Financial Assistance Information: While the EAA does not administer any long-term financial assistance programs, there is help available through the State of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services. This help can consist of cash benefits to help pay monthly expenses such as rent, utilities, clothing and food. It may also include non-cash help through the Food Stamp program. We can help you to apply for benefits and help you with completing the forms necessary to do this. To see if you qualify for help through the Department of Social Services, click here.

Inter-Agency Referral Services: Oftentimes, the variety of organizations and agencies can be confusing and make it difficult to know where to begin looking for help. After you have discussed your particular needs with us, we can provide information to you about each of the various agencies and organizations which may be able to help you. We can explain what services are available and assist you to get the needed services.

Individualized Needs Assessment - Senior and Disabled Outreach Program: Professionally trained social workers are available to assist residents
and their caregivers in determining their particular needs and the services that are available to them.  The goal of this service is to assist residents to remain independent as long as possible or explore necessary alternatives.  Staff is available to meet with residents in their homes or another convenient location.
"Without you, Mary could not have maintained her independence and stayed in her home as she so desired. I am most thankful for all the resources and excellent caring people who are available to our elderly here in Suffield." Relative of Elder Outreach Recipient

Food Pantry: The EAA food pantry collects and distributes food to residents requiring short-term food aid.  Non-food items are also available.  Appointments are necessary.  To see what items are currently needed in the Food Pantry click here.

"Thank you not just for the food but your words of support and caring hearts." Food Pantry Recipient

Fuel Assistance: EAA staff administers several fuel programs for the benefit of our residents requiring assistance with oil, electric, propane, wood and gas. To see what types of fuel aid are available, click here.

"Thank you for helping us out at a very difficult time. You didn't make me feel hopeless." Fuel Assistance Recipient

Holiday Baskets: Through the generosity of countless individuals, churches and groups in Town, the Emergency Aid Association is able to coordinate the distribution of hundreds of donated holiday food and gift baskets to residents throughout the year. To print out an application you will need to have Adobe Acrobat installed.

"I am truly thankful for being lucky enough to live in a town where people still are kind, generous and so giving." Holiday Basket Recipient "Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity in preparing the Thanksgiving basket for my family and I. We appreciated it more than you could ever know." Holiday Basket Recipient

Medical Equipment Loaning Closet:
The Emergency Aid Association maintains a small inventory of durable medical supplies for loan to residents. Items include, canes, walkers, crutches, shower chairs, commodes and transport chairs.  Items taken for donation to our residents must be clean and in great working order. To view the items that are currently needed in our inventory as well as items that are currently available, click here.
"I want you to know how much the lending of a wheelchair has meant to me. It enabled me to live a more active life than would have been possible without it." Someone Who Loaned Equipment

Medical Transportation: Volunteers provide transportation to older or disabled residents who are without other means of essential medical transportation. Persons utilizing this service must have exhausted all other transportation options and be able to get in and out of the volunteer's vehicle without assistance. One weeks advance notice is desired.  For other transportation options contact the Suffield MiniBus service.

"Just a short note to express my sincere appreciation and gratefulness for your generosity and great service extended to me and others who have a hardship in getting to our doctor." Medical Transportation Recipient

Medical and Hospice Subsidies:  Limited medical subsidies are available for persons demonstrating financial need. This fund can be used to cover prescriptions, medical appliances, home care services and other needs not covered by insurance or pending coverage from other sources.

Blood Pressure Screening Clinics: Free blood pressure screening clinics
	are held each month in Suffield at both the Suffield Senior Center , located at Bridge Street , and the EAA office, located at 450 South Street .  The clinics are open to residents of all ages.  A nurse is available the 2nd and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Senior Center from 11:00 – 12:00 Noon and at the EAA office the
third Tuesday of the month from 1:30 – 2:00.  Current Schedule

Bath Subsidy Program: The Emergency Aid Association subsidizes a weekly bathing subsidy program for frail residents requiring affordable bathing assistance and safety monitoring. This program is limited to a 3 month period.  During this period, caseworkers will work with the resident to explore other third-party payment options.  At the end of the 3 months, the resident can opt to continue the program, paying privately, if other resources are not available.

Senior Center Meal Subsidies: Meal subsidies are available to low-income seniors to promote nutrition and enhance socialization at the Suffield Senior Center .  Meals at the Suffield Senior Center are offered on Wednesdays at 12:00 noon.  Persons who are interested should contact the Emergency Aid Association (860) 668-1986. An application will be filled out by a caseworker.

Jane Purtill Fuller Scholarship: To recognize the many contributions of our past employee and long-time supporter of the Emergency Aid Association, the Board of Directors is dedicating its annual needs-based scholarship in memory of Jane Purtill Fuller. It is awarded to a graduating Suffield high-school senior pursuing a nursing or social service field of study.  Applicants wishing to apply are encouraged to fill out the common application at the Suffield High School or call the EAA at 668-1986.  The deadline for applications is May 15, 2007.

"I would like to extend my greatest appreciation for the scholarship. It will be a big help with college expenses." Scholarship Recipient

James F. Coggins, Jr. Community Service Award: In memory of our late volunteer and Board Member, James F. Coggins, Jr., the EAA offers a $1,000 award to a graduating Suffield or West Suffield senior who demonstrates selflessness, generosity and concern for the community through their volunteer activities.  Applicants are asked to send a 500-word essay supporting their selection to the EAA at 450 South Street , Suffield 06078 or email to information@suffieldeaa.org .  The deadline to apply is May 15th.

Camp Subsidies: The Emergency Aid Association has allocated camp subsidies for children in Suffield. The purpose of the camperships is to help provide needed and enriching summer experiences to children who otherwise would find the camp experience financially prohibitive. Attendance at a Suffield-based camp is not required.

"Back to School" Backpack Program: Filled backpacks are distributed in
August of each year to youth living in low-income Suffield homes. The backpacks are age and grade appropriate and are provided thanks to the generosity of Suffield residents and civic organizations.  Items that are needed will be posted in the spring.
"Thank you for the backpack. I love the color and the teddy bear. Thank you for all the paper and school supplies." Seven Year Old Child "Thank you for the wonderful backpack and school supplies. That was really thoughtful of you to do that. I really appreciated that you spent your money to buy it for me. I love the color red & gray." Child Thank You

Babysitting Courses: Several times each year, the Emergency Aid Association offers babysitting courses to Suffield youth. This course includes infant and pediatric participation. The class is open to Suffield youth age 11 and over.
The courses are offered after school at Suffield Middle School and on consecutive Saturdays at the Amiel & Mary Anne Zak Ambulance Center , located at 205 Bridge Street . There is a fee for this program. Subsidies are available upon request and demonstrated need. 

Pre-school vision and hearing evaluations: Free screenings by volunteers trained through Prevent Blindness CT are conducted at local preschools each Spring and by appointment to those in the community upon request. For information about Prevent Blindness CT visit their website.

Flu & Pneumonia Clinics: Clinics are held each fall giving residents an opportunity to receive their flu and pneumonia shots locally.  Each October the EAA and the Suffield Senior Center host the annual Health & Safety Fair and Flu Shot Clinic at the Suffield Senior Center .  Many state and local organizations participate in this event. 

In-Home Chore Program: Volunteers perform uncomplicated chores for seniors and disabled residents for simple tasks such as changing a light bulb or smoke detector batteries, organizing a closet and other small time-limited jobs. The volunteers do not replace the need for trained repairpersons.