-5, many ebooks and audiobooks are available!
https://sites.google.com/bostonpublicschools.org/virtuallearningcommons/reading-listening/re ading-listening-grades-k-5
Read, Wonder, and Learn - watch a variety of children’s authors read their books aloud
https://www.katemessner.com/read-wonder-and-learn-favorite-authors-illustrators-share- resources-for-learning-anywhere-spring-2020/
Lunch doodles with Mo Willems - artist in residence
https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/
Explore different places from Mars to the Boston Children’s Museum from your own home!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G4GaqhjgZAn5-XAnZMeeTsE8tSzIJZPXdN1H8doKdTc/edit
Virtual Field Trips
MoMA - The Museum of Modern Art, NYC
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/moma-the-museum-of-modern-art?hl=en
The Louvre- Paris, France
https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne#tabs