Frequently Asked Questions

Are you the visiting nurses?   No.  The Suffield Visiting Nurses Association, now CT VNA Partners is a separate entity from the Emergency Aid Association (EAA), but we share the same office space.  Prior to 1996, the EAA served as the local VNA and was known as the Suffield VNA.  In 1996, when no

longer able to compete in the home care market, the EAA Board of Directors decided to affiliate the home care services to St. Francis.  As of Dec. 2007, the Suffield VNA, a St. Francis Care Provider, is now partnered with the CT VNA.  They are officially called CT VNA Partners.  The Emergency Aid Association provides social services to Suffield residents and does not provide any direct medical care.  However, we do provide some medical services through a contract with CT VNA Partners.

 Are you different from the Town Social Services?   We administer social services for the Town. For many years, the EAA and the Town of Suffield both provided social services to residents of Suffield.  In 2003, upon the retirement of the Town Social Worker, the Town and the EAA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) whereby, the EAA delivers social services to the residents of Suffield. The current MOU continues until 2012.

How has that relationship benefited our residents?
1. EAA provides full-time social service coverage, on a position that was previously budgeted as part-time, at an annual cost savings to the Town.

2. All social services are delivered from a single site – “one stop shopping.” There is less confusion for residents using the services.

3. There is less duplication and better service coordination as residents are assessed for eligibility for Town, EAA, state and federal programs by one agency.

4. By partnering with the EAA, a private, not-for-profit agency, Town and EAA resources are more efficiently leveraged for the benefit of the resident.

5. Social services are delivered at the EAA building.  This benefits residents reluctant to access services at the Town Hall.

Do you have to be low-income to get help from the EAA?   No.  While some of the programs we administer do require financial qualification, many do not. Some of the programs that do not require residents to financially qualify include: the babysitting courses, blood pressure screens, Meals-On-Wheels, the Friendly Shopper/Visitor Program the medical equipment loan program and the elder and community outreach service.

Do you help just Suffield residents?   Yes.  Since 1903, the EAA has served Suffield residents in times of need. We are also available to help the caregivers of Suffield residents with concerns they might have for a relative living in Suffield.