Mather Center reports rise in Energy Assistance applicants; elevator outage strains access

Ali Ramsteck, Human Services & Mather Center coordinator, briefed the Commission on program and operational updates at the July 15 meeting. She said the Connecticut Renters' Rebate Program is underway and that "applications will be accepted through September," and announced Mental Health First Aid training at the Mather Center on Aug. 3 and 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. Ramsteck reported a 33 percent increase in households applying for Energy Assistance — from 73 households during the previous program year to 97 households this year — and said the rise may reflect higher living costs.

Ramsteck introduced new receptionist Nicole McDonald, who will work Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and detailed upcoming Mather Center closures: the center will close at 1:00 p.m. July 29 for staff programming, will be closed Aug. 5–7 for annual cleaning, and will close Aug. 11 for the primary election. She also reported that the center's elevator remains out of service while Public Works awaits parts for a major repair, a problem Ramsteck described as "particularly challenging for members who use walkers, oxygen, or otherwise have limited mobility." Staff are assisting members by collecting payments or registrations upstairs and providing other accommodations.