Connecticut Junior Republic receives $50K grant

LITCHFELD — Daniel W. Rezende, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) recently announced that the organization has received a generous grant of $50,000 from The Diebold Foundation. The award will help CJR provide behavioral and mental health services for children and families who lack healthcare insurance, or have high deductible healthcare plans which would otherwise preclude their ability to obtain these services. Grant funds will also enable CJR to provide services for young people and families in crisis who require in-home, in-school and in-community support services, which are not covered by insurance.

The Diebold Foundation grant also enables CJR’s Wellness Center clinicians to provide wrap-around services for children, youth and families in crisis who need assistance in meeting basic needs such as medication, winter clothing and food.

The CJR Wellness Center opened officially in May of 2015. Since its first full year of operation, the number of young people served annually has more than tripled. It is estimated that more than 300 children, youth and families will be served by CJR’s Wellness Center Program in 2017. The Diebold Foundation grant is focused on helping children and families who are served by CJR’s Wellness Center sites in Danbury, Litchfield, New Britain, Torrington and Waterbury during the 2017 calendar year, according to Director of Behavioral Services Jennifer A. Grant, MSW, LCSW. She noted that CJR offers a “sliding scale” payment plan and that many of the children, youth and families CJR serves are eligible for assistance through the Diebold Foundation grant, and will be able to obtain the enhanced care and services they need as a result of this funding.

Program staff includes psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors who can help children and families address an array of issues, including those relating to substance abuse; behavior and conduct; family conflict; family mediation; developmental adjustment; school-related conflict; parenting; and trauma.

For further information, contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations at 860-567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org