Committee approves $35,000 city match for Elder House transportation; director says larger match would unlock additional state funds

On July 22 the Norwalk Community Services Committee authorized Mayor Barbara C. Smith to execute agreements with Elder House Inc. for $35,000 to support an in-kind contribution program for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027.

Lucia Revicchio, the new executive director of Elder House, described the adult day program as a state-certified medical-model center that cares for older adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. "We are not reimbursed for transportation," Revicchio said, noting transportation is expensive and complex; Elder House currently has two buses but only one full-time driver. She said the center could access a full state grant if the city matched $70,000: "Receiving 35,000 from the city of Norwalk would allow us to receive the partial state match of 35, ensuring that our current level of service continues... if the city could allocate up to 70,000, it means that we can access the full state grant of 70,000, which would total 140,000 to us and mean we could hire a 2nd driver."

Revicchio also provided cost context, saying the average annual cost per person for adult day services is just over $27,000, compared with $80,000–$200,000 for home-based care or nursing homes. Committee members asked clarifying questions about program history, reimbursement limits, and transportation volume; the committee approved the $35,000 authorization unanimously.